Think of it as the Wild West/Lawn Update

Every now and then I hear of 'stuff' that happens. While there are 'rules' for the military and civilian personnel here in Iraq, 'stuff' still happens. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time evidently can get you written up or even beat up. And 'outside the wire' (off base) can be even worse. I've asked a few soldiers who go off base what its like and for the most part it too is pretty boring but is punctuated by moments of 'WTF!' At times there is a lot of shooting and when I asked "why" the best answer I got was "because we can" (which is probably the most honest). I've tried to think of the best analogy for this environment and I suppose the wild west comes closest. While there are 'rules' here they aren't always enforced but a bicyclist can still get a speeding ticket! And what is acceptable on one base may not be on another base. So even though growing a lawn in the lawn in the desert may be a waste of water and Government resources (update pic below) it will still happen. Why? Because the Sergeant Major can.