Djibouti, Here I am.

Poli · 06-02-2006, 10:05 PM

Unwillingly.

I get there tomorrow afternoon. I hope I can extend my stay AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. The longer I'm in South Carolina the less I'm in Africa.

Of course, I suppose they could just push back my expected date of return as well.

Funny. As I was typing this, I got asked to play in a softball tournament. Yeaah, don't think I can make it.

FBPro · 06-02-2006, 10:21 PM

Good luck

NoMyths · 06-02-2006, 10:45 PM

Well, if you get down Charleston way, AE, the first round's on me.

BYU 14 · 06-02-2006, 11:19 PM

Good luck AE, I took basic at Jackson and my two lingering memories are the big Tree conveniently planted 5 feet outside the exit of the Gas chamber that me and probably 40 others ran smack into in our choking, blind rush to get the hell away from the CS Gas and Fire Ants that were so big I swear they had Facial hair!!

Wolfpack · 06-03-2006, 09:42 AM

Dude, you're in Columbia, which is just like Djibouti, probably, except for the humidity and the USuCk fans. Come to think of it, Djibouti probably is better because of that....

duckman · 06-03-2006, 10:34 AM

Be safe.

jamesUMD · 06-03-2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Good luck AE, I took basic at Jackson and my two lingering memories are the big Tree conveniently planted 5 feet outside the exit of the Gas chamber that me and probably 40 others ran smack into in our choking, blind rush to get the hell away from the CS Gas

Very funny. They did the same thing at Fort Leornardwood where I went to basic.

MizzouRah · 06-03-2006, 03:00 PM

Good luck AE, take care of yourself.

Raven Hawk · 06-03-2006, 10:45 PM

Sorry I couldn't catch up with you while you were back in town. May your stay in Fort Jackson be of the 6 month variety.

Poli · 06-04-2006, 10:35 AM

Looks like it'll be 2 weeks long.

The living conditions here are...interesting.

At least I had a good show by the NCOs last night.

Barkeep49 · 06-04-2006, 11:17 AM

How did 2 weeks relate to how long you had hoped/expected to stay?

Poli · 06-05-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

How did 2 weeks relate to how long you had hoped/expected to stay?

Compared to what I went through today, it's way too long.

I spent 3 hours doing absolutely nothing...not even in a hurry up and wait scenario...as in, it's lunch time for these guys so you'll have to wait here...here being the middle of nowhere and with nothing at all to possibly do (not even make a phone call).

Pretty retarded.

Anyhow, it does look like they have a lot of stuff packed into the days. Today's day was 12 hours long.

I was mildly disappointed in the gear they were required to issue us. As mentioned earlier, I was disappointed with wasted time as well. They issued the gear, then had us organize it per sea bag (3 sea bags in all)...one bag being labeled the "Not Using" Seabag. Sweet.

Cold weather gear...and a whole lot of it.

Hello! I'm going to AFRICA.

Buccaneer · 06-05-2006, 06:46 PM

Wrong statement, AFRICA doesn't necessarily imply it's hot everywhere but it is specifically in Djibouti. Stay cool and safe.

Quote:

Djibouti is one of the hottest places on earth. The average temperature annually is 90° F(32° C), and the extreme July temperatures can reach almost 113° F(45° C)! Don't expect any sudden rain showers to ruin your day either; there are less than 5 inches of rainfall a year there, so plant life has not been able to grab hold. Since 90% of the country is volcanic desert, it can be considered the opposite of a primary rain forest, and if the analogy is correct, Djibouti is a great vacation spot for any indigenous tribes from the Amazon. Anyone else approach with caution.

Poli · 06-05-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

Wrong statement, AFRICA doesn't necessarily imply it's hot everywhere but it is specifically in Djibouti. Stay cool and safe.

Yeah, I should have specified Djibouti.

Easy Mac · 06-05-2006, 07:05 PM

god i hate columbia in the summer. it like 95 and ungodly humid. i worked construction one summer there. it was hell.

st.cronin · 06-05-2006, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Cold weather gear...and a whole lot of it.

Hello! I'm going to AFRICA.

Little do you know, that's just the cover story for OPERATION POLAR BEAR. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Spend the summer in Iceland, climbing the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire world, and cavorting with an endless supply of 6 foot tall Nordic goddesses with names like Inga and Ula.

Groundhog · 06-05-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

Djibouti is one of the hottest places on earth. The average temperature annually is 90° F(32° C), and the extreme July temperatures can reach almost 113° F(45° C)! Don't expect any sudden rain showers to ruin your day either; there are less than 5 inches of rainfall a year there, so plant life has not been able to grab hold. Since 90% of the country is volcanic desert, it can be considered the opposite of a primary rain forest, and if the analogy is correct, Djibouti is a great vacation spot for any indigenous tribes from the Amazon. Anyone else approach with caution.

Cozy.

JonInMiddleGA · 06-05-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

... an endless supply of 6 foot tall Nordic goddesses with names like Inga and Ula.

