7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0046.txt
Page: 0046
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313







                Anxiousness to got my soldiers out of Iraq increases. The
           number one question on everyones, mind is when will the cease
           fire be signed? The war is over, when will we go home? When
           will we move back to Saudi? Commanders at every level double
           their efforts to ensure morale stays high. It is not always
           easy.

                The days drag by. There is no rest for engineers.
           Surprisingly morale stays high. When engineers are busy there is
           little time to fret about sand, wind, cold food, cold showers,
           scarce mail, and dirty living conditions. But these conditions
           graphically describe our lifestyles.
                The camp acquires a dog. Pets and mascots are especially
           prohibited. This dog has obviously been abandoned by the Iraqis.
           He likes people and in spite of attempts to keep him away, he
           worms his way into everyones' heart. He spends equal time
           visiting us and a nearby signal unit. The name "Ralph"
           mysteriously surfaces. Ralph stakes out our camp. It is his
           turf. No other dogs are allowed. Ralph personally inspects each
           new arrival.SoTneone cleans him, applies a flea collar and Ralph
           is like a part of the family. We never invite him but he always
           comes by for the 0700 briefing, manages to greet each one of us
           personally, then conveniently moves over near the mess tent.
           Ralph is no fool. Ralph knows suckers when he sees them.
           Engineers can be big hearted suckers.
                Everyday is different. Some days are overcast and cool.
           The next day may be brighter and unbearably hot, the next a
           blinding sand storm, the next a black day from oilfield smoke,
           the next cool with a rainshower. The weather continues to amaze
           US. One ingredient, remains common - the ever present sand!
           Slowly however it is beginning to warm. Some days are
           unbelievably hot. The slightest excursion causes fatigue and
           excessive sweat. On these days, soldiers consume up to three
           bottles of water, each. A sign of the times to come. We all
           know we need to got out of the desert before summer.
                The Iraqi refugee problem increases. Hundreds of Iraqis
           flee into the American sector seeking safety and assistance.
           Hussain's forces have gone on a killing frenzy randomly attacking
           villages, returning Iraqi soldiers, and any other target of
           opportunity. They did not fare well in a real fight against real
           soldiers so it appears their only recourse is to murder innocent
           unarmed civilians. Iraqi soldiers that we captured and later
           returned are killed by the hundreds.




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