FAQ

I always get these off the wall questions from various people and it leads me to believe that people don't realize what really is going on out here.

Your Questions Answered...

Q: What do you do on weekends?
A: I don’t have weekends, I work 7 days a week 12 hours a day. There isn’t a single person out here who has a weekend off. It’s the sacrifice a lot of these guys make so everyone can sit at home completely oblivious to what’s happening out here.

Q: Do you go in to town at all?
A: No, the last time the soldiers did a foot patrol in town one was killed by a sniper, this isn’t club med or a tourist spot, it’s a war zone.

Q: How’s the food?
A: It’s definitely not as bad as it was in Afghanistan with the Marine Corps. The downside is that most of the people on post could use a few hours on the treadmill.

Q: Is it dangerous?
A: Are you serious? We’re surrounded by less than friendly locals. The country borders some of the least US-friendly countries in the world who have more than enough capability to wipe our base off the face of the earth. I get tired of that question… There’s a reason why the soldiers have to carry around their rifles, and they have monthly tests of the indirect fire alarm system.

Q: Do you get attacked?
A: We get rocketed every once in a while. If you can hear the explosion and feel the impact it means you’re still alive.

Q: Are you scared?
A: Not really. The way I figure it, if I go so does everyone else here and I don’t like the idea of dying alone. Plus those guys have bad aim...

Q: Do you talk to any of the locals?
A: Only the ones who work on base.

Q: Did you learn the language?
A: No, again, you don’t leave base. This isn’t a tourist spot. People need to get that out of their heads.

I also get tired of hearing people complain about their jobs. Everyone has every right to complain but choose wisely who you complain to. I don't care that you're pulling 10 hour days and working weekends... I don't care that you're meeting ran an extra 30 minutes or that someone at work is pissing you off.

I have 12 hour days non-negotiable, no chance for a weekend, sick day or vacation. I live with the people I work with so I have to spend 24 hours a day with them eating, sleeping and working. If I don't get along with them, tough luck...

At least you have the option for weekends, no one is forcing you to work. At least you can go home and get away from the people that irritate you and you get to sleep in your own bed and eat where ever and what ever you want.

I'm very lucky that I get a long with everyone, I enjoy the food and I was built to work extended hours but that doesn't mean I want to hear everyone else complain to me about their jobs. I happen to like mine, despite the work location...