BOG

Boots On Ground (BOG) is a term often used by today's military. All the time spent in deployment up to now doesn't count for much, it's the time spent with my boots actually on the ground in a combat zone that make the difference and add up to the various benefits given to mobilized troops. While Kuwait isn't really considered a combat zone by any means, it's still a far cry from the good ol' US of A.

At the same time however, Kuwait is not too different than any other US city, other than all the sand and crazy heat. But flying in, I could see cities and suburbs and housing developments. Freeways, highways, the stereotypically American clover-leaf on/off ramps. Cars, trucks, people going about their daily business. There were little ponds scattered across the landscape, although they were full of oil instead of water.


The architecture around here is beautiful, at least off the base. Mosques, beautiful stone work, vibrant colors, and a surprising amount of landscaping considering the lack of rain and fresh water.

On the down side - it's hot. REAL hot. 118*F hot, in the shade, with a 20mph wind. I describe it as putting on a long sleeve shirt, long pants, 30lbs of gear, then turning 3 hair dryers on full blast and pointing them at your face. Then randomly toss handfuls of very fine dusty sand into the air and let it blow against your face. That might start to paint a picture - frankly, I'll never wonder what the inside of a convection oven feels like ever again.

The base here is quite nice, very large, and plenty of home-style accommodations. Real showers, sit down toilets, 16 beds (bunk style) to a room that is thankfully air conditioned. There's a McDonalds (of course) and Coffee Bean and KFC and a Dippin' Dots machine. There are stores aplenty and wireless internet and plenty of creature comforts to remind you of home. Until you step outside at 2200 and get kicked in the mouth by 95* air. That has a tendancy to snap you back to reality.

Me & my buddy Mike in the waiting zone shortly after arriving at the airport in Kuwait.