Are you guys making progress? When is the war going to be over?
Progress by whose scale? To be honest, the only way that I can view progress is in terms of lives. This might sound short-sighted, but I consider it a good day when I go out and prevent anyone from stepping on an IED or from getting shot at. Each day this happens, I consider it good progress. IMO, the war will never be over.
You in Helmand, is so where at?
Yes, I'm in Helmand, a little ways from Lashkar Gah. Can't be any more specific.
how are the kebabs and women there?
Kabobs are delicious and cheap. $2 buys you all the lamb meat and bread you could eat.
Wait, there are women here???
Buy any cool shit over there?
About the only things I buy here are Seven Stars cigarettes. $10 a carton vs. $40 for Marlboro Lights.
Are you issued everything on your loadout or do you add things yourself?
You are issued everything that the Marine Corps has decided that you will need. I bought a buttstock mag pouch and a one-point sling (vs. three-point). I carry some high-speed gear and I store some of it in my magazine pouch so the extra lets me easily carry all my combat load.
There is a huge market for after-market military gear. It's not that the stuff the USMC gives you is crap, it's just that people prefer different things. Like the mags with a window to indicate how many rounds are left. They are also much sturdier with heavier springs and made from polymer composite. But then, I've never had an issue with USMC mags, so I made the call not to buy any.
If you wanted a multitool, or a nice fixed blade or some binocs, can you get that stuff from storage/armory or is it on you to buy from civilian suppliers?
Multitools and fixed blades, you buy on your own. Binos, NVGs, PEQs, you get from supply.
As far as the high speed stuff, it really comes down to personal preference.