US Soldier Brings Iraqi Translator Home

[Andraste]

http://news.aol.com/article/soldier-joey-coons-fight-to-bring-iraqi/712944



US Soldier Brings Iraqi Translator Home

[Seanmcd82]

What is your take on this.

Please read the rules with regards to posting news articles.

[Andraste]

It is an interesting read.

[Old_Starlight]

It is an interesting read.

That's not a "take on this". What is your personal opinion, or do you have points from the article to discuss?

I personally am glad to see that something is being done for the folk who walk that line between all sides.

It also says a lot about the work that still needs to be done both in Iraq and Afghanistan where translators need to hide their identities and are alienated within their own countries because they aspire to a better life.

[Seanmcd82]

I personally am glad to see that something is being done for the folk who walk that line between all sides.

It also says a lot about the work that still needs to be done both in Iraq and Afghanistan where translators need to hide their identities and are alienated within their own countries because they aspire to a better life.

I agree.

I have very strong personal opinions on this issue, having worked closely with many Iraqis and Afghanies who have put themselves, and their entire families, at significant risk to assist Coalition troops. I know that many people here have also made close, personal friendships with LN's while working in country, and wish they could have done more to help them and their families.

Posting an article as emotional as this is, without any comment, baffles me.

[Andraste]

It is my opinion that this link might be helpful to someone who is/was in the sandbox.

Peace. Out.

[SOTB]

It is my opinion that this link might be helpful to someone who is/was in the sandbox.

Peace. Out.It is my opinion that you neither understand the question that was posed to you, the reason it was posed to you, or the rules regarding posting articles.

Your "Peace, Out" is GAY, too.

As to bringing these people and their families over, IMO -- fuck that. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY fuck that. Yeah, I'm aware that a number of posters on this board disagree, but IMO just because they like the better salaries, cooler eyewear, etc. -- doesn't mean they are great fits for our society....

[Remington Raider]

It reminds me of a book I read many moons ago, "Decent Interval" by, IIRC, Frank Snepp, a spook in Saigon. He wrote about those allies we left to their fate during Operation Frequent Wind.

Dash paid his dues, in spades, good on everyone in this story.

[MacDuff]

Wasn't MakoZero6 working on getting his translator over a while back? I wonder how that turned out.

[Senior D]

Our ODA had 2 interpreters get their visas approved to come to the US during our rotation. I believe that one has actually made the move and the other one is working on some family issue.
When interpreters go on raids, carry guns, live and work with the team they become part of the team and we went out of our way for them just like they did for us. I would like to see more of these guys get visas. Its nice to see the legal immigration process at work.
SD

[TXAggie05]

Hard read.. I have a tea set sitting in my pantry from my husband's translator. They became pretty good friends... the guy was killed later for aiding the soldiers. These guys need to be protected. Not saying I have the answer.

[cardsfan]

It is my opinion that you neither understand the question that was posed to you, the reason it was posed to you, or the rules regarding posting articles.

Your "Peace, Out" is GAY, too....

It is my opinion that SOTB is right.

Some of us who haven't been to Iraq or Afghanistan have worked OCONUS with LNs who were killed only because of their choice of employer.

The article will touch a lot of nerves and generate a lot of thought. Certainly, it describes a program that might have been helpful back in the day...and makes me give a BZ to everyone involved in the effort to make it work for this one man.

The article deserves more from you than you have given it.

Is the "SVA" in your profile supposed to be "SWA", as in "SouthWest Asia"?

[Greenhat]

I'd hoped that the translator in question would turn out to be female... that would be keeping with the traditions of the service.... :biggrin:

[18C4V]

Our ODA had 2 interpreters get their visas approved to come to the US during our rotation. I believe that one has actually made the move and the other one is working on some family issue.
When interpreters go on raids, carry guns, live and work with the team they become part of the team and we went out of our way for them just like they did for us. I would like to see more of these guys get visas. Its nice to see the legal immigration process at work.
SD


My ADC did most of the leg work to get several of our ISOF terps over to the US. One of them actually joined the Army as a 09L. That guy had every CIF T-shirt and team hats known to man. I told him he didn't have a hair on his ass if he didn't start wearing them during AIT. The sad thing was, this guy was in the ISOF for a long time, which meant that if he was an American SF guy, he would have a shit load of BSMs with V's, a few SS, and a couple of PH's, and a CIB.

