My days in Iraq are somewhat unpredictable. In fact, I think it’s a good day if there are new surprises and challenges. I am fortunate to work in a command climate that embraces media and values the role of reporters in telling the story of the American Soldier.
Recently, we embedded a reporter from McClatchy News for about a week. Like all embeds–particularly the ones who spend all their time in Baghdad or the U.S.–my goal is to get them a good dose of what Soldiers experience day-to-day. This runs the gamut from garrison to tactical operations.
So I arranged to take the McClatchy reporter on a patrol with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment “Steel Tigers” (I like their nickname). This patrol, like all the patrols we have through Iraqi cities, was conducted with the Iraqi Security Forces. In this instance, it was a battalion operating under the 40th Iraqi Army Brigade.
It was night…patrol brief was conducted…strapped into 5-point harness in the back of MRAPs..ride out…strain to look out blast proof glass, wishing we could stop in town at a corner were a group of military aged males has assembled for socialization…not to arrest anybody, it’s 2009 not 2003…I wish we could stop and say “Shaaquu Maakauu?”…no stopping though. Not allowed. Might not be safe. Heck, stopping is a silly idea. I wouldn’t randomly crash a block party in the states. Dropping in on a gathering in Iraq with a 10′ tall, 60,000 lbs. armored truck, and full-kit probably wouldn’t ingratiate me with the locals. Silly me.
Fast forward…
…so we end up at an Iraqi Army checkpoint southeast of Nasiriyah. Walk inside and are met by a proud Iraqi captain. Iraqis tend to be quite hospitable, regardless of their lot in life. So he offers us little 500 ML cans of 7UP.
The captain work and sleeps in this trailer most of the time. Though, like most Iraq Army soldiers he goes on “janzaa” (leave) every few weeks to visit his family.
Sometimes you see the oddest bits of Western culture in Iraq. The sleeping side of the trailer was dominated by a poster of the “ideal” suburban home. I really wanted to say, “Dude, what’s up with the poster?” But, I couldn’t manage to find the right way to ask, so I passed. The American dream lives on.
After establishing my legitimacy to bring media–many military people are wary of media–to his checkpoint we had a few minutes of social talk. Connecting culturally is important when dealing with Iraqi counterparts. The captain led off the discussion with movies and politics. He equates the recent uptick in movies with predominately black casts to the Obama presidency. He likes black movies. He likes Obama. Not sure what to make of my phenotype, he asked if I was “Basrawi.” This has happened to me before. The majority of the world are people of color, and in Iraq there’s a certain kinship I’ve been met with by many swarthy southern Iraqis.
This captain had served in the Army under Saddam’s regime. He was based in Amarah in 2003 and decided to bug out after 15 consecutive days of bombing. According to him, the outcome of OIF would have been different if the Coalition didn’t use so many planes. I disagree. Our tanks and artillery would have blasted away the rag-tag Iraqi Army. At anyrate, this was just simple banter from former enemies who are now allies. The Iraqi Army will do well to promote this captain. We went to check out his troops. They were disciplined, motivated, and vigilant. A safe ride home and it was mission complete.
I hope to visit this captain again, sometime. He is a brother-in-arms.
Well, I don’t have much to say tonight. I hope to get on a better schedule so I keep this blog a bit more active. So what would you like to see me write about? Anything?
Not much changed since the last post. From my work desk in Iraq, I’m still restricted from engaging audiences on social media sites. Despite yet another article indicating that Social Media engagement is a priority for the Army.
Here’s a list of things I can’t do from my work desk that the DOD wants me to do–though not from my desk, I suppose:
2.) Listen to the DOD Bloggers’ Roundtable–by the way you should listen to the BRT on August 4, 11:00 a.m. EST for an update on the Advisory and Assistance Brigade mission COMPLETE
4.) Post tweets on my brigade’s Twitter feed @4_1AD
5.) Interact with the over 2,300 Fans who support the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division on Facebook
6.) Visit any of the Social Media sites run by my higher headquarters MNC-I, CENTCOM
Our goal at Multinational Corps-Iraq is to maximize our use of Social Media to inform you about our missions and the people who accomplish them. We’re striving to create a dialogue with you. We will do that by sharing news, information, insights and conversation with the people who support our organization and operations in Iraq. –MNC-I
7.) Conduct spot media assessment on a number of different Web sites. Cookies, schmookies
8.) Read any blogs that are not on a .mil domain
9.) Share videos, photos, and audio products with others because access to USB ports is blocked…I wonder how civilian news agencies operate? Do they require reporters to use personal equipment and run down to the local coffee shop to access the internet to file stories?
10.) Upload videos produced by Army broadcasters to DVIDS via FTP–blocked
As a Soldier we improvise and adapt where possible. However, all the 100mph tape and 550 cord can’t help me access Social Media.
