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ROB BALLEW
Calling it Like I See it, Since 1974!
Articles Posted: 178; Links Seeded: 1889
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/06/2009
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/06/2009
66 Comments
PrintAn Iraq Tale Vol 16: (A Day Without Internet)
News Type: Event — Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:27 PM EDT
Me in October checking out the new computer
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A few days ago I woke up to do my normal daily wake up routine, I turned on the computer, and logged on to the internet, OK I tried to log on to the internet. But to my chagrin the internet was not up. Getting up off my cot and making my way to the latrine I found others grumbling about the lack of internet service. We finally found out that we would be without internet for over 24 hours. This actually sucks because I found most people in my tent, to include myself, are addicted to the internet. Using the internet to check our emails, IM family, and even call home. Not to mention the time spent on google looking up odd facts, ending would be arguments and just wasting time. But sadly on this day we where without our most used means of entertainment. So as the day progressed we found other ways of wasting our time off.
Early on we found out we had the day off of missions. And I found that the guys brought back some of the old standby time wasting methods. Early on I jumped into a game of euchre, which I found myself sadly on the losing end of. I followed this up by a nap. Waking up to a fire fight, my tent mates got into a impromptu game of Call of Duty 4. After a lot of swearing, arguing, and even more swearing. We made our way to the ever popular chow hall. Eating chow and talking about the coming events and things we will do upon our return home. Afterwards we walked back some guys got into some more Call of Duty 4 and euchre, others chose Warhammer, some Risk, and my choice watching some movies. The night went relatively fast and I found we all went to bed a little earlier. Well rested and ready to go the next day we found our internet back on. And yes, suddenly we are back to business as usual.
Now before I hear the inevitable "Rob at least you have internet", I want everyone to know we pay 65 dollars a month for the somewhat suspect service we receive here. Now to some 65 bucks a month isn't much, but couple that with the internet bill at home and suddenly it is over 100 bucks, a lot for what we get paid here. There is also the fact that during certain times of the day the internet is slower than a snail, taking sometimes 10 minutes to load a screen. Not to mention we are limited to what we can view, in other words, to the chagrin of many no pornography. This is cool with most of us, but for some reason these days the filter has actually called a lot of different sites pornography. News sites, sports sites, and sites not even close to pornography have been know to bring up the feared "GO 1 (General Order #1) You have been reported" screen. Which for some reason if it isn't on your screen is hilarious, and can lead to some very funny moments and comments.
In all honesty, I actually think we are spoiled. The internet although a pain at times is not bad, and although 65 bucks is a lot for what we receive, our complaint are minuscule for the things we get in return. Like chances to talk to our family, blogs, and keep up with current events. Honestly, we are fortunate to have such things as internet, a chow hall, hot showers (sometimes), air conditioned living areas, and access to electricity to run our stuff. Five years ago we had none of these things. Only each other, some books, and maybe a C.D. player to pass time. Time seemed to crawl in those days. Today with all the stuff it seems time flies. Plus, I also realize not all soldiers have the options we have and this is another reason I am thankful. All in all, life here for a soldier is not bad, it can be tough some days. And being away from home does take its toll but for the most part most soldiers I know have little to complain about. And as I have said in the past "if we are only complaining about not having internet , we are lucky".
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3.7
{"commentId":1682057,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
As I said not all soldiers get to have the opportunity to have internet access, Plus our living conditions are pretty reasonable, although we are in the tents now. I have little to complain about. We do our missions and have a decent place to relax. Thanks to all who stop by I hope everyone has a great weekend.
