Going outside the wire

I work a lot with the kids that go outside the wire every day. I have to say that it is a privilege to work with them. They are the farthest thing in the world from the uneducated masses that didn’t do well in school and got stuck in Iraq. They are a serious, professional group. Their professionalism is evident in the way they prep their equipment—from loading their weapons to cleaning the mud from the windshields. They are dedicated to their tasks because they know that their lives and their buddies’ lives depend on them doing their job and doing it well.
They are fully aware of the dangers involved; you can see it in their faces. In many trucks, you see rosary beads, crosses hanging and pictures of patron saints. Of course, almost every soldier has his or her own personal good luck charm. Talismans to help them and their buddies come home in one piece.
They know why we are here and they support the mission on both the macro as well as the micro scale. As far as the big picture goes, they almost all support the war effort and they want to see a free and democratic Iraq. At the squad level, they are looking out for their battle buddies. When a truck broke down the other day, the kids that were supposed to go on a mission were truly disappointed. Not because of a longing for getting into the action, but because they knew it was their duty. If they didn’t go, then their buddies would be in greater jeopardy.
The camaraderie, dedication and professionalism is not unlike what I’ve seen inside a fighter squadron. It is a true honor to serve with these great Americans.