Hello All,
I know that it’s been a while since I’ve written and you all deserve an explanation. I didn’t feel like writing for a while. It’s weak, I know, but as I’m about to explain you’ll see that my stress level has gone up a little.
Things are beginning to come together. Almost everybody has their desert uniforms. There are enough Port-O-Crappers, dumpsters (don’t let me get started on that one) and the food is still pretty good. There are some petty things popping up with the Army take-over, but nothing that I can’t stomach for now. Things are going so well, with our luck, it would seem like it’s time for us to leave. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that?
Why, you ask? Well, last week we got a warning order (nope, not one that says get ready to go home). This is the first ‘official’ warning order we’ ve received so far, but I’m not really all that excited (it is amazing how stress and excitement can happen without each other). I guess that I should begin with an explanation of the three different types of orders. Warning orders, Operation Orders (OPORDS) and Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOS) are the three formal orders that the Army uses. Trust me when I say this, they Army screws up a lot of things, but these three orders are squared away (see smart, well thought out and a good idea).
Warning Orders are like a heads-up. They come down before the mission to give advance notice of what’s happening, and are composed of who, what, where, when, why and the time and place of the Operation Order. What I got last week was a warning order, but it didn’t have the time and place of the OPORD…. Strange, that’s one of the key parts of an warning order? (Please note that I cannot convey voice inflection indicating sarcasm in a demeaning manner, but it’s there. A lot of it.)
An Operation Order consists of detailed instructions concerning 5 critical areas of the mission: Situation, Mission, Execution, Command and Signal, and Service and Support. An OPORD is one of the most important things for leadership to master, because it gives the lowest soldier every detail that they need for the mission (I know it’s weird to see actual LOGIC in the Army, but I told you this was squared away). From the Commanders Intent to
how everybody gets fed, you can find it in a good OPORD. If there is a
detail about the mission as it pertains to anyone in my platoon, you will find it in the OPORD. When it comes time for us to execute our new mission, we SHOULD get a GOOD OPORD (Please note more sarcasm).
Fragmentary Orders are corrective instructions. An example of a FRAGO is a change of venue for the mission, or if a truck breaks down and needs to be replaced with another. FRAGOS are designed to be flexible and versatile, and can consist of two word like, “Mission Scrubbed,” or be pages long. Personally, I have learned to hate FRAGOS due to the fact that in training FRAGOS take usually take away time, personnel or equipment. Why? Stress is a great training aid, and the more stress you can incorporate, the more realistic training becomes. Take away my time, my people or my equipment and my stress level goes up dramatically.
But now, on to the warning order. I can’t tell you much about the warning order because it might jeopardize safety ( This is called Operational Security, or OPSEC. OPSEC is vital because we are in the business, and yes this is a Rush Limbaugh quote, of killing people and breaking things. Even though I’m a REMF, I’m still part of the corporation). Ok, so I’m acting paranoid, but as far as I’m concerned bad guys that hate us for trying to liberate them could use this information against us. Will I give you a hint? Sure, here’s your hint. On a compass there are four directions. East, South, West and another one. If this mission goes through, I’ll be traveling in the direction not mentioned. Won’t say where to, for how long or why, but it will keep me here for a bit longer. How much longer, well, Jake will be home from the hospital when I finally get to meet him.
The bad news (nope, a new mission doesn’t really count as bad news) is that there will probably be limited access to an internet connection. So, my rants may have to be sent home via snail mail so Mom and send them on to you all.
The good news is that this has happened before. Normally we only get rumors, and rumors of rumors (can you see why I hate rumors?), but this time our Battalion Commander led a recon (“Hey look, another Camel!”) to our destination to check out the scene. However, now that I think of it, that has happened before also. Our BC when forward to look into us giving showers to troops up North (shit, I guess you don’t have to look at a compass now), and we even got a warning order for it, but nothing ever happened.
So what does all this mean already! I don’t know. It could be real, or it could be bogus. Personally, I would rather not risk the lives of my soldiers, but I AM in the Army, and we all know the risks when we join up. I’m doing this as a warning order to you; my family, friends and internet readers. Try not to worry, because I’m not going to worry. Not until I’ve got my armor on, weapon loaded and truck pointed north. And then, I’m only worried that I’ll be driving in that truck so long I get hemorrhoids. The bad guys won’t have a prayer.
I love you all,
Will
PS – If this is bogus, I’m gonna be really happy and really pissed. Happy that I’ll probably be home soon, pissed that I’m making Mom and Dad worry about nothing. Again.
