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ROB BALLEW
Calling it Like I See it, Since 1974!
Articles Posted: 178; Links Seeded: 1898
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/25/2009
Member Since: 3/2006Last Seen: 11/25/2009
139 Comments
PrintAn Iraq Tale Vol. 17: ( A Day At The Range )
News Type: Opinion — Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:59 PM EDT
Me sleeping in the indirect fire shelter. Not the best of accommodations. but better than nothing.
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One of the things that I hate about the Army and find to be more than a bit mundane is going to the range and shooting. For me it seems the range is something that should be fun, but like any fun thing the Army finds a way to make it lame and dare I say boring. Sadly, I realize not all things are meant to be fun, but most Infantrymen love shooting and a lot of the ranges I have been on have taken any excitement you might think we would have and replaced it with a sterile and boring environment that sucks away any fun that could be had. Needless to say, even while deployed the Army still finds time to take us to the range. And as part of the welcome package for new units entering Iraq our battalion schedules range time. Unfortunately, my name was added to the manifest as a trainer/truck commander for the 2 hour jaunt across Baghdad to to the range.
The day started out worse than expected as I made my way to the "gun line" to find not only was no one on my crew anywhere to be found but I also had no keys to the vehicle I was assigned to. So when I tried to find out just what was going on I found no one truly knew what was going on. Luckily my Section Leader was on it and told me to go back to the tent and just chill until briefing time, he would square things away. So I made my way to chow and back to the tent to pack my "RON" (remain over night) bag and get ready for our day of fun in the sun at the range. Packing a hygiene kit, poncho liner, my trusty "combat" pillow, an iPod, and my Nintendo DS (longer battery life than my PSP), as well as my ammo and some other stuff for the mission.
Prior to the brief I finally received the keys to my vehicle. This is not something I was very thrilled with. Like a date I prefer getting to know the vehicle before I spend the night with it. But as we say in the Army I "drove on" with the mission. We loaded our gear, weapons, ammo and some water. Next we all set up our areas, I had the radios, navigation system and all the little parts of being a TC. This took a few minutes but I also found myself still not having a warm fuzzy about the unfamiliar vehicle. Because the driver and I where a little uncertain of the truck I told him to hit a switch that was in a different spot than in other trucks. We all found out with an explosion of white powder that the switch was actually the fire suppression system. Shocked and a bit upset about the situation and my bruised ego, I opened my window and made a mental note to myself about the switch. Live and learn I guess.
Other than some minor mistakes our trip to the range went pretty uneventful after the fire suppression incident. I showed them all the checkpoints and points of interest. Gave them a general idea of our job and the routes. And by the time we made it to our destination, I was ready to sleep. To my chagrin we found out that our CC (convoy commander) could not secure us tents for the short rest we would get. And although there was some room in a few tents the CC decided to play the old Army game of questioning the "manhood" of anyone who went to sleep in a tent. And stupid Sgt. Ballew being the "tough guy" he is decided to play his game back. Opening the trunk of our vehicle I moved all the equipment out of the way and took a short nap in the trunk until it was time to make our movement to the range complex.
Two hours of bad sleep and off we roll to the range. This is actually the best part of the day for me. We travel mostly at night so any chance I get to roll during the day is something I look forward to. The range is a combined range used by both Iraqi and US troops for all different types of weapons. Driving through I wave at all the IA (Iraqi Army) as they guard entrances and go about their daily work. I also admire the vastness of the desert, coming from the Midwest, this might be the last chance I get to see these sights. So I decided to take time to enjoy something I might never get an opportunity to see again. A short trip and a briefing later and we are at the range we are firing on. Thankfully, the unit we are training was the one who ran the range and although we helped them, we had much less to do than I anticipated. I also did not have to shoot on this range. And although I would not have minded firing. Unfortunately, I found out we had to wear body armor while firing. Knowing this I passed on shooting do to the fact I hate wearing body armor. And luckily the range went smoother than I expected so we made our way back to the FOB adjacent to the range, I decided to gun on the way back and give the gunner a rest and to get a better view of the desert.
