Be sure to check out the pictures on Flickr.
For the last two weeks we have been in the FOB (Forward Operations Base). During this time we were not allowed to have any electronics on us except for a camera. A whole bunch of connexes are set up in a square to create a perimeter and they have 8 guard towers set up on them to survey the surrounding area. Inside the FOB we have several buildings that all have AC/heat. I have to say that although there is a lack of running water, this is the best field experience I have ever had.
Last week we came out here and stayed two nights to prepare for this week and staying out for four days and three nights. This week however has been encompassed with increased security and missions.
Our first day out here we did 3 missions, with two of them after dark. The first mission was to clear Liberty City with an entire platoon instead of just by squad. This was pretty awesome! Only one time did I lose my squad and that was when we had smoke going off and we ran through it. I caught right up with them after I choked through that. One of the night missions was a recon, but it turned into a break contact mission after we received fire. The third mission started around 2AM and carried us through 6AM. This mission was to locate and sieze a weapons cache. This turned into a dismounted ambush. It was kind of fun, but we were also crawling around in wet grass... So we got a total of two hours rest our first day out at the FOB.
The second day we got more rest. Our mission was to secure the FOB. Three hours on, three hours off gives you about 2 hours of sleep at a time. The second night we started OpFor (Opposing Forces) to counter other platoons missions.
One thing we have done in our room (two squads) is to name ourself pirates. We went as far as to get a pirate flag and eye patches. We have a room commander and each of us have pirate positions. We are possibly the only platoon that is having a good time at the FOB. I think most of us like this better than being at the barracks.
Last night some members went to do OpFor and they took the pirate flag with them. They held Liberty City while another platoon attempted to clear it. They pretty much annhilated the other platoon. When they were done, they turned on a white light and waved the flag atop one of the three story buildings!
Did I mention that Miss America came out here to visit us? She was young and pretty, but she mostly looked lost, as if she was completely unsure of what was going on. She smiled way too much, and it didn't seem like a natural smile either. I haven't seen the Miss America Pageant since I was in high school. Mostly it seems so fake, the whole idea of it. What does Miss America really stand for? If we no longer had a pageant, would anyone notice? We did get her to do the Captain Morgan with us which was cool.