It’s always been my understanding that when a Muslim declares a jihad, Muslim men are supposed to take up arms and fight, thus becoming a mujahid (a person engaged in a jihad).

Well since 2003 how many Jihads have been declared?  Hundreds?  Thousands?  For awhile there every Muslim that was anti-American that could get on camera was declaring a jihad.  As well, ever notice the same knucklehead declaring a jihad week after week but not being man enough to lead from the front and come to Iraq?

This war is causing breaks in many of the Muslim myths.  The idea that they are devout to their cause, that they don’t care for women and children to be engaged in acts of violence, that they are fierce warriors, and most notably that Muslims are united by their faith.  I won’t bore you with too many details but let me amplify on each a little to demonstrate my opinion.

If Muslims were devout to their cause why are they trickling in a few at a time from a couple of the surrounding countries?  Where is the outpouring of resources to the terrorist? Lets go a step further, where are the tends of thousands of mujahid to wage war on us infidels in Iraq?  With capturing a couple hundred thousands terrorist one must also ask why no raid to free them?

One nasty aspects of this war is the use of women and children by the Jihadist.  We are seeing more women getting drugged up and being used as suicide bombers as Americans by nature don’t see women as a threat.  We have even seen babies with Down Syndrome being left in areas where coalition forces and Iraqis come by only to be blown up along with the baby.  Absolutely cowardly.  I know over 70% of the people here in Iraq cannot read but one would think imams  could pass down the passages that speak of the purity of women and children and how they are not to be engaged in fighting on any level.

In regards to fierce warriors, this is so easily dispelled.  Not that I blame them because anytime the Marines matched up with them they lost their lives or freedom.  A random shot or IED does not make you a fierce warrior.  It makes you a realist and not believing in your cause enough to die for it.

Lastly, let’s speak to the Muslim faith.  Their faith is like so many faiths of the world in that it varies from region to region and many times village to village.  There is nothing wrong with that of course but its best to dispel the myth that it unifies them.  Clearly if it did, the jihadist really would have started a holy war.

I guess what I am trying to express in today’s rant is this: Man up or shut up.

Man Up:  If you think you’re a tough guy then mass up on the battlefield and let the Marines give you a chance to me Allah.

Shut Up:  If you cannot stand up and fight for Al Qaeda then drop your weapons, go home to your families, and read the Qur’an for the spiritual and peaceful aspects.

Yes, Iraq is still a war zone.  Dangerous in more then a few places yet at the cusp of thriving in so many more. 

Everyday Iraqis turn in bad actors because they wish to live in peace.  They realize who their friends are and they have manned up.  The number if Iraqi Police (IP) and Iraqi Army (IA) continue to increase and become more efficient.

In fact it’s the IA and IP that are taking the lead in more and more operations.  In fact the upcoming turnover of provinces will be secured by IA and IP not coalition forces.

Man up and shut up time.  Americans and Iraqis have manned up.  Now its time for the jihadist to shut up.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 47% [?]

A Walking blood bank is when we call for everyone with a specific blood type to immediately donate due to someone being seriously wounded and near death.

Earlier today an Iraqi police officer took a few rounds to the chest and was rushed into our surgical center here on TQ.  Lacking O+ blood they sent out an emergency message.

The blood bank needed 9 donors and within minutes (literally) they had 30 or so Marines show up.  Not to sound dark but it was an awesome sight to see so many Marines running to the blood bank to give life to someone they probably have never met.

Unfortunately, a few minutes ago they asked for O+ again and being a “quite” day one can only assume it’s for the same fellow.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 28% [?]

Flag Day is certainly unique to the United States but tribes and governments have used them for thousands of years.

Most historians believe that flags were initially used on battlefields to designate to the on field commanders where their groups/capabilities were located.  Eventually, the adoption of flags to identify sects of people/tribes became popular too.   Today, every country is identified by one.

Since 1777 Americans have had the same basic look for a flag and on many a battlefield was the rallying cry to victory.  Still today, we don’t accept the capture of our flag.  If the Army should notice they are losing a battle or the Marines are ordered out of an Embassy they either take the flag or burn it.

Since 1921 Iraq has had 5 different flags and still to this day is a center of disagreement amongst many of those within her borders.  Why?  Because the recent flags were adopted by those murdering their way into power.  If they were created to unify people for a cause of freedom we can be sure the feelings would be quite different.

In 2004 a new flag was introduced but looked very similar to that of the one Saddam had created in 1991.  The difference was that instead of using the alleged handwriting of Saddam they used the traditional style of script called Kufic.  Another reason why many despise this new flag too is because in 1991 Saddam introduced 3 stars which were to represent the 3 tenants of the Ba’ath Party (unity, freedom, and socialism).  Yea how contrary is that?  Freedom and socialism.

