Sunday, October 10, 2010

Life on the FOB - The Sleep Tent



                                                                    The "Wolf Den"

The members of the Wolfpack sleep in tents, with a wall separating the males from females.  Lights go out at around 2200, and on at 0700.  Even in broad daylight, it is pitch black inside, when the power goes out (not that uncommon of an experience).  The temper tent is heated and air-conditioned.  Each soldier has his own upper and lower bunk.  Most have gathered scrap wood and fashioned some sort of shelving unit and/or desk.  Some go all out!  You would think that HGTV was here!  Drapes are used for privacy.  Internet hookups are available to each soldier, but are quite pricey, so many opt for the free Internet, which is available at the MWR tent.

                                                                       My Hooch

Sleep can be evasive, at first.  Always present is the constant background drone of the many diesel generators.  Helicopters and MRAPs operate 24 hours a day.  It is amazing how quickly you seem to get used to the noise, however.  Funny – just the sound of a cricket would keep me awake at home!

You have to get used to the lack of privacy, as well.  If you want to surf the Internet after lights out, you can, but you always must be conscious of the amount of noise you make and use a dim flashlight to see around.  Just getting up to go to the latrine at night is a chore.  You must be as quiet as possible and use a red light to see your way in the dark.  It is getting cold – pretty soon we’ll have to bundle up when outside.  Needless to say, I try not to drink too much fluid before bedtime!

                                                                          Pogey Bait

As austere as the living arrangements sound, the Wolfpack has made the best of it.  It quickly becomes home, and isn’t unpleasant at all!  They share movies and “pogey bait” with each other (I’ll let you look that one up for yourselves)  We’ve learned to feel quite comfortable in our little hooch!

2 comments:

  1. Love your new "STAN Hilton" complete with a refreshment bar! How clever you guys are! Stay safe!
    God bless the USA and God bless you!

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  2. Dad,

    I can't believe that you would actually limit your fluid intake... usually nothing comes between you and your Diet Coke. But is Diet Coke even an option for you there?

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