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Air conditions today resembled a fog of dust, and my team traveled to a nearby U.S. aid station in order to complete redeployment health assessments. Read more »

Today, I sat with a group of Iraqi Soldiers and had a conversation, while the television played music videos.  I had no idea that within the hours, I would be witness to the disciplary system for Iraqi Soldiers. Read more »

This column is the third and intended final in a series that explains some of the differences between the U.S. and Iraqi Armies.

The source of many of the differences between the U.S. and Iraqi armies derives from the U.S. Army being significantly more established.  The U.S. Army has a great deal of experience instilling personal commitment, mentoring leaders, and training and supplying its Soldiers.  The most deep-rooted difference, though, illustrates cultural differences between the two nations.

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The way that people greet each other can be fascinating.  Sociologists or 'people watchers' at the mall can attest to this.

Even in the States, people spend more time in conveying greeting and catching up the better that they know the person.  In Iraq, greetings can be taken to an extreme in order to express sincerity, especially with the many different ways of asking, "How are you?" Read more »

Today, this the 30th of June, men, women and children across Iraq celebrate National Sovereignty Day.  Iraqis hold this day on the same level that Americans revere July 4th.

The Iraqi people gathered and celebrated with music, dancing and food, as this day has been years in the making.  Every Iraqi has felt the effects of six years of war, whether they have lost a family member to violence or simply grown accustom to hearing gunshots and explosions. Read more »

This column is the second in a series that explains some of the differences between the U.S. and Iraqi Armies.  Breaks occur in order to break up length.

The U.S. and Iraqi armies differ in part because the U.S. Army has been established for so much longer.  The U.S. Army has tried and true methods for training and equipping its Soldiers that the Iraqi Army is attempting to create while simultaneously fighting insurgents.  Personal commitment and leadership are two other differences are deeper than what is visible on the surface. Read more »

Today, we presented our Iraqi Army counterparts with parting gifts.  The team may have a few weeks left in our deployment, but today was Major Brtooott's last day.  The rest of the team will continue to mentor and advise the Iraqis until we hand the task off to the new, incoming team. Read more »

Today, my team roasted a pig promptly followed by a good ol' pig pickin'.

As to not offend Muslims, pork products are generally not shipped to Iraq with the exception of whole pigs.  Each team member contributed $11 towards our 135 lbs supper, and we ate well! Read more »

This column is the first in a series that explains some of the differences between the U.S. and Iraqi Armies.  Breaks occur in order to break up length.

The broad differences between any two armies are how they are equipped, their levels of training, and the demeanor and competency of their Soldiers.  The U.S. and Iraqi Armies differ along these lines in obvious and in less visible ways. Read more »

With an audience of 35,369 in Johannesburg, South Africa and millions watching around the world, the U.S. toppled the heavily favored Spain yesterday.  Spain was previously the world's top-ranked team and was on a 15-game winning streak. Read more »