March Madness at Camp Leatherneck

 RSC(SW) Engineers, Mostaches in Full Effect

Mustache March is in full effect for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. The Air Force enlisted guys that work for me started it up. Everyone picks a team to win the tournament. When your team loses, you have to shave your Mo. That's it. No prize for the winner, just the right to keep your Mo the longest. Why would anyone want to do this you ask? Because it makes everyone in the office look ridiculous, it's fun to laugh at people especially those who can't grow one, and whatever we're bored as hell over here so we need entertainment. I picked Ohio State for obvious reasons, so I have a decent chance and keeping mine for awhile. In hindsight, I should have picked my alma mater Old Dominion, who lost to Butler, and then I could have been rid of this horrible stache already. 

First things first. Here is my mailing address for anyone who would like to send some love my way!  Good coffee is like hard currency over here!

LTJG Jeffrey J. Watson

Regional Support Command Southwest (RSC-SW)

Camp Leatherneck (ENG)

FPO AE 09372

Please send Jeff candy for us, we're tired of  MRE scraps!

Afghan kids dig the Mo-stache!

So I've been on the ground in Helmand for about seven weeks trying to get my head wrapped around everything that's going on here. I've been traveling around a lot, and that is a nice change from my experience in Iraq in '08. I can't take being behind my desk for more than a few days, and there is plenty of opportunity to get out and see construction projects here, so I'd say I'm pretty lucky to have this job.

I work out of Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province. It's a sprawling base adjacent to a British air base called FOB Bastion. Leatherneck was created in 2009 as part of the surge of Marines that took over responsibility for securing this area of Afghanistan in 2009. The place is crawling with people, and you have to wait in line just about every you go. There is non-stop construction going on here as the base evolves from an expeditionary camp with mostly tents and dirt roads into a semi-permanent base with hardened structures, asphalt roads, permanent utilities, etc. That is is not to say that the US intends to have a permanent presence here (it's fairly certain that US forces will leave by 2014), but development at the base will continue for some time to come. I have a copy of a National Geographic documentary about Camp Leatherneck and the battle for Helmand. It's about a year old and still fairly accurate. If anyone wants a copy just let me know and I'll send it to you.

As for my job. I am the assistant engineer for Regional Support Command Southwest, or RSC(SW). We are a subordinate command to Nato Training Mission Afghanistan, based in the capital of Kabul. Each major region of Afghanistan has an RSC, and we are responsible for Helmand and Nimruz Provinces. Our mission to to train, equip, and provide facilities to professionalize the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - basically army and police. As each new army and police unit is fielded, they must have facilities to live and work out of. My purpose in life is to design the temporary facilities they will use, prepare the designs for contract award, and oversee construction. Most of the construction is done by local Afghan contractors and the quality of work is nothing close to what you would see in the U.S. or Europe. 95% of Afghans cannot read or write, but if you draw them a picture of what you want, they will do their best to build it just like the picture.

Concept

Reality

Afghan Block Wall - We had to make them rip this out and re-do it



Concrete Masonry



Contractor Materials After a Flood



Afghan Scaffolding - no regard for personal safety

As you can imagine, I've had to lower my expectations a bit for Afghan contractors. The good news is they are willing to learn and if you show them how, they'll do it that way. The quality of work will never meet western standards, but that's not really the objective anyway. As long as the structural integrity of the building is sound, then I think we're doing pretty good. Plus, the workers are learning new skills that will serve them long after we are gone. It's nice to see Afghans willing to work hard to make a better life for themselves. I wish I could say the same for the Afghan soldiers and police.

Bagram Day One

Last night on my way back to my tent a few of my fellow officers decided to check the tent next door to us and were pleasantly surprised to find it unoccupied. We promptly moved out of the overcrowded cell block of a tent that we were assigned to and into the unoccupied, non-feet smelling one. I woke up refreshed nine hours later to a cool breeze and hazy sky with white-capped mountains all around. It was perfect weather for a little exploration around the base.

