As God Wills.
Today was a great day. We finally got underway with the first, Iraqi Army Combat Arms School Officer Basic Course. The first course was supposed to have started on 1 July, but nothing happens on time over here. There is neither time nor space in this blog to explain how excruciating the process is to make the slightest thing happen here. You don't just pick up the phone and make a call or send a fax. There is no secure network connecting the Iraqi Army commands and ministries. Everything is coordinated (and very loosely coordinated) at a snail's pace. En Shallah (as God wills or God willing).
Oh yea, there is no banking system. What that means is that on payday, a big truck (and I mean big) pulls onto the camp and a pay officer pays each soldier his monthly salary. The soldiers do an about face and go on leave for a week (not all at once, thankfully). Yep, one week of leave every four weeks. That's because they have to tote all that cash back home to momma. No direct deposit, no checks. And, I only learned this yesterday...No Postal Service! This is one reason you hear of so many kidnappings here. It's not so much terrorism (like in Al Queida) but extortion. A bunch of bad guys doing ugly things to people for ransom.
But...we got started today with 17 Iraqi heroes. I mean that. We have one senior Major, one Captain and the rest Lieutenants. There had to be a mistake somewhere because Officer Basic is designed for new Lieutenants or those with little experience. Most of these guys are my age or close to it and ALL have already been in combat, some just last week. The Captain...well there's something about this guy. He is distinguished, reserved and very handsome. My first impression was that this guy looks more like a General than a Captain. At the end of the day I invited him over for a chat. He did not offer the usual fluff we get from a lot of people in this culture. Instead, the interpreter, who already knew of this officer's character and experience, began to explain to me that the Captain was previously in Saddam's army a Major and a commander. He should be a Colonel now but not in the new army. I knew at once it was true for I perceived this officer could command circles around most Battalion Commanders in this army. Yet here he was, a mere captain, quiet and seemingly content to be where he is. Very secure. I wanted to apologize to him for his being subjected to this level of training. He on the other hand, never hinted of self pity or voiced any complaint. A complete professional.
Like I said, things happen at a snail's pace here and often, when something does get done, it's wrong. It was obviously a mistake for this Captain to be sent to this course. Perhaps there is a reason for him being here, a reason for the mistake. Perhaps I will be the pupil. En Shallah.
Today was a great day. We finally got underway with the first, Iraqi Army Combat Arms School Officer Basic Course. The first course was supposed to have started on 1 July, but nothing happens on time over here. There is neither time nor space in this blog to explain how excruciating the process is to make the slightest thing happen here. You don't just pick up the phone and make a call or send a fax. There is no secure network connecting the Iraqi Army commands and ministries. Everything is coordinated (and very loosely coordinated) at a snail's pace. En Shallah (as God wills or God willing).
Oh yea, there is no banking system. What that means is that on payday, a big truck (and I mean big) pulls onto the camp and a pay officer pays each soldier his monthly salary. The soldiers do an about face and go on leave for a week (not all at once, thankfully). Yep, one week of leave every four weeks. That's because they have to tote all that cash back home to momma. No direct deposit, no checks. And, I only learned this yesterday...No Postal Service! This is one reason you hear of so many kidnappings here. It's not so much terrorism (like in Al Queida) but extortion. A bunch of bad guys doing ugly things to people for ransom.
But...we got started today with 17 Iraqi heroes. I mean that. We have one senior Major, one Captain and the rest Lieutenants. There had to be a mistake somewhere because Officer Basic is designed for new Lieutenants or those with little experience. Most of these guys are my age or close to it and ALL have already been in combat, some just last week. The Captain...well there's something about this guy. He is distinguished, reserved and very handsome. My first impression was that this guy looks more like a General than a Captain. At the end of the day I invited him over for a chat. He did not offer the usual fluff we get from a lot of people in this culture. Instead, the interpreter, who already knew of this officer's character and experience, began to explain to me that the Captain was previously in Saddam's army a Major and a commander. He should be a Colonel now but not in the new army. I knew at once it was true for I perceived this officer could command circles around most Battalion Commanders in this army. Yet here he was, a mere captain, quiet and seemingly content to be where he is. Very secure. I wanted to apologize to him for his being subjected to this level of training. He on the other hand, never hinted of self pity or voiced any complaint. A complete professional.
Like I said, things happen at a snail's pace here and often, when something does get done, it's wrong. It was obviously a mistake for this Captain to be sent to this course. Perhaps there is a reason for him being here, a reason for the mistake. Perhaps I will be the pupil. En Shallah.
posted by AWE, COL, USA | 10:51 AM
1 Comments:
Cuz, This is really a great thing you are doing here. Thanks for taking the time to share your insight with the rest of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Stay safe.
Steve
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