Hillah, Iraq.

For a change, we were ahead of the game. We have decided to reschedule the helo assault for forty eight hours later. I merely had to change some dates on my paperwork, and resubmit it. Naturally, there were a few questions, but they were easily dealt with.

Nothing much to do but wait.

It peaked above 50 degrees Celsius again today. It is so hot that my exhaled breath felt cool on my skin. There is no such thing as a cold shower or water. The ground is hot, which makes the buried water pipes so hot that the ‘cold’ water comes out quite warm, probably in excess of 80 degrees.

The Marines are again accidentally breaking things, including the door handle of the team truck. All Marine and Naval personnel are suspended from using the ATVs and trucks until further notice.