New Perspective

This last week in the field has put a new perspective on A LOT of things. The three main things we did were the Gas Chamber, MOUT, and Convoy Operations. The Gas Chamber is what it sounds like, we get exposed to CS Nerve Gas. The second is MOUT, Military Operation in Urban Territories. We do a lot of clearing buildings and house to house searches. Then we did Convoy Operations were we simulate convoys that are happening in Iraq and Afghanistan with IED's and the like. 

The reason that this all a 'new perspective' is that as a civilian you hear about everything that goes on in the military and our current situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. But to actually put it to practice, to simulate your convoy being hit by an IED and taking care of casualties, returning fire, getting a medevac. Also being part of a team that clears buildings. Kicking in doors is cool and all, but its pretty scary knowing you are kicking in this door and have no idea about the inside of the house. I have A LOT more respect for our troops now that I have done a FEW things that they have. Even with a four man team, and being locked and loaded with your weapon ready to go, entering that house not knowing what awaits you  is an unpleasant feeling to say the least. CS gas sucks big time. It burns like a horrible sunburn that someone is slapping. Then when you take off your mask and the gas chokes you all you can think of is getting out of the room. We have one more week of the field and then we are done! Time to go to bed, an early morning awaits me!