Marine in Iraq, If you have any Intelligent questions you would like answered...

Originally posted by ADVISOR
Ok, first off all military personel in Iraq have access to the net. It isn't a bunch of wires like you are probably thinking either. Have none of you heard of WIRELESS?!

Second, this guy is probably on personal time and instead of emailing video messages to family and friends has taken his time out to posts here, as ALL of you have and do. What is the diffence, he said who is and where, nothing else. Chill already, damn people.

There have been others not just in the Marines but also an Army Medic ATS nick Medic, who posted here for a bit then stopped...but who cares right, well I do and am worried.

This is not an "isolated" incident, so please, stop acting like it.

Very well put Advisor.

Yes, most all military personnel have access to the internet, if they have an office, they'll have access for sure. Most all of the camps have a Recreation center that will have an internet cafe with a 30 minute time limit, porn sites and streaming video/audio sites are restricted. Alot of units will purchase a commercial satellite internet system (as in my case) for their own use.

There are some smaller outposts (the Marines have many of them) or joint US/Iraqi camps that may not have internet access on a regular basis, but the vast majority of US military and civilians over here do.

The CPL is in a unique area, as it's the area in the heart of the insurgency. If he goes out on regular patrols he has daily contact with IED's, mortars, RPG's and small arms fire. Not to mention the camp he's at probably get's mortared and shot at on a daily basis as well, when he's not out on patrol. Fallujah, Ramadi (worst of all), Khaladiyah, Haditha, Al Qaim, Rutbah, Habbiniyah, Hit (pronounced Heet), among other towns, are in Anbar province, the worst of the worst.

Stay safe and come home, CPL [name removed].




[edit on 9/10/2006 by Majic]

Well not sure if it is worse or just like Basra and it's edge, but I can imagine it isn't better.

Nothing "over there" seems to be in any fasion safe. Taxi drivers in Baghdad with rifles across their laps, and the gauntlet of the highway of death, will surely get the best of any and all who brave the risks.

Ten minutes on the news is enough to make most people on the other side of the world feel depressed and Iraqis live with it 24/7, so hell on earth is a good term.

First off, I havent gotten to read the whole thread yet, I figured it would be easier to answer as I go. I would also like to say thank you for not turning this into a "Bash Bush or the Military Forces" Thread (as one individual tried to do in my introduction post, heh).

When am I coming home or when are the Forces in Iraq Coming home?
Well I have been out here since roughly January of 06, I will be headed home in Febuary of 07 and I cant wait to see Home Soil again.

I cant tell you my whole name, for my personal safty, but I am a United States Marine.

Originally posted by kuhl
My m8s in the tanks and his stationed North of Basra ,he says his base gets mortared at least twice a day.
My question is what if any is your experience with bases getting mortared?

I can tell you that as far as where im based we recieve incoming maybe...every 2-3 months, and it is always only a couple of shots. The Insugents are mostly focusing on the new ISF (Iraqi Security Forces).

Originally posted by deltaboy
What is your opinion of the Iraqi people? Do you feel that you and your fellow servicemen are contributing to helping maintain stability and peace in Iraq for the birth of democracy?Yes or no and why? What is your view of the Iraqi forces? Are they motivated to protect their country? What is your opinion of the enemy?

Good Question! The Iraqi people as a whole love us. Their Children are always happy to see us and a majority of the elders also like us. If you were over here and saw what your average servicemember sees you would feel the same. Its not about helping the US or keeping our home soil safe so to say, but we are making friends. The United States Government has always helped those in need. We helped the Allies in WWII (Partly because the attack on Pearl Harbor) and since then we havent ever wanted to wait long enough for any attack to ever come that close to US Soil since. This country still has a way to go before it is ready to care for itself. The enemy is usually Terrorists from other countries that get into Iraq to cause the US greif. There is no real "Enemy" nor any straight out attacks. Most of the casualties here are from IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) that are left on the sides of roads and as our convoys pass them they are detonated. These cause most of the fatalities.