I took a 25 minute shuttle ride to the main side area of the base to look around. On the way, I saw some minefields with various remains of soviet tanks and equipment. Crazy. I wanted to stop and take pictures, but I had other priorities, namely to locate the supposed TGIF. I asked a crusty looking Army soldier on the bus with me where I could find it, and the contorted look on his face followed by his response said it all.

"What, sir?"

"Never mind," I said in return, realizing then that the rumor was false after all.

So much for loaded potato skins for lunch! Thankfully, the soldier realized I was new in town, and kindly directed me towards a dining facility, the PX, and various shops in the area. I bought a vanilla chai tea at the local Green Bean, and proceeded to do some window shopping. The Afghan bazaar vendors have some amazing items for sale, from Persian rugs to furs to handmade furniture. I have my mind set on bringing home a Persian or Afghan rug, but I think I'll wait a while before jumping into souvenir shopping. I will most assuredly be coming home with a nice "Afghan" afghan.

I was also surprised at the large number of people on this base. Most are U.S. military from all branches of service, but there are also many foreign military and civilians working here. It is very interesting to see the diversity in the personnel not only from a national perspective but from an intellectual one as well. I had a very interesting conversation over dinner with an anthropologist and professor from U.C. Irvine whose mission here is to go out into the villages and collect specific data from the local population. She collects information such as language, religion, tribal/government affiliation, occupation, etc. This data is then used to create a human terrain map for use by coalition forces to better understand the local Afghan populations. This is s very difficult task considering the level of danger she puts her self in, but even more intriguing when you consider the challenge she must have as a woman trying to collect personal information from people in an extremely patriarchal society. She admitted she gleans most of her information from the Afghan women, but gaining access to them is not easy. Very interesting work going on here indeed.

I hope my job will be as interesting! I should find out more on that very soon. It might be a few days before I can get to an internet connection again, but I'll be sure to write some more when I get a chance.

Good night!

Arrival in Afghanistan

I made it safely to Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. It's 2am here, 32 degrees F, and the accommodations are a little rough. But it could always be worse. For the time being I will be living out of an enormous tent with about 300 other people. I sampled the local eats after I got settled. I'll just say that I've had worse and leave it at that. Rumor has it there is a TGIF here somewhere but I will have to wait until tomorrow to verify. This is a large base and probably one of the nicest in the country. It has a large PX, USO, MWR facilities, sidewalks, etc. Its also seems very unorganized and could probably use the services of a few talented CEC officers. Unfortunately my stay here is only temporary as I will be traveling forward in the coming days/weeks to my new home, and if this place is really as good as it gets, then it would be wise for me to dial down the expectations a bit.

Goodnight all!

Back in the Fight

After a three year hiatus, I decided to dust off the old blog and document my new assignment in Afghanistan. I am currently in Kuwait at a place called Camp Virginia, which is basically a launch point for many U.S. service members traveling to and from Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to flying here I attended three weeks of combat training at Camp McCrady, a National Guard base located near Fort Jackson, SC. The experience up to this point has been a long and drawn out deja vu for me, considering I went through the exact same program prior to my Iraq deployment three years ago. This has been annoying and pleasant at the same time. That is, annoyingly repetitive due to the extensive combat training I have received dating way back to October '97 when I joined the Marine Corps, and pleasantly relaxing knowing that I could cruise through it and see my wife and daughters almost every night. Camp Virginia is much different now. The camp itself is like a ghost town as they are preparing to close it sometime in 2012 (so the rumor goes). They keep us here for 5-6 days to adjust to the time change, and I am taking full advantage. Lots of down time, PT whenever I want, decent food, and lots of time to call home and post relentlessly on Facebook. However, Afghanistan is only days away and I fully expect to hit the ground running. Afghanistan is unlike Iraq in every way imaginable, and I am sure this experience will have few similarities with my previous deployment.

Its 0023 (12.23am) local time, and its time to grab a snack at the chow hall. Still adjusting to the new time zone. I miss my girls.