{"commentId":1682057,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
- 8 votes
#1 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:30 PM EDT{"commentId":1685435,"authorDomain":"jaoson4188"}
I was in Iraq in 04-05. It was a lot like you mentioned on our days off. Except instead of COD 4 it was one of the earlier versions. We were both lucky and unlucky to be stationed away from any of the major large bases in Iraq, so we were a lot more independent of filters etc. We were stationed at an old Iraqi airfield called FOB Bernstein. I think it has since been given over to Iraqi forces. 101st took it over after we left and from what I heard they didn't stay long. The good thing about it was we lived in underground concrete bunkers so mortars were never a threat. We actually paid an Iraqi to set up a satellite system on our bunker, so we had internet from our bunks which was great. We also had about 400 international t.v. channels, about 5 or 6 which were porn and some pretty hardcore stuff. I remember there were always at least 2 or 3 soldiers sitting around watching porn until they had to, "go to the latrine," lmaof. The public use center for phones and internet was hell to go to, always long lines even for our small base. Then again most of the troops were fobbits, so they had nothing better to do everyday. Most of the time unless you went in the middle of the night you were only given one hour at a time to use the internet or 30 mins. for the phones. Then you would have to get back in line. There were times our satellite would go out and we would have to take a pool and hire the Iraqi to come back and fix it, he would usually charge around 50-100 dollars. It would break about once every month, but like you said it was our life line to the outside world, so you part with the money easy. God speed in your return and thanks for the service.
{"commentId":1685435,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"jaoson4188"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1712466,"authorDomain":"vonniegoldie"}
Hey how much is the intenet access in Iraq being in the military.
{"commentId":1712466,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"vonniegoldie"}
{"commentId":1712716,"authorDomain":"jaoson4188"}
I guess I should have wrote no offense if you are a Fobbit. =)
{"commentId":1712716,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"jaoson4188"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1713120,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1801749,"authorDomain":"justinpm"}
When I was in Iraq 03-04 we didn't have Internet access that wasn't DoD. So everything was heavily smartsensed.
{"commentId":1801749,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"justinpm"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1682085,"authorDomain":"lizz-welchcarre"}
So it seems the addiction to the internet there is not dissimilar from here....here we can watch satellite t.v. and be on our wifi internet all at the same time. It is a wonder that anyone has a single profound thought at all. But the internet is amazing as it allows us to communicate in a way we never could in the past. I have been able to make connections with individuals over in Iraq that I would not have been able to know otherwise. You have been able to share your experiences over there with those of us back here in the U.S. who up to our eyeballs in multitasking (and texting). Have a good day....
{"commentId":1682085,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"lizz-welchcarre"}
- 2 votes
#2 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:41 PM EDT{"commentId":1682100,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1682092,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
Hi Rob, it's nice to know you guys can find other things to keep busy, I would really miss my computer if I were without it for a whole day!
Out of the things you mentioned I think a book would be my choice too. I hope you have a good weekend also, take care!
{"commentId":1682092,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
- 3 votes
#3 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:44 PM EDT{"commentId":1682105,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1682114,"authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}
Hmmm its all those pictures of Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson and the other Jessica... can't remember which one finishes off the Jessica group. :O) slowing your ding dang computers down!
Just think you will be home soon and you won't even NEED the inernet to talk to family, friends, etc.
Smile... you are ALMOST THERE!!
M
{"commentId":1682114,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"RebelGirl"}
- 3 votes
#4 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:55 PM EDT{"commentId":1682134,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1682117,"authorDomain":"jimdent"}
That sure is a sweet looking laptop ya got there... ;)
Seriously though, I pay 40 bucks a month and I think I'm gettin ripped off. $65 is ridiculous! Is it government ran or private?
{"commentId":1682117,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"jimdent"}
- 3 votes
#5 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:55 PM EDT{"commentId":1682145,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1682192,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
You have to pay for internet access??? What a piece of cfrap! I am continually amazed at all the ways we abuse our military.....oh well. What's new? Stay safe, Rob....
{"commentId":1682192,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
- 3 votes
#6 - Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:26 PM EDT{"commentId":1682208,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1682331,"authorDomain":"beast166"}
Beast166
Comment collapsed by the community
Comment collapsed by the community{"commentId":1682805,"authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}
Rob, that's a mighty fancy bunk you got there, complete with wrought iron headboard.
{"commentId":1682805,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"backroadsbubba"}
- 2 votes
#8 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:34 AM EDT{"commentId":1682827,"authorDomain":"sgtjharris"}
whats it like over there on duty, whats your missions like? im joining the California National Guard and i just thought id ask what it is im getting into.
