Since I am still in the states, I thought I would post a few more entries. This one is the first of a series of "Lessons Learned" while undergoing pre-deployment training.
• The Safest Place in the World is in the Center of God’s Will
This was made clear to me when I first found out I was going to Iraq. Of course I was somewhat apprehensive. It was soon after this that I read Psalm 91 and became aware of God’s protection as we serve Him according to His perfect will. Of particular comfort were verses 5 through 8 which read as follows:
Psa 91:5 – 8 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
I realized at once that I would be safer in the midst of battle (not that I wish to be there) if it were God’s will than I would be in the comfort of home, if that was not where I should be!
• Learning to Work Individually, Yet as Part of a Team
Gal 6:2-5 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.
In our initial training, it is crucial that we learn, early on, that we do not live in a vacuum and that others can be greatly affected by our actions. Yes we are responsible for our own actions, but our actions also should be aimed at helping those with whom we interact. Teamwork means also looking out for and helping others achieve both individual and team goals.
Feel free to comment or respond and pass it on to anyone you feel may be interested. Also, you can still sign up to receive automatic notifications. Just click on the "Subscribe by email" link on the right.
Until next time mates, Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Log Entry 16SEPTEMBER2007: FIRST THINGS SIXTH!
I know – First things should be first, but I didn’t think to do this first and I already have five posts out!
While I was home on leave, I worked a little on the features and appearance of The Desert Squid. Besides the interesting links, you will see that you can now sign up to get an automatic notice of new posts. This does a couple of things: one, it will save me the time (since I won’t have much time) of having to send separate notification emails and two, it will enable you to not miss getting the ever-exciting, thrilled-packed adventures of The Desert Squid!
Ok – now that you've read my shameless commercial, a little about this blog. One of my goals is to increase and hone my writing skills. Another goal is to keep as many of my friends and family informed as possible with one format. Since I have never done this before, it is evolving as I learn. The content will vary as my thoughts and observations vary.
Two things you will notice: a) Because of the nature of my work, I will not be getting into that area. b) You have probably noticed, however, that there is a spiritual element to my posts. I don’t wish to offend anyone, but this is not unintended because I strongly believe that all of life is Spiritually driven and whether discernable or not, this affects everything we do. Plus, this is my blog and reading it is optional!
With this in mind, beginning with post seven, I will throw in some “lessons learned” over the course of my deployment.
As I write, I also may wax philosophical with musings that are political, social, or historical in nature. From time to time, I may include interviews, capture the thoughts of those around me, or post some relevant news stories.
So, I trust that you will wait with eager anticipation and enjoy each new post!
Until next time mates – Fair winds and following seas! Don’t forget to pass the word about www.thedesertsquid.blogspot.com and feel free to respond and/or make comments by clicking on the comments link below.
Yours truly,
The Desert Squid (Cork)
While I was home on leave, I worked a little on the features and appearance of The Desert Squid. Besides the interesting links, you will see that you can now sign up to get an automatic notice of new posts. This does a couple of things: one, it will save me the time (since I won’t have much time) of having to send separate notification emails and two, it will enable you to not miss getting the ever-exciting, thrilled-packed adventures of The Desert Squid!
Ok – now that you've read my shameless commercial, a little about this blog. One of my goals is to increase and hone my writing skills. Another goal is to keep as many of my friends and family informed as possible with one format. Since I have never done this before, it is evolving as I learn. The content will vary as my thoughts and observations vary.
Two things you will notice: a) Because of the nature of my work, I will not be getting into that area. b) You have probably noticed, however, that there is a spiritual element to my posts. I don’t wish to offend anyone, but this is not unintended because I strongly believe that all of life is Spiritually driven and whether discernable or not, this affects everything we do. Plus, this is my blog and reading it is optional!
With this in mind, beginning with post seven, I will throw in some “lessons learned” over the course of my deployment.