Hi Will;
I so understand you not wanting to write. Just know in your heart that we here at home have not forgotten you or our troops over there. Your in our prayers and our thoughts. Keep the faith!!! We love you.
debby
Posted by: debby on September 2, 2003 11:06 AMWe're gonna worry about ya anyway Will but we have faith in your ability to kick ass if need be!
Be safe and have faith.
Posted by: LV on September 2, 2003 11:08 AM>If this is bogus, I’m gonna be really happy and really pissed.
Let's hope you will be both of these and on your way home soon. So Mom and all your friends don't have to worry about you guys any longer. Take care!!
Posted by: Chris on September 2, 2003 11:16 AMNo matter what the plan is (or is not) stay safe and know that a lot of people you will never meet are praying for you. Even the least religious person I know said these words. "God, I hope he doesn't get hemorrhoids, that would really suck."
Posted by: Sheri on September 2, 2003 11:23 AMWill,
It's good to hear from you again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the unit. You take care of yourself and watch your back. Stay tough.
Luv,
Beth
Hey Will
Chin up, you know there will be changes 1-1437484 made to this plan, and hopefully one of them will be a good change ( see Mission Scrubbed). Still wishing you, little Jake, Mom & Dad the best, and keeping you all in my thoughts. Stay safe!
P.S. rethinking that commission yet??
Posted by: Jamie K. on September 2, 2003 11:49 AMMay God be with you and your fellow troops... We will pray that this information is yet another rumor... However we know how that generally works out...I will hope for the best and keep you in my thoughts...
God Bless..
Thumper
hey bud....
well, we will worry. Most of all, we will pray. Still keepin the beer cold....
hugs,
penny
Hey Will,
I've been reading your rants for months, enjoying your sense of humor and praying for the quick and safe return of you and all your fellow troops. Also remembering little Jake. I've got two nephews, they are a lot of fun. Hope you get to meet him soon; only once you do, you'll miss him even more.
Anthony
Posted by: Anthony on September 2, 2003 12:15 PMTake care Will - a lot of us who don't personally know you - still know you (see CARES WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND YOUR TROOPS).
Rumor has it - rotation is at hand - at least for some. Watch out where your wheels go and shoot first - ask questions later.
Posted by: Ira on September 2, 2003 01:10 PMDear Will,
That seems to be happening to alot of you over there. My boyfriend (a Marine) was to come home on Sept 18th...intead he got sent back into Iraq. They are now telling them to expect this deployment to last 12 months...gone, again, is the set date for coming home. I am worried and I am scared, but I have faith in him and the men and women around him, I know they will be okay.
As for you...stay strong Will, there is an end, just because you can't see it yet doesnt mean its not there. Each and every soldier on a deployment are in my prayers and thoughts...as are the ones who are here waiting for them. Stay safe!
A Marine Girlfriend
Posted by: Mel on September 2, 2003 01:29 PMAwww Will...
What can I say other than grrrrrrrrr? Boredom, risk, menial labor, the chase....none is better from my perception. Oh wait....one thing IS better....going home to your loved ones! (but don't you DARE leave 'us' high and dry when you get home, mister!)
Godspeed, Hugs, Prayers, and Thougths from Tucson
Posted by: Judi on September 2, 2003 02:40 PMi busted out laughing, picturing you and your crew "giving showers to troops": spraying down a line of naked soldiers tramping thru an ersatz carwash, and you guys singing cheesy 70's disco songs as you sprayed em off! I know i got it all mangled together in my head.
perhaps the verses of 'star trekkin', across the universe' will amuse?
"we come in peace, shoot to kill, shoot to kill, shoot to kill
we come in peace, shoot to kill, shoot to kill
men.."
"It's Life, Jim, but not as we know it,
not as we know it, not as we know it.
It's Life, Jim, but not as we know it,
not as we know it,
captain..."
ok. let's think. you were trained for NBC decon, spraying things down clean. they couldn't find any nbc for you to wash away, so they put you to work spraying down containers.
so.. what else could thay have up north for you to spray now? what needs spray cleaning?
cleaning up the mosque of Imam Ali?
the UN ruins?
the jordan embassy ruins?
stuff at BIAP [notice how much that sound like Bee-atch...]?
the brits run the south, so it can't be the port at Umm Qasr...
so it must be where the US is, in baghdad and najaf and the [ ungrateful] Sunni triangle...
hm..
maybe you're gonna help clean up schools and rebuild community centers, so the kids can have their lives back?
maybe they're gonna retrain you to spray paint-- instead of water! hey! a new job skill!
do you know how to do steam cleaning? maybe they're gonna add that to your skills list!
heh.
maybe the US has decided it's time to clean up the slum of Sadr City. go in and power spray away all the filthy streets and rooms and the people, en masse. one and a half million people, car wash style.
oh hell, there i go again.
let's hope it sticks close to what you already do, and involves spraying water at things.
hm
crowd control? water cannons in front of the Palace to do riot control?...
or maybe they're gonna train you to be exterminators of bugs.
or maybe they want you to come up and water saddam's roses.
whatever it is, be sure to get a note off to us before you go, when you find out what it is. the suspense is unbearable.