[iraqgunz]

Andraste,

I am sure that you already know this. I would unfuck myself quickly, lest the blackbird swoops down to remove you.

[Boats]

Andraste, you just shit in the ashtray.

[magician]

Ease off.

Here is the deal. When you post a link to a news article, or when you post a news article in its entirety (which should generally only be done when a subscription is required on the host site), you are also required to post a comment about WHY you are posting the article. There is a sticky addressing this somewhere. In other words, you express an opinion about what you are posting.

SOCNET is not a news aggregator. We are a virtual community. We discuss things.

So, discuss.

[Hot Mess]

There are a couple of terps that work in the 3rd SFG language lab and at the language school that were brought over. The guys that worked with them had nothing but good things to say about them, and were glad they got them to the US.

[DirtyDog0311]

I'd hoped that the translator in question would turn out to be female... that would be keeping with the traditions of the service.... :biggrin:

Those exact thoughts flashed through my brain even before I clicked on the title.

The only thing I want translated is cold hard cash into sexual acts. Is that really so wrong? :biggrin:

[Princeps Belli]

Those exact thoughts flashed through my brain even before I clicked on the title.

The only thing I want translated is cold hard cash into sexual acts. Is that really so wrong?
Reply With Quote Translators are for officers, bro. You want some, go to whore company in cammies. At least you'll get it for free; hell, it may come with gifts.

[MakoZeroSix]

Wasn't MakoZero6 working on getting his translator over a while back? I wonder how that turned out.

It worked out. After me and another guy who worked with him harassed the embassy enough, they finally granted him refugee status. He also had a stack of letters of recommendation from everything for SF guys to company commanders and even a General. The first thing he said to me when he got out of the airport taxi to my house was "Why do you let these Salafist motherfuckers into your country!" in reference to the cab driver. LOL.

The thing that sucks for them is that it takes forever for them to get all their paperwork and social security number so they can get a job. Like 4 months or so. It was a bureaucratic nightmare, involving DHS, Social Security admin, and other entities who were incapable of communicating with each other and needlessly complicated the process. So, if anybody else does this, make sure the terp has enough money saved up to live off of for a while before he can get a job.

I guess I should be on the news or something.

[Princeps Belli]

I don't have an opinion on the issue because I think that situation dictates, but commendations should go to someone who is willing to work hard for another in such an area.

[MakoZeroSix]

I don't have an opinion on the issue because I think that situation dictates, but commendations should go to someone who is willing to work hard for another in such an area.

Listen. As somebody with an English degree, let me just be the first to tell you that what you wrote not only makes no sense, but is also a run on sentence and is worded incorrectly. Kind of like many of your previous posts.

I know you're doing your level best to try to impress people with complicated words and flowery diction. Seriously, all you're doing is annoying everyone.

Impressive sounding words fail to impress when they are used incorrectly or gratuitously.

[billdawg]

Reminds me of a family one of our guys helped bring over after 2003. The father was a newspaper editor, and extremely pro-American, and vocal about it. Well, you guessed it, he was murdered in his house one night, for the things he had written. His family is now safe and sound in the mid west,and enjoying liberty. Too often, we tend to forget, that we have allies, that need us, even after we are gone.

[billdawg]

As to bringing these people and their families over, IMO -- fuck that. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY fuck that. Yeah, I'm aware that a number of posters on this board disagree, but IMO just because they like the better salaries, cooler eyewear, etc. -- doesn't mean they are great fits for our society....

I can see that side of the argument as well, and I certainly don't want it to be easy for any swinging, dick Hadji, to just up and come over here. But, there are some who believe in the same things you and I do, and have put their lives on the line just like you and I. So if getting them out of there will save them, then I say that that is the price you pay. Because if you let them all twist in the wind, you'll never get indigenous help like that in the future, IMO.

[Seanmcd82]

Listen. As somebody with an English degree, let me just be the first to tell you that what you wrote not only makes no sense, but is also a run on sentence and is worded incorrectly. Kind of like many of your previous posts.

