U.S. Army indecision, imagine that!

The latest now is that I get to stay in Afghanistan even LONGER! That's the last thing I need right now. I had been extended four months, until the beginning of December. I have orders stating that. Now I find out that they are tracking me as extending until sometime in January. That's not as bad as it seems because both of those times include leave. This is rediculous. Originally I was told that I wouldn't stay for that long and they shortened my extension. You can't go back now and tell me that I'm staying longer. What gives?

I'm also being told that I'm going to be some basic training commander. No thanks! I really don't need a FOURTH command. Heck, most people only get one! I want to be leading a team in the field, not babysitting a bunch of trainees. If that's the case, I'm raising my hand to come home. The suck vs. reward ratio is too high for me to stay another two months.

I'm sure it'll work out though because I have a few people in my corner. I just hate the suspense.

Change is good

Today I was informed that I will be reassigned to a unit near Kabul as a Team Chief. I'm very happy about this because; 1) I'm bored silly here at Camp Stone, 2) I need a change. Eight months in one place is too long here in Afghanistan, and 3) It is why I volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. I don't know what the situation is there, so there is some uncertainty. Change is good!

An Unfortunate Reality

Two days ago we had a Fallen Soldier ceremony for one of our Illinios soldiers. He was a young kid who died from a roadside bomb. I hate Fallen Soldier ceremonies. A display is always erected with the soldier's boots on the ground, his rifle with a bayonet planted into a stand, his helmet on top, and his dog tags hung from the weapon. It is a sight that no soldier wants to see. The worst part of the ceremony is following the 21 gun salute. It is when the First Sergeant does role call. Several soldiers are called by name with the response, "Here, First Sergeant." Then the fallen soldiers name is called without response, his/her name is called two more times without response before Taps is played. Even if you didn't know the soldier, that sequence is bone-chilling. I did not know this soldier, but his loss is still felt. I had the honor of being the Commander of Troops for the ceremony because I am the senior Field Artillery officer, and the fallen soldier was a medic in one of our Field Artillery Battalions. Farewell, friend.

Home at Camp Stone

Been back for a couple of days now. I can say that the 4 day pass to Qatar was definately worth it! It makes me really want to come home now, but I've still got a couple of months to slug it out. I'm looking forward to moving out East, if that's where they put me.

Nothing exciting today, so far.

I didn't get to go to the mall because I was on stand-by and there were no spaces left on the bus. I watched some movies and played World of Warcraft all day. I did try to go get a new ID card though. I couldn't get it because the ID Card machine was broken. It's crazy. I've been trying to get a new ID Card since April when I got promoted. However, everytime I'm somewhere where I have an opportunity either the machine is broken, or there are 1000 people in line and I'm number 1001.

Late night swim, no pics please

I went for an evening swim last night about 9:30pm. The pool is very nice, but you'll have to trust me because no pictures were allowed. They take OPSEC (Operational Security) very seriously here.

Too much sun and no brush

Today I went out to do a watersports trip in the Persian Gulf. Watersports basically consisted of riding a boat out near an island, dropping anchor, and swimming, intertubing behind a speedboat, and wave runners.

The boat was interesting. It was made mostly of wood which is unusual.

Doha skyline. Of note, it's always hazy like this. Imagine being born and living here and never seeing a pure blue sky in your life. It makes me thankful every day that I'm an American!

Wave runners and intertubing

Overall it was a good day even though I got too much sun (Thank God for SPF 50!) and was without a brush.

Tomorrow I'm going to a mall for something to do. I'm not really a mall person but this one sounds pretty interesting. There is an ice skating rink in the mall, and I've been told that it is a high-end mall, and I'll be able to see Lamborghinis, Ferraries, and Aston Martins. I'm not a huge car guy either, but it would be interesting to see those kinds of cars that you don't see every day.

Swimming in the Persinan Gulf

Today we went to swim in the Persian Gulf. We drove about 30-40 minutes to the outskirts of Doha, then another 30 minutes across the sand dunes. Before we drove the dunes, the driver's stopped off of the paved road and let the air out of the tires.

Letting the air out of the tires


Standing in 120 Degree heat

Then they proceeded to drive like fools because people in the group wanted them to drive crazy. It was idiotic and dangerous. I was scared that the vehicle would roll over, or maybe collide with another vehicle.

Arrival at the camp was welcome since I was white knucked for the drive. I, of course, immediately covered my body with SPF50 sunscreen once we arrived.

The Persian Gulf was strange because it did not have what I'm used to for the beach. No seagulls, no waves, and way too hot to be out in the direct sunlight. It was great though since I accomplished all I wanted to while on pass; get in the water.

Feet in the Persian Gulf

They had a camel there to ride, but once I smelled the darn thing, I wanted no part in riding the disguisting creature. I settled for a picture.


I was so exhaused from being in the sun and heat that I slept the whole ride back and slept some more when I got back to the barracks.

Tomorrow is Water Sports!

Gold, gold, and more gold

Last night we went on a trip to downtown Doha Gold Souqs (shops) and the Old Souqs. I've never seen so many gold/jewelry stores in one place. It got old pretty quick. There were a lot of ornate pieces and the prices weren't that bad either. Many of them were downright gaudy.

The Old Souqs area was a lot more interesting. There were a lot more handicrafts and some really interesting resturaunts. We ate at a Morocan restauraunt. One of the guys had camel. I tried some. It wasn't bad, a very different taste though (By the way the meat tastes better than a camel smells). I went with the safe Beef Kabob. It was pretty good. I didn't buy anything, just looked.

By the way, it was still hotter than hell at 9pm!