Our guys have been in Iraqi fighting for the past several days. Aside from engaging the enemy and all the hardship that comes with that, they are enduring extreme discomfort from the day to day military life and environment of the desert.

Try to put yourself in their shoes for a few minutes:

They haven't had a bath in probably over a week. The last one they might of had was probably in very cold water. Some may not have even had time to change clothes. Couple that with a weeks worth of sand in your ears, eyes, nose, and hair.

Sandstorms are probably one of the worst weather experiences they will ever face. Imagine having dirt in your mouth and not being able to get the grit out. Ever. It can be quite annoying. Also, the rainstorms this time of year can get very violent and then the desert turns to mud.

Kevlar vests are very restrictive as far as breathing. Very difficult if you are having to sprint to cover.

Kevlar helments weigh over seven pounds and the headbands make your head hurt. Then add weapons, Canteens full of water, ammo, rucksacks, and uncomfortable military clothes. It is hard on thier back, knees, and their combat boots offer no support for their feet which make both of their legs ache.

Deserts, during this time of year, are very cold at night. I would guess that the lows are dipping down in the forties during the night.

No hot meals...None. They have to eat MRE's and canteen water 3 times a day. If and when they do get a hot meal, it will be composed of some skinny arabic world chicken that has been boiled.

Wearing a chemcial suit. If you have never done this, you are lucky. If it is 80 degrees outside, expect it to be 115 in their suit and mask.

Using the great outdoors everytime nature calls. When they do have a latrine, it is a makeshift outhouse that empties into a barrel. The only proper way of disposing of the waste is burning it. That leaves an unforgettable smell. It can even be a more unforgettable experience if the soldir gets the duty of burning the waste. They have to stir it occasionally to make sure it all burns.

Back breaking rides across a rough desert in any military vechicle. That is not soft sand over there. It is a small layer of sand covering jagged limestone. Those guys in the calvary and mech infantry that have been blazing across the desert in tanks, bradleys, and APCs the past few days are probably beat absolutely to death.

NO sleep.

Being seperated from your family and friends with sporadic mail service and no phone conversations.

I am sure that all the above mentioned is Disney World compared to fighting the enemy on a daily basis like our soldiers have been doing. Especially with all the dirty fighting that the Iraqis have been up to.

No matter how you feel about the war, Support our troops!

People that hold signs like the one in the picture that Austindawg posted are lower than sh**! I hope some old veteran popped a knot on both of their heads.