Finally in January of this year the 3 stars were removed so acceptance grew.  However, there are still a few holdouts that say they cannot legitimize it because of foreign troops on their soil.  These Iraqis should recognize that the United States had no hand in the creation of any Iraqi flags.  It has been the Iraqis and Iraqi Parliament who selected the design and passed it.  Even in the U.S. we still have Indian tribes and groups of people on pacific islands who speak out against our country and flag.  Every county will have some level of dissention. 

Let me note too that this new Iraqi flag is really just an interim one.  At the end of this year we can expect the Iraqi Parliament to adopt a permanent one.

In Iraq people identify themselves by their tribe or region and not as Iraqis.  One of the keys to success for Iraq is the unification of the people within its border.  Sunni, Shia, or Christian everyone must see a vision of what could be.  A flag by itself will not unify Iraq’s 25 million people but it helps. 

On this day it would be best to think about what a flag symbolizes.  The unity and freedom for the people it represents.  And what’s more the tens of thousands of Iraqis and  4,000 plus Americans who have sacrificed their lives for tethers of cloth in this war.

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 20% [?]

I was hoping to go my entire vacation here in Iraq without complaining about the food because there is so much of it and it’s certainly better then an MRE (Meals Read to Eat – i.e. the pre-packaged meals that can last 7 years in a bag).

But… allow me show my true colors with my potential food issues.

First – Yuck to Bananas
Those that know me know my distain for bananas.  In fact if I was ever in a position of authority in the Department of Agriculture to rid our country of crops, bananas would be near the top of my list.  In fact, only peas and lima beans would be in front.  And yes, the french toast really does smell like bananas.  Grrrrrr

Mystery Meat Thursday
Meat should neither be a mystery nor have marks on it where the jockey was hitting it.  Thursday night dinner is supposed to be Mexican night but its more like tortilla wonderment.  I am so looking for real Mexican when I come home.

Foody – No Touchy
Not sure when and where this developed but I don’t like my food touching.  Yes may sound weird but alas I think I may get over it before I leave Iraq because these guys don’t care how your being served. 

Is this Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind?  Do I need to build a replica of a mountain?  Do I look like Richard Dryfus?  No right?  So use the whole plate!

Worst Coffee Ever
My main addictions include Family Guy, The Simpsons, and coffee.  So while it’s always nasty hot I still like (ok need) a coffee in the morning and after dinner.

I am just glad my family mailed me a small coffee pot and Dunkin Donuts coffee because what the chow hall is seriously so bad I just go without.  I think the folks reading the suggestions form memorized my poorly written vulgarity by now.

Take a Day Off Grilled Cheese Guy
I so wish they didn’t have grilled chesses every lunch and dinner.  They are so bad for you and I am too weak minded to resist.  I have cut back to just one every other day but was doing it every meal when I first got here.

Where Are The Hoagies?
There are sandwiches every meal but never a hoagie roll or the right meats. 

My Next Challenge
Philly Cheese steaks.  Yes that what they advertise but figuring coyote meat on a hotdog roll wouldn’t agree with me I have yet to brave it. 

Ok Rant Over
While it may seem like I complained a lot I do think for the most part the chow hall is the best I have ever seen in my 14 plus years.  They have meals 4 times a day and we can eat whatever we want as much as what we want.  Honestly, I cannot legitimately complain and give KBR and the Marines that oversee them kudos.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 57% [?]

Their success will be because good people have risen to the challenge of standing against corruption and standing by their constitutions.

Am I talking about Iraq?  Yes but also Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately, reading what is occurring in Pennsylvania shows the culture of corruption and dismissal of a constitutional mindset continues to spread.  Iraq on the other hand, lived in a culture of corruption for many years but today we continually witness government officials being removed or arrested for illegal activities.  The Iraqis know they need to have a government as unpolluted as possible in order to maintain security and growth.  Why doesn’t Pennsylvania?

The last two weeks we have seen:
• Former Congressman Curt Weldon finally gets back into the news again with the Justice Department continuing their investigation with him and his family.
• PA state legislator under yet another investigation of using our tax money to fund campaigns.  We are paying salaries to workers in the state house to work on political campaigns.
• Now ex-State Senator Vincent Fumo has more troubles as another rone of his “friends” ratted on him about $200K worth of tax payer funds being used for political campaigns.
• The fair re-districting of PA based on the upcoming 2010 census is already seen as being corrupted.  Considered the 2nd most gerrymandered state in the union the PA General Assembly doesn’t seem to be motivated to change their ways.
• More folks are quitting on Gaming Board and even more under investigation.
• The General Assembly is trying to charge people $5 for folks to walk into certain types of bars.  Not to purchase or use any services just for walking into certain establishments the state government wants your money.
• PA lobbying reform is still not advancing.
• The PA Senate recently passed a smoking-ban that not only oversteps their boundaries of authority in private businesses but is littered with loop-holes.

