Sniper missions, sandstorms and platinum blondes

There are always random duties to perform around here and, though some are better than others, usually you try your best not to be chosen for them. The other day was different though. I was selected to take up a sniper position within the camp instead of outside the wire. A female band was coming to perform for the troops and they needed additional security while they played.

Myself and another soldier set up a position in a tower about sixty feet high where we could get a great view of the area. After a few hours of setting up, four platinum blonde women took to the stage. I’ve seen more bands play than I care to count, but watching a concert through a rifle scope was definitely a first for me.

Only a few songs into their set an intense sandstorm hit us. From what I read in the newspaper the next day this sandstorm had been expected, though I had apparently not been told ahead of time. Within moments a strong wind began pushing and pulling us on top of the tower. The force of it was impressive and we had to stay on our stomachs in the prone in order to brace ourselves against it. It soon became very difficult to keep a watchful eye on the troops and performers. It was hard enough just to keep my eyes open as sand and dirt continued to strike against my face. After awhile I found a good position that allowed me to see through the scope and kept the dirt from my eyes. We spent the better part of two more hours trying our best to scan through the haze below while the girls played and while they signed autographs after the show. All we could do was laugh at a situation we never thought we’d find ourselves in.

When it finally came over the radio that we could come down I was definitely ready. After four hours the mission was beginning to lose its appeal and I was looking forward to cleaning up and getting some sleep. We walked near the stage to talk to the other sniper team and to turn in our radios when one of the musicians called us over. She had a brother-in-law in the military and she wanted to get some pictures with us. Never one to deny some attention from a cute girl, we posed for a few shots, said goodnight and headed home.

Before long I know that another band will stop by and I’ll find myself up in that tower again. By the time my stay here in Iraq is over I imagine I’ll have seen several bands through my crosshairs.