Have I killed?
No, and I hope I never ever get the chance or have to. Some of my fellow Marines have, and its not a good feeling taking someones life. They said it was the hardest desicion they ever had to make.

As far as why im posting here? I did a google search on UFO/alien forums and ran into ATS, saw this and thought you all might like some explanations. As far as OPSEC goes, I do not think I have given any info that would endanger me nor any of my comrades from any of the branches.

Yes, we have internet sites we can go to check mail and visit websites. WE ARE NOT HELD DOWN IN ANY WAY IN GETTING INFO OUT! We arent being oppressed by the government, we are alowed to talk about things as long as it isnt sensitive information.

Ok, round one is over, I will get to the next few in a minute! I do not hope to offend anyone with anything I post here, If you feel offended please send me a U2U and I will speak to you alone. Keep the questions coming, I will answer them as they come. The Blog Idea sounds intersting though I have never done anything of the sort, so if that does come up as an idea, I will run with it. If any of the moderators will send me a U2U (and I feel I can trust them) I will give them some extra information that they can then tell everyone that I am not a fake.

Very Respectfully Posted,
Dark

Originally posted by Dark_Seraph
If any of the moderators will send me a U2U (and I feel I can trust them) I will give them some extra information that they can then tell everyone that I am not a fake.

No worries there, I have already "vetted" your "IP" so to say, and fully authenticate your validity. So there should be no question in that matter.

You have the green light and

Alright Had a smoke, round 2! This next one should be interesting.

Originally posted by thelibra
I must admit, I'm surprised that Iraq has enough of an internet infrastructure to allow Marines the luxury of browsing internet forums, especially ones that might seem as hostile as this one sometimes is. From the descriptions on NPR and other non-Fox news stations, it sounds as if civil war were breaking out this very moment in Baghdad, that half the recently elected government had done nothing aside from give themselves a giant pay raise and gone on sabbatical, and that the other half that was left was organizing death squads. I'd be hard-pressed to stop shooting long enough to type.
That said, welcome to ATS and assuming you are legit (we have had fakers before), I do have a few serious questions.

First (and please understand my skepticism) Mods, is this gentleman legit? Does his IP address check out? I'm not making any accusations, I just don't want there to be any question of your credentials to answer the questions.

Now, the questions for The Marine in Iraq:

1.) Meaning no disrespect, but are there any "souvenirs" that are popularly taken from felled enemy combatants? Not looting, but rather like in WWII it was pretty common to take the combat knife or pistol of a dead Nazi. That sorta thing.

2.) In your opinion, is the Bush administration more of a help or a hinderance to achieving a more stable Iraq?

3.) NPR has repeatedly said that the Iraqi forces are only acting in a backup capacity and that the Coalition forces are pretty much the only ones actually achieving results. Would you say this is an accurate assessment of the situation?

4.) What, in terms of troops, resources, and time, do you feel is neccessary to achieve a lasting, US-friendly (or at least tolerant) stability in Iraq?

5.) Are the troops aware that the anti-war Americans aren't unsupportive of them, but rather the policies of their Commander in Chief?

6.) What are your thoughts on the treatment of enemy combatant prisoners suspected of ties to terrorism? For instance, the allegations of torture at GITMO and whether or not the Geneva Conventions apply, and how they should be interpreted?

7.) Do you honestly believe in the war in Iraq, or is it more of just another job in a long line of very demanding theaters for a Marine?

8.) Do you have any confirmed kills? If so, how many?

9.) Will the troops where you are be doing anything in honor of 9/11?

10.) What gets you to sleep each night?

As I said before you are more than welcome to use any means neccisary to find out if I am Legit. Also you have to remember we have been working on our democracy for over 200 years, you cant expect Iraq to do a complete 180 in less than 3 or 12 for that matter.

1) We are not authorized to take "War Trophies" or loot the dead in anyway, we are respectful (a majority of us).

2) I dont watch much of the news so I cant really answer this question, but put yourself in the Iraqis shoes for a little bit and you might be able to answer that one yourself.