I know you're doing your level best to try to impress people with complicated words and flowery diction. Seriously, all you're doing is annoying everyone.

Impressive sounding words fail to impress when they are used incorrectly or gratuitously.

Yes.

[Kiowa5]

I think it is correctly judged on the basis of how well the interpreter performs and the motivation behind his/her actions. Our platoon had two interpreters. One had been on the job for many years. Started during the retaking of Falluja, lost several American friends, was blown up and taken to the hospital etc. He got his visa, came to America, and joined the Army.

Our other interpreter began when we took over after right seat/left seat rides. He worked his ass off, became the "leader" of the company interpreters, and always took care of us with gifts and food and such. When we left our fob he wept and couldn't watch us fly away.

I say that because there are awesome interpreters and there are terrible ones. Not everyone should come over. But the ones like the interpreters I had should have a fair chance IMHO.

[billdawg]

I
I say that because there are awesome interpreters and there are terrible ones. Not everyone should come over. But the ones like the interpreters I had should have a fair chance IMHO.

Exactly.

[Hot Mess]

Is this really much different from the SF guys in Vietnam bringing some of their Yards back?

[Spinner]

It worked out. After me and another guy who worked with him harassed the embassy enough, they finally granted him refugee status. He also had a stack of letters of recommendation from everything for SF guys to company commanders and even a General. The first thing he said to me when he got out of the airport taxi to my house was "Why do you let these Salafist motherfuckers into your country!" in reference to the cab driver. LOL.

The thing that sucks for them is that it takes forever for them to get all their paperwork and social security number so they can get a job. Like 4 months or so. It was a bureaucratic nightmare, involving DHS, Social Security admin, and other entities who were incapable of communicating with each other and needlessly complicated the process. So, if anybody else does this, make sure the terp has enough money saved up to live off of for a while before he can get a job.

I guess I should be on the news or something.

Glad it worked out for him, so far.

Turns out we have one living in my town, Ali. Met him a couple of times, and he's adjusting quite well.

Bitches about everything, just like a good American. :biggrin:

[IrishSoldier]

It is my opinion that you neither understand the question that was posed to you, the reason it was posed to you, or the rules regarding posting articles.

Your "Peace, Out" is GAY, too.

....


SOTB I can still say "Peace" at the end of a conversation without being a Gay so long as I dont say "Peace, Out" correct


Jundy

[Princeps Belli]

I don't have an opinion on the issue because I think that situation dictates, but commendations should go to someone who is willing to work hard for another in such an area.

That's probably true, but I think you might want to check the rules. Annoying is probably alright, but I'll show you how your English major does nothing to impress me.

Your ability to diagnose the problem and offer correctives may impress me. I am ninety percent sure the grammar is correct, even if the sentence makes no sense. Your first part is probably wrong and would lead people. The second part, I'll agree with you on this. I could explain what it means, but that would be even more annoying.

[Seanmcd82]

That's probably true, but I think you might want to check the rules. Annoying is probably alright, but I'll show you how your English major does nothing to impress me.

Your ability to diagnose the problem and offer correctives may impress me. I am ninety percent sure the grammar is correct, even if the sentence makes no sense. Your first part is probably wrong and would lead people. The second part, I'll agree with you on this. I could explain what it means, but that would be even more annoying.

Is English your primary language? That is not a rhetorical question, it is a fair question I would like you to answer.

[Remington Raider]

I am ninety percent sure the grammar is correct, even if the sentence makes no sense.

In a thread about bringing terps to the U.S. would it be correct to comment on the IRONY of this exchange?:tongue::tongue::tongue:

[Princeps Belli]

I left off badly. The post above was a bit hastily constructed. My sentence could easily be a run-on, and I will check, but it would either be comma placement or the objective case of the relative pronoun. I should also clarify that I only meant to say that I respect your acts MakoSixZero, and I don't have any opinion on bringing home translators. I should have made it clear that the issue of bringing home translators may be controversial, and I don't have an opinion, but you deserve credit for your work by bringing home the translator.


Is English your primary language? That is not a rhetorical question, it is a fair question I would like you to answer. Yes. It is, and my problems are many in its use. The biggest issue in my language is the gap in my studies of it. I have also studied a number of other languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. I get things jumbled around more frequently than one could imagine. It will take more years to correct the error; I assure you.