Or, given the way AE's luck has been running lately, 6 foot wide women named Uma and Oprah.

flere-imsaho · 06-05-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Or, given the way AE's luck has been running lately, 6 foot wide women named Uma and Oprah.

Yeah, I don't really have a lot of hope for AE right now....

Poli · 06-06-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

Yeah, I don't really have a lot of hope for AE right now....

You're not kidding. They're trying to give me the smallpox shot AGAIN tomorrow.

I had the shot 3 years ago while on deployment on the USS Nimitz.

I WILL NOT get it again. Period.

Poli · 06-09-2006, 12:13 PM

I didn't get the smallpox shot.

I qualified on the M16 yesterday.

ice4277 · 06-09-2006, 12:33 PM

I'm unfamiliar with the smallpox vaccine. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to get it again?

SackAttack · 06-09-2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ice4277

I'm unfamiliar with the smallpox vaccine. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to get it again?

Other than the fact that most vaccines are crippled versions of the disease, and getting injected with it means a minute possibility of getting the disease itself, instead of the protection it was supposed to afford?

Why risk that if you're already protected?

wbatl1 · 06-09-2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I didn't get the smallpox shot.

I qualified on the M16 yesterday.

Is Dijbouti considered a combat post?

Poli · 06-09-2006, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbatl1

Is Dijbouti considered a combat post?

I suppose so. I'm a little surprised that they want us to have that much protection.

biological warrior · 06-10-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I didn't get the smallpox shot.

I qualified on the M16 yesterday.

Did you like those pop up targets?

Like playing wak a mole.

Mike D · 06-10-2006, 02:59 PM

I'll be at the range on Tuesday for my requal on the M-16. It's always a lot of fun, but I hate having to clean the rifle afterwards.

ice4277 · 06-10-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Other than the fact that most vaccines are crippled versions of the disease, and getting injected with it means a minute possibility of getting the disease itself, instead of the protection it was supposed to afford?

Why risk that if you're already protected?

Thats kinda what I figured. I just wasn't sure if there was another explanation I was missing out on.

Poli · 06-11-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biological warrior

Did you like those pop up targets?

Like playing wak a mole.

Yeah, I was pissed off at the White dude on the right about 150 meters out. When I got him (after 3 misses) I raised my hand in triumph.

GrantDawg · 06-11-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ice4277

Thats kinda what I figured. I just wasn't sure if there was another explanation I was missing out on.

The small pox vaccine is administered with three needles, which then give you three blisters, which are painful and prone to infection when they burst. I promise, you don't want to do that twice.

Poli · 06-11-2006, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

The small pox vaccine is administered with three needles, which then give you three blisters, which are painful and prone to infection when they burst. I promise, you don't want to do that twice.

Those who have gone over 10 years since their last vaccination have to get 15 needle pricks.

Poli · 06-12-2006, 05:28 AM

Thank you, dental staff at Great Lakes Training Support Center. Because you didn't give me my dental record (though I hardly pushed the issue) and refuse to return phone calls, I will be receiving a full dental exam today.

Rats. I have to miss a 2 mile run, first aid training, CBR defense training, and possibly training on the UCMJ.

And I get to get on the computer right now while everyone else is running.

Thank you!

miami_fan · 06-12-2006, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Thank you, dental staff at Great Lakes Training Support Center. Because you didn't give me my dental record (though I hardly pushed the issue) and refuse to return phone calls, I will be receiving a full dental exam today.

Rats. I have to miss a 2 mile run, first aid training, CBR defense training, and possibly training on the UCMJ.

And I get to get on the computer right now while everyone else is running.

Thank you!

Don't tell me you tried to call the dental clinic on Friday? HAHAHAHAHA Good one. Maybe you will have massive dental issues and will be declared non deployable.

Raiders Army · 06-12-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I suppose so. I'm a little surprised that they want us to have that much protection.

Make sure you pay attention when you get your finance briefing. They should cover (if applicable) family separation pay, the combat zone tax exclusion, hostile fire pay, etc.

FWIW, in the Army it's standard procedure to ensure that you are qualified on your assigned weapon prior to any deployment, to a hostile fire zone or otherwise.

flere-imsaho · 06-13-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

I'll be at the range on Tuesday for my requal on the M-16. It's always a lot of fun, but I hate having to clean the rifle afterwards.

Are you still getting deployed?

Poli · 06-14-2006, 07:22 PM

Leaving Saturday morning around 9 am EST.

Get to Djibouti on Monday around 3pm local/8am EST.

Franklinnoble · 06-14-2006, 07:25 PM

Good luck, Rodney.

duckman · 06-14-2006, 07:29 PM

Take care!

oliegirl · 06-14-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Leaving Saturday morning around 9 am EST.

Get to Djibouti on Monday around 3pm local/8am EST.

Good luck Rodney! We'll all be thinking about you!

Buccaneer · 06-14-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Leaving Saturday morning around 9 am EST.

Get to Djibouti on Monday around 3pm local/8am EST.

It will be like Sunday never existed. Whoa.

Be safe.

JonInMiddleGA · 06-14-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Leaving Saturday morning around 9 am EST.
Get to Djibouti on Monday around 3pm local/8am EST.

