Three Years Ago in Iraq

Steele Note: This is taken from my blog I maintained while I was in Iraq from 2007 to 2008.

From 'Learning in Wartime'

Two weeks.

That's how much time is left before we board a plane for Kuwait and the eventual trip home. It feels odd that this tour is almost over, although its definitely gone long enough. I just can't help but think that I'm going to miss part of it once I'm gone. Civilian life? I can't even begin to fathom it at this point. Its going to feel weird driving a normal car, wearing civilian clothes, and being in my house again. Hopefully its a smooth transition, other than the marital troubles anyway.

Besides that whole mess I'm feeling pretty good about being back home, although I admit that coming here in 2009 with the 30th Brigade out of North Carolina looks really good to me. For all the bitching we do, I love being an infantryman. I love the feeling that comes with dragging around a heavy ruck and a full combat load. It beats the hell out of sitting in an office or sorting ammo or doing laundry for a living. Sometimes I wonder how people settle for doing that. I'm just glad there are more guys like the ones here, and that I've had the chance to serve beside them. I wouldn't trade my friends here for anything.

Other than the possibility of coming to Iraq in 2009 I really have no idea what to do with the near future besides return to Recruiting, which will only happen after I take my 60 day mega-block of leave. I need the time to unwind and become human again.