*venting complete*
Oh, if I’ve missed your phone call at my desk, it’s because I’m at the MWR internet center down the street writing this blog post. Sorry.
Update: Looks like the debate over Web 2.0 access is at the highest levels of the DoD. The Pentagon’s top public affairs executive is an active participant and proponent for Social Networking.
Clearly, I haven’t posted in a while. That’s because I’m super busy in my job as a brigade public affairs officer. My primary base is Contingency Operating Base Adder in Iraq’s Dhi Qar Province. Though I will spend time in Muthanna and Maysan province too. For those worried…no, I’m not violating OPSEC…you won’t know my specific movement times or travel methods.
Days here are busy. From my initial impressions dealing with the Iraqi media will be interesting. There are language and cultural barriers. Every word in English does not translate directly to Arabic and vice versa. So context is always important.
I live near the Zigguart of Ur. We, the U.S. Military, recently turned over control of the ancient site to Iraq’s Ministry of Antiquities.
You can see we are using Social Media to stay connected with our supporters at these links:
Read an article about our social media efforts in the El Paso Times here.
So for the year ahead I hope to share the experiences of Soldiers in the Highlander Brigade and explain our collaboration with Provincial Reconstruction Teams, the Gov’t of Iraq, and Iraqi Security Forces. Stay tuned…
Preparations for deployment continue. This week I was issued two car trunks full of Army gear. I’m impressed by the efficiency of the Fort Bliss Central Issue Facility (CIF–clothing warehouse). In & out in less than one hour.
Later in the week I participated in the Rapid Fielding Initiative and received the latest individual equipment and clothing for the upcoming deployment. Of note is the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) this replaces the IBAS that I wore in Iraq a few years ago. Just trying it on I feel far more confident in this system. It’s a bit more comfortable and offers more protection (52 sq. inches to be exact) particularly around the ribcage. Read an article about the IOTV here. Unofficial Video of a Soldier demonstrating the IOTV to his German Shepard. You will see the quick release about the 1:30 mark.
Another item was the Army Combat Shirt. This flame-resistant, lightweight breathable shirt is designed to be worn under the IOTV in lieu of the ACU coat & t-shirt. Brilliant! Soldiers in my brigade were issued two each. I wish I had four. Oh well. The last time I was in Iraq I was only issued two sets of Desert Camoflague Uniforms (DCUs). The green BDUs worked just was well in the desert. Rest assured you won’t see me sporting the ACS with jeans in airports and shopping malls. (Note to self: Find that link) Nice wikipedia entry about the ACS here.
After a harrowing landing in 40mph winds at the El Paso Int’l Airport, I’m here. Fort Bliss. Kudos to the crew of American Airlines Flight #555.
Lovely location. Nestled in the shadow of North Franklin Peak, the weather is lovely in the spring.
North Franklin Peak viewed from Ft. Bliss lodging
Real Estate here is dirt cheap. A dollar goes a long way. Gas, today, was $1.96 for regular.
El Paso is a long way from Washington, D.C. (1,965 miles according to Google maps). But I find it interesting that many of the streets that run East-West are named after presidents.
Here is a handy reference list for newcomers to Fort Bliss. The post’s wikipedia entry is here.
I’m staying in the post’s hotel. Free Internet, swimming pool, and continental breakfast until 9:30am. It’s conveniently located withing walking distance of the MWR ticket office and Hertz rental car. The base PX and Commissary are nearby too.
In-processing for officers is efficient. You will need a car or someone to drive you around. But many of the functions are in/around Building 505. Be sure to have addresses of family to update SGLI and registration info to register a POV or personal weapon.
No worries…I won’t be making any forays into Juarez, Mexico. Hope they’re safe from drug gangs South of the Border.
These are some frequently asked questions:
Q: When do you go “over there”?
A: Sometime this spring. I’d suspect in the month of May.
Q: But, you’ve been “over there” before, why do you have to go again?
A: Because, the Army needs me to go. It’s just my time again. I’ve been fortunate to have good assignments since the last time I was there. Also, going to combat is ultimately why we have an Army.
Q: What type of living arrangements will you have?
A: Not sure yet. I imagine a trailer. Something like a FEMA trailer…probably sand colored.
Q: How long will you be there?
A: A year. The SecDef stopped the 15-month deployments on Aug. 1, 2008
Q: Can you keep in touch?
A: Part of my job is keeping in touch with media outlets in the states. Communication is one of the greatest differences between when I was there in ‘03-’04 and 2009. I suspect I will have Internet access on my desk and a cell phone. Though I’m hearing the Internet is heavily firewalled. I plan on speaking with the guys who run http://www.taskforcemountain.com and seeing how they’re set up
Q: Are you scared?