On My Way

I left Iraq yesterday. I will spend a week in Kuwait to transition and I will be home on the 4th of July. Thank you to everyone who supported me over the last six months. Your blog comments and care packages really kept me going and I appreciate it. Please remember the U.S. service members that remain in the fight. They need our support now more than ever.

I miss you all and hope to see you one day soon. Leila's arrival is only weeks away! We are very excited about her arrival. Mom and Dad will be will be coming out west to be with us and we can't wait to see them too! I'll be sure to send lots of pictures!

Take care everyone and thanks again for your support.

Doha, Qatar

Here are some pictures from my trip to Qatar last week.



Camels.



Doha, the Qatari Capital City



Tea and Hookah in the Old Souq marketplace.

I had a great time in Qatar last week. It was very relaxing to kick back for a few days and rest up. I went a a tour of Doha City that included a lot of sightseeing, shopping, and some local food.
I'm back in Baghdad now; only 6 weeks left and I will be home! Love you all....

Diplomacy and Winning the Global War on Terrorism

All,

The following article describes an important effort by the U.S. Government to wage a diplomatic war on global terrorism. According to the CIA World Factbook, Muslims make up 21% of the world's population, and by some estimates, this figure is expected to grow to as much as 30% by 2025. Using terms such as 'Jihadist' and 'Islamofascism' has the pejorative effect of associating all Muslims with terrorism. Ignoring this fact only fosters discontent in the Muslim world, and ultimately assists the recruiting efforts of terrorist networks.

General Petraus has stated there is no military solution to this conflict, and I agree. In order to truly defeat terrorism, we must understand Islam and learn to effectively communicate our intentions to the Muslim world. Although it took six and a half years for the Bush Administration to figure it out, I think this is a step in the right direction.

'Jihadist' booted from government lexicon

By MATTHEW LEE – 2 days ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Don't call them jihadists any more.

And don't call al-Qaida a movement.

The Bush administration has launched a new front in the war on terrorism, this time targeting language.

Federal agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counter Terrorism Center, are telling their people not to describe Islamic extremists as "jihadists" or "mujahedeen," according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. Lingo like "Islamo-fascism" is out, too.

The reason: Such words may actually boost support for radicals among Arab and Muslim audiences by giving them a veneer of religious credibility or by causing offense to moderates.

For example, while Americans may understand "jihad" to mean "holy war," it is in fact a broader Islamic concept of the struggle to do good, says the guidance prepared for diplomats and other officials tasked with explaining the war on terror to the public. Similarly, "mujahedeen," which means those engaged in jihad, must be seen in its broader context.

U.S. officials may be "unintentionally portraying terrorists, who lack moral and religious legitimacy, as brave fighters, legitimate soldiers or spokesmen for ordinary Muslims," says a Homeland Security report. It's entitled "Terminology to Define the Terrorists: Recommendations from American Muslims."

"Regarding 'jihad,' even if it is accurate to reference the term, it may not be strategic because it glamorizes terrorism, imbues terrorists with religious authority they do not have and damages relations with Muslims around the world," the report says.

Language is critical in the war on terror, says another document, an internal "official use only" memorandum circulating through Washington entitled "Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counterterrorism Communication."

The memo, originally prepared in March by the Extremist Messaging Branch at the National Counter Terrorism Center, was approved for diplomatic use this week by the State Department, which plans to distribute a version to all U.S. embassies, officials said.

"It's not what you say but what they hear," the memo says in bold italic lettering, listing 14 points about how to better present the war on terrorism.

"Don't take the bait," it says, urging officials not to react when Osama bin Laden or al-Qaida affiliates speak. "We should offer only minimal, if any, response to their messages. When we respond loudly, we raise their prestige in the Muslim world."

"Don't compromise our credibility" by using words and phrases that may ascribe benign motives to terrorists.

Some other specifics:

_ "Never use the terms 'jihadist' or 'mujahedeen' in conversation to describe the terrorists. ... Calling our enemies 'jihadis' and their movement a global 'jihad' unintentionally legitimizes their actions."

_ "Use the terms 'violent extremist' or 'terrorist.' Both are widely understood terms that define our enemies appropriately and simultaneously deny them any level of legitimacy."

