PDSS

Ladies and Gents,

I write to you sitting in the Dublin International Airport, Gate 313, awaiting my flight to Chicago. I just got off a plane from __ ____, where I participated in a all expenses paid recon of my new home for the next year. I can't tell you where, but there is a Youtube video some Air Force guys made that was a hit on youtube a while back. "This is why I'm hot." A remarkably accurate depiction.

Before the Army sends folks abroad, they typically afford them a Pre-Deployment Site Survey, or PDSS. The purpose is to check out the new AO, get a face to face with the outgoing unit, and coordinate services for your arrival. I was selected to go on this particular trip to assess the current defense design and take a look at how they conduct Air and Missile Defense Operations. Depending on the unit you are replacing, this can be a friction-filled bonanza of criticism and pain, or it can be a relaxed and efficient affair where you come back truly understanding the operational picture. Fortunately for us, it was the latter. The outgoing unit was very gracious and took care of us every step of the way.

So what did I learn? I have to be somewhat vague, but we are essentially a little slice of Army dudes on an Air Force compound, within a larger host nation compound, on a host nation Air Force base. For good reason, security is taken very seriously and they pull no punches (like in Korea). Our living conditions are going to resemble that of a college freshman. 2-3 troops to a room with a latrine and shower facility down the hall. The chow hall is amazing. Great variety and no rules. It's the Vietnam of DFACs. Can I snatch up a gatorade to go? Sure thing, take a delicious snickers bar with you as well. More exciting for me, there is always grilled, cubed chicken on the salad bar. Fitness facilities? I'm glad you asked. There is a cardio gym and a weight gym with equipment on par with what you find in the states. I was particularly elated to find kettlebells. The FDS motto for the trip is getting "Jacked, and Tan." There is a large swimming pool open 24 hours a day (just like everything else). Basketball courts, a soccer field, barber shop, a little PX, and even a nightly "bar" that is manned by the airmen called the "Thirsty Camel." These are found throughout the middle east on Air Bases and are a great place to actually have a beer and chill out after a long shift. We are allowed 2 beers a day in country.

All in all, a great trip that helped us understand the requirements and conditions on ground that will allow us to prepare our troops for the year ahead.

That's all for now, time to board.

Best,

D