Crossing the Cultural Divide

My first official week at work has been a busy one. I've met many people, both on the American side and the Iraqi side, most of which I'll have to meet one or two more times before I remember any names. Actually, it's not that bad. The Americans have their names on their uniform and most of the Iraqi's are either Abdulla or Abdel or Muhammad. They are very nice people and share what they have even though they don't have much. In their culture friends hold hands while walking and kiss each other on the cheek when greeting each other. I have been on the receiving end of both, it's not the norm for me so it will take some getting used to!

The living conditions that the Iraqi's have on their side of the Army base is terrible. They have no electricity (thanks to the Americans) so that means no AC (for the 110+ heat) no running water, no sewage pump, no lights at night, just to name a couple of things. They have 400+ people but rooms for maybe 100 if you squeeze them in. I don't know how they can do it, it's really amazing to me. Some haven't been paid for 8 months and their system to get supplies and parts is slow. They have to submit a request on paper that goes up the chain from company to battalion, to brigade, to division, to the supply depot, to the Ministry of Defense, and then all the way back down. The only way they will receive what they requested is if they bring the original paper with all the stamps from the different agencies to the depot along with a letter from the commander saying that they are allowed to pick up the listed items. If you are confused by any of this, don't worry, I'm starting a support group to help deal with the anxiety of working with the Iraqi supply system. I'll probably call it INAB (I Need A Beer).

We also went on a couple of convoys to see a couple of different areas. The first one I just rode in the back and went along for the ride. The second one I was the gunner on the 50 caliber machine gun. It was a good trip both times. Nothing too exciting happened, lots of traffic and lots of people out for the one we did yesterday because of a holiday that is going on today. If you want to send something that the Iraqis could use, maybe some small toys or candy. We were throwing some out to the kids that were along the route and they love it!

Eleven months to go! Not that I'm counting or anything...till next time