Getting back to the tent area we still found no room and still playing the tough guy the CC decided to not push the tent issue. BY this time I was done with the tough guy act and was ready to get me a few good hours of sleep. So my Section leader decided to take it upon himself to have me drive him to the Mayor Cell to find somewhere for us to sleep. Sadly, even after going so far as to saying we had "Baby Jesus" in our convoy, we where turned away. The Fob was out of room and we where left to fend for ourselves. With no where to go we decided to snatch a few cots and to go sleep in an indirect fire (mortar) shelter. This was a good idea in theory, but in theory we never expected to be eaten alive by flies and gnats. So we did our best to squeeze as much sleep as possible in the shelter.
As the day turned into night we found ourselves prepping for our move out back to our Fob and the comfort of our tents. And other than a few incidents (a guy with explosive diarrhea in the back of an MRAP) things where pretty uneventful. Once again I decide to gun back. And as well head back I think about the events of the past 2 days and laugh. In truth, I expected worse and found it to be almost enjoyable. Just more stories to tell when I get home. And even more laughs and maybe more to miss when it is all said and done.
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8.1
1.7
{"commentId":1718297,"authorDomain":"crhglobal"}
I'm a veteran of the Army. And after reading these articles I wonder if our military or goverment have any idea of what they are doing. I hear so many stories from our troops that seems make you wonder WTF are we doing. And as for the enemy who is it really??? Its not a war!! Its police action to secure the oil thats about it, no other reason to be there... GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!
To hell with our goverment.
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#51 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:56 PM EDT{"commentId":1718358,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1718661,"authorDomain":"deedee-rhonda"}
Rob, I stumbled upon your blog on the MSNBC website while just surfing the internet reading the news. I must say, your site/blog has now been bookmarked!! I am a former Marine myself, having got out just before the first desert conflict, but my love for the military has ALWAYS and will FOREVER remain. I started reading the comments and just had to smile to myself as some of them brought back memories from the "good ole days". I pray for ALL of our soldiers every night and cringe when I hear bad news. I hope you return safely and complete, and to mirror several comments already made, YES, you MUST write a book. I will be in line, hopefully among the first, to purchase it.
Those "flies and gnats eating you alive" comments took me back to boot camp at Parris Island. I someone had told me that a fly or a gnat would bite so badly BEFORE prior to my trip to bootcamp at Parris Island, I would have thought they were off their rocker. Huh, I actually thought maybe they shipped the little devils in on purpose, as before reading your blog, I'd not heard of them in that reference anywhere else. LOL.
Much honor and respect to you and ALL the soldiers. You are not forgotten. We love you all and are so proud of you.
Rhonda
{"commentId":1718661,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"deedee-rhonda"}
- 2 votes
#52 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:37 PM EDT{"commentId":1718875,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1718814,"authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}
Love everything you wright! A guess now even the worst American hotel doesen't seem so bad. Will we still be hearing from you when you come home? hope so.
{"commentId":1718814,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"thegoldenpear"}
- 2 votes
#53 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:36 PM EDT{"commentId":1718880,"authorDomain":"ballew74"}
{"commentId":1720039,"authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
I am glad to see that we will still be hearing from you after your return! Your writing is truly a joy to read. I agree with the others that you should write a book! I will be in line as well!
{"commentId":1720039,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"geminisunset"}
- 1 vote
#54 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:09 AM EDT{"commentId":1720541,"authorDomain":"orysia-semko"}
This is the first time I've read your column and I am so glad to see that you're maintaining such a wonderful sense of humor. My husband deployed to Iraq for the 1st time just a few weeks ago and our conversations have been pretty limited but I can tell that he's already getting bummed out about being over there. I pray that he finds his sense of humor as you have. I enjoyed hearing about your trip to the range, explosives and all... take care, stay safe and come home soon.
