053009 Memorial Day, Being a Contractor and A Few Pics

Memorial Day was Monday and for the most part, it was just another day
here. There really is very little distinction between days in Iraq
since everyday is a work day. Some contractors get a day off (it's in
their contract that they work only 6 days out of 7) and some Army and
AF units give their people a day off (usually Sunday). But generally
speaking every day is just like the other.

Also, there are generally 3 'types' of people here on base and there's
a distinct hierarchy as well. At the top is military personnel. They
'own' the base and every now and then one of them reminds you of this.
Next are DAX personnel. DAX are civilian who work directly for the
Army or AF. To see what these type of jobs are like visit
usajobs.com. DAX also currently wear a military uniform over here
but is changing next month. Evidently it irked too many generals to
see civilians in a military uniform with a pony-tail half way down
their back. Frankly it irks me as well to see someone does respect
the uniform enough to keep himself in shape. Some DAX (such as a
GS-15) are 'equal' in privileges to a full colonel. It's not uncommon
for the second in command at a battalion or a brigade to be a civilian
DCO (Deputy Command Officer)(DAX). The last DCO at the command where
I am located was known for delighting in firing contractors. Most of
the firings were truly justified but some were...debatable. The last
group (and the 'lowest') is contractors (of which I am.) About 35% of
contractors are prior military. I'd say the other 65% are a cross
section of US society at large.

The two pics above also give a feeling for life in Iraq. Internet is
available at work but a lot of people get it in their hooch as well.
Private internet is your window on the world outside of the base.
With a high speed connection you can Skype to your delight or download
MP3 files (which is blocked on the Government network) or go to many
'good' web sites to exercise some freedom outside of the 'rules'. It
just depends upon your ISP (who just might be some guy in the trailer
next to you.)

The Yoga pic shows an example of a myriad of activities available to
soldier, airman and civilian here on base. The Army really does a
GREAT job of providing an outlet to some normal life outside of work
12 hours a day. Unfortunately, these activities vary by base so what
is available at JBB (Joint Base Balad) may or may not be available at
Camp Speicher. Generally soldier and civilians alike don't get to
pick one's duty station when headed to Iraq. It really depends upon
the 'needs of the Army'. And of course even if you DO end up at a
camp that you like (as either a soldier or civilian) there is no
guarantee that you'll stay there.

This is just part of what life in Iraq is about.

R/Chris