_ On the other hand, avoid ill-defined and offensive terminology: "We are communicating with, not confronting, our audiences. Don't insult or confuse them with pejorative terms such as 'Islamo-fascism,' which are considered offensive by many Muslims."

The memo says the advice is not binding and does not apply to official policy papers but should be used as a guide for conversations with Muslims and media.

At least at the top level, it appears to have made an impact. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who once frequently referred to "jihad" in her public remarks, does not appear to have used the word, except when talking about the name of a specific terrorist group, since last September.

The memo mirrors advice distributed to British and European Union diplomats last year to better explain the war on terrorism to Muslim communities there.

It also draws heavily on the Homeland Security report that examined the way American Muslims reacted to different phrases used by U.S. officials to describe terrorists and recommended ways to improve the message.

Because of religious connotations, that report, released in January and obtained by AP this week, counseled "caution in using terms such as, 'jihadist,' 'Islamic terrorist,' 'Islamist,' and 'holy warrior' as grandiose descriptions."

"We should not concede the terrorists' claim that they are legitimate adherents of Islam," the report said, adding that bin Laden and his adherents fear "irrelevance" more than anything else.

"We must carefully avoid giving bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders the legitimacy they crave, but do not possess, by characterizing them as religious figures, or in terms that may make them seem to be noble in the eyes of some," it said.

Boots on Ground: Day 68 of 179

Hello everyone! Thank you all for the comments! I can't wait to get home to see everyone. Sorry its taken so long to post, the hours at work have not let up and if you've been reading the news you probably understand why. Everything has been fine where I am; I'm nice and cozy here at "Campus" Victory!

There's a hold-em tournament coming up that I hope to play in if I can get away from work. Should be a crazy fun summer. All the free near-beer you can drink, or at least as much as you can carry out of the dining facility. Mmmm. Yeah, I'm having the time of my life. Really, you should come for a visit.
The pool (we call it "Rehab") is officially open and we just got a shipment of 1000 golf balls to hit into the lake. There's a small island with an Australian flag on it and we use that for a chipping green. It used to be an American flag but the Aussie's stole it and put their flag in its place. To get back at them we untied their dingy and let it float across the lake, and they had to go all the way around to get it. Then we put our flag back, but this time we left the Aussie flag next to it. Our flag is slightly higher, of course. We got the last laugh, for now anyway. We also aim for the general's window, but never get close since we all suck at golf. I heard someone hit it the other day, but as of yet there's been no revocation of golfing privileges around the lake! It's fun meeting people from other countries in the coalition, despite the unusual circumstance, and always great to blow off steam and laugh about how ridiculous the entire situation is.

To be continued...

We're Having a Baby Girl!

Just found out this morning...I'm so proud!

The news...

Now that's a war face!

Some of you might have read in the news about a rocket attack on Camp Victory last week. I didn't want to talk about it right away for two reasons. First, I couldn't due to operational security, and second, I didn't want to worry anyone. The Associated Press released news of the attack only two hours after it happened, and my resourceful wife found it almost immediately on her own (go figure...). Also, I see from the comments section that my mom read about it USA Today. So I guess the cat is officially out of the bag!

The bottom line is that I'm obviously ok. Let's just say that it was a close call and hopefully the last time it happens while I'm here. I'll tell the full story down the road sometime. You can read the AP news release by clicking here.

The attack came from rogue elements of Jaysh al Mahdi (JAM) who disobeyed the ceasefire order from Muqtada al-Sadr, a radical Shiite Cleric and leader of JAM. Iran (predominantly Shi'a) is believed to be encouraging these types of attacks and providing weapons and money to those who will disobey the ceasefire. Three days after the attack, al-Sadr extended his army's ceasefire for an additional six months. This action was to his political advantage because it gives him a position of power to leverage the US and Iraqi governments in the future. The US has praised the six month extension - the original ceasefire has contributed significantly to the reduction of violence in Iraq and will likely continue to do so. We'll see what happens, but it should be interesting.

