From the Colon of the Beast

Okay, it's a play on the famous book by Jack Abbott, about life in a maximum security penitentiary...but after a briefing tonight, some of remarked that it sounded like we were headed for prison. The good news is that it appears we won't be residing on the replica FOB (Forward Operating Base) at our mobilization station prior to deploying. The word is that we will be living in a new building, with private rooms...let's just hope that the wiring and plumbing wasn't done by Halliburton...but we still will be restricted to staying on post. The briefer did tell us that we'll be allowed "conjugal visits" (beginning to see the prison parallels?), and maybe even get time off for good behavior. Guess I need to rent "The Shawshank Redemption" for tips on how to get through the experience. Gotta go now and make me a shank to protect me in the shower...