As I write, I also may wax philosophical with musings that are political, social, or historical in nature. From time to time, I may include interviews, capture the thoughts of those around me, or post some relevant news stories.
So, I trust that you will wait with eager anticipation and enjoy each new post!
Until next time mates – Fair winds and following seas! Don’t forget to pass the word about www.thedesertsquid.blogspot.com and feel free to respond and/or make comments by clicking on the comments link below.
Yours truly,
The Desert Squid (Cork)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Log Entry 31AUG2007: All Things Work Together for Good
Then, not only did we all get to fly out on the 28th, but we also found out that we would be getting an extended leave until the 10th and possibly even longer!
I am reminded here of that great hymn, ‘God Leads Us Along’ where the chorus proclaims, “Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night seasons and all the day long.” It is a great joy to personally experience that great truth, even in a minor way.
This is a short entry, but it is good to be writing from home. For the next couple of weeks, I will be enjoying my family and getting my rest for the next phase!
I am able to access the main blog now so please pass the word about http://www.thedesertsquid.blogspot.com/ and feel free to respond and/or make comments by clicking on the comments link below.
Until next time mates – Fair winds and following seas!
Yours truly,
The Desert Squid (
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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Log Entry: 15AUG2007, LIFE DOWN ON THE FOB!
Well – where to start? Last week the old body was stretched, pulled, pushed, and otherwise contorted into various unnatural positions! First of all – we “experienced” the FOB (Forward Operating Base). This consisted of sleeping in a tent with 15 other guys, large communal showers, and Porta-potties which for some reason were nowhere near the showers – go figure. How we take the simple things of life for granted, like flush toilets! Meals were either the MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), some of which weren’t too bad or if we had time, we stood in line to go through the dining trailer to get our food and then went over to the dining tent where there were rows of chest high eating platforms. We all stood to eat, weapons ever at our side (had to carry them everywhere, including the Porta-potties)! All this was designed to get us used to being “in theatre”, although hearing from some of the guys here who have been there, things are much nicer in Iraq. I think the whole idea is to make it so bad here that it feels like paradise when we get there.
Ok – back to the body contortions! Most of my week was spent on the firing range. In order to qualify, you must shoot a certain percentage from three different positions, with full body armor (about 40 extra lbs), helmet, goggles, and glove on! Definitely not comfortable. The targets pop-up on a range anywhere from 50 to 300 meters out and stay up from 4 seconds to 8 seconds. For some, it wasn’t difficult, but I had a hard time getting used to wearing all that stuff and then shooting in high temp/high humidity weather. Because we are to do nights quals also, we spent about 15 hours on the range the first day. That included many hours of waiting because hundreds of soldiers were also qualifying and for those of us who didn’t make the first time, we had to keep going back and back and back – well you get the message!
After that, we went to another activity to familiarize us with the various forms of IEDs and how to detect and avoid them. That was very sobering! For me it solidified the why! The people who perpetrate these acts of terror are not human by our standards. They are savages and devilish! I liken them to some cultures who ‘have to’ offer so many sacrifices to their gods. Their whole goal is to impose “Sharia Law” and their backwards culture on the whole world! I don’t know about you, but I don’t care to have the ladies of my family wearing Burkas and being uneducated. These people have absolutely no regard for human life. The terrorist claim that they are fighting for purity against a corrupt western society who cheats, steals, mutilates, and kills, yet in the name of purity, they will cheat, steal, mutilate and kill (men, women, and children, Mulsim or non-Muslim – it doesn’t matter) all for the sake of their god (allah)who is no god at all, but an idol. Imagine that. So it is ok to do all this if it is accomplishing the will of “allah”? What is the difference? Remember that we are fighting against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) It is Spiritual warfare played out in real flesh and blood.
Contrast that with the US military policy of humane treatment. Everyone of our instructors here who have already been stressed (and showed examples) how we would go out of our way not to bring harm or damage to the civilian population. We even are providing medical treatment to the wounded and captured terrorist who have vowed to wipe us out. Do you think that this would be reciprocated? NO! Yet we continue on the high moral road because it is the right thing to do.