BT - Break Transmission

Ok, ok, I'll get off my soapbox for now. Onto some good news: Friday we will find out if we are having a boy or a girl!! I'll be sure to post the results tomorrow night so stay tuned...

Also, HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY TO MY LOVELY WIFE!!! You're almost thirty, you're almost thirty haha! (hey she did the same to me in November).

Ok, gotta catch some z's. Stay classy San Diego.

I love you all, please keep us in your prayers...

TLA = Three Letter Acronym

The AL Faw Palace


Onboard a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. This website is blocked at my office so I can only post new messages from my trailer. The last two weeks have been pretty uneventful. A new corps staff (XVIII Airborne) has taken over the Multi National Corps Iraq mission, and they will have it for 15 months. That basically means a lot of change to the battle rythm, and a load of new acronyms to memorize. For those of you that don't know, the military uses acronyms for almost everything to minimize message traffic. So far I have a list of about 500 acronyms that are used in Iraq. Fun stuff.

Most of the Army deployments since the last surge have been 15 months. It makes my 6 months (5 to go Whoo-hoo!!!) seem like spring break. The pressure to extend is already coming down, but I've already told them they can go pound sand. I will be home in August for the arrival of my son or daughter!

Well that's all the time I have for now! I love you all and thanks for the comments; they help maintain my sanity!!! haha Take care all...

Battle Rhythm

From Left: Iraqi interpreter, my predecessor, and me

Saddam's Throne (above) in the Al Faw Palace

Greetings from Camp Victory Complex, on the west side of Baghdad. I landed eight days ago, and hit the ground running. Battle rhythm is a term used here to describe the work environment. It consists of working 12-16 hour days, with one half day off per week. Today is my half-day and I will go into work sometime after lunch. This is the first opportunity I have had to add a new post, and I have a lot to talk about.

First things first, here is my mailing address:

ENS Jeffrey J. Watson
MNC-I C7 RECON
APO AE 09342

I have been placed in a staff officer position in the engineering section of Multi-National Corps Iraq. I work near the Al Faw Palace, one of Saddam's luxurious playgrounds. My job has not been fully defined yet, but it is very likely that I will be covering infrastructure security, specifically electricity. I am quickly coming up to speed on the subject.

Most Iraqis only have electricity to their homes for a few hours each day, depending on the stability of a very frail and insecure power network (frequently targeted by extremists). Clean water is in high demand, and trash removal and sewage treatment are major problems. Iraq has the third largest oil reserves in the world, yet its infrastructure is so damaged that it cannot export enough oil to generate the revenue required to rebuild itself. After decades under a ruthless dictator, 12 years of international sanctions, and now an infestation of radical extremists, the Iraqi culture is plagued by an ingrained sense of fear. Al Qaida in Iraq is on the run, after an awakening of concerned local citizens in 2007 in the Anbar Province who stood up to the enemy. With the assistance of Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, the people of Anbar effectively forced Al Qaida out by helping find and eliminate numerous weapons caches, hideouts, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This, in combination with a ceasefire announced by the Shia extremist group Jaysh al Mahdi (JAM), led to a relative calm in violence in the second half of 2007. Prime Minister al-Maliki has stated that 2007 was the year of security for Iraq, and 2008 will be the year of services for the Iraqi people. As we continue to hunt down al Qaida while they scramble to take hold of other regions through the country, resources are shifting from providing security to the people to increasing essential services. Electricity will be at the forefront of this initiative, along with development of the oil and transportation infrastructure.

I have experienced the best and the worst in Iraq in only the first week. I am blessed to have a warm bed to sleep in at night, hot showers, free laundry service, air conditioning, you name it. There are many soldiers and marines on patrol bases here who do not have these amenities. Please let them know you care by sending them a care package here.

I love you all and miss you very much! It's great to be able to hear from everyone through your comments. Take care everyone!

