Waiting to jump off in Iraq

[Leg]

In the past day or so, all I have been able to think about is the comparrison of how the troops in Kuwait must feel as they await the order to move out. It is a strong reminder of when my unit in Vietnam would get a warning order for a CA. While waiting for the choppers to pick us up, the feeling was terrible. The unknown, butterflies, and a churning stomach. That is how these troops must feel. I sympathize, empathize, and relate.

I'm sure that most of you know what I am talking about and can feel the jitters of the unknown.

[Boats]

I would imagine they are more than ready to get it on. The daily drills and sitting around can be very difficult. Too much time to think.

A good definition of a soldier is a reactionary combatant. Thinking can cause problems. Reaction and surpression must come automatically.

All that training ends and your survival skills kick in. It's only when there's a pause does reality come back and that's when the sweats hit you. Let's hope that they all come through this without any mishaps.

I wish them all well and I know it will be tough (not a cake walk) like many are saying. This will be difficult but they can do it together as a team the can do almost anything.

Take care you guy's we'll all be thinking of you.

[Leg]

Now that it has begun, I made the post because I was re-experiencing that same churning. I don't think you are ever really ready or "good to go" (is that what that phrase means?) in such a situation. I imagine that the jumps and landings in Normandy were filled with trepidation and fear. Being glad to finally get it on, after all of the training and waiting, is just a cover for the real feelings, IMHO.