Thoughts, prayers, and best wishes on the whole ordeal.
You'll be back before you know it.

Eaglesfan27 · 06-14-2006, 11:02 PM

Stay safe, Rodney.

flere-imsaho · 06-15-2006, 09:18 AM

Good luck!

Raven Hawk · 06-15-2006, 10:36 AM

God speed.

JeeberD · 06-15-2006, 01:01 PM

Stay safe, bud!

SunDevil · 06-15-2006, 01:09 PM

Good Luck

stevew · 06-15-2006, 01:12 PM

Good luck. Sorry you couldnt shake Djibouti.

FrogMan · 06-15-2006, 01:13 PM

Good luck Rodney!

FM

MizzouRah · 06-15-2006, 01:28 PM

Good luck young man... be safe!!

cubboyroy1826 · 06-15-2006, 03:55 PM

Good luck man and stay safe.

06-02-2006, 10:21 PM	#2
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	Good luck __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

06-03-2006, 10:45 PM	#9
Raven Hawk College Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunderdome	Sorry I couldn't catch up with you while you were back in town. May your stay in Fort Jackson be of the 6 month variety. __________________ Owner of The Chicago Gargoyles in Hattrick Owner of The Shreveport Pride in The CFL

06-04-2006, 10:35 AM	#10
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002	Looks like it'll be 2 weeks long. The living conditions here are...interesting. At least I had a good show by the NCOs last night. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum. Last edited by Poli : 06-04-2006 at 10:42 AM.

06-05-2006, 07:05 PM	#15
Easy Mac Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: G-vegas, SC	god i hate columbia in the summer. it like 95 and ungodly humid. i worked construction one summer there. it was hell. __________________ Movies Music Books

06-09-2006, 12:13 PM	#21
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002	I didn't get the smallpox shot. I qualified on the M16 yesterday. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum.

06-02-2006, 10:45 PM	#3
NoMyths Poet in Residence Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Charleston, SC	Well, if you get down Charleston way, AE, the first round's on me.

06-02-2006, 11:19 PM	#4
BYU 14 Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The scorched Desert	Good luck AE, I took basic at Jackson and my two lingering memories are the big Tree conveniently planted 5 feet outside the exit of the Gas chamber that me and probably 40 others ran smack into in our choking, blind rush to get the hell away from the CS Gas and Fire Ants that were so big I swear they had Facial hair!!

06-03-2006, 09:42 AM	#5
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Dude, you're in Columbia, which is just like Djibouti, probably, except for the humidity and the USuCk fans. Come to think of it, Djibouti probably is better because of that....

06-03-2006, 03:00 PM	#8
MizzouRah General Manager Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Good luck AE, take care of yourself.

06-04-2006, 11:17 AM	#11
Barkeep49 Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Not too far away	How did 2 weeks relate to how long you had hoped/expected to stay?

06-09-2006, 12:33 PM	#22
ice4277 Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Berkley, MI: The Hotbed of FOFC!	I'm unfamiliar with the smallpox vaccine. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to get it again?

06-10-2006, 02:59 PM	#27
Mike D "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	I'll be at the range on Tuesday for my requal on the M-16. It's always a lot of fun, but I hate having to clean the rifle afterwards.

06-12-2006, 05:28 AM	#32
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002	Thank you, dental staff at Great Lakes Training Support Center. Because you didn't give me my dental record (though I hardly pushed the issue) and refuse to return phone calls, I will be receiving a full dental exam today. Rats. I have to miss a 2 mile run, first aid training, CBR defense training, and possibly training on the UCMJ. And I get to get on the computer right now while everyone else is running. Thank you! __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum.

06-14-2006, 07:22 PM	#36
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002	Leaving Saturday morning around 9 am EST. Get to Djibouti on Monday around 3pm local/8am EST. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum.

06-14-2006, 07:25 PM	#37
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Good luck, Rodney.

06-14-2006, 11:02 PM	#42
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	Stay safe, Rodney. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

06-15-2006, 09:18 AM	#43
flere-imsaho Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: MS Paint	Good luck!

06-15-2006, 10:36 AM	#44
Raven Hawk College Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunderdome	God speed. __________________ Owner of The Chicago Gargoyles in Hattrick Owner of The Shreveport Pride in The CFL

06-15-2006, 01:01 PM	#45
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Stay safe, bud! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

06-15-2006, 01:09 PM	#46
SunDevil College Prospect Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Tempe, AZ	Good Luck

06-15-2006, 01:12 PM	#47
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Good luck. Sorry you couldnt shake Djibouti.

06-15-2006, 01:13 PM	#48
FrogMan Hattrick Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Pintendre, Qc, Canada	Good luck Rodney! FM __________________ A Black Belt is a White Belt who refused to give up... FMHi11: Frog's back and he's gone mobile!

06-15-2006, 01:28 PM	#49
MizzouRah General Manager Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Good luck young man... be safe!!

06-15-2006, 03:55 PM	#50
cubboyroy1826 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2002	Good luck man and stay safe.

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