3) US and Colition forces are training the Iraqi military and Police forces to handle a lot of the situations in Iraq.

4) If I were to answer this question it would be an educated guess, we are going to be here awhile though.

5) We see more support than we do non-support. This isnt another Vietnam, there will always be people that disagree with the government just to disagree.

6) There are not always the best people in the US armed forces, incidents happen, and no one is perfect. One bad apple can spoil the bunch, remember that.

7) Me personally? I do my job with the greatest respect for everyone I work with. I believe that we are doing a good thing here. You would have to be here to see it. Im sure there are more military members on ATS that are in the armed forces.

I keep running out of room to type answers for these ?s

Originally posted by Dark_Seraph
As I said before you are more than welcome to use any means neccisary to find out if I am Legit.
I keep running out of room to type answers for these ?s

Not an issue, I will u2u with the authentication info I used the validate you. As I get the inpression you wish for that any way.

As for the space issue, stop quoteing the whole text, just the relevent part.
20,000 characters per post including spaces is the maximum limit.

8.) Do you have any confirmed kills? If so, how many?

9.) Will the troops where you are be doing anything in honor of 9/11?

10.) What gets you to sleep each night?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8) No I do not have any confirmed Kills.

9) Yes we have memorial services at varies parts of our base.

10) I work until I am tired Its not hard, being deployed to Iraq isnt as hard as people think. The Government has done a great job trying to make work out here better, and the moral is always high. It isnt Vietnam, we arent out in the jungle anymore. Our fight our out on the roads most of the time, where there really isnt anyone to shoot back at.

Originally posted by WyrdeOne
I don't know if you're going to get a chance to answer these questions, they're coming in fast...

I'll add some to the pile anyway.

To preface, I believe in the concepts of duty, and honor. That said, do you believe that your duty to your country is more important than your duty to your family? I won't go fight overseas because I'm needed here. If we're invaded, I'll fight with every ounce of strength, to protect my land and the people I love, but until then, my duty as a son and husband outweigh my nationalism by a fair bit.

Do you struggle with this issue at all? Or are you in it for the paycheck/training? I mean no disrespect by asking that question, a man's gotta eat yaknow. I'm just curious what would compel someone to choose duty to country above duty to family. There are times when those two are not mutually exclusive, when one must defend the nation to protect the family, and it's times like those where the decision is easy.

Do you feel that now is such a time?

That is a very strange question indeed...I thought we got attacked on September 11, 2001? Didnt we lose a lot of people? I could have sworn we had, I was in my English class reading some book or another when I heard about it, but it may have been my imagination. Do I like working overseas away from my family for 2,000 dallors a month? No, I dont. But I joined all the same to make a differnce. Do you really think that if we killed all of Osamas people that terrorism would stop there? Would America be safe from Attacks from other terrorist? What about other countries? Didnt England get attacked not long after us? From a diferent terrorist group? Im not sure. But it keeps me up at night. Way off the topic though, sorry about that boss but you hit a small nerve. I dont hold grudges though And thats all I am going to say on that matter.

Iskander! Awesome Questions brother, I honestly cant answer very many of them and you told me alot more than I knew! But I do know that as far as IED's go we are getting a lot better at detecting them, and as far as the ones that are detonated from Cell phones and whatnot we actually equip humvees with Jammers, I dont remember the exact name for them but they seem to be working alright, as long as the IED and trigger are not out of range of the jammers that is. Our casualty rate due to IED's has dropped a lot since the start of the war. And yes they still like to ambush our convoys like it is cool and then dissapear. a lot of burn agents are used in the IED's so many of our vehicles catch fire and are disabled quickly.

Alright, I think I have answered most questions to the best of my knowledge. Please understand I am a 21 year old enlisted member, so I dont get all the coolest or interesting information, but I am doing my best. I would like to thank Advisor for looking into my identity to double check that I was who I say I am. I would also like to thank everyone that is supporting us over here, we really do appreciate it. The news doesnt talk about good things, bad news sells.