Some people have given good advice, but I am afraid of well-intended individuals, who would not check the rules, or they may mistake common practices for actual authority. Common habits are terrible these days. What is taught in school, by movie dialogues, or popular discourse is garbage. I try to put in the leg work, and you don't know how many times that people have corrected me, and I find out that they are wrong. I would be twice the fool to listen to them. Believe me, I do work on perfecting my language, and I apologize to everyone for superfluities. Sometimes, though, big words make shorter sentences and compact ideas.

[MakoZeroSix]

I left off badly. The post above was a bit hastily constructed. My sentence could easily be a run-on, and I will check, but it would either be comma placement or the objective case of the relative pronoun. I should also clarify that I only meant to say that I respect your acts MakoSixZero, and I don't have any opinion on bringing home translators. I should have made it clear that the issue of bringing home translators may be controversial, and I don't have an opinion, but you deserve credit for your work by bringing home the translator.

Look, I'm not trying to be a dick or anything, but your laborious way of writing is really painful and annoying to read. I was just pointing that out.

If we were having a conversation about this stuff, would you talk like that? I really doubt you would. My advice is just try to write the way you speak.

[IrishSoldier]

It worked out. After me and another guy who worked with him harassed the embassy enough, they finally granted him refugee status.
.

I knew you weren't the cynical bastard you pretend to be...

[Seanmcd82]

I left off badly. The post above was a bit hastily constructed. My sentence could easily be a run-on, and I will check, but it would either be comma placement or the objective case of the relative pronoun. I should also clarify that I only meant to say that I respect your acts MakoSixZero, and I don't have any opinion on bringing home translators. I should have made it clear that the issue of bringing home translators may be controversial, and I don't have an opinion, but you deserve credit for your work by bringing home the translator.


Yes. It is, and my problems are many in its use. The biggest issue in my language is the gap in my studies of it. I have also studied a number of other languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. I get things jumbled around more frequently than one could imagine. It will take more years to correct the error; I assure you.

Some people have given good advice, but I am afraid of well-intended individuals, who would not check the rules, or they may mistake common practices for actual authority. Common habits are terrible these days. What is taught in school, by movie dialogues, or popular discourse is garbage. I try to put in the leg work, and you don't know how many times that people have corrected me, and I find out that they are wrong. I would be twice the fool to listen to them. Believe me, I do work on perfecting my language, and I apologize to everyone for superfluities. Sometimes, though, big words make shorter sentences and compact ideas.


I would appreciate if we keep this thread on topic. This is a relevant issue and there is no reason to hijack it with whatever nonsense you are unsuccesfully peddling.

Please don't post in this thread again unless you have something signficant to offer relating to the topic.

I am serious, thank you very much.

[SOTB]

SOTB I can still say "Peace" at the end of a conversation without being a Gay so long as I dont say "Peace, Out" correct


JundyHAHAHAHAHAHHAA Dude, reference my previous comment -- it wasn't so much the wording, or even the dramatic placing of a period between each -- more the attempt to shift gears from boring wannabe pseudo-intellectual to "heyI'macooldudeandcandohippespeaktoo". IMO, it is ironic how GAY his writing was/is, considering he is such a homophobe.

But to answer your question, yes, "Peace" is cool. IMO, so is "Peace, out." "Peace. Out." is leaning in the direction of the dramatic flair, -- starting to look a bit GAY. Writing like a pompous ass and then trying to look cool -- yeah, that's GAY.

Reference M06 and the translator he brought here, I disagree with doing so, but I can't criticize doing what one thinks is right, especially -- ESPECIALLY -- if that also means sticking it to the system and making something that looks like it can't work happen....

[MakoZeroSix]

I knew you weren't the cynical bastard you pretend to be...

Well, I look at it this way- that guy has killed more members of Al Qaeda than anybody else I know. Plus he risked his life to save SF guys in combat. In my book, that earns him a shot at being an American.

[magician]

Well, I look at it this way- that guy has killed more members of Al Qaeda than anybody else I know. Plus he risked his life to save SF guys in combat. In my book, that earns him a shot at being an American.

