Ask The Wolf...

Posted By The Wolf

...anything you want.  I've got a 'light' weekend ahead, so I'll have some time to respond to queries and inquisitive people.

Post a question in the comments, or email me a the.mr.wolf at gmail.  I'll post all here and in comments.

Just remember, a Wolf just may bite...

-W

Comments updated with ''Wolf's Replies'' below.

From the emails-

Mr. 'Oz' writes:
I'm not a registered user (just hit you today off of Redstate):
What is the status of the power grid in Iraq?
Stabilizing it as a way of bringing stability to the people on the
street and hence a lot of good will seems crucial.
Is there anything that can be done here (letters, emails, petitions)
that can forward that mission?

Oz

Wolf's Reply:  The grid is at or near 2.555MW, as far as I can determine; if I remember some figures from before the war, they were at 2.1MW or so.  Generation of electricity, especially in Baghdad, is important not only for the reasons you specify but to get businesses re-established and self-sustainment underway.  Saddam's neglect of the grid was well-documented; the expense to