{"commentId":1720541,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"orysia-semko"}
- 2 votes
#55 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:21 AM EDT{"commentId":1720996,"authorDomain":"shagpokeorygun"}
If I were you, I would shut my mouth and do my job. If you sir have a problem doing that, be a politician and run with Hilarious Clinton. Possibly, Barrack is more your style; wanting change in the way You see the world. I really want to attack your stupid comments as a Marine, however as far as I am concerned, you should be hung in public for your treasonous writings. This is the 1st, and last time I will ever read your crap. Get a life soldier... you are not a warrior as you should be. The military is "NOT" fun during a so called war. Get used to your I-Pod and computer... I would never hire an idiot like you! I don't believe you want to hired anyway....You will suck up taxpayers dollars while turning against the RED-WHITE&BLUE colors of your nation. I only wish you would have been with me years ago. You would not be writing your B.S.!!!!!!! I mean that! Lastly, you were fit to be truck driver. Let me nickname you Clutch. I suppose they (the Army), was supposed to give you air conditioning and a friggin scope for your desired comfort. Most vetersans I know have a sense of decency and of course, honor. You are a pampered panty waist cochroach!
{"commentId":1720996,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"shagpokeorygun"}
#56 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:19 PM EDT{"commentId":1721493,"authorDomain":"mobystrip"}
so what do you do when you're not cleaning your gun collection and anticipating your big day as a sniper. You belittle the young men who are willing to fight and die for your kind. Friend of George W the boy cheerleader huh? Well don't be gettin no yeast infection in yore purty lil' mangina now. Oh and read a freakin' book occasionally. Libraries are free despite people like you. You would benefit from some literacy apparently. The thought of a wus like you insulting young soldiers while they lap up every lie from the chicken hawks offends me deeply. Please go away so the rest of humanity can go about surviving without you. lcb
{"commentId":1721493,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"mobystrip"}
{"commentId":1722666,"authorDomain":"melonhead"}
Marine my ass - you're a troll.
{"commentId":1722666,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"melonhead"}
{"commentId":1722970,"authorDomain":"latchco"}
What did Rob Do or say to get you so angry? First of all do you have family serving, or have you served? I don't think that you know how nice it is for the family members of soldiers serving, to hear Rob talk about these things. It gives us a little hope that our soldiers have something to make them smile once in awhile. For pete sake chill. I don't know if you know it but, it is of some comfort to us to take a little peek into a soldiers life. That way we kind of know what our boys are going through. God Bless our soldiers and you. If it weren't for them you would not be able to rant and on this site. Thank you for your time.
{"commentId":1722970,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"latchco"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1721450,"authorDomain":"erb324"}
Hello Rob, Although this is the first comment I have posted I read your column pretty often. Many times I have wanted to write you and tell you I appreciate ALL of the sacrifices you make daily; but this is the first chance I have had to do it. My boyfriend is also in serving in Iraq and has been for a while now, he is just about half way done with his time there so we still have a ways to go. At any rate, I wanted to take a minute to tell you thank you for sharing a bit of what life is like there. When we talk he does not tell me as much as I would like to know both for my own good and for the good of all of you guys over there. Your articles provide another point of view of how life is over there.
God Bless you and every man and woman serving over there. I can not say thank you enough for serving our country day in and day out. May you return home safely to your family and truly learn from your experiences there and apply that knowledge to your daily life once you get back home.
{"commentId":1721450,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"erb324"}
- 1 vote
#57 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:07 PM EDT{"commentId":1721726,"authorDomain":"lauren22001"}
Hello Rob:
I liked your little article thingie you wrote. It's nice to hear that you have such a positive attitude when you're obviously in a "not so positive" place. Your sacrifice and dedication is greatly appreciated. Lets go on a date when you get home (If your married then forget it!). =)
Be safe and "keep your head down"
{"commentId":1721726,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"lauren22001"}
- 1 vote
#58 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:09 PM EDT{"commentId":1722170,"authorDomain":"idoughiit"}
Sounds a bit like the semi-boring life at camp tien sha Vietnam. We did enjoy our firing range, the navy guys just had fun shooting anything we could get our hands on, m-16s, ak-47s, 45's, 9mm, what ever and shoot at anything we could get out there, beer bottles, wooden boxes, etc..
