Same War, Different Living Conditions

Photo: A soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division wakes from his outdoor cot at a camp in Baghdad. Scott Schonauer / S&S

Iraq Living Conditions Highlight Different Ways Army, USAF Operate -- Stars And Stripes

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq — On one side of a sprawling, run-down Iraqi fighter base near Nasiriyah sits a well-guarded compound that a select few U.S. troops can enter.

Inside the thick, sand-filled bastions topped by razor wire are many of the comforts of home: air-conditioned lodging, a base exchange, a gym with aerobic and weight-training equipment, a morale tent with personal computers and DVD players, and a volleyball court.

Soon, the smells of Burger King and Pizza Hut will waft through the air. This is how the Air Force lives here.

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My Comment: Years ago when my father was still alive, I asked him on what did he think about the living/working conditions for the US Army and Marines. His answer was blunt .... they are spoiled, fat, out of shape, and lazy .... and when it came to combat .... useless.

Cough .... cough .... this is coming from a guy who fought for the Soviet Army on the Russian front from 1941 - 1945. Hmmmm ..... I think we can give him a little slack.

Update: I should add that the only group that my dad truly respected in the U.S. military were the Navy SEALS .... especially those who served in Vietnam. He also admired the French Foreign Legion, the SAS, and the German officer corp (his enemy) during the Second World War. He also had a special affinity to the Romans and the Spartans .... but that is another story.