A: Well, I have better armor and training this time and my role is a bit different. However, there’s always a bit of fear of the unknown. I won’t take unnecessary risks. I believe prayer helps.
Q: What will you do over there?
A: I’ll be responsible for the internal and external communications for a Brigade Combat Team. Public Relations and journalism. Blogging, media relations, spokesman, editing, photography, speechwriting. Also, I’ll be advising an Iraqi Army Division on public affairs–this should be challenging and interesting.
Soon, I’ll be headed off for another tour of duty in Iraq this spring. The process of deploying is unique. But in many ways it’s like going on a long vacation–expect you take extra steps to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
Here are some references for servicemembers who are facing the prospect of lengthy deployment. They are also somewhat useful for civilians who are going to study abroad or work in a foreign country:
A variety of publications from AUSA can be ordered in limited quantities.
Soldiers going through predeployment processing at Fort Hood, Tex
While I’m in Iraq I will keep this blog going. In fact, I intend to post more frequently. I’m making an assessment of the ability to use commercial applications/sites in the MND-C area (Southern Iraq). I might get an iPhone or something I can use overseas to post and upload pictures.
My role in the Brigade Combat Team is to maximize the information the public receives about our missions. But the majorman blog will be focused on my personal insights and experiences.
Here are some thoughts and analysis on the drawdown of the Iraq mission:
Center for American Progress: How to Redeploy (Aug. 2008) This report details a hypothetical flow of troops in a less this 18 month window.
If there are topic you’d like me to address specifically in this blog or questions you have post in the comments section or drop me a line major_man4 [at] yaho o
Many of the 27,000 personnel involved with Department of Defense Public Affairs (Public Relations, journalism, and communications) are trained at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Leaders (officers, Senior noncommissioned officers, and DOD civilians) attend the Public Affairs Qualification Course. The curriculum is outstanding and prepares graduates who are “capable of performing the basic duties of DOD military public affairs practitioners.”
Here is a quick run-down of things I’ve learned at DINFOS:
DOD Principle of Information: Maximum disclosure, minimum delay
The military uses AP style for internal journalism publications
If you are media seeking photos, videos, or military related news products go to the DVIDS page
Motto: Strength through Truth
On writing: “You know you’re finished [writing] not whey you don’t have more words to add, but when you have no more words to subtract.” -J. Hollewarth
The DOD is increasing engagement in Online and social media
Effective response=Bridge + Command message
The person who comes out with the information first gets to “characterize” it
AP Story: “Over the past two years, the number of public affairs officers trained by the Defense Information School has grown by 24 percent to almost 3,500.”
Recent stories about DOD communications efforts: here, here, and here
So after all my hype Maiysha did not win (the award went to Chrisette Michele). But she turned plenty of heads with this flashy outfit on the red carpet at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.
Maiysha proving her fashion prowess at the Grammys
More Maiysha updates here, here, and here. The third “here” links to her diet.
President Obama and Vice President Biden greet servicemembers in the Pentagon
Proving he can balance more than one thing at a time, President Obama visited the Pentagon and met with Defense Department leadership on Jan. 28, 2009.
“I want to…thank all of the men and women in uniform who are represented here. They are the best that this country has to offer. One of my duties as president is going to be to make sure that you have what you need to accomplish your missions.” – President Barack Obama
NEOLOGY O’ THE DAY..e-spionage: the act of snooping on people by looking through Social Networking profiles or googling them.
This term was coined by John Hoellwarth a journalist and military public affairs instructor. It first appeared in an article he published on July 17, 2006 in the Marine Corps Times.
So I’ve received my assignment for Inauguration. I’m working at the Luncheon that follows the swearing-in, in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. My role, along with about 20 other White House Social Aides, is to escort guest to their seats and distribute gifts to them. You can see the menu here. A map of the statues in Statuary Hall is available too.
Three lucky Social Aides will present flags to the POTUS and VPOTUS on behalf to Senator Feinstein. They will also present a framed photo of the swearing-in (it gets printed and framed in about 30 mins) at the luncheon. Approximately 150-200 guests will attend…the guest list is not releasable to the public.
“…Suffice to say, on this Jan. 20 while the big shots are munching seafood stew and duck and washing it down with apple cinnamon sponge cake, you won’t be able to buy pheasant on D.C.’s sidewalks.
While lovely music plays and stone statues statuesquely peer over diners’ shoulders, Congressional leaders will suck up to the president for possibly the last time by giving him some gifts. Don’t tell him, but they include an already-framed photo of his swearing-in, the Capitol flag that was flying at that moment and a one-of-a kind engraved crystal bowl to fill with popcorn in the White House theater…”
Posted by majorman 
Posted by majorman 
Posted by majorman 
For my supporter, reporter, and blogger friends…here are the primary links to the Army’s presence online.
majorman