Posted by: janet in Venice beach on September 2, 2003 04:30 PMWill:
It is hard to believe how heartbroken one can be for another when the two have never even met (see boo-hoo, wishing you were coming home to your family and friends instead).
I will continue to pray for you, your troops and little Jake. May God protect you all and return you safely to the continental U.S. ASAP!
Posted by: Donna on September 2, 2003 06:01 PMHey Will,
Great to hear from you even if it isn't the word everyone wanted to hear. Know that you and everyone else in your unit are in my thoughts and prayers. Here's hoping that there will be another change for the better. Keep your head up and drive on.
Tbone
Posted by: Tbone on September 2, 2003 06:04 PMWill,
Just Godspeed to you. Take care out there.
ECG
Posted by: A girl from AU on September 2, 2003 06:23 PMWill: "If this is bogus, I’m gonna be really happy and really pissed"
If/When you get OPORDS I will start lining up cars
Szaffie: "Now if it so happens that your ever lovin', scrubbin' unit, get nothing and like it (or worse ) then...I will work a day at a car wash for pestering you."
I feel like I owe you an apology for my inquiry
For all that your unit had endured
you may now have to dig deep and muster
up that adrenaline/eagerness to tackle the task/no duty to great or small - that you all initially had as you left CONUS
It is a street battle now Will - you are truly fightin terrorism - as insidious as it is - and you are right
They may have saved the best for last to kick their ass
We had hoped it would not come to this
Damn I hope it wont
If it does
Y'all get in there and whip that shit into shape ya hear
AND STAY SAFE!!
Leave the car washing to me
SzaffiBluer than Blue if it is true
Will,
I have a son in Central Baghdad as we speak!! I understand how you feel about heading North, probably just like my son felt when we said our final good-byes before he headed across the desert... There are people at home reading your words just like me knowing you are an active link to the war. Since I can't talk to my son very often, you help me see the humor!! But, I have spoken to him about 5 times in over 6 months. So thank you, from another Mom!!
I will share my advice to you I shared with Chris..... keep your head down baby and your gun loaded!! She just became your new girlfriend.....
Godspeed to you and your men!!
North = bad, West (long ways west) = good.
Keep us in the loop dear. Prayers, good thoughts and recap of Husker win heading your way. Will pass on the news to the rest of the "troops" here. We all miss ya.
Stay safe my friend.
Posted by: Shell on September 2, 2003 10:12 PMThere are still 119 ribbons tied in the tree in the front yard, awaiting the units return. Come home safe. We'll add a beer to go along with each ribbon.
Chin up, head down, spirits up. Good luck all.
Thanks for the updates, and for being a great leader to my son and your unit.
SPC Allen's Mom...
Posted by: Katherine on September 3, 2003 12:58 AMDear Will,
We all worry about you, more so when we don't hear from you. Keep your mother up to speed as you can... many people are praying for you and your men.
Maybe they found something in one of those bunkers that require your special washing skills. Maybe they just want you to clean the palace pool (see chrome dome's pictures). I'm sure you'll find plenty of new material to write about.
Keep your humor up, your head down and remember alot of people (dare we say hundreds? millions?) are praying for you.
To Will's mom- keep us posted.
May God keep you safe,
The Williams family
Posted by: williams family on September 3, 2003 01:46 AMWill have read with amusement your rants and raves over the last several monts. I have them all saved. As a grandmother, mother to boys and the wife of a Viet Vet I bless each and everyone of you with my prayers. Your sense of humor provides me with countless hours of talk and thought and lively family discussions. Thankyou for who you are and what you do and goes for everyone else in your platoon, company,brigade and anyone else who has entered into this war. God Bless
Posted by: kieffer family on September 3, 2003 05:52 AMStay safe, but keep the postings coming. We worry about all of the war-bloggers when they don't post, especially after reading the news each day. Many times we anxiously go to make sure each of the soldiers we read makes it through to post again.