I would be proud to know an American like that.

[18Dwife]

well ,I have/had mixed feelings on the whole issue .I know a terp that worked with my husbands ODA for a few yrs . He finally made it to the United States very recently after many yrs of trying . I was really like WTF at first .Then like the post above me ,I was informed of the fact he put his life on the line many times for my husband /team . I intend on helping him anyway I can while he is in this country ..
I have even gone as far to invite him to stay in my home . Which at some point he will be doing .

[MakoZeroSix]

I have even gone as far to invite him to stay in my home . Which at some point he will be doing .

Good for you. Just don't be the one to greet him at the door when he arrives at your home. He'll be all nervous and will just stand on the lawn blinking in amazement until a male shows up.

[18Dwife]

Good for you. Just don't be the one to greet him at the door when he arrives at your home. He'll be all nervous and will just stand on the lawn blinking in amazement until a male shows up.





:tongue: We are actually bringing him to NC with us when we move soon .I have talked to him several times on the phone he is umm very American like .I guess that is from living with the guys for so long ;)
I can't wait to meet him .

[Guy]

Maybe I'm mean and getting older...

Come to America however, you ain't living with me! I barely like hanging with the guys here as it is.:smile:

Stay safe.

[Ole crusty bastard]

MakoZeroSix, is your guy the exception? Back in my day, we didn't trust any translations(ors), unless one of ours knew enough of the language to verify and even then we would start probing many feet before whoever said if was clear. I realize that your guys are at times 24/7 verses occasionally used.

Thanks for standing up.

[MakoZeroSix]

MakoZeroSix, is your guy the exception? Back in my day, we didn't trust any translations(ors), unless one of ours knew enough of the language to verify and even then we would start probing many feet before whoever said if was clear. I realize that your guys are at times 24/7 verses occasionally used.


Well, I'll fill everyone in about this guy, and the other terp we had who is just as awesome.

They didn't start out as my translators. They did...other stuff for me. I got them hired as SF terps as sort of a package deal. Initially, nobody trusted them except me, as I had spent the most time with them. Soon, after having been in many hairy situations with them, it became pretty obvious that they were GTG. They are like brothers to me and everyone else on my ODA.

The team that replaced us didn't trust them at all, and treated them like crap for a while. Then one day when AQI attacked the police HQ across from PB Olson in Samarra, killing shitloads of cops and the police chief, the ODA they were with wasn't allowed to counterattack of course. So this guy and the other terp proceed to grab a couple of AKs and run down the street, flanking the guys firing 14.7mm AA guns from the back of pickup trucks at the police station and whacked them. Then later on an air assault mission the other ODA got chewed up pretty bad on infil and they helped drag the wounded guys back to the birds while under fire. Both of them would sometimes beat us to the objective and kick the door themselves. They were as much combatants as they were interpreters.

Are they exceptional when it comes to most terps? Absolutely. Many local hires are lazy, cowardly or drunks. They can also work for the other side. But these two went above and beyond at all times. Not least because they had served as MOI commandos under Saddam's army before switching to our side.

So, I think they deserve to be rewarded after a track record like that. The other guy was about to get his visa punched but then the dumb ass went and married his second wife, which complicates things, so I don't know when he's coming. But at least we got one of them in.

[Senior D]

I think we are talking about the same terps as my ODA left PB Olson less than a year ago.....

[MakoZeroSix]

I think we are talking about the same terps as my ODA left PB Olson less than a year ago.....

That's gotta be them. Tiger made it. We're trying to get him steady work. Let me know if you hear of anything he could do.

[grappler]

Well, I look at it this way- that guy has killed more members of Al Qaeda than anybody else I know. Plus he risked his life to save SF guys in combat. In my book, that earns him a shot at being an American.

Very cool!

[Massgrunt]

I would be proud to know an American like that.

That's a big plus one for me. Sounds like this dude has already done more for America than most citizens ever will.

[Greenhat]

Well, I look at it this way- that guy has killed more members of Al Qaeda than anybody else I know. Plus he risked his life to save SF guys in combat. In my book, that earns him a shot at being an American.

Sounds right to me. We are a nation of immigrants... this guy earned the right to get a shot.