Very Respectfully Posted,
Dark

Dark_Seraph
You are all doing a great job over there keep your head down & come home saftley ok.

i know its not my thread but i have some opinions about the national pride v. family questions.

i can understand where the poster comes from on that, but for me, i did 12 years til i got sick, then last year my gf (now wife) decided to join the army and i support her 100%. theres almost a compulsion in some of us to serve and its not there in everyone. personally ill never look down on anyone who didnt serve unless its one of those people who doesnt understand how to not be part of the problem.

but maybe its cuz i also come from a military family...dad was navy, uncles were air force, cousins were marines, cousin in the army. me in the army, wife in the army. you get the point.

as to the OP of this thread, keep your powder dry and your nose to the wind and just dont become a statistic bro, remember most MOH's are awarded posthumously.

Dark Seraph:
Do you or any of your fellow soliders carry any form of radiation detectors?

Is the depleted uranium issuse as bad as we read on the internet(massive cancer increase,birth defects,radiation rashes,sick soliders)?

What shots/vaccines do the marines get given for duty in iraq?


Thanks,stay safe man.
I wish you a speedy return to your home and family.

Originally posted by Silcone Synapse
Dark Seraph:
Do you or any of your fellow soliders carry any form of radiation detectors?

Is the depleted uranium issuse as bad as we read on the internet(massive cancer increase,birth defects,radiation rashes,sick soliders)?

What shots/vaccines do the marines get given for duty in iraq?


Thanks,stay safe man.
I wish you a speedy return to your home and family.

Hey Good Question, and no we do not carry Radiation Detectors, but thats not to say that we dont check! We do on many counts "check before we step". I have not heard of any cases of Radiation Poison, but that doesnt mean that there arent any. They just havent told me yet. We get anthrax and a couple of others I cant remember, but they do make sure were pretty well, Anti-biological. I hope that answers your question alright.

V/R/P
Dark

Heya jarhead (just kidding, I mean that with real respect).

I was once in the Army, stationed in Saudi Arabia during the mid 90's. Not as hot as Iraq is now. But I really did not like the Saudis at all.

My question is, what in your own experience is the Iraqi opinion or conception of America and Americans?

By the way, I do not support this president or this war. However, my main reason for not supporting it is you guys, the armed forces, my former commerades and family. I do care enough still that I do not like seeing you used by a bunch of rich punks to go secure their wealth, or you guys taking the brunt of hatred and criticism for the descisions made by a bunch of cowards in DC too chicken to go fight themselves.

However, despite it all, because we are in this war, like it or not, I do want to see you guys succeed in your mission. For your sakes. I would never support or cheer for the insurgency or terrorists. I really wish you safety and success. Not all of us who oppose the war are anti military. Remember that!

Another question. Have you run into any civilian contractors? What is your opinion of them? Is there alot of Haliburton people where you are at?

Originally posted by Dark_Seraph
that is a very strange question indeed...I thought we got attacked on September 11, 2001?

yes we were attacked, but not by iraq.

What is your definition of a terrorist River Rat? Someone that uses underhanded tactics to gain personal, religios, or political gain? Do you think that Sadom may have been doing that? Have you even seen this guy? Have you seen these people? Do you know what they look like? Did you know there hadnt been an election in this country in....well a long time? He lived in luxury while his people suffered. So your saying that we shouldnt be here? What kind of american spirit is that? We take for granted all of our freedoms, and lock out the thought that maybe a lot of other countries dont get to go home to see their family's, dont get to say what they want, they dont vote for their leaders, their children grow up fighting cusins, uncles, brothers. Everyone in our country has the ability and right to say whatever they want about our president, also known as "Bush Bashing", would you have rather we just killed all of the Al Quida members and gone home? Only to get hit by another group in a few more years? The president has come to Iraq countless times to see us, he has been to my base twice since I have been here, he cares. I could debate all day on why we should be here, but not everyone would listen, because they dont want to. They would rather sit at home, in their wonderful country, living with all the rights you were born into. Who would have stepped into Iraq and helped these people? This war isnt about Terrorism anymore, Ill agree to that, its about these people, and how they live. If someone stepped in to change America for the better because we were being oppressed by a ruthless, selfish, tyrant wouldnt you be grateful? Do you think the Iraqi people hate Bush? Do you think they sit at home and talk trash about him? No, he was a man that helped them gain freedom. Do you hate George Washington for fighting the opression of England? Making America what it is today? We are just giving back what we were given a very long time ago. Freedom. Would I die for a complete stranger if it gave them a chance at a better life? H3ll Yes! Take a trip out here, fly into Bagdad. See people actually enjoying themselves. They dont have to worry about Sadoms hit squads taking their Fathers, brothers, uncles, just because they didnt like the way they were dressed, or acted. Take it from me, I am happy to be here, I will come out here again and again until the job is done. Enough said on that subject.