Do not believe the self-serving (and in my opinion traitorous) politicians who claim that our troops are killing hundreds of civilians without regard. It ain’t happening folks. I will take the word of soldiers who have been there over the politicians and pundits any day of the week. If you want to see what is really happening over there right now, check out Michael Yon’s web-site blog: http://www.michaelyon-online.com/ . He is a journalist, there at his own expense (with help from whomever will support him) to find and report the truth. Some of his posts are truly amazing and will be hard to believe at first because we are not hearing any of this from the Mainstream Media (MSM). There is much progress being made. Think of it as you would the local news report: You only hear of the accidents – they are sensational and easy to report. No one mentions that thousands of motorist actually arrive at their destination unharmed every day! The old adage, ”if enough seemingly creditable people say something that seems credible, but is false often enough and long enough, the majority will believe it is the truth – Aah, does sheep being led to the slaughter sound familiar, anyone!
Ok – enough of my soapbox for now (I can’t help it, so expect more later)! Part of the Training this past week was doing exercises to enable us to experience a “fire-fight”. Well the first day, yours truly managed to tear the hamstring in my left thigh. Besides much pain, I have been placed on “light duty” for a few days. Basically that means no running (rats), no PT exercises (double rats), no playing army (triple rats), etc. Interestingly, in my devotional time that morning, I read Exodus 33:14, “My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest!” Little did I know how that rest would be initiated, but it has been nice! I will have to complete that training before I leave, so if you are inclined to pray – by all means! :)
Well, I had better close, so until next time – fair winds and following seas, mates! Please comment or reply via my email and then pass the word about http://www.thedesertsquid.blogspot.com/ .
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Ok – back to the body contortions! Most of my week was spent on the firing range. In order to qualify, you must shoot a certain percentage from three different positions, with full body armor (about 40 extra lbs), helmet, goggles, and glove on! Definitely not comfortable. The targets pop-up on a range anywhere from 50 to 300 meters out and stay up from 4 seconds to 8 seconds. For some, it wasn’t difficult, but I had a hard time getting used to wearing all that stuff and then shooting in high temp/high humidity weather. Because we are to do nights quals also, we spent about 15 hours on the range the first day. That included many hours of waiting because hundreds of soldiers were also qualifying and for those of us who didn’t make the first time, we had to keep going back and back and back – well you get the message!
After that, we went to another activity to familiarize us with the various forms of IEDs and how to detect and avoid them. That was very sobering! For me it solidified the why! The people who perpetrate these acts of terror are not human by our standards. They are savages and devilish! I liken them to some cultures who ‘have to’ offer so many sacrifices to their gods. Their whole goal is to impose “Sharia Law” and their backwards culture on the whole world! I don’t know about you, but I don’t care to have the ladies of my family wearing Burkas and being uneducated. These people have absolutely no regard for human life. The terrorist claim that they are fighting for purity against a corrupt western society who cheats, steals, mutilates, and kills, yet in the name of purity, they will cheat, steal, mutilate and kill (men, women, and children, Mulsim or non-Muslim – it doesn’t matter) all for the sake of their god (allah)who is no god at all, but an idol. Imagine that. So it is ok to do all this if it is accomplishing the will of “allah”? What is the difference? Remember that we are fighting against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) It is Spiritual warfare played out in real flesh and blood.
Contrast that with the US military policy of humane treatment. Everyone of our instructors here who have already been stressed (and showed examples) how we would go out of our way not to bring harm or damage to the civilian population. We even are providing medical treatment to the wounded and captured terrorist who have vowed to wipe us out. Do you think that this would be reciprocated? NO! Yet we continue on the high moral road because it is the right thing to do.