[KidA]

I I have also studied a number of other languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek.

I studied Greek and Latin in school and I don't write no shit like youse, absit invidia.

[RGR.Montcalm]

That's probably true, but I think you might want to check the rules. Annoying is probably alright, but I'll show you how your English major does nothing to impress me.

Your ability to diagnose the problem and offer corrections may impress me. I am ninety percent sure the grammar is correct, even if the sentence makes no sense. Your first part is probably wrong, and would lead people (to what? water, conclusions that you're a blowhard??). The second part, I'll agree with you on this. I could explain what it means, but that would be even more annoying.

There, fixed it for you.

Are you ADHD? Seriously.

Mako was trying to tell you that you should attempt stick with simple every day English (American dialect). Flowery prose and attempts to obfuscate with multisyllable words do nothing to impress the rank and file on this board.

[Massgrunt]

I left off badly. The post above was a bit hastily constructed. My sentence could easily be a run-on, and I will check, but it would either be comma placement or the objective case of the relative pronoun. I should also clarify that I only meant to say that I respect your acts MakoSixZero, and I don't have any opinion on bringing home translators. I should have made it clear that the issue of bringing home translators may be controversial, and I don't have an opinion, but you deserve credit for your work by bringing home the translator.


Yes. It is, and my problems are many in its use. The biggest issue in my language is the gap in my studies of it. I have also studied a number of other languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. I get things jumbled around more frequently than one could imagine. It will take more years to correct the error; I assure you.

Some people have given good advice, but I am afraid of well-intended individuals, who would not check the rules, or they may mistake common practices for actual authority. Common habits are terrible these days. What is taught in school, by movie dialogues, or popular discourse is garbage. I try to put in the leg work, and you don't know how many times that people have corrected me, and I find out that they are wrong. I would be twice the fool to listen to them. Believe me, I do work on perfecting my language, and I apologize to everyone for superfluities. Sometimes, though, big words make shorter sentences and compact ideas.
Jesus Christ dude, quit trying to impress people with your botched fancy talk. You are embarrassing yourself.

[RAT]

Having run a number of Iraqi's....Maybe the most in Country...

They are all looking for handouts. They are smart people. If they would have stood up to the Regiem in the 1st place or contatcted a field agent we would not be in this place we are now. IMHO...

Funny how they all jump on the BIG USA Band Waggon when we are there.

(Sorry I did not use some big words... I just try to spell RIGHT!!! (Learn'n how to speak now since I am in Tenn... LOL)

And for SOTB

PEACE. OUT!!! ahahahahahaha

[Spinner]

Truth is, if I was an average Iraqi, I'd probably want to jump ship and head to the US too.

I can usually find a segment from Seinfeld to illustrate a point. And no offense to India here, I'd like to visit there someday. Besides, the actors spouting the dialogue are Indians. ;)

Some funny shit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUMtHcUMWo

[kfinkelstein]

this is out of my lane but IMO this is a country of immigrants and if a man is vetted and deserving, while the hell not? on the other hand, if all the noble-minded freedom-fighting hard-charging motherfuckers come to this country, then who will be left to run that one when its time for us to leave?

[Ace]

I think the fact that an SOF brother is vouching for the guy tells me all I need to know.

Rat,
I understand what you mean but even they have a 10% rule, lol.

[RAT]

I think the fact that an SOF brother is vouching for the guy tells me all I need to know.

Rat,
I understand what you mean but even they have a 10% rule, lol.

True my 10% moved to Greece, France, and GB. Most of them had studied in those countries and where not big USA Fans...

If we had a better way of vetting them I would feel a whole lot better.

RO!!!

[Psi Brr]

If we had a better way of vetting them I would feel a whole lot better.

Agreed. As Ace said, "the fact that an SOF brother is vouching for the guy tells me all I need to know" (though I personally was not SF). I'd have a tough time saying, "No" to a someone who fought side-by-side with me beyond their role as a terp, especially under the conditions and situations laid out by M06. I hope this man has the opportunity to make the most of his life in this, his new country.

[MakoZeroSix]

True my 10% moved to Greece, France, and GB. Most of them had studied in those countries and where not big USA Fans...

If we had a better way of vetting them I would feel a whole lot better.

