Expert Marksmanship

In February 2007 I had to qualify with my M-16 before I redeployed. We shot at an outdoor range in the snow neat Terre Haute Indiana. We shot 10 rounds each in standing, kneeling, prone, prone supported with gas mask on and kneeling supported. It was so cold my gas mask was fogging up so I could barley see the target. It was a fun day of shooting and getting expert was a bonus.

Shooting a SAW

I had the chance to fire a SAW or Squad Assault Weapon while deployed to Kuwait. I'm the shooter on the left. Much harder to stay on target than I thought. I have to say it was a blast though.

Shooting a .50 cal

This was probably one of the coolest things I got to while deployed. Nothing better than shooting a .50 caliber machine gun from a moving HMMWV or Humvee.

Clothing

Clothing is an important part of any type of survival. Having the proper clothing can keep you warm and dry. I have put together a few outfits that I use frequently. These all work well and can be found fairly readily. The first picture is what I use for hunting and camping in colder climates. Alaska is notorious for being cold and wet so having good quality clothing is a must. This is Cabelas Outfitter Fleece with Windshear. The berber fleece not only keeps you warm, even when wet, it is quiet while stalking game. I purchased the jacket, pants, pullover shirt, gloves, watch cap and neck gaiter all from Cabelas. It works very well for me, from moose and bear hunting to lounging around the campsite.

Next is an example of my every-day wear. I wear this when hiking, shooting or just going to the store. The pants are Blackhawk Tactical Pants and I have various colors. The shirt here is Columbia but I own several different brands. Of course the leg holster only gets used when in rural locations and I wouldn't take my rifle into Walmart either.

This is my rain gear. I have both DCU and Woodland Gor-Tex that I can use. Gor-Tex is great for keeping the water out, but it doesn't breathe very well. Luckily the jackets have zippers under the armpits to aid in this. I also have fleece liners for the jacket and pants for colder weather.

This is what I would wear out hiking in semi cold and rainy weather. The pack is my Camelbak M.U.L.E.

Of course this is what I wore while serving in the Air Force. It's the new ABU or Airman Battle Dress Uniform. I don't really wear it much, but I like having different types of camouflage at my disposal.

Of course I have the old mainstay of camouflage, the BDU or Battle Dress Uniform. What I love about BDU's are their versatility and functionality. They are comfortable and can be found everywhere.

This is me wearing my BOB. I have several different packs to choose from depending on the situation, but I mostly use this setup.

Having good quality clothing for the type of environment you will be in is paramount when it comes to surviving. I have been cold and miserable many times because I didn't have the proper clothing and I can tell you it sucks.

Sandstorm in Kuwait 2006

While deployed to Kuwait in 2006 this storm hit. Looked like a scene right out of the "Mummy" and was a bit erie. Lasted about 30 minutes in all and got sand everywhere.

Helo to Balad

Had the opportunity to ride in a Sikorsky MH-53 "Pave Low" from Kuwait to Iraq. Totally different than flying in a plane for sure.

Fly Away Mission to Iraq

I had the honor to do several "fly away" missions while serving overseas. The mission was to fly from Ali Al Salem Air Base to Balad. We served as security escorts for wounded troops heading home.

Kuwait Deployment 2007-2008

September 2007 I headed back to Ali Al Salem. This time I would stay until May 2008. Only this time I was a Staff Sergeant. I did everything from convoy security to NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the main entry to the Base. I was also the VCNCO (Vehicle Control Non Commissioned Officer) for all the vehicles attached the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. This deployment is also where I met my wife.

Sandstorm

My ride

SrA O'hare, Me and SrA Jattan

Herd of camel off Base

Fuel truck convoy

SrA Radatz (now SrA Simpson) and me

Me in the Desert

I deployed to Kuwait in September 2006 as a Senior Airman. I was 1 on 9 from my Base who volunteered to deploy as Force Protection. We were augmented with Security Forces and our job was to maintain safety and security on Base. Everything from convoy security to babysitting TCN's (Third Country Nationals) who worked on Base. I spent 4 months here, but would return 9 months later and stay for an 8 month roatation.

My group

Convoy Security

Outside the Ranch

Trying to not be bored

Photo Op

Working on the Flight Line

GAC Run in Kuwait 2006

GAC (Gravel, Asphalt, Concrete) Runs were done almost every day. The Base needed supplies from local companies but safety and security was very important. We were sent with the trucks to the various plants to make sure no explosives were hidden on or in the vehicles. We then escorted the trucks with their payload to the Base where they were searched and then granted access.

The Plant

Searching the trucks before they're loaded

Vigilantly watching the loading process

Convoy back to base

Seaching the trucks one last time before they get on Base

Convoy in Iraq

One of many convoys from Kuwait to Iraq

Early Morning

Ready to Roll

Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait

Ali Al Salem AB is situated just 39 miles South of the Iraqi border in Kuwait. The base is actually split into 3 sections. The US Air Force side, the Army LSA (Life Support Area) and in the middel is the Kuwaiti Air Force Base that includes the Flight Line. There are also Korean, Australian and Japanese on the Base. I spent a year of my life at this Base and even though the temperatures reached 130 degrees it wasn't too bad.

Entrance

Bunker near entrance

Tent City where I lived

C-17 Globmaster coming in to land

C-130 at sunset

MOUT Training in Kuwait

I had the opportunity to do MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) training while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2007. The site was at Camp Buehing in Kuwait. We spent the entire day breaching buildings, assaulting positions and shooting each other with plastic bullets.