Do not believe the self-serving (and in my opinion traitorous) politicians who claim that our troops are killing hundreds of civilians without regard. It ain’t happening folks. I will take the word of soldiers who have been there over the politicians and pundits any day of the week. If you want to see what is really happening over there right now, check out Michael Yon’s web-site blog: http://www.michaelyon-online.com/ . He is a journalist, there at his own expense (with help from whomever will support him) to find and report the truth. Some of his posts are truly amazing and will be hard to believe at first because we are not hearing any of this from the Mainstream Media (MSM). There is much progress being made. Think of it as you would the local news report: You only hear of the accidents – they are sensational and easy to report. No one mentions that thousands of motorist actually arrive at their destination unharmed every day! The old adage, ”if enough seemingly creditable people say something that seems credible, but is false often enough and long enough, the majority will believe it is the truth – Aah, does sheep being led to the slaughter sound familiar, anyone!
Ok – enough of my soapbox for now (I can’t help it, so expect more later)! Part of the Training this past week was doing exercises to enable us to experience a “fire-fight”. Well the first day, yours truly managed to tear the hamstring in my left thigh. Besides much pain, I have been placed on “light duty” for a few days. Basically that means no running (rats), no PT exercises (double rats), no playing army (triple rats), etc. Interestingly, in my devotional time that morning, I read Exodus 33:14, “My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest!” Little did I know how that rest would be initiated, but it has been nice! I will have to complete that training before I leave, so if you are inclined to pray – by all means! :)
Well, I had better close, so until next time – fair winds and following seas, mates! Please comment or reply via my email and then pass the word about http://www.thedesertsquid.blogspot.com/ .
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Log Entry 03Aug2007: Week One in the Archives
Well, week one is in the archive now. There are around 18 sailors here now. Small potatoes among thousands of soldiers and a few hundred airmen who are also gearing up for deployment. We are the first contingent of Navy personnel to be sent to Ft. McCoy, so we get a lot of stares and “Boy, I haven’t seen Navy guys for a while. Should you be ‘mobing’ off the coast somewhere?”
The routine is starting to sink in now, but there is somewhat of a division between the reservists and active duty personnel. Nothing major – mainly authority issues. You know the scenario: when the chiefs do chief stuff, not all the Indians are happy. Somewhat childish, if you ask me, but alas, no one is asking, so I just keep my mouth shut and trust that the Lord is ordering my steps. (Psalm 37:23)
Mostly, we have been doing a lot of busy stuff because the Army hasn’t figured out exactly what to do with us! Classes, some medical ( I took a Combat Lifesaver Course and did an actual live IV on someone!), getting licenses to drive certain types of vehicles, etc.
On Wednesday we had an all day session to become “battle-minded”!. There was a quote in there by General Patton: “You don’t win wars by dying for your country. You win wars by causing your opponents to die for their country!” Much of our training centers on safety, the lack thereof being the main cause of casualties. Some graphic examples were presented – my heart was troubled that so many young men and women have lost their lives due to either personal carelessness or that of a fellow soldier. Yeah – they died for their country, but to what advantage?
Ok, back to the present. Next week - it’s off to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) for about 7 days of “real” training! The FOB here is suppose to simulate the real thing, so it’s tents and MREs. Joy! The neat thing is that we get to play with some cool Army toys! I’ll have a report on that soon…
Also, I am learning to speak Wisconsin while I am here: Yooouh Betcha', etc. I can understand most of it as it is very close to real English!
Well - until next time...
As always, feel free to comment or ask questions. Right now, until I am able to actually log on to my blog site, please comment or respond via email.
Cork (The Desert Squid)
The routine is starting to sink in now, but there is somewhat of a division between the reservists and active duty personnel. Nothing major – mainly authority issues. You know the scenario: when the chiefs do chief stuff, not all the Indians are happy. Somewhat childish, if you ask me, but alas, no one is asking, so I just keep my mouth shut and trust that the Lord is ordering my steps. (Psalm 37:23)
Mostly, we have been doing a lot of busy stuff because the Army hasn’t figured out exactly what to do with us! Classes, some medical ( I took a Combat Lifesaver Course and did an actual live IV on someone!), getting licenses to drive certain types of vehicles, etc.
