Iraq: Colby's Diary
IN TRANSIT TO IRAQ ~ (Note: Navy Seabee Colby Stuck is the 20-year-old grandson of Mike and Ann McCarville. He has just completed training at a Seabee base in California. Security considerations prevent the disclosure of Colby's mission, his location and exact descriptions of his duties. In Colby's group, cellular telephones and cameras are not allowed; laptop computers are allowed, but are checked regularly by security services.)
When I arrived in California for training before being deployed to Iraq, I was scared. Once our training was underway, that changed to just nervousness about what the future holds. Our instructors have been first-rate; we have been given the best training that's available, whether it's on weapons or CBR situations. The training has been interesting and as we've gone through it, our trust in our instructors and each other has grown. The instructors have provided all the help anyone has asked for and we have been motivated to do our best.
Everyone misses home and family; you learn to put home in the back of your mind and concentrate on the task or mission at hand.
I'm excited to be in the position I'm in, to help others and be a part of our forces that work to bring peace.
Security is very tight. We are not allowed to take our c-phones or cameras with us. Laptops are allowed, but only under certain conditions and they are subject to being checked regularly. Even our exact departure times and schedules are "need to know" only. Everything is very top secret. We had a bag shakedown to make sure we had only what we were supposed to have.
I am uncertain as to how much communications I will have, but I will let you know what I can when I can. For another view of what's going on in Iraq, read Captain Kevin Calvey's regular blog by clicking on his name under "Links" on the right side of this page.
When I arrived in California for training before being deployed to Iraq, I was scared. Once our training was underway, that changed to just nervousness about what the future holds. Our instructors have been first-rate; we have been given the best training that's available, whether it's on weapons or CBR situations. The training has been interesting and as we've gone through it, our trust in our instructors and each other has grown. The instructors have provided all the help anyone has asked for and we have been motivated to do our best.
Everyone misses home and family; you learn to put home in the back of your mind and concentrate on the task or mission at hand.
I'm excited to be in the position I'm in, to help others and be a part of our forces that work to bring peace.
Security is very tight. We are not allowed to take our c-phones or cameras with us. Laptops are allowed, but only under certain conditions and they are subject to being checked regularly. Even our exact departure times and schedules are "need to know" only. Everything is very top secret. We had a bag shakedown to make sure we had only what we were supposed to have.
I am uncertain as to how much communications I will have, but I will let you know what I can when I can. For another view of what's going on in Iraq, read Captain Kevin Calvey's regular blog by clicking on his name under "Links" on the right side of this page.
Labels: Iraq: Colby's Diary
posted by Mike McCarville @ 11:28 AM
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