{"commentId":1722170,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"idoughiit"}
#59 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 5:56 PM EDT{"commentId":1722999,"authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
Hi Rob.
Just checking in, hoping all is going well with you & your people. Maybe you're on your way home. But there are so many who are not, & I hope we can find another good writer to continue writing from there. Also, I hope we can keep hearing from you. Thanks again, you help so many of us with your stories.
{"commentId":1722999,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"OKrahoma"}
- 1 vote
#60 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:19 PM EDT{"commentId":1725742,"authorDomain":"victoriajustesen-95"}
I don't shoot, but my husband is always complaining of this. You know what I don't understand about the Army is why they insist on practicing in the middle of a war zone. It absolutely boggles my mind. Have a safe day. God bless!
{"commentId":1725742,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"victoriajustesen-95"}
#61 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:22 PM EDT{"commentId":1725743,"authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}
As always it was another gr8 story! Glad to know you will be making your way HOME!!! Take care and God bless you for all that you have done and will continue to do for us!
{"commentId":1725743,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}
- 1 vote
#62 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:22 PM EDT{"commentId":1725747,"authorDomain":"wwaff"}
Did the guy with the explosive diaria take his underwear off in the truck or did he just ride with messy pants?
{"commentId":1725747,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"wwaff"}
- 1 vote
#63 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:22 PM EDT{"commentId":1725755,"authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}
Are all forces together or seprate from one another?
{"commentId":1725755,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"lovNmyseal"}
- 1 vote
#64 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:23 PM EDT{"commentId":1728165,"authorDomain":"fishfinder"}
Rob,
Thanks for all your stories. I have one son in Iraq now and his brother will be going over some time this year. Getting any information from my son about what is going on is like pulling teeth. Most of the time the teeth win and I come away with nothing. This doesn't help the already nervous mom and family members. Your stories have made me laugh and give me a little insight about things over there. I can't thank you enough.
Jennifer
{"commentId":1728165,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"fishfinder"}
#65 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:06 AM EDT{"commentId":1751771,"authorDomain":"bigred19242000"}
As an Army wife I really enjoy reading your posts. The switch thing had me in side stitches!! It so sounds like something my husband would do. I also love reading about what you do since my husband has been gone. He is in Iraq and I'm sure I'll hear all about it when he gets home but for now he prefers to talk about how bored he is!! He's in the infantry and I figure that the stories will come once he is in the living room with me. God bless and have a safe journey home!!
Proud Army wife,
Marcie
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- 1 vote
#66 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:43 PM EDT{"commentId":1762270,"authorDomain":"shagpokeorygun"}
Sorry for the comments I made earlier. I was mad at the fact that you folks have to endure (and will endure) what I went through earlier in life. I was spouting off and out of line. I truly wish you and everyone over there a safe return.
Again, I apologize sir. I have 2 boys in the MC, and another in the ARMY. All the boys are serving over there. I try to be patient with them, however, it is their behavior that keeps them alive. I tryed to raise them as tough... survivors: not killers with no feelings.
Accept this. It is as close as I can get to being nice.
I hope you make it home soon and intact. My prayers are with you young man! I will always respec t your thoughts, your service, and your service to our great country!
Bizarre
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#67 - Sat May 3, 2008 5:19 PM EDT{"commentId":1778244,"authorDomain":"tsg1935"}
Rob I just cant say enough to tell you how proud I and all people I know are of you and all our men and women serving our country.I am a korean vet My brother served in world war 11.My father was in the Sea Bees.Many have called this the greatest generation I will say that you and all the men and women serving with you are also equal to that declaration.This is what makes this country great And free.This is why we dont have to fight our enemies in this country.Rob I am 72 a patriot and would be there with you if I could.I pray every night for every one of you to be safe.Our church has all of you on our prayer list every sunday.Be cool be safe and from the bottom of my heart thank you .
{"commentId":1778244,"threadId":"251736","contentId":"1436659","authorDomain":"tsg1935"}
- 1 vote
#68 - Thu May 8, 2008 5:51 AM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"251736","isPrivate":false}
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