So, life on the FOB (Forward Operating Base) is relatively civilized with nice mess halls run by KBR and latrine facilities maintained and cleaned by contractors. It's nice to come in from patrol and be able to relax with a good meal and to be able to sit down on a real porcelain toilet or take a shower. Life at the COP (Combat Out Post) on the other hand is a little more spartan, no contractor supported latrine, oh no, you get the wooden shithouse. Made out of plywood and two by fours, it's a wooden shack that doubles as a sauna during the summer (which in Iraq runs from March to October). One of the worst duties out at the COP is the daily burning of the poo, a job that no one wants. The lucky guy who gets the job first has to pull the drums of shit out of the back of the latrine, then he fills the barrel with diesel fuel. Once the barrel of shit is lit on fire, it's not over yet, to ensure that all gets burned, he needs to stir the wonderful noxious mixture for the next 30 minutes or so until all the efluvia is burned up and only charcoal poo flakes remain. Ummmmm....poo flakes.
So, life on the FOB (Forward Operating Base) is relatively civilized with nice mess halls run by KBR and latrine facilities maintained and cleaned by contractors. It's nice to come in from patrol and be able to relax with a good meal and to be able to sit down on a real porcelain toilet or take a shower. Life at the COP (Combat Out Post) on the other hand is a little more spartan, no contractor supported latrine, oh no, you get the wooden shithouse. Made out of plywood and two by fours, it's a wooden shack that doubles as a sauna during the summer (which in Iraq runs from March to October). One of the worst duties out at the COP is the daily burning of the poo, a job that no one wants. The lucky guy who gets the job first has to pull the drums of shit out of the back of the latrine, then he fills the barrel with diesel fuel. Once the barrel of shit is lit on fire, it's not over yet, to ensure that all gets burned, he needs to stir the wonderful noxious mixture for the next 30 minutes or so until all the efluvia is burned up and only charcoal poo flakes remain. Ummmmm....poo flakes.