On Wednesday we had an all day session to become “battle-minded”!. There was a quote in there by General Patton: “You don’t win wars by dying for your country. You win wars by causing your opponents to die for their country!” Much of our training centers on safety, the lack thereof being the main cause of casualties. Some graphic examples were presented – my heart was troubled that so many young men and women have lost their lives due to either personal carelessness or that of a fellow soldier. Yeah – they died for their country, but to what advantage?
Ok, back to the present. Next week - it’s off to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) for about 7 days of “real” training! The FOB here is suppose to simulate the real thing, so it’s tents and MREs. Joy! The neat thing is that we get to play with some cool Army toys! I’ll have a report on that soon…
Also, I am learning to speak Wisconsin while I am here: Yooouh Betcha', etc. I can understand most of it as it is very close to real English!
Well - until next time...
As always, feel free to comment or ask questions. Right now, until I am able to actually log on to my blog site, please comment or respond via email.
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Log Book 31JUL2007: Mental Preparation
Preparation, Part Two: Mental
So – off to Norfolk to become a “real sailor” for a year or so. After a week of getting poked, prodded, herded and re-acquainted with the Navy way of “hurry up and wait”, it was off to Ft. McCoy, WI!
WHERE? Yeah – It's the real McCoy! This is real living, baby! We’re in the Army now! The whole nine yards: Open bay barracks – no AC – heavens! Hey, I thought I was in the Country Club Navy! The adjustment is interesting to watch - particularly for the reservists. First night there everyone was trying to time the showers for personal use: after the first guy got out, I happened to head to the shower at the same time another guy did. We both hesitated, not knowing exactly what to do. He blinked first – turned around and headed back for his rack (that’s Navy speak for bed). HaHa! That went out the window the next morning when we had reveille at 0500, PT, Chow and our first class at 0700. Now, the showers come when there is an open space!
For some reason the old song, “Camp Grenada” keeps going through my mind!
The main adjustment is synchronizing 20 different personalities to work together without being offensive or clashing egos. And of course, many of us are older. At 54 I am a little set in my ways! Slowly though, the “ethos” is forming. The Chief in Charge is an ex-Marine. ‘Nuff said – though he does show some compassion for us “soft sailors”. Routine from now on is Reveille at 0530, PT at 0545, showers from 0630 to 0650, then off to chow. Training starts around 0730. Actually, it’s much easier doing all this with a group than employing self-discipline! Even the run in formation with cadence was ok. Boy, I never thought I would be saying that!
So – for a month or so, we will learn the “Army” way: Weapons, land navigation, IED convoy training, hand to hand, etc.
Then there is the mental preparation for knowing we are headed for a war zone, but not knowing what to expect when we get there. Learning to trust your buddies is essential for mental well-being. The comfort level increases with time and a growing sense of comradary. We have come from all over: different rates (specialties) – both active duty and reserve to fulfill a mission in response to our country’s call. Most of us are married with families with a few singles as well. It is interesting to observe the bonds that have formed around similar personalities, interests, and circumstances. The main thing is continuing to increase the comfort level as we acquire and develop new skill levels to work together in an environment that most of us have not experienced. As always, feel free to post your comments and pass the word to your “shipmates” to read The Desert Squid.
Until next time, mateys…
Cork (The Desert Squid)
So – off to Norfolk to become a “real sailor” for a year or so. After a week of getting poked, prodded, herded and re-acquainted with the Navy way of “hurry up and wait”, it was off to Ft. McCoy, WI!
