R4NT in Iraq

Well I am here in Iraq.

I can't say too much about location and stuff as the internet is a huge security risk for us.

What I can tell you is the people are super friendly. The weather is mostly nice. The countryside is beautiful. This is an amazing place to see. It is a very intense experience.

It is surreal being around elite special forces troops from all over the world who are our security types (no US thank goodness) . Lots of interesting guns and grenades and weapons. These guys are the real thing. They are shooters. Tales of action run rampant. I feel disrespectful when I think of video games I have played with elite forces. These guys are guys, they can't throw North american footballs and it is strange covering a guy on a long route with a 9mm strapped to his leg.

Today we almost detonated a cigarette pack because it was wedged under a rock and resembled a mine.

How do you do that? Shoot it of course. I guess I shouldn't say we, as all I did was spot it. Then went to get help. Although I did throw rocks at the rock on top to try and have it detonate under the rock. Funny though, cigarette packs don't explode.

I feel safe, I have some pretty funky body armour.

Life is good.