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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 »

Today, my Iraqi counterpart wanted to talk futbol.  After all, the U.S. just pulled off a surprising victory and help to advance to the semifinals round of the Confederations Cup.  "Did you see the game on Sunday?"

Like most Americans, I do not get overly excited about watching soccer, and that fact does not do me any favors in the realm of small talk.  Thinking about it, the U.S. would do well to pay more attention to the sport that is loved worldwide. Read more »

A reader recently wrote to me wondering what a 'jensia' is.  I would like to answer her question thoroughly, comparing identification that we use in the States versus the set of cards that the Iraqis use.

To be honest, the systems for identification in the countries are completely different. Read more »

Yesterday, I posted a blog entry about the mole cricket.  I found my new knowledge of entomology interesting and thought that I would share with readers.  One reader, however, did not find the entry interesting.  Instead, he wrote to me, "Aren't you supposed to be doing real work over there?" Read more »

Yesterday, I posted a picture of a mysterious insect that I had never seen before.  A faithful reader wrote me to inform me that the insects looked like mole crickets.  Sure enough, he was right.  Seeing the images on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_cricket, I had no doubt.

The insect does not really resemble a cricket though.  Sort of resembles a cicada, but longer and with claw-like legs.  Makes me think of what a desert crayfish might look like. Read more »