I'm not certain it's the case with all locations but where I am looking at are with the military on military bases/outposts. I feel more comfortable with that since I know the military pretty well. Since you mentioned it, I will watch that as I go through the processing and make that a priority.
I'm sure there are some good people contracting security services there but I don't like the idea of the loose controls and the lack of accountability. I have to wonder about their recruiting methods as well. I suspect money is a huge factor.
Regarding weapons. We don't carry. I do shoot really well but that doesn't do a lot of good without a weapon. To be honest, this bothers me as I trust myself more than anyone else.
Sparky55: Can't argue that. No amount of money is worth your life but somethings may be worth doing for other reasons even with the risk.
Thanks for your comment
Life isn't without risk.
I think if you read the history of these regions, though, you'll realize that, no matter what you do, things WILL NOT change. So what's worth dying in vain?
James Michener's "Caravans" is a good historical fiction of Afghanistan. It doesn't matter who invades, they all eventually leave with their tail between their legs. The warlords rule, and the people suffer. This just is...and, unless we turn the region into radioactive glass, how it will always be.
Not going into Iraq. That can of Babylonian worms I'll leave alone...
RobbieMHertford, Hertfordshire, England UK4,553 posts
Indyfella: Pay me 3 or 4 thousand a week and I'd work beside Dude for a month. Damn, I know I'd regret it.
I was offered £12k a week to do a specific job in Iraq for as long as i wanted but i wouldn't be able to work with Dude without shooting him the first time he mentioned Bushney's.
Mind you the job i would be doing they wouldn't expect me to do anything else really.I wreckon they would have had a sweepstake to see how long it would be before i shot him
I think if you read the history of these regions, though, you'll realize that, no matter what you do, things WILL NOT change. So what's worth dying in vain?
James Michener's "Caravans" is a good historical fiction of Afghanistan. It doesn't matter who invades, they all eventually leave with their tail between their legs. The warlords rule, and the people suffer. This just is...and, unless we turn the region into radioactive glass, how it will always be.
Not going into Iraq. That can of Babylonian worms I'll leave alone...
Yes, Afghanistan has a long history of this, Russia being the latest chapter.
This I hope turns out different and if it doesn't, maybe some good will come from those trying to help the people there. It seems to be getting worse right now with the Taliban increasing their attacks and blowing up bridges, electrical plants, etc... I guess we'll find out. The only thing I know for sure is that if we do nothing there will be no chance of change.
Damn, that (change) comment belongs on an Obama thread.
yeah.. sure.. ..considering my MOS in the US Army was 12B.. that's Combat Engineer.. wanna go toe to toe on "crap in the soil" left over from bombs and "whatnot"?
...why not just keep ignorant statements to yourself instead of inviting someone like me that knows what he's talking about to expose that you're wrong wrong wrong.
yeah.. I wouldn't EAT off an area that had been blasted.. but you're making it sound like they're using nuclear weapons over there.
alabamabebeBanks of the Warrior River, Alabama USA4,404 posts
No way I'd do it, but that's just me, I couldn't be away from my family. But you military guys are used to that. You should really do what you feel is most fulfilling to you.
I believe that if you feel compelled to go there, for whatever reasons, you should...maybe that is where you are meant to be...I would, however, think it over very carefully and make sure you go for the right reasons, if that is your decision Good luck on making your choice!
I think if you read the history of these regions, though, you'll realize that, no matter what you do, things WILL NOT change. So what's worth dying in vain?
James Michener's "Caravans" is a good historical fiction of Afghanistan. It doesn't matter who invades, they all eventually leave with their tail between their legs. The warlords rule, and the people suffer. This just is...and, unless we turn the region into radioactive glass, how it will always be.
Not going into Iraq. That can of Babylonian worms I'll leave alone...
metalartist989: yeah.. sure.. ..considering my MOS in the US Army was 12B.. that's Combat Engineer.. wanna go toe to toe on "crap in the soil" left over from bombs and "whatnot"?
...why not just keep ignorant statements to yourself instead of inviting someone like me that knows what he's talking about to expose that you're wrong wrong wrong.
yeah.. I wouldn't EAT off an area that had been blasted.. but you're making it sound like they're using nuclear weapons over there.
Level 3, but I stayed away from the vehicles.. I didn't like that stuff so I turned it down every time it was offered. I was qualified for the AVLB, but at the time those were used more by the 12Cs...
Besides metalartist and gipsykisses being a match made in heaven..........
I think it is good that you are taking the time to get a few good ideas from other people as well as mulling this over yourself.
If you are only doing this to avoid assimilating yourself into a former life that you don't think will work for you, then in my opinion this would be the wrong reason to go and put your life in danger.
Alright the outcome could be great and you might feel useful and worthwhile, but there are many other ways of doing this without having a death wish.
Afghanistan and Iraq are a lot like Northern Ireland used to be. People in those circumstances often have extreme views and act irrationally, and often the do-gooder is the victim of all that misguided anger.
For anything to be a success in life, you have to be pure in your intentions, and what you undertake must be what you love to do above all else. There can be no escapology in your agenda.....
alabamabebeBanks of the Warrior River, Alabama USA4,404 posts
gingerb: If you are only doing this to avoid assimilating yourself into a former life that you don't think will work for you, then in my opinion this would be the wrong reason to go and put your life in danger.
Alright the outcome could be great and you might feel useful and worthwhile, but there are many other ways of doing this without having a death wish.
Afghanistan and Iraq are a lot like Northern Ireland used to be. People in those circumstances often have extreme views and act irrationally, and often the do-gooder is the victim of all that misguided anger.
For anything to be a success in life, you have to be pure in your intentions, and what you undertake must be what you love to do above all else. There can be no escapology in your agenda.....
Good points Ginger, examining our motivation is always a good idea.
alabamabebe: No way I'd do it, but that's just me, I couldn't be away from my family. But you military guys are used to that. You should really do what you feel is most fulfilling to you.
And be safe whatever.
Thanks.. I still want to get some fishing in first..
Dont_Look_Now: I believe that if you feel compelled to go there, for whatever reasons, you should...maybe that is where you are meant to be...I would, however, think it over very carefully and make sure you go for the right reasons, if that is your decision Good luck on making your choice!
Definately thinking it over and appreciate your input..
gingerb: Besides metalartist and gipsykisses being a match made in heaven..........
I think it is good that you are taking the time to get a few good ideas from other people as well as mulling this over yourself.
If you are only doing this to avoid assimilating yourself into a former life that you don't think will work for you, then in my opinion this would be the wrong reason to go and put your life in danger.
Alright the outcome could be great and you might feel useful and worthwhile, but there are many other ways of doing this without having a death wish.
Afghanistan and Iraq are a lot like Northern Ireland used to be. People in those circumstances often have extreme views and act irrationally, and often the do-gooder is the victim of all that misguided anger.
For anything to be a success in life, you have to be pure in your intentions, and what you undertake must be what you love to do above all else. There can be no escapology in your agenda.....
Thanks.. I know the folks here will think of or suggest things I would not have thought of. I am glad I brought up this question
You're right to a point. I am avoiding going back to my former life but not entirely because I feel I wont fit in (though that is part of it) The thing is, I have really enjoyed most of the work I have done thus far. It can be taxing sometimes but it's the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment that makes me feel alive and that I have some purpose. I am only recently discovering this and trying to make sense of it. Until I do, I will hold off.
It's sad in a way. Three years ago while I was between assignments I went home, found and bought a house, furnished it and was really looking forward to having an easy lifestyle. Now as I am approachnig the time to actually start that, I find it's not something I am ready to do. I guess my son may get to enjoy it a bit longer.
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Phew!