RO!!!

They actually spent months vetting the shit out of this guy, even with his stack of letters of recommendation. Part of what held him up is they got him confused with a guy who had been in Bucca and it took forever to get that straightened out.

[Andraste]

That's gotta be them. Tiger made it. We're trying to get him steady work. Let me know if you hear of anything he could do.

After all the effort it took you (and others) to get these guys out of there, I would think that the US could find a way to continue to use their knowledge.

These guys don't need to be washing dishes or flipping burgers. As in the article, they should be encouraged to join our military. Or better yet, be utilitzed in some intel type position that can take advantage of their knowledge of the languages and cultures of the Middle East. They are assets that we should continue to utilitze, IMO.

[RAT]

They actually spent months vetting the shit out of this guy, even with his stack of letters of recommendation. Part of what held him up is they got him confused with a guy who had been in Bucca and it took forever to get that straightened out.

No I understand where you are coiming from. Trust me I understand the paper work. It is a bitch. Try moving 30 at a time to bring back for training pourposes.

I just remember that one of the best fighting terps with the US SOF after he got his papers and moved to the US ened up being a really bad dude. He said he was on the friendly side. He was vetted by the local. Only problem was the local pop had damn near killed everyone in the village and moved their people in.

That was one of the problems I was having in 07 finding out who was legit and who was not.

I am not saying there are not some awesome people there (SOTB will disagree), I just think we need more controls and use caution.

Glad it worked out for your guy and hope he is doing well.
Are you going tp write a. Ook on this? You know sort of like the "The killing fields" we are suckers for a good story.

;)

RO!!!

[MakoZeroSix]

Actually, I am writing a book. I've got about 60 pages written about Afghanistan in '03, lots of journal entries from Iraq also. I'm waiting for my final tour in A-stan next year before I finish it. That is if I don't come back in a rubber sack. I think it will be more like "Catch 22" than "The Killing Fields", however, with the amount of retardation I have been witness to. ;)

[Blackjack78]

That's gotta be them. Tiger made it. We're trying to get him steady work. Let me know if you hear of anything he could do.

C,

I'm still trying to get something for him. I made the link-up and then got sidetracked by some things out of my control. Then we had the latest threat and the time went by. I always have my ear to the ground and I do have to make a call to check on something else.

[MakoZeroSix]

C,

I'm still trying to get something for him. I made the link-up and then got sidetracked by some things out of my control. Then we had the latest threat and the time went by. I always have my ear to the ground and I do have to make a call to check on something else.

I really appreciate your efforts. I called him the other day and he says he's doing great, and then at the end of the conversation says "Now, I face nothing but blackness ahead of me", which I chalk up to typical Arab hyperbole, but he still needs a steady job.

[Blackjack78]

I'll take him out for steak and beer. I have something in mind but with the NY plot the whole thing kind of got pushed aside. The economy isn't helping either.

[Kiowa5]

I think it will be more like "Catch 22" than "The Killing Fields", however, with the amount of retardation I have been witness to. ;)

Then please count me in on the first edition!

[Massgrunt]

Actually, I am writing a book. I've got about 60 pages written about Afghanistan in '03, lots of journal entries from Iraq also. I'm waiting for my final tour in A-stan next year before I finish it. That is if I don't come back in a rubber sack. I think it will be more like "Catch 22" than "The Killing Fields", however, with the amount of retardation I have been witness to. ;)

I want to help with the title. :biggrin:

[RAT]

Then please count me in on the first edition!

Add me too...


Blackjack, that is awesome... You all rock.

RO!!!

[Fergie]

Actually, I am writing a book. I've got about 60 pages written about Afghanistan in '03, lots of journal entries from Iraq also. I'm waiting for my final tour in A-stan next year before I finish it. That is if I don't come back in a rubber sack. I think it will be more like "Catch 22" than "The Killing Fields", however, with the amount of retardation I have been witness to. ;)

I would really like to read that, so keep your ass out of rubber sacks, unless it is just one for your willy. I don't generally post to these threads because I am a wiseass who hangs out in the humor section. In this case, I just want to tell you guys that I think it is cool to put yourself out there for these guys. Big risk, little payoff, but lots of heart. S/F