For U.S. Combat Soldiers, New Role In Iraq Is Frustrating

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Bigelow, center, watches his soldiers create a ford over a river near the Iraq-Iran border, Iraq, Sept. 22, 2009. Bigelow is the commander, 9th Engineer Battalion, Company C. A bridge over the stream had been washed away by recent rains and the ford allows Military Transition Teams to conduct training with Iraqi border guards. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees

From McClatchy News:

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq -- Before Army 1st Lt. Bianca Philson's first deployment to Iraq earlier this year, she trained as a battle captain, learning how to keep commanders informed of progress during fierce fights against insurgents.

Philson's extensive drills included simulated urban gun battles, intelligence gathering and jamming signals to prevent the detonation of roadside bombs. Now that she's been in Iraq for five months, how much of that training is put into practice?

"None," said Philson, 24, of Huntsville, Ala. "I don't do any of that stuff."

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My Comment: The old saying .... "do not wish what you may get" .... certainly applies to these young soldiers.

Don't worry .... Afghanistan will be beckoning many of them by next year.