May 6, 2003

Well it has been a very busy first month here in Bosnia.  The Sqn has adjusted its AO to reflect the

Cpl Barker helps deliver toys to a school in Sanski Most

 OP MOST concept.  From a Sqn and BG perspective, it means greater freedom and flexibility in terms of ability to maneuver.  Much time has also been spent on the road conducting recces and coord for several potential Out of Area Operations, which may or may not come to fruition, still an interesting experience. 

2nd Tp had the opportunity to deploy to MNB (SE) in Mostar to conduct an Operation rehearsal with the French/Spanish BG.  After the troop took a self-tour around downtown Mostar, (in other

 words they got lost) they arrived at the Camp and were greeted at the gate by the French.  It is a good thing that members of the troop spoke the language.  They also had those who spoke German (MCpl Graf) and Dutch (Sgt deVos).  The Dagger communications vehicle attached to the troop was manned by two members of the Dutch army.  On arrival, the troop leader was immediately speaking French and getting the accommodations sorted out while the Spanish had picked up the troop and taking them for an unintentional tour of the base looking for the rooms.  It truly was a multinational base.  That evening the troop relaxed in the German bar with

Cpl "Gitch" Allen practicing for tryouts for the movie "ROCKSTAR 2"

Cpl Zubkowski arranging flights for the troop in a Blackhawk.  Despite the American’s enthusiasm for this, it proved to be impossible.  The next day the troop linked up with the Italian Coy and were treated very well.  The Italians appear to eat very well in the field and they provided the troop with whatever they required.  The patrols conducted recces in the afternoon and established surveillance in the evening.  The next morning they had an interesting exchange of equipment and knowledge with the Italian soldiers despite a very large language barrier.  Later in the day in the troop took a scenic drive even further south where they linked up with the French Coy.  While waiting for fuel they enjoyed some French rations full of crackers and pate.  They again conducted surveillance in the evening and the next day they made their way back to Mostar.  That day the troop toured all the different national PXs (Canex equivalent) and in the evening made their way back to the German bar.  There were all nations present, Germans, Italians, Americans, French, Spanish.  The deployment proved to be an interesting and fun operation.  It gave the troop a chance to see how other nations work, exchange ideas as well as an opportunity to use our equipment and demonstrate to other countries what we are capable of doing.

The Sqn conducted a successful zeroing and boresighting range at RBR GLAMOC 21-23 Apr.  We also ran the range for BG HQ, Cbt Sp Coy and 13 Fd Sqn to allow them to zero and boresight their LAVs and GRIZZLY turrets as well.  All pers in the Sqn also completed their personal weapon zeroing.  Both Sgt Delaney and Sgt Taylor did excellent work and the DCO, Maj Bruce, commented on how smooth the range was run in comparison to what happens on the range when the infantry try to fire their LAVs.  They still have much to learn on that front.  We have commenced with the finishing up of some of the local Humanitarian Aid projects B Sqn did not get a chance to finish.  Most of these projects require only "elbow grease".  Other projects underway involve some schoolyard fence work, some gravel spreading and in one case, the knocking down of a portion of a kindergarten school for reconstruction.  The sledgehammers will be given to the 2IC and Cpl Denson.  The walls should be down in only two or three blows! 

Morale and humor both remain at high levels here.  LCol Day has all sub-units completing the

Members of 3rd Tp prepare to conduct a recce in a HIP

 Cooper's Test and a huge emphasis has been placed on physical fitness and physical training.  Everyone here thinks he is recruiting for the next JTF2 tryouts. The OC has enrolled in unarmed cbt classes, under the watchful eye of our Sheriff, Sgt London.  HLTA and R and R have started and will reek havoc on crew manning but we will adjust.  Planning is underway for MELFA River celebrations here in theatre on 23 May.  The Tp Ldrs will dazzle us with a "re-enactment" of the MELFA River Crossing and seizing of the bridgehead.  In addition, each tp/pl has been tasked to recreate a PIAT as best they can (no explosive devices allowed) for entry into the tank busting competition.  This could prove interesting (everybody is thinking of a Junkyard Wars episode to help them out).