Shared Experience

[Lorix]

I will be headed to Iraq in support of OIF in July. I've heard quite a bit about what it's like over there, but I've never been, I am interested in hearing more. Any experience you would like to share? How are the people there? How do their culture and customs differ from ours? What's the main things I should be on the look out for (other than IEDs)? Anything would be helpful, thanks!

[GySgtRet]

In reading some of the past posting by Marines that have been there. The MW's role is to secure civilians around encampments. Perimeter security it sounds like to me. Good luck over there when you go. Please come back to tell us all about.

Semper Fidelis

[Lorix]

Aye, Aye GySgt! Security sounds fun, can't wait.

[junker316]

I will be headed to Iraq in support of OIF in July. I've heard quite a bit about what it's like over there, but I've never been, I am interested in hearing more. Any experience you would like to share? How are the people there? How do their culture and customs differ from ours? What's the main things I should be on the look out for (other than IEDs)? Anything would be helpful, thanks!

Here is something for ya...When you hear a whistle get under cover. Just drop in place and cover your head. Don't let your gear just anywhere because you never know when you will need it. Incoming isn't just something you hear about from hollyweird over there. It is something that happens mostly on a daily basis. Keep an eye out for any civilians ( Iraqi ) with cell phones. Especially if you notice them step counting, showing special attention to a certain building or area, and they are using the cell phone way to much or trying to hide the use of it. Keep your head and arse down. It isn't usually the blast that kills you but the scrapnel from it. Thier culture is vasticly different from ours. Don't show to much attention to any Iraqi male or he may think you want something from him. Like to be his third wife. Also don't accept just any gift that they are willing to give to you...it may be booby trapped. IEDs aren't the only thing that can tear you to pieces...Susicidal bombers, car bombs, and rockets are also. I returned from there in March 2005. Sunni triangle wasn't a pretty place. Never a day to really rest up or a night to sleep. The work was 24/7 and you will have to be on your best guard at all times...especially as a female. To many things have happened over there like rape, assault, forgien Soldiers raping US females, etc. Becareful of where you are and who you are with at all times and if possible don't go anywhere by yourself. Be careful of the snipers and tactical wire bombs that they have. Becareful of being followed by others and watch every step you take. Don't wonder to far away from either your place of living or your work place. But by all means make sure you take some-one with you if you plan to go some distance away from either.

[Lorix]

Thanks Sgt Junker! Wilco.

Just wondering, how picky are the friendly Iraqi's if I were to use my left hand for something? And how do I identify the Koran?

[HM3DevilPUP]

Not sure if everyone has had the same encounter.. Outside of camp blessing including Ar rutbar, the locals are predominately bi sexual. They use men for pleasure and women for procreation. If you aren't use to that it can be quite a shock. Just FYI

In every movie you've ever seen where the platoon leader says "take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you." Remember that! Always check your gear, and like Sgt. Junker said. "Don't leave your gear just anywhere, you might need it." Seriously. We had a few occassion where guys were scrambling for their gear when the call came in. Remember "Gear adrift is gear a gift!" Be safe, Devil Dog. Watch your head and the Marine next to you. Good luck, Oorah!

[junker316]

Lorix there is the thing that HM3DevilPUP mentioned as well. most are freaky like that. They believe that if you want great sex to get a young male but if you want childern to get a female. But since most of the male Iraqia have been introduced to Magazines and Porn from the states they have a " dream " of having an American female. The Koran or Qoran you probably won't see in the opan. But you will see Muslums praying. Don't walk in front of them when they are. It is concidered Disrepectful and they will not tolerate that kind of disrespect...especially from a female. If at all possible don't get to friendly with any male Iraqi. As I mentioned before they will think that you want something. If they try to give you something and you accept it then they will want something of the same worth back. Try to avoid any form of disrespect towards them at all times. I know that sometimes you have to be forceful with them for them to understand that you aren't there to play games with. But they will look at you differently than they would a male. As for using your left hand...don't worry to much about it. Unless you are going to shake hands with an Iraqi then wait for them to extend thier hand first. Please be careful over there. I have lost enough Marines myself while on Tour. I would love ot hear from you when you get back or if you want I will give you my address and you can send me a letter so I can write you back. If you want my address send me a personal request aand I will give it to you.

[Seeley]

Lorix, just make sure you kep your wits about you, and follow you ROE's. You'll be fine.