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What a excellent and exhilirating ride possible spoilers

posted 10 years ago by Hillius
3 replies | jump to latest

As many have said I think this series was profoundly excellent and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Being a vet myself even though I've been out a while now this was so well done in every respect I felt like I had just gone back in time.

So many details made me laugh that others who have never served on a Humvee platoon may have missed. The engine trouble, the turrets binding up and even the weapons mounts were all very problematic and common. I swear that leatherman tools should be standard issue. And yes even Humvees do get stuck. I was so glad to be a 50 gunner. I trained on the MK-19 also and those were so jam happy and lubricant thirsty I couldn't ever imagine being in combat and having to depend on one.

I loved the camaraderie especially. The singing, the personal details and just like active duty even the sharing of details regarding bodily functions made me laugh.

As for the characters I couldn't help it, but Iceman really reminded me of a cross between Viggo Mortensen in GI Jane & Eric Bana's character in Black Hawk Down. Him, Godfather and Lt. Fick were my favorites. I really enjoyed Ray's character too. Him popping the ripped fuel brought me back as well. We used something called Mini Thins an ephedra based OTC asthma treatment that would wire you just the same. You can't get the original kind anymore.

My least favorite character was definitely Capt. America. If ever an officer deserved to be butt stroked or fragged it was that guy. I hate to imagine the stress he put on his subordinates with his behavior. Runners up included the interpreter- I didn't trust him one bit- and what was with him always taking things from the Iraqis anyway? I didn't like Griego either or Espera. Espera was good, but his strange racism bugged me. He looks latino, thinks he is native american and talks black. How confused can a guy get?

I would recommend this series to just about anyone, especially vets from Humvee units regardless of branch. For all the humor- some people hated Sixta I thought he was funny as hell- I think the funniest thing I saw was when Lee Tergesen was running from the sniper fire. I hadn't laughed that hard in awhile it was great comedy. Over all 10/10

[–] sierrabravo8309-564-94841 9 years ago

Lt. Fick wrote a book about their experiences and his career as well. Provides some extra insight you'd probably appreciate.

[–] MightyTiki 9 years ago

So many details made me laugh that others who have never served on a Humvee platoon may have missed. The engine trouble, the turrets binding up and even the weapons mounts were all very problematic and common. I swear that leatherman tools should be standard issue. And yes even Humvees do get stuck. I was so glad to be a 50 gunner. I trained on the MK-19 also and those were so jam happy and lubricant thirsty I couldn't ever imagine being in combat and having to depend on one.

Anyone who's served in the military and has worked on or around: vehicles, aircraft, ships or equipment in general can a test to the shortcomings and mishaps; not just downrange.

I would recommend this series to just about anyone, especially vets from Humvee units regardless of branch.

Convoy operation in both Iraq and Afghanistan varies greatly, based on:

• Location (where you were)
• Time (when you were there)

The ground invasion of Iraq (19 March to 1 May 2003) was a very unique experience for those who were there, boots on ground.

It was standard operating procedure (SOP) for extra pax (personnel) on board vic's (vehicles) to have their windows rolled down or to have the doors completely removed on soft skinned vic's and have their individual weapons (rifles, carbines, automatic rifles, etc.) pointed out in an offensive posture.

As soon as the IED threat emerged later that summer in 2003, mechanics resorted to welding improvised armor plates ("haji armor") for added protection. The days of everyone on board with weapons pointed out became non-existent from that point on.

By OIF II (2004-2005), most soft-skinned vic's were relegated to being used strictly inside the wire, along with other non-tactical vehicles (NTVs) and only up-armored vehicles (M1114s with frag kits and later M1151s) were authorized to leave the wire.

By 2007, seeing MRAPs and ASVs on the roads became common place, along with a myriad of dedicated route clearance vehicles such as the husky.

[Source: Deployed in OEF II, OIF I, OEF IV, OIF 06-08, OIF 09-11]

"Toto, I've [got] a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

[–] Hillius 9 years ago

Thanks for the great information. Yes, I recall reading about the scramble to up-armor the vehicles and hearing about family at home sending extra gear & equipment to keep their soldiers safer. It's always good to hear from someone with real experience.

“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”

What a excellent and exhilirating ride *possible spoilers*

What a excellent and exhilirating ride possible spoilers