WHERE? Yeah – It's the real McCoy! This is real living, baby! We’re in the Army now! The whole nine yards: Open bay barracks – no AC – heavens! Hey, I thought I was in the Country Club Navy! The adjustment is interesting to watch - particularly for the reservists. First night there everyone was trying to time the showers for personal use: after the first guy got out, I happened to head to the shower at the same time another guy did. We both hesitated, not knowing exactly what to do. He blinked first – turned around and headed back for his rack (that’s Navy speak for bed). HaHa! That went out the window the next morning when we had reveille at 0500, PT, Chow and our first class at 0700. Now, the showers come when there is an open space!
For some reason the old song, “Camp Grenada” keeps going through my mind!
The main adjustment is synchronizing 20 different personalities to work together without being offensive or clashing egos. And of course, many of us are older. At 54 I am a little set in my ways! Slowly though, the “ethos” is forming. The Chief in Charge is an ex-Marine. ‘Nuff said – though he does show some compassion for us “soft sailors”. Routine from now on is Reveille at 0530, PT at 0545, showers from 0630 to 0650, then off to chow. Training starts around 0730. Actually, it’s much easier doing all this with a group than employing self-discipline! Even the run in formation with cadence was ok. Boy, I never thought I would be saying that!
So – for a month or so, we will learn the “Army” way: Weapons, land navigation, IED convoy training, hand to hand, etc.
Then there is the mental preparation for knowing we are headed for a war zone, but not knowing what to expect when we get there. Learning to trust your buddies is essential for mental well-being. The comfort level increases with time and a growing sense of comradary. We have come from all over: different rates (specialties) – both active duty and reserve to fulfill a mission in response to our country’s call. Most of us are married with families with a few singles as well. It is interesting to observe the bonds that have formed around similar personalities, interests, and circumstances. The main thing is continuing to increase the comfort level as we acquire and develop new skill levels to work together in an environment that most of us have not experienced. As always, feel free to post your comments and pass the word to your “shipmates” to read The Desert Squid.
Until next time, mateys…
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Log Entry 30JUL2007: Preparation, Part One - Spiritual
A quick note on frequency of posts: I cannot guarantee the frequency of these posts. Some places we will be able to use our own computers, some not. Also, when we are not able to use our own, most of the time we cannot use our flash drives, which I am storing everything on to post when I can. Therefore, some post will be delayed as I will have to wait. Lastly, during our training period, we will have limited access to computers and limited time on them when we do have access.
Thanks to all for your prayers and thoughts.
So - How do you prepare for the unknown? First and foremost, since it is mostly unknown at this point, it is a journey of faith. Spiritual preparation is essential? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths – Proverbs 3:5-6.”
Who would have thought – me, with over 15 years of mostly uneventful combined active/reserve service embarking on a voyage through a sea of sand, not actually knowing the exact course. We will be charting as we go. I look back and see the Hand of God directing each and every step, though most of the time, I can’t why at the time. The funny thing is that after I rejoined the reserves (after a 13 year break in service), many would ask me if there was any chance that I would be mobilized! Of course I would answer that it was slim to none. Well, God doesn’t deal in chances! He must have had a good chuckle as I answered those inquiries.
Feel free to post your comments and pass the word to your “shipmates” to read The Desert Squid.
Until next time, mateys…
Cork (The Desert Squid)
Thanks to all for your prayers and thoughts.
So - How do you prepare for the unknown? First and foremost, since it is mostly unknown at this point, it is a journey of faith. Spiritual preparation is essential? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths – Proverbs 3:5-6.”
Who would have thought – me, with over 15 years of mostly uneventful combined active/reserve service embarking on a voyage through a sea of sand, not actually knowing the exact course. We will be charting as we go. I look back and see the Hand of God directing each and every step, though most of the time, I can’t why at the time. The funny thing is that after I rejoined the reserves (after a 13 year break in service), many would ask me if there was any chance that I would be mobilized! Of course I would answer that it was slim to none. Well, God doesn’t deal in chances! He must have had a good chuckle as I answered those inquiries.
Feel free to post your comments and pass the word to your “shipmates” to read The Desert Squid.
Until next time, mateys…
Cork (The Desert Squid)
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