I'll keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Virgil on September 3, 2003 08:19 AMWill,
Glad to see your latest posting. Add me to the fan club and know we're all hoping to see the posting that says that you're home. Like Virgil said, we really do worry when we haven't seen any recent postings. I know it's been said a million times but be careful.
Mels
Sounds like you could use a laugh. Here's a 'prayer' a friend sent me...
May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who ruins your day and may their arms be too short to scratch.
Stay safe!
Hi Will,
I think, therefore I worry. You have a great way of explaining what would be confusing, and making it entertaining as well. That's a heckuva feat when it comes to what I call Milspeak. Of course, all of your readers will probably worry some. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers always. Hopefully, the next Warning Orders or Op Orders are orders to come home. I never cease to be amazed at your awesome sense of humor, with all the jerking around you guys are getting. Know that you have many, many (legions) of fans (fanatics) that are pulling for you all the way. You all are not forgotton. Never give up or give in. Hang in there and stay safe.
Posted by: Dawn on September 3, 2003 07:43 PMDamn!
I just caught on to your chronicle, Will, and just caught up on the archives. Now you tell us that we should expect to be deprived of further timely news from the front of the rear. Guess I'll just have to crack a beer and wait patiently for the next installment (grin)
Godspeed, brother.
Posted by: Nate on September 3, 2003 09:04 PMHi Will
I just want to tell you this: you send alot of reality to what is usually a remote news medium...through you - we (the home people, the CONUS Civs, whatever u call us,,, we are brought into contact with the world as we could not have known. We dont touch the military places of living, and you bring the presence of our people (you) to us. You are very special. Im glad that somehow I came across your Tales and Journeys in my life. You are a true reflection of some sense of sobering assessment on life and who we all are. Take care my friend and brother....
yours
American Goddess Down Under
xx
Its nuts to realize how much you can thank about people youve never met, and truly feel for them. you are in my prayers. The Lord of the universe is in control even when we dont understand.
IK1
Phil4:6-7
Psalm 23
Aww.. Will,
You are so much like the little brother I never had and always wanted! I can't help but worry about you.
May the angels keep you safe.
Posted by: TexasGal on September 5, 2003 06:59 PMHello Will,
you speak of orders,put us in difficulty.It is normal receive and give orders all day for you,you speak also of a new mission we wish you good luck.You have used an ugly word "internet reader",we don't consider us so.We have believed for all this time,that you don't think this of all,sin.Because all exchange us opinion and we know that it'll read.We don't read and closed tha page how a journal,there is affection,do you feel affection?You read the mean of the word friendship:affection and esteem reciprocal or feel dimostrate.WhatWhat think of it?Please,you go down your pedestal and you try to find a word of different of "internet reader".It's really ugly.A particular thanks your mom that ever make spokewoman.
This poem is dedicated to day that will live in the mind of the world.
11 September 2001-Flower's souls
Finished is the night
begin a new day
also today is so live september
in this earth immense exspanse
flower's souls
have leaved us
countryside and plains to coltivate.
forever alive is memory
of an image that never will set
my pain
I have hided the heart
inside wall that now there isn't
flower's souls
I imagine you where all
is absorbed of the peace and love of God
writed by Milena and Adriana
with love
Hello Will,
you speak of orders,put us in difficulty.It is normal receive and give orders all day for you,you speak also of a new mission we wish you good luck.You have used an ugly word "internet reader",we don't consider us so.We have believed for all this time,that you don't think this of all,sin.Because all exchange us opinion and we know that it'll read.We don't read and closed tha page how a journal,there is affection,do you feel affection?You read the mean of the word friendship:affection and esteem reciprocal or feel dimostrate.WhatWhat think of it?Please,you go down your pedestal and you try to find a word of different of "internet reader".It's really ugly.A particular thanks your mom that ever make spokewoman.
This poem is dedicated to day that will live in the mind of the world.
11 September 2001-Flower's souls
Finished is the night
begin a new day
also today is so live september
in this earth immense exspanse
flower's souls
have leaved us
countryside and plains to coltivate.
forever alive is memory
of an image that never will set
my pain
I have hided the heart
inside wall that now there isn't
flower's souls
I imagine you where all
is absorbed of the peace and love of God
writed by Milena and Adriana
with love
Hi Will
I just found your "blog". You are a very entertaining writer! I'm so proud of all you guys and gals over there, and I hope you can come home soon. I worry about all of you. I just happen to live between Fort McCoy and La Crosse, so I know what you mean aout the weather. Thank you for what you are doing. Keep safe and know we are behind you.
Judy Paul
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will