JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq –
Senior Master Sgt. Bryan K. Vibert
Home Unit: Air Combat Command Headquarters A7 Squadron
What do you do? 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Operations Superintendent
What's a day in the life like ... while in Balad? I have been located in a place called Mahmudiyah for one third of my deployment. A typical day starts with waking up, having a quick breakfast and then working with the Army to ensure a smooth transition for our Air Force special forces to hit the ground to take over the Police Transition Team.
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? Spending a portion of my life in a place called Mahmudiyah, being the only special forces on the ground and one of three Air Force on the Forward Operating Base. I will also remember working to ensure our Airmen had the tools necessary to succeed. It's an awesome feeling.
What's the most useful item you packed? Soap. Mahmudiya has a small soldier run 10 by 15 foot room. Weekly runs are made to the other FOB's to get supplies but they run out quickly.
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When I walked around the FOB and realized it was less than a mile around.
What has been the highlight of your tour? Going into downtown Mahmudiyah to the Iraqi Police Stations and seeing how receptive the IP's are toward our efforts to make Iraq better.
What's the best part of the deployment? Absolutely knowing you are making a difference for the Iraqi people, no question about it.
The worst part? Being away from my wife and children. Being away for Christmas and the other major holidays. Although the Air Force does a heck of a job taking care of Airmen during these times you can't replace the feeling you get watching your children sneak down the stairs on Christmas morning.
What new survival skill have you learned? Hoping not to use it, but I think the roll-over training in Kuwait was good to experience.
What do you do during down time? Sleep.
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Enjoy my family, all of my family. My plan is to have a family vacation in Virginia and just RELAX for a couple of weeks.
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? I'm thinking of going to Ruby Tuesday's. My wife and I love to go there for the salad bar at lunch. I think it's more about being together than it is about the food.
What insight/experience will you take away from your time over there? Pre-deployment training is important. Do your homework before you deploy, no matter where it is. Talk to those you are replacing and get that much more prepared before you hit the ground. As far as experience, mine is working with the Army very closely.
What do you miss the most? American scenery, from trees to malls.
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? At home I am buried in paper work and coordinating with ACC SF units for deployment issues and concerns. Here, I am working with the Army and Iraqi's on a daily basis. I'm being part of history and helping to rebuild a country.
Have you tried the local cuisine? Yes and it's good. The Iraqi people are very generous and like many cultures such as Mexico and Korea. Food is like a gesture of friendship, it is a time to gather.
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside?
The wife and I like to watch the local news in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while stateside. Here, I really don't pay too much attention to the news; the stock market fluctuation, an actress got another botox, the bailout, etc.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? We get paid extra for this? I have been on ACC staff for almost 4 years and I'm hoping for a permanent change of station. With a PCS comes expenses, searching for a new house and prepping the current house for sale, etc.