On a Scout

[US Scout]

I will be heading out in a few hours for the Gulf.  I fully expect to reestablish contact within a few days but until then Bvt Col Bull Schmidt will be acting on my behalf. 

US Scout
GAF, Commanding

[Bull Schmitt]

Yes sir!

Col Bull

[MUD MARINE]

Keep your head down!

Semper Fidelis;
Mud Marine

[Steel Horse Bailey]

In the words of the great Elmer Fudd ...

"Be vewy, vewy quiet!"

[Silver Creek Slim]

Be safe, sir.

Slim

[US Scout]

Reporting in. 

All I can say is that this place is HOT!  Even the ghosts and goblins are wearing shorts! 

The base I'm at has a variety of uniforms present.  So far, I've seen USAF, USN, USMC, USA, RAF and RAAF, and even a Frenchman.  And that was just in the first two hours.

I will try and check in when time permits, and will respond to any messages accordingly as well.

US Scout
Brig Gen, GAF

[Drydock]

Ah, the memories.  Nice to see the place has'nt changed much.  #*&%(*(**&)(*&^&!! heat!  (Didn't say they were good memories . . .)

[Niederlander]

I know what you mean about hot.  When we landed in August of '90 it was 136 degrees on the tarmac.  That's just wrong!  Be safe!

[US Scout]

Thanks all.

I'm probably in more danger of over-eating than an enemy attack.  Chow is plentiful, though not particularly good, and the chow hall is open 24-7.  (Bvt Col and Maj Matt Lewis - take note so you don't have to do extra PT when you deploy)

We spent most of the day unloading several pallets of equipment and getting them moved into our temporary headquarters.  It was the usual stand around and wait, followed by some mad excitement when the pallets arrived.

As usual Operation SNAFU is in full effect.  Some vital equipment didn't make it and we're having to have replacements sent out from other locations.  This will delay the beginning of our actual mission by a day or two - unfortunately, we are operating in a very short window of opportunity so the time delay could become a critical factor.

We are lodged in a large tent - about 23 bunk beds - regardless of rank (my Bvt Brig Gen status carries no weight with the billeting personnel  ) so it is quite cozy.  Reminds me of my time as an enlisted Marines in the old days - a huge squadbay full of bunks, noise, smells, etc.  Some of you know what I mean.

That said, it is still HOT during the day and very warm at night!  Other than work there is not much else to do.  I brought several paperbacks to read and my DVD player with DVDs to watch (the complete Deadwood series which I've not seen - but heard plenty about).  I look forward to returning home in about 3 weeks - hopefully in time for Thanksgiving.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Major Matt Lewis]

Noted...Bring extra PT shorts.  How is the gym.  I don't want to get too punney.

[US Scout]

Noted...Bring extra PT shorts.  How is the gym.  I don't want to get too punney.

Our base has a gym (where I've only seen basketball being played), a weight room, and a aerobics room.  I've seen folks running around 10pm, after the heat of the day has passed.  It seems the off-duty uniform of the day around here is PT gear.  Only those actually working wear their service DCUs (Desert Camouflage Uniform). 

There are a few other recreational facilities - a couple of snack bar type places where you can play pingpong, pool, fussball, watch TV, play cards, etc.  You can purchase up to 3 bottles of beer a day if so inclined.  The media center offers computer access (though just about all the permanent personnel have their own laptops and Wi-Fi is available in a number of places) and "morale phones".  For those who want something besides industrial strength meals at the chow halls, we also have Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Subway.  We also have a movie theater - this month was all horror movies.  Haven't seen the November schedule yet.

We had RAIN yesterday!  Only lasted a few minutes but it was pretty exciting while it lasted.  Funny what can entertain you in the desert.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Eagle Eyes Jefferson]

Sir,

I don't know if it has anything to do with you being there but the price of gas in our area is down to $2.07 per gallon. Thanks for your service. Try to stay dry with all the rain!!!!!!!


Eagle Eyes Jefferson

[US Scout]

I have the honor to report that I have returned from my extended scout to the Middle East.  Nothing particularly untoward occured but it was a seemingly long trip, going about 10 days longer than anticipated. 

I can report now that I was in Qatar, but did make a single day trip to Iraq.  If you read the AP article I posted a link to a few weeks ago, you'll know what I was doing.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Pitspitr]

Glad to hear you made it back safe and sound.
Were you able to accomplish enough so that you won't have to go back during the middle of next October?

[Bull Schmitt]

Welcome back. Glad you were able to make it back in time for Thanksgiving.

Col Bull

[Major Matt Lewis]

Welcome Home.

I trust you toasted the Corps on the 10th.....

Semper Fi!

[US Scout]

Glad to hear you made it back safe and sound.
Were you able to accomplish enough so that you won't have to go back during the middle of next October?

I'll know more after a month or two. The results of our expedition have to be fully analyzed and reported to the SECNAV. Could be I return in the spring - and then again, maybe not.  I have to admit that after this last month, I'm in no hurry to return to the desert - but if we find something promising, I'll be on the first plane back!

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[US Scout]

Welcome Home.

I trust you toasted the Corps on the 10th.....

Semper Fi!

I did indeed!  I tried to find the local ceremonies but there were few Marines on the base and I wasn't able to make contact.  So, I celebrated on my own.  We were authorized 3 alcholic drinks a day - a major change from when I was in Iraq when there was no ration at all.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Major Matt Lewis]

Outstanding...

[US Scout]

Didn't Commandant Lejeune say something to the effect that whenever two or more Marines met on the 10th of November they would celebrate the Corps' Birthday?

Several times over the last 38 years since I shipped on I've had to celebrate as a lone Marine.  Never stopped me before, nor will it in the future.  I read the Commandant's message online and later toasted all my fellow Marines, past and present. 

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF