AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > July > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWeary troops face life-or-death tasks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base Michael, Iraq — It’s not easy to awaken a group of dog-tired soldiers in the middle of the night, especially when most are wearing earplugs and eyeshades.
But Spc. Jonathan Roberts accomplished that feat recently with an angry, guttural yell in the wee hours, followed by shouts of “Bring it on! Bring it on!”
The neat, mannerly soldier from Lawrenceville also was sound asleep and remained that way during the verbal outburst apparently sparked by an especially vivid and violent dream. He’s taken the resulting ribbing in good humor and says he doesn’t remember anything about talking in his sleep.
But it’s understandable that the line between being asleep and awake is blurring to Roberts and fellow members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company. They’ve been on guard duty at this regularly assaulted base virtually around the clock for weeks without a day off.
“We fire warning shots on every shift,” said Roberts, a married father of an 8-year-old daughter. “Everyone who tries to look over the wall or stops their vehicle gets one.”
Roberts, who in civilian life works as a technician for a medical equipment manufacturer, is an Army mechanic who expected to be repairing heavy equipment in Iraq. But his unit was short of guards to stand watch in medieval-looking towers and at dusty gates here so he and dozens of other soldiers were given the open-ended, front-line assignments.
Unlike other military bases far removed from populated areas, Michael is in the town of Mahmudiyah directly on Route Jackson, a major highway leading to Baghdad.
A solid concrete wall is all that separates road traffic from the base, and every car is a potential threat in a country where car bombs have become one of the most deadly and frequently used insurgent weapons.
Roberts and his crew typically arrive for work at midmorning and are at their posts before lunch. They stay at sweltering gates and towers in four-hour shifts, then remain on standby for other missions for eight hours, which often keeps them awake well into the night.
Then they go back on duty at the gates and in the towers before midnight for four more hours before returning to their tents to sleep sometime before dawn.
At midmorning, they go back on duty. It is a mind-numbing, sleep-deprived life that they now lead, working 16 hours a day with eight hours each day to catch some sleep or do personal chores.
It’s been that way for them day after stressful day almost since they arrived here.
“We’re short-handed right now,” Roberts said, “but everyone is short-handed. We’ve worked for so long without a day off that I’m not sure I’d know what to do with myself if I had one.”
Roberts keeps a journal, and this entry from June 22, a few days before his “Bring it on!” wakeup call, is fairly typical.
It starts at midday when an Iraqi man driving a battered minivan comes to an unexpected stop directly in front of Roberts’ gun tower. He points his M16 rifle at the driver and must decide whether to pull the trigger:
“I remember the look of fear in the man’s eyes ? and felt sorry for him. I really felt bad for him and hoped that he wouldn’t see my actions as personal.
“I didn’t want to take this man’s life, but I would have had he become a threat to me or my brothers. Would his last thoughts have been about friends? Family? Allah? I had no anger toward the man. We were simply two men caught up in a situation beyond our control.
“He worked feverishly to get his minivan going again. When the driver of a car behind him blew his horn, the man jumped due to his already frayed nerves. He made a symbol of an “O” with his hands [an obscene gesture] toward the other driver.
“His luck got better when another minivan pushed him [and his vehicle] down the road.
“We both got lucky that day.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Ruth
July 20, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this
There are over 4,000 soldiers with the 48th. It’s beyond my understanding why the soldiers at Michael, Row and Joe are so short staffed. Something is seriously wrong here. Send some of those who have time to fish, run the Peachtree Road Race, and other activities to help relieve these troops. If there’s not room for more troops on these bases then make them bigger. I don’t want to hear how these guys are on the front lines and that’s just the way it has to be. NO, that’s not how it should be or how it has to be. They need relief and they need it now and if the commanding officers can’t remedy this situation someone needs to take a second look at them. The offensive phase of this war has been over far too long for our troops to remain in the danger they are facing. Once again let me thank you Mr Hirschman for exposing the truth. If these soldiers can’t get additional troops to help shoulder the burden, then at least I hope they will be rotated out of Michael, Row and Joe very soon. They were told they would only have to serve there a few months but I think most of them expect to stay there for the entire deployment.
By Jenny
July 20, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this
Thank God for good soldiers like Spc. Roberts. He has been given a job to do, and does it well. Perhaps stories like this one will serve to remind those who want to downplay and insult National Guard soldiers that these are capable men and women who know exactly what they are doing, and show both professionalism and compassion while doing it. When he comes home, he’ll put all that he has seen and done in the back of his mind and go back to his civilian job - something the “regular Army” soldiers don’t have to do. Spc. Roberts, you’re in my prayers.
By Buffy Wiggins
July 20, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this
As a child I heard many “War Stories” from my Dad who was a Military “Lifer” and very proud to be of service to his Country. The word pictures he painted of the destruction caused by buzz bombs in London, and the personal losses he suffered in France, were tempered for “Laymens” ears. Later on my son would also sit and listen to these same “tempered” Stories. My Dad has since passed on. I am now in my 50’s and I’m once again listening to “tempered” War Stories. This time from my SON. My heart goes out to all of the troops, and also their families. Son, try as I may, I don’t think it is possible for me, a “Laymen”, to fully know or understand what War is really like. But I am here for you ALWAYS. Thanks to AJC I have learned just how TEMPERED your War Stories are. Yes, The truth is hard to hear…but even HARDER TO LIVE. I pray that God will lift the weariness and give all of you wisdom in battle. “WAR”. It’s one of those…”You’ld have to BE THERE to get it”…situations. Thank God there’s always been an American Soldier who would say…”SEND ME, I”LL GO”! I’m pround of you 48th Brigade, 4th Alabama, and SSG Cory Martin! HOOAH!
By Bonnie
July 20, 2005 11:48 PM | Link to this
I’m a supporter and campanion of several soldier’s of the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment’s, and I salute you with the upmost highest of graditude.Your unit as a team had to over come alot in the short period of time you been there.Keep up the team work soldier’s and return home safely! we all love and miss you! We pray for the safety of all Soldier’s!
By liz baker
July 21, 2005 12:05 AM | Link to this
I am the wife of one of the BRAVE soldiers that is stationed at Michael.Everday I hear about how hard it is for them to get everything done with them not having very many people there at the base.Some of the men have not had any time off to even breathe good.I know that our men are not there to party and have a good time,but does our government not understand that these soldiers need a little bit of time off so that they do not get burned out.Now I know that each and everyone of the spouses here at home worry about their loved ones,and the fire at FOB MICHAEL did not help any.Now we are having to replace all the things that was lost,and it is not easy to do.I know that some of the things will be replaced,but some of the things can never be replaced. I am very proud of each and every soldier that is there and I pray for them everyday.I am just wanting to get them home as soon as possible so we can get back to our normal lives. SPC.Baker,always remember that we love you and are ready for you to come home. Be safe and keep your 6 down.
By SPC Lauren Schreck
July 21, 2005 12:27 AM | Link to this
I’ve been reading all of Dave’s articles from our internet and phone center over here in FOB St. Michael’s. He does a great job portraying what actually happens here. I’ve also noted everyone’s excitement about getting to read about their loved ones and the conditions in which we live. I’ve started my own blog which I keep as a journal of my experiences here. I’d like to invite anyone following the 108th AR to read along. [http://skullcrush3r.blogspot.com]
Thanks for everyone’s support back home, we love reading all your comments!
By LTC(R) Al Jacobs
July 21, 2005 09:03 AM | Link to this
Ruth’s comments are well directed and caring but the fact is, there are NO more troops. That’s why we have National Guard units that haven’t been called up since WWII in combat in Iraq. Americans must understand that we have a volunteer military and if there are no volunteers, then good soldiers have to work 16 hour days. That IS the way it is. And the worst part is that many of these units are going back for the 2d or 3rd rotation. Our problem is not the absolutely outstanding commanders in these units but the unwillingness of Americans to support their military by volunteering their children instead of letting someone else do the job.
By Connie Cox
July 21, 2005 09:25 AM | Link to this
I am so proud of you!I am also so happy to hear that you are still mannerly and compasssionate. This is war, I know, you guys have a job to do and you are all doing it well, but don’t ever let it change who you are or what you are about.That is all you really have left at the end of the day. I only wish you guys had more time to rest!It’s scary to know that you guys are most of the time running on empty. How safe can that be? I will continue to pray for all of you.Thank you again for all you do! I love you little brother:)
By Frances
July 21, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this
LTC(R) Al Jacobs, I have to respectfully disagree. Our problem is not, “…the unwillingness of Americans to support their military by volunteering their children…” It is be/c of our all volunteer military have given this great nationa the freedoms that we have that we, the parents, can have NO part in volunteering our children to ANY path in which they would not choose. I support my ALL military family but I would not dare “volunteer” my son for anything ever! We, as parents, should support and encourage our children in their decisions and should my son join the military I’ll do just that but I will not raise him to believe that it is his duty as a citizen to join up. That’s border line communistic thinking in my opinion.
By pam cox
July 21, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this
As mother of one of the soldiers at Base St. Michael let me thank and praise again all the soldiers there and elsewhere putting their lives on the line for the belief of freedom and a better world. We support you all and pray for each safe return. and Spc J. Greer your pawpaw is hanging on until you get here won’t be long now even if its just two days he’s waiting for you before he passes. I love you son
By Laurie
July 21, 2005 07:03 PM | Link to this
My son volunteered when he was 18 years old. I suppose it was meant to be considering that both my husband and myself were once in the military. Many people come to me and express fear that their child has been approached by a recruiter. They come to me expecting me to approve of their feelings and I can’t. While I fear for my son and his safety, I strongly support what he is doing, and all of the men and women in the service. They will not find sympathy here.
By Susie Hillman
July 21, 2005 07:59 PM | Link to this
I quess I have to put my 2 bits in on this one. As a mother of a soldier that’s over there with the 48th I also would not volunteer any of my children to go through what they are having to live through. If you check the history of the changes of our youth since the draft was stopped it has gone down hill. There have been more teens in prison and YDC and killed in the streets than ever before. My son’s father, grandfather, Great Uncles on both sides had been in the military even if it was just 4 years, some made it their life. My brother volunteered for Viatnam because he felt it was the right thing to do. To us, we thought it was the right thing to do to give back at least a few years to what others have given for us to have a safe country in which we live in. So yes we did talk about it while the kids were coming up. They played soldiers in the back yard.They watched the movies on TV. They met Chuck Norris. Yes we the parents put the idea in their head, but it was their choice on what they have decided to do. But there wasn’t suppose to be a war involved. You know the drill, one weekend a month, two weeks in the summer. And yes when Eric told me he was going to join I tried to talk him out of it and wanted to kick myself for ever letting him hear us talk about the military. As a mom we want to protect our children no matter how old they are. My 19 year old foster son left one month before Eric did. He’s a Marine in Japan. Since Eric’s been gone his sister has signed with the Air Force. My 15 year old son say’s he can’t wait till he’s old enough to “Do his Duty”. It doesn’t matter how much I say no, It’s how they feel. We can only keep them under our wing for so long. Then we have to let them be who they are. I have cried so much. I have gone to work with my eyes almost swollen shut. I’ve cried at work and there have been co-workers and customers that have cried with me. It very hard knowing your child is in danger everyday.It’s a differant feeling when it’s your husband or wife. I am proud of his willingness to serve and protect us on the homefront, but yes I would rather he be over here in college. We think that if they were home they would be safe, but if it’s their time it’s not going to matter where they are. You can open a paper any day of the week in any city and find someone’s name that has died in a car wreck. All we can do is support them and pray it’s not their time. I love you son and come home soon so I can kick your tail for worrying me. By the way, I don’t cry so much any more.I have gotten a little more use to the idea of where he is. Now it’s just mainly after I hang up the phone. Out of relief. But no I would have never sent him over.
By Ruth
July 21, 2005 10:03 PM | Link to this
LTC(R) Jacobs, You obviously did not understand my point. I was referring to the 4,000 troops that comprise the 48th. It appears that all the troops are not equal. If some of the soldiers at the larger bases have time to fish and visit the bazaars and run a race and those at the FOB’s are working 16-18 hours a day, sometimes going out on two missions a day then sleeping a few hours and getting up and doing it again, well something is wrong with the big picture. I’ve heard all about how the military is overextended. I’m sure that’s true. Bring back the draft and that will solve it all.
By row soldier
July 22, 2005 12:23 AM | Link to this
LTC (R) Jacobs I respect your opinion, but unless you have boots on the ground here at fob roe or joe or michaels an opinion is all it is. I have been to the larger camps like Stryker and I have served at michaels and roe and I can tell you from personal experience there is a stark contrast in every aspect from living conditions to food to missions and “work” hours. This may not be the fault of the absolutely outstanding commanders and the Army maybe shorthanded all over but There is something wrong somewhere when you look at the way the workload has been balanced. We will continue to do the job our country asked us to do for as long as it takes but there is room for improvement and we dang sure deserve it. Not a rant toward you, just some “eyes on” info I thought you would like to know sir. Also, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
By Sgt. Joseph Brown
July 22, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this
LTC(R) Jacobs, I’m a soldier who was recently medivaced out from Iraq due to injuries received from an IED blast. I sincerely hope that I have a speedy recovery so that I may rejoin those I leave behind. You comments I feel are a bit brutal and inaccurate; and trust me sir when I tell you that your mis-placed faith in the “absolutely outstanding commanders” does not help the recruiting effort. I first joined the active Army in 1985. Military then was tough but fair. I spent 5 years on active service, three plus months in Panama during the arrest of Manuel Noriega and gladly returned when called for “Desert Storm”. The difference as I see it now after over 14 years break in service is that the men and women soldiers that serve today are treated more on the order of inmates than heroes.
By Sandy Woodward
July 22, 2005 08:55 PM | Link to this
This article is about my son, Jonathan Roberts. Jonathan served his time in the US Air Force working on the electronics in helicopters. When he was out and moved to Atlanta, he joined the national guard. Working on engines is his passion so he became a mechanic in the Guard. He served a year. When September 11 happened he joined again. You see, Jonathan wants to keep our country and our family free! He does not want any country or terrorist to harm his home (USA) or his family. Jonathan comes from a line of military. His deceased grandfather retired Air Force. His great-uncle died while nearing retirement from Air Force. His uncle retired Air Force. His father served in the Air Force. His cousin retired from the Marines. His step-father was retired Army. His brother-in-law was an Atlanta policeman for 13 years. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! Some people just do not get that concept. Yes, I have always been proud to be an American. I still get “goose-bumps” every time I hear the National Anthum. Yes, my son, Jonathan, was willing to lay down his life for our freedom…even for the freedom of those that are cowardly and go to other countries to run down our great USA… to give us freedom no matter what your beliefs or politics are. I am so proud of you, Jonathan, and of your buddies! Thanks, Troops! You are in my prayers continually. I love you, Jonathan! Love, Mom
By Sgt Franks
July 29, 2005 05:39 AM | Link to this
I am very saddened at the loss of our comrades. It is very frustrating trying to fight an enemy you can’t see. I lift up my prayers for thr families and loved ones at home as well as for their comrades here to have the stength to carry on the mission. On another note, I urge our new ajc team to venture out to F.O.B.’s other than St. Michael. Come see us here in the “Wild West”. I understand how trying it is on every soldier here. Don’t forget about us and our buddies in the other outer reaching F.O.B.’s. Again, I pray every soldier here a swift tour of duty, and a safe trip home to the families and loved ones who are fighting their war of surviving without us.