not a for or against post on the war in iraq, but since people like to hear first hand accounts, i figured i'd post it. below is an email from a buddy of mine who i used to work with in the cec (civil engineer corps, a community in the navy). he sent it to another good friend i worked with who is now in italy.<br /><br />"The IAs are a bad idea. I'm not saying they can't use talented engineers from the CEC and trust me compared to the other services the CEC has a wealth of knowledge, but the contracts are written in a way that neutralize our project management. Imagine trying to oversee a project that one requires you build a functional building and two requires that you use local Iraqi contractors. The only enforcement you have is future work. The contractors are working for future work so once things go poorly and they know they are not going to receive another project it's difficult to push them to provide quality. So the areas we could be effective are not really in play. One of the strong points I've seen from the CEC is our ability to work with contractors and communicate with customers. The other services have combat engineers it would be like our entire CEC career being spent in the Seabees instead of working with civilian contractors and DOD personnel.<br /><br />I am against them and would not do another. In fact I am probably going to get out after this deployment it's too risky. The leadership here is very poor. I don't know if I copied you on the email about the directiive that required personnel to convoy in up armored vehicles. We go out in soft skinned vehicles all the time on this base. I have been a truck commander, driver, passenger, yet to be gunner, but I will before I leave. You have to do convoys here and the IEDs are becoming more deadly. We had two last night outside our gate. There were two Iraqis KIA today. Things are heating up because of the elections. Many of the convoys are not necessary.<br /><br /> I'm very disappointed in the command structure. It's your life they are playing with, and I trust anyone except Kelley with that. If you come over you will see, but I would do everything possible to avoid that if I were you.<br /><br />Didn't here about the letter, but I would like to read it if you have a copy. I think the USNA has very tight wardroom especially the JOs.<br /><br />I would be nice to hit Italy on the RandR, but Qatar is as far as we can go.<br /><br /> A lot of people have been trying to go to Germany, but they won't let them. I'm sure you are having a good time. Nice women, warm weather, and Italy what more can you ask for?<br /><br />Good to hear from you. When you going back to the states? Is ND going to beat Ohio State?<br /><br />Daniel"<br /><br />edit: should have mentioned that dan is a lieutenant in the navy, about 3 months into a 6 month ia tour in iraq.
