In April 2004 I was deployed to Basrah in Southern Iraq. I initially served with Division MT leading escort groups into Basrah and all around Southern Iraq.
A typical trip would start the night before when we would be briefed on our tasks for the following day. Before leaving for the night the team members would be given their individual jobs for the morning, e.g. checking the vehicles, signing out the electronic countermeasures (bomb stoppers) or appropriating food and water. In the morning I as leader checked all the preparations and contacted any passengers.
Although I am only a Corporal I was in command of the convoy even if we were moving a General! At the designated time we loaded the weapons and left camp. A trip could last three to six hours and included several different tasks. Once our day was finished we returned to base to receive our orders for the next day. After a month or so my computer skills were discovered so I was moved into Division HQ to fill a vacant post as office manager or watchkeeper for the section supplying money for the rebuilding of Basrah and the surrounding area.
This was less exciting than my first job but gave me a better feel for the outstanding and vital work being done by our troops in helping Iraq to get back on it’s feet. I still had the opportunity for an occasional trip out. All in all I had a great tour meeting some very professional and dedicated people, seeing some new places and I hope, helping out in some small way.