I can go on and on but I think you understand what I am trying to say.

Its sooooo simple that I still don’t know why I am considered by many to be too idealistic.  Bottom line, we need representation that understand the 3 keys of effective legislation.  Every piece of legislation must be constitutional, measurable, and serve the entire commonwealth.  No matter your political party affiliation is we cannot accept less.

Everyday between the Commonwealth Foundation (bipartisan) , Keystone Politics (liberal), and Grassroots PA (conservative) I read articles about the decline of government yet in Iraq I read the successful removal of corrupted officials and advancement in community efforts.  I read about PA residents growing frustrated and moving out of PA in massive numbers.  I read about more Iraqis owing business, and creating stronger communities.  I read about the middle class of PA leaving to neighboring states and yet the Iraqi middle class growing.

Two groups of people going in opposite directions because their governments are too.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 22% [?]

Bottom Line Up Front: I don’t like the Beretta M9 pistol compared to the Glock 19 I carry at back in Pennsylvania.

When I got into theater I wasn’t that comfortable with the M9 because I probably only threw 200 rounds down range vice my Glock where I have no idea how many thousands I shot.

However, yesterday morning I went to shoot what I guess you can call a modified Quick Fire course and from the 25 yard line all the way down to the 7 yard line felt much more comfortable with it.  Normally, most Marines just need to shoot once a quarter out here but think I am going to be able to hook up with a unit that shoots every month.  At least until I feel almost as comfortable as the Glock.

Speaking of being comfortable, when I came out here I was hoping to get the M4 Carbine Rifle along with the M9 because of going outside the wire.  Just in case I need it, I would much rather be able to reach out and say hello to a knucklehead from a few hundred yards vice 25 yards with the M9 pistol.

While I don’t have my own M4 out here there are a few spares in the armory and I have a few officers that have offered to lend me theirs when I get off TQ so that’s cool.

Marines and their weapons.  Boys with their toys.

About the M4: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_carbine.

About the M9: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M9_pistol.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 39% [?]

Alrighty folks, while many of us work 12-14 hours everyday except Sunday (which is probably just 8 hours), I am getting more into a pattern to start pushing some of my training documents and writings about how to win a political ground war utilizing Marine Corps strategies, tactics, and philosophies.

As well, we will identify the commonality between wining the ground war against terrorism and that of your political backyard.  You may be surprised how similar the strategy and tactics are (other then the small arms fire unless you do door knocking in Camden).

We will start next week by providing an opportunity to download training documents to help you be a better political warrior.   The information belongs to Corps Strategies, Inc (http://www.CorpsStrategies.com) and is strictly meant for patriots (i.e. constitutional-minded people who will work for the betterment of America).  I mention that because we cannot have liberals using our methodologies against us.

Since this is the early part of summer, there isn’t much door knocking occurring so we will first focus on working with the media to get your ideas out and motivate others to action.

Except for the weeks where I travel I hope to get a training document out at the beginning of each week. 

Lastly, I will from time to time start providing opportunities to order books (new to 2,000 years old) that should be in every political warriors library. 

If you have any questions or suggestions for grassroots topics to cover please simply ask.  

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 19% [?]

I was taking pictures for a re-enlistment ceremony when Laura and Kjersti walked up and we started to talk.  They are two outgoing girls but at the same time just laid back and seemingly humble.

And you know what?  Thus fare they have seen more Iraq then me!  They at least have been to Al Keim and Korean Village.    Grrrr I am so gonna find something I need to do there this month.

Both appear to like being here and I think gaining a new perspective on the war.  They may have been a little nervous before flying into Iraq but when you think about it, their job to dance at auditions as well as perform in front of tens of thousands of people is something most people would never have the inner strength to do.

Funny, what a small world this is too.  Kjersti lives probably 15 minutes from me and yes even knows my dink town of East Coventry.

As for Laura she is a graduate from the Philadelphia School of the Arts as a dance major and now living in Philly.  Now for the weird part - her last name is Jenkins too. 

It was nice to have a non-Marine conversation for the first time in nearly two months.   I sometimes get a chance to call out but when I do so its from my workspace in front of my computers so when talking I easily get distracted by incoming messages.