Boots On Ground: Day 2 of 179

Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my first post! It is great to hear from all of you. I have arrived at Camp Virginia in Kuwait and the official clock is now ticking. Its probably way too early to starting counting, but I don't care! The base here is pretty adequate overall. There is a PX (that's a general store for you civilian-types!), a Baskin Robbins, McDonald's, Subway, Pizza Inn, Grean Bean Coffee (Starbucks rip-off), a huge gym, and lots of sand! The food at the mess hall is edible, and that's not saying much. I got Scarlet Johansson's autograph today and took a picture with her. She is doing a USO tour to visit the troops. She's a lot shorter than she looks on screen, and not nearly as pretty as Jessica! haha

I will only be here for a short time before I move on to Iraq. In the meantime, I will be training for the next few days and adjusting to the time difference. It is 11 hours ahead of PST here. The weather is mild this time of year, so I have that going for me. It gets up to about 70 during the day and down around 30 at night. In the summer in can get up to 139 degrees F! That record was set here in Kuwait in 2006, surpassing Death Valley's record in 1914 at 136 degrees F. It gets so hot that your body cannot sweat because it evaporates immediately. Well, I gotta run ... my time limit on the computer is up! God bless everyone!

Final Night On U.S. Soil

My bags are packed: Three seabags packed beyond their capacities with various pieces of protective clothing and equipment which I have been issued for theater. All-in-all, well over 200 lbs consisting of body armor, a gas mask, 9mm pistol, elbow and knee pads, advanced combat helmet, ballistic eyewear, etc. etc. All of which I will carry from place to place on my way to my final destination, a place entitled "Camp Victory" in the heart of Baghdad. With any luck these items will be returned to Uncle Sam in the exact same condition they were in upon receipt: brand new, and without a scratch on them. I pray that I am that fortunate.

I am a trained U.S. Marine, Navy Civil Engineer, and now, upon completing three weeks of Army combat training at Camp McCrady, SC, I am "Army Strong" (whatever that means). All jokes aside, I am proud to say that I am thoroughly impressed with the Army Drill Sergeants that work hard to prepare sailors for ground combat. This is inherently new territory to a vast majority of sailors and something they rarely, if ever, have to take part in.

I find myself in an open squad bay, which are the living quarters of approximately 40 other Navy personnel, on the eve of our departure to the Middle East. The overall feeling among the people here varies. Many are making their last minute phone calls home to their loved ones, some are drinking their last few beers (no alcohol is allowed in theater), some are immersed in a movie or book, and some are already fast asleep. I am not far behind.

Without emphasizing too much on the morbidity of the situation, there were many things left unsaid before I left, and this blog will allow me to express them in a way that is most comfortable for me. Many of the fears that I and my loved ones are feeling should have been discussed, but the topic was left alone for the sake of composure during the goodbyes. If I could say one thing to everyone is that I love you, and remember that I have God on my side. Rest assured that He will bring me home to you.

Try to understand that the work we are doing in Iraq, while controversial, is necessary and will be worth it in the end. The politics behind the conflict are messy, and every life lost is tragic. The removal of Saddam Hussein from power may or may not have been a personal vendetta on the part of the president, but it does not change the fact that the Iraqi people are now trying hard to establish a democratic government that will create a peaceful existence for themselves. It has not been easy for them, but they are trying. Establishing our own independence was not easy either, and we can never forget that. The culture we so enjoy and sometimes take for granted was not created overnight. There is much work to be done in Iraq, and it is imperative that we continue to assist the Iraqi people while they overcome their own differences.

Tomorrow I will awake and find myself en-route to one of the most dangerous places on Earth. This will be my first time into a combat zone, and the feeling is nothing short of surreal. I have said my goodbyes to family and friends, and I will talk to my wife one more time tonight before I lay down to rest. She is much braver than I in this endeavor as she carries our unborn child while I am away. And so I derive my courage and strength to go into this place by remembering the people I love at home. I have been blessed with a loving family and an upbringing that few in this world are lucky enough to experience, in a country where its people are free to choose their own destiny. I find my courage and strength by remembering that this is the reason I do what I do. I go to this place to fight so that they might never, ever have to.