Coast Guard Camouflage

Having been at Fort Dix for over a week now, I have come across of each of the armed services (Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Air Force) and the Coast Guard (AKA "the Puddle Pirates").  I have also learned about each service's (and the Coast Guard's) various uniforms.  Notably, the Coast Guard's combat uniform is identical to that of the Navy Type III (NCU) and similar to that of the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU or MARPAT) uniforms.  While it is understandable for the Navy and Marine Corps to share a similar looking uniform, I believe that the Coast Guard should create their own separate uniform.  In order to assist them I have located an acceptable pattern -- Coast Guard Camouflage!

This is the scent tree from the government vehicle that my training unit has been using while at NIACT.   I hope that everyone enjoys my humor as it pertains to inter-service rivalries...though I don't consider the Coast Guard a true "armed service."

Best,
Ben

Battle JAG - Phase I

During the mobilization process (NMPS and NIACT) I have received at least a dozen variations of two uniforms:  the Navy Type III uniform (depicted below) and the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or Operational Camouflage Pattern-Afghanistan (OCP) (to be depicted later).  The poses depicted below are dedicated to Darius Veleas, Mike Uhlenkamp and Shannon Bane (as these are replications of college era photo bombs without their victims).

I have received everything that I will need in theatre with the exception of my M4/A1 (tactical rifle) and M9 (sidearm) weapons and my chemical, biological and radiation suit (AKA MOP suit).  There will be photos to follow depicting "Battle JAG-Phase II."  Looking forward getting on the weapons range as this will present the best opportunity for those pictures.  Regards, Ben.

Living Quarters at NIACT

This is what my quarters will be for the next thirty days while at NIACT at Fort Dix, NJ.  I share this room with two other officers (a LT and LTJG) who are also on their way to Afghanistan.  It's a lot like college except that I had only one roommate then.

Let the Adventure Begin

Today is m first day of NIACT (Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training) at Fort Dix, NJ.  As you can see the adventure is beginning in illustrious fashion as snow and sub freezing temperatures are present--even though it's late March!  Thank goodness this California boy was stationed in the Pacific Northwest for three plus years where (albeit sporadically) I experienced snowfall and cold temperatures

Best,
Ben

Almost Half-Way There (Afghanistan)

Tomorrow will be my last day on a naval installation en route Afghanistan.  Last Friday I was released from the Navy Reserve and on Monday I began my in-processing back onto active duty at the Navy Mobilization Processing Site (NMPS).  The biggest piece of bad news I received was that I would not be able to bring the Ka-Bar knife that General Quinlan (USMC Ret.) gave me at my farewell party.  I now have one less weapon with which to defend myself...then again, if it came down to using a knife things are pretty dire.  It looks like I'll have to get in a few extra sessions on the weapons range at my next stop (the second half) in my training pipeline (Fort Dix, NJ) on my way to Afghanistan.

Best,
Ben

Life Without a Car

Sometimes it's the little things that remind you how good one "has it." I sold my car yesterday and purchased a multi-day transit pass to get around San Diego until I travel to Fort Dix for my combat skills training. It was an eye opening experience to travel for 1.5 hours for a destination that was less than ten miles away.

The experience was a firsthand reminder of the challenges some people face everyday just to get to and from work on a daily basis. While I have complained about my 45 minute commute (19 miles), at least I had the option to pull over and/or stop without fear of missing the next trolley or bus and having to wait for the next one.

It's just a reminder of the little things we often forget as we move through life.

Regards,
Ben

D-Day (The After Picture)

Well, it's official...the photograph says it all.

 Apparently this is what happens when you use a razor and clippers.

By the way, have I mentioned that taking self-portraits is both difficult and lame?  If not, I have now done so and will not torment you with any more self-portraits.

Best,
Ben

D - 1 (AKA the Before Picture)

Today was my last day as a civilian before I officially return to active duty.  To celebrate/memorialize this transition I grew my beard as much as I could over the past 20 days.  The picture above is the result of my hard work.  According to Mike Studenka...this was "UNSAT!"  Mike, thanks for the motivation...I'll be sure to return to work with a 30+ day beard for you next year. 

Tomorrow's post will discuss the re-activation process and include the now eagerly anticipated "After" picture.

Best,
Ben

Final Duty Destination #4

Well I just found out that the potential "final destination" for my Individual Augment ("I.A.") to the Army will be Herat, Afghanistan. Words simply cannot describe how excited (insert sarcastic smile here) I am to hear of this news in light of the fact that my destination point has changed at least three times thus far.

For those of you unfamiliar with Afghanistan, here is a link with all of the relevant facts: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herat.

The Forward Operating Base ("FOB") that I will presumably live and work from in Herat is named Camp Stone.  More to follow on this as I learn about Camp Stone. 

Best,
Ben

A Time of Transition

Today was the first day of my leave of absence from my civilian employer, Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP, as I begin the final preparations for my recall to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  As a reserve judge advocate in the United States Navy you never know when your country will call upon you to serve, but you are always ready and willing.  In support of my being ready, Nemweyer & Dillion held a send-off a couple of evenings ago and I received some gifts to ensure a safe and effective deployment to Afghanistan.  You'll note that the gifts have United States Marine Corps ("USMC") emblematics.  This is because of the dominant USMC presence at my law firm.  It is also worth noting that it was retired Brigadier General Francis ("Frank") Quinlan (USMC) who provided me with the following fantastic items (shown below):

• USMC pillow with my name and picture on it...just to make sure that I know which one is mine;
• USMC wine glass and a bottle of Jar Head Red Reserve for the wardroom (though I believe I will leave this stateside to avoid having to place it in the "amnesty box" as I arrive);
• Fitness Magazine (G-rated Cover Shown so as to comply with some recent HR training);
• USMC wheelbook with camouflage cover to ensure I take proper notes on weapons handling during my Expeditionary Combat Readiness Course;
• Stocking Cap for those cold nights in Kabul/Kandahar/Bagram or anywhere else I am sent;
• KA-BAR knife (which will actually be worn as I'm not going to leave anything to chance); and
• USMC aviator's helmet bag which will be used as a briefcase in theatre by me.

In closing, I just want to say thanks to all of the support that I have received thus far from Newmeyer & Dillion, my friends and family as I embark on this all-inclusive paid vacation to Afghanistan.

LCDR Ben Ammerman, JAGC, USN