Hillah, Iraq.

The El Salvadoran battalion visited Ancient Babylon today. Anglico provided a vehicle for security. It is apparent that the new El Sals are not yet used to operating in a combat environment. They do not drive nearly aggressively enough. I am probably imagining this, but it seems the locals could sense their hesitation, and occasionally tested them on the road. Through our interpreters we learned that everybody in town knows that there is a new El Sal battalion in town, so my perceptions may not be too far off.

We were the last vehicle in the convoy. The vehicle in front of us was quickly left behind as they didn’t drive over ten miles an hour. We radioed our plight to the lead Special Forces vehicle, who stopped the convoy just inside the grounds of Ancient Babylon. Staff Sergeant suspected that they had the vehicle in low gear, a belief proved true when the El Sal vehicle finally stopped, and we heard the grinding of gears. We hopped out to provide security. They fixed their problem and roared off, leaving us by ourselves in the dust. We quickly recovered, but I was annoyed. When we finally got to the palace, I asked the vehicle commander to follow me as I found the Captain. Through the Captain, I asked the vehicle commander to be so kind as to not leave us behind the next time we provided security while they fixed their vehicle. I suspect that I may have tread on some cultural sensitivities, as the El Salvadoran began to sort of puff up indignantly. He realized that I was right, and not really asking so much, and certainly not making any sort of derogatory comment.

Ancient Babylon still impressed me on this visit, even though it is my third. We took our colonel out there with us, and he, too, was impressed, as he was a history major. It is amazing to be able to walk all around the ancient ruins. I found piles of bricks where I could see traces left by whatever they used for thatch, and the indentations of the brick molds left thousands of years ago.The El Salvadorans had a cookout when we got back. They provided Iraqi food, which although tasty, I was a bit disappointed as the El Sals can really barbeque. The outgoing battalion commander provided us with a certificate of appreciation, as well as a battalion neckerchief, both very handsome gestures. He also provided a spectacular engraved machete to our colonel. The colonel has also been given a hat, tshirt, and other gifts from the Green Berets, and is happy with all the cool stuff.