While I of course don’t know either it’s easy to recognize they both are rather industrious.  Laura works several part-time jobs to pay off that dreaded college loan and Kjersti a couple too. 

I think most times they both probably get recognized as being an NFL cheerleader instead of Laura and Kjersti and that’s too bad.  Spend even 5 minutes with them and you’ll see they don’t that let that define them.

We took a picture together but unfortunately it didn’t take as my batteries went dead.  Hmmm how do I con them into letting me into an Eagles game to get a picture when I come home in October?

Semper Fi Laura and Kjersti.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 22% [?]

Tonight 5 of the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders came to TQ to give a little show and talk about their appreciation for us.

Nikki, Madeline, Laura, Rachel, and Kjersti got on stage at 8PM to dance, tell a little about themselves, and provide give-aways of Philadelphia Eagles gear. 

As for why I wasn’t issued a hottie during my pre-deployment I am not sure but will certainly mention the concern on my After Action Report. 

In the mean time I guess I will just have to start taking applications for a girlfriend for when I get home in October.  Application questionaire below:

The be Jonathans Hottie Application:
Just email me (Jonathan@ConservativeBOG.org) your name, where you live, a little bit about yourself, a picture, and why your self-esteem so is low you wish to be my hottie.

Attention: Weirdos, psychos, man haters, and cougars need not apply.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 38% [?]

Please bear with me as I rant a little this morning.  What a situation we have because of freeing 50 million people from murderous regimes in the Middle East and Africa.  Can’t we just get along? 

We have Iraqis looking down on Iraqis and Americans and of course that minority of I-Hate-Everything-About-America-But-I-Refuse-To-Live-Elsewhere-Americans who snub their nose at Iraqis and Americans too. 

At the end of the day terrorist and Iraq war protestors are no different in that they seek to cause chaos and instability.  They simply utilize different tools and practices.  One may use the sword and the other a pen or sign but killing and providing propaganda are equally destructive.  Peace is garnered through strength and sacrifice.  Always has, always will.

Iraqi Perspective
I should start by saying that my experience with Iraqis is only with the men.  Women in this culture are often looked down upon for working with or even being personal with those outside their culture especially Americans.

Of the over 9,000 people here on TQ there is only 1 Iraqi woman I know of who works here.  Rather not say where and for what but can say she cares for others and is dedicated at her job.  In regards to the other FOBs I have yet to see an Iraqi woman.

As for the Iraqi men working on base, they are sometimes looked down upon by others in their culture for a couple reasons.  Most notably I would say because:

• Serving us in the chow halls
• Doing our dirty work like cleaning our heads and showers
• Working alongside women
• Having women in authoritative positions over them
• And for some just doing anything for the Coalition Forces is enough

In my opinion the blame must reside with the Ba’ath Party and Saddam Hussein.  Those savages killed and/or drove off virtually the entire middle class.  This loss spurred the failure to retain literacy, a free market, and acceptance of other cultures.

Iraq has over a 70% illiteracy rate, a purposefully uneducated populace, and over 20 years of anti-American propaganda infused in their daily life.  Knowing this it’s easy to comprehend why some Iraqis are slow to adjusting.

We have won this war and have been spending the last few years highly engaged in helping the Iraqis build their own infrastructure, security, and government.  Iraqi success is dependent upon developing more schools and universities, increasing women into all levels of government and the local community, and of course the continual encouragement of free thoughts and free markets.

While it’s easy to say Iraqis are living in Pick-A-Century-Before-1200-AD we are better people if we help Iraq become a government that incorporates their religious foundation just as our forefathers did.  In addition it must be a Republic not a Democracy.  A government of the people, by the people, for the people as Abraham Lincoln said.

American Perspective
As Americans we need to remain positive with the war effort and the reconciliation of Iraq.  Protestors of this war encourage terrorist by providing them the propaganda to recruit more IED emplacers and the cowardly random shooters.  We have killed and captured so many bad actors that the spark of terrorism is nearly extinguished.  Don’t let the protestors kindle their spirit.

We need your help in this war.  Every real patriot can make a difference.  Let your neighbors, friends, and co-workers know you side with freedom and fully support the mission.  Refuse to patronize businesses that provide fundraising to protest groups.  Write letters to the editors, volunteer, and casts votes for strength or moral courage not appeasement.

And for those back in my home in Chester County (like the Chester County Young Republicans, The Republican Committee of Chester County, Chester County Action, and the American Sheepdogs) thanks for remaining vigilant and unwavering to the cause.

There must be no acceptance of Americans or Iraqis who seek to destroy the great political and security gains in the Middle East and Africa.  The betterment of man is close.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 24% [?]