OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0018.txt
Page: 0018
Total Pages: 44

Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-2D COSCOM-332D MED-341ST MED-912TH MED

Document Number = 3

Box ID = BX000308

Saudi desert sunsets are some of the most beautiful we have ever
seen, and each day around 1730 small groups gather at the western
part of the compound to watch nature's show. Darkness and the
vastness of the desert engulfs us soon thereafter. The desert
nights are among the darkest any of us have ever seen: on
Taoon-less nights one literally cannot see one's hand in front of
one's face. Under blackout conditions, we are relegated to using
flashlights with red lenses to make our way cautiously about the
compound. Despite our caution, tent pegs and wash lines
constitute local hazards which are not easily avoided and muttered
curses and other obscure noises fill the night air as people
stumble over these obstacles. In the clear of the Saudi night,
star-gazing once again becomes a popular hobby, as constellations
are identified and argued over. The stars glisten in the night
sky, and the milky way is spread across the heavens like a
sprinkling of diamonds tossed by the hand of God.

Driving across the desert at night with only "cat's-eyes"
blackout lights is its own adventure. One must take a compass
bearing on where he wants to go, and then endeavor to drive in a
straight line while the person in the passenger's seat mutters
helpful comments like "left" and "right". As all this is going
on, one still needs to dodge holes, rocks, and tracked vehicle
trails. Hitting any of these at a speed of over 5 miles per hour
is guaranteed to loosen the teeth of all the occupants of the