Sorry Vet! Got a little carried away and forgot to answer your question! I dont remember all of them but I do remember you asking about contractors, And yes! I know many of the Civilian Contractors, they are doing magnificent work out here. We have KBR (Kelloge Brown and Root) out here right now, they are under Halliburton. Our work load has been brought down considerably by the different contractors, we also have different companies from Lebanon, Turkey and Iraqi. I hope that answers your question.

Please dont turn this thread into a "Bash Bush"!!!! I beg you. I dont like upsetting people and I dont like getting fired up like that, because I will tell you like it is. Ask any member that is out here and they will most likely tell you that we are doing awesome things out here. Dont always listen to the Media, they can twist things into horrible shapes and stories. Thank you much!

Skadi, thanks for writing your above post, you saved me the time, as I could have written it word-for-word (except for the part about having been in SA).
Dark, this is a most interesting thread, and thankyou for your replies. At first, from the long list of questions, I thought your Iraq tour of duty would end before you had time to read and reply to everyonr
PS: You and your fellow service members over there are in my prayers.

Oh, Im not Bashing Bush. Im stating my opinion on the whole thing. Big difference, as Bush and co arent the only administration guilty here. Clinton bears part of the blame as well. It would not matter who is in power. it would not change my opinion.

Anyway, thanks for answering my questions about the civy contractors. I remember working around the Raytheon guys in Saudi. Alot of them were ex military themselves.

And no, I do not believe the news exclusively, good or bad. I get my info elsewhere. Hell, i dont watch the news anymore unless something major is going down.

Rat, however, does have a valid point. There is little to no evidence Saddam was ever a threat or problem for the US, and had nothing to do with 9/11. Even the president and congress have stated this.

The ones who allegedly attacked us are in Afghanistan. Which from what I hear, is heating up again.

By the way, do you get much news of whats going on in Afghanistan? Do you know anyone out that way? is there much communication and info traveling back and forth between afghanistan and Iraq?

I have a cousin out that way but other than that not very much news reaches me.

V/R
Dark

[name removed upon member's request],

Are you registered to vote? If not, why not? (ok, you don't have to answer that, just curious).

If you are, where were you when you registered (with your unit, in civilian life, at your recruiters, bootcamp, high school)?

Will you be applying to your home state for an absentee ballot for November (mid-term elections)?

If so, may I ask what is your home state?

Thanks,
Psyops


[edit on 9/10/2006 by 12m8keall2c]

Well, I have decided that a lot of the usual questions were asked and answered so I am going to move into the conspiracy forums and Area 51 posts, this is getting political, and unfotunately, though I may fight for the politics, there is way to much controversy in this war. I hope I have helped answer most of your questions to the best of my ability and you got somewhat of an understanding from this. This was a great post and I highly enjoyed speaking to many of you. I need to get a few more posts in before I can U2U regular members (I can only send to admins and mods right now) but if you send them I will get to you as soon as I have that privalage. Thank you all again.

Semper Fi
Dark

PS: If any of the mods can change up my name on the first few posts that would be awesome of you, and I will give you major Kudos for your coolness.

Hi,.

Im an aussie - and as such was wondering if you had the opportunity to work with any of the Aussie soldiers over there?

Keep up the good work, get home safely =D

Ez