4 Jan

Well we did it...we are 99.7% complete with the logistics part of the construction site. We completed a walk through with the "hand-off" rep and they "accepted" everything with the exception of three small items; all of which should be finished in the next day or two. The last 30+ days in Iraq has taught me a few lessons about the Iraqis and their culture. First, after you walk-in to their office and are greeted with a hug you are always given a drink. Not an alcoholic drink - although it would make the meeting much more enjoyable - but a cup of hot sweet tea called "chi." I dare not decline so as to not offend my host.
Second, the military work schedule is different but similar to the US work schedule. It is different in that in the military you work 20 days and get 10 days off. Not a bad deal right...well before you run to your local Iraqi recruiter there are some things you should know. The 20 days of duty are just that 20 straight days of work for 24 hours. Sure there is some time on Fridays for prayer but for the most part you are at work 6.5 days out of 7. Additionally, there is no "base housing" so your family probably does not live within 20 minutes of your assigned duty station. Therefore, when one is at work you live in a "squad-bay" type hut with fellow soldiers of equal rank for the 20 days you are working. At the end of the 20 days you get paid and head home for 10 days. If you think about it the US is on a similar but different program. For the most part we get 8 days off a month, the weekends, and take/bank 2.5 days of vacation a month. So in reality we get the same days of vacation - not counting our Holidays and Federal days - as the Iraqis; and we get to live with our families on a daily basis. I have found that I/we need to train two guys to accomplish the same task so that when one is on a 10 day vacation the other soldier can complete the assignment. Just one of the many differences I have seen over the last few weeks. More similarities / differences to come in the future. Until then...