{"commentId":1682827,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"sgtjharris"}
#9 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:52 AM EDT{"commentId":1683007,"authorDomain":"beast166"}
uuyteiuo
{"commentId":1683007,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"beast166"}
#10 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:09 AM EDT{"commentId":1683099,"authorDomain":"niallm"}
hi rob i want to thank you for answering my questions earlier, they were very interesting, one observation i have made is that having read your blogs and a blog from a soldier in mosul (that 'my war' book i recommended to you before) it really seems like my perception, and probably the perception of others, of what iraq is like is very different to how i hear you soldiers describe it
also it says alot about your character that you take the time to talk and thank all the people leaving comments as your blog attracts so many comments that it must take a long long time to get through them all,
as always stay safe!
{"commentId":1683099,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"niallm"}
- 2 votes
#11 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:05 AM EDT{"commentId":1683136,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1684134,"authorDomain":"scastrocaster"}
The situation these days, with you guys having access to the internet, is certainly better than it was back in the good old days. I remember my dad being glued to the tv, when my brother was in Viet Nam, worried out of his mind. The internet is just as important to the families at home as it is to the troops. I know that I appreciate that my kid has access to the internet. He can chat with his wife every day and I get to chat with him and see him, via the webcam once in a while. That helps me keep me from worrying so much about him, and helps keep his new marriage intact while he's in Afghanistan.
How much time do you have left "in country" before you head home?
{"commentId":1684134,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"scastrocaster"}
- 3 votes
#12 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:36 PM EDT{"commentId":1687567,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1685046,"authorDomain":"mmc0713"}
I think it is great you have the internet, even if you do have to pay for it. I know it is the only my boyfriend and I can communicate. Sometimes it is really frustrating that it does take so long, esp since there is an 8 hour time difference between us. At least you are able to let your family know you are safe and well. Good luck on your safe return home.
{"commentId":1685046,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"mmc0713"}
- 1 vote
#13 - Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:17 PM EDT{"commentId":1687581,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1686487,"authorDomain":"thompson-t1299"}
Hey, listen up,
You are all doing a good thing, good for you, your friends, your family and your Country. Thank you.
Tim Thompson
Newport, Washington
{"commentId":1686487,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"thompson-t1299"}
- 2 votes
#14 - Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:09 AM EDT{"commentId":1687590,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1687387,"authorDomain":"lisaed"}
Rob - my work is internet driven and when my access goes down at work - my clients really don't care (and they shouldn't---not their problem). It's a royal pain and it happens more than I care to mention.....lately I've been heading to work each day wondering just what technological challenge I will encounter......you my friend have far more important challenges facing you each day. Thanks for keeping my what sometimes seem like daily computer woes in perspective......LISA
{"commentId":1687387,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"lisaed"}
- 2 votes
#15 - Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:44 PM EDT{"commentId":1687605,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1688500,"authorDomain":"fullershaven"}
My baby brother is in the Navy and when he was leaving for his last deployment; he told me he was excited because his squadron was going to be deployed with the Air Force. The reason he was excited is he said the Air Force travels in STYLE and they deploy with all the necessities like, Burger King and every thing else LOL, anyway I know it was great for me to be able to communicate with him via the web and the same for his Wife and Kids. I think it stinks you have to pay for it; but I'm glad it is available for you. God Bless you and as always thank you for all you do and for you article too. Godspeed
{"commentId":1688500,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"fullershaven"}
- 1 vote
#16 - Mon Apr 14, 2008 12:00 AM EDT{"commentId":1688846,"authorDomain":"chill888"}
I am surprised to hear you get charged for internet access .... let alone $65 a month.
{"commentId":1688846,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"chill888"}
- 1 vote
#17 - Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:18 AM EDT{"commentId":1689530,"authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
What the F are they putting filters on for, aren't you guys adults?
And $65 a month? Jesus.
{"commentId":1689530,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
- 2 votes
#18 - Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:18 AM EDT{"commentId":1689569,"authorDomain":"fullershaven"}
They are in a Middle Eastern country that severly frowns on pornography of any kind, hence they do not make exceptions, our soldiers(country) complies out of "respect" for their beliefs. the same goes for alcohol too I believe. If I am mistaken about this somebdy let me know(but have mercy :-) Thanks)
{"commentId":1689569,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"fullershaven"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1689628,"authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
Proud American -
Thanks, i forgot about that part.
