After weeks of fighting, GIs in eastern part of city are guessing what a lull in the action might me

[unhappycamper]

Mortar and rocket attacks have been a constant feature of life at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah in Iraq lately, but that didn't prevent troops from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment from adding a reminder of suburban life to their bunker.


After weeks of fighting, GIs in eastern part of city are guessing what a lull in the action might mean
By Michael Gisick, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, May 20, 2008

BAGHDAD — Two days after the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment took over what had been a relatively quiet section of eastern Baghdad, it stopped being quiet.

A sign on the wall at their base’s chow hall says a lot about how things have gone in the six weeks since.

"During mortar attacks when the staff has left," it reads, "DO NOT go behind the line and serve yourself."

Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah has been attacked by mortar and rocket fire more than 60 times since late March, when the battalion arrived. Soldiers have also seen fighting at much closer range. Four have been killed on missions, many more injured.

After months of relative calm, the eruption of fighting in Shiite areas of eastern Baghdad in March has suddenly and fundamentally changed the basic experiences of many American troops serving here.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54938