{"commentId":1689628,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1690494,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1693269,"authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
Rob -
when working as a substitute teacher I had to deal with many of the filters used in the local school district. It's just absurd what they block out. One school I worked at for a semester had network administrator who was exceptionally anal. I found out later he's a Mormon, figures.
{"commentId":1693269,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":1722524,"authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
Regarding this sub thread, Military Honor and Decency Act of 1996 post
{"commentId":1722524,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"cletuswilbury"}
{"commentId":1690469,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
Here is an explanation of why these articles are this way to anyone who might be disappointed and or unsure why exactly I write this stuff. An explanation and apology Thanks to all who have responded.
{"commentId":1690469,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"ballew74"}
- 1 vote
#19 - Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:57 PM EDT{"commentId":1693223,"authorDomain":"Budigen"}
Wow, reading your posts really makes my day. When you were describing life before the interent it reminded me of Desert Storm. Spades, Dominos, Gameboys and cassette playing walkmans hahaha.
I dont blame you one bit pay 65.00. We would stand in line in the middle of the desert at phone tents for 4-5 hours for a TEN minute call that cost 12.00 first minute and think around 7-8 for each additional.
Had internet really been around then we would have paid 100.00 easily ;)
I am just now getting caught up on your last couple posts and wanted to say that your 100% correct, 5 years, 10 years from now you will cherish the time over there. Years from now you will be able to remember everyone name, personaltiy that are now your Brothers in Arms and will upon thet time fondly.
I remember wanting to go home everyday. Yet once home actually missing it to a degree. Living 5 men to a bradley was rough.
Tents? Shows? Chow Halls? Movies? glad to hear they got you guys so well hooked up.
Be safe and thanks for your post and more importantly your service.
{"commentId":1693223,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"Budigen"}
- 3 votes
#20 - Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:27 AM EDT{"commentId":1694005,"authorDomain":"delisio"}
Hey There,
It's great that you are informing those like myself about your daily life... I am very unfamiliar to what the mundane activities are for the soldiers in Iraq, and your words offer that opportunity.
I can't imagine 10 minutes to load a page... I am an undergrad student and the school internet service is very fast. It's interesting that in certain locations, soldiers get more access than others...
Well THANK YOU for all your time and effort over there and online with us. God Bless,
-Kdelis
{"commentId":1694005,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"delisio"}
- 1 vote
#21 - Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:58 AM EDT{"commentId":1694430,"authorDomain":"bredust2918"}
Rob-
I just wanted to thank you for all that you are doing!
Not only for serving our country and putting your life on the line, but for giving us a little bit of a taste of what it is like over there. Like some other readers have said before me, we Americans can take so much in our lives for granted. I myself am guilty of doing this and I have a brother over there serving.
We need to remember who makes it possible to do the things we do everyday, that's people like you.
Thank you so much for dedicating your life to serving our country!
God Bless you and your family!
{"commentId":1694430,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"bredust2918"}
- 4 votes
#22 - Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:55 PM EDT{"commentId":1710230,"authorDomain":"ranjit-1"}
Hello Rob,
Thanks you for your selfless act and dedication in serving the country you love. I hope all of us here
truly appreciate the US armed forces in keeping the country safe.
May the Lord Bless you and your family and bring you back safely back to your loved ones. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the suffering and sacrifices each and every one of you undergo in order to keep this country safe.
{"commentId":1710230,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"ranjit-1"}
- 2 votes
#23 - Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:26 AM EDT{"commentId":1712056,"authorDomain":"jungleboy134"}
Over here, I pay $20 for 5GB, pretty cool, am currently studying in Ukraine...Nice job Bob, wish I could join the US Army.
Banito,
Nigeria.
{"commentId":1712056,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"jungleboy134"}
- 2 votes
#24 - Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:10 PM EDT{"commentId":1722110,"authorDomain":"hurleygurley956"}
Ya the internet going down is alsmost worse to hear then "hey get ready were going on an all night patrol" Worst days in Iraq by far...
{"commentId":1722110,"threadId":"248873","contentId":"1425541","authorDomain":"hurleygurley956"}
- 1 vote
#25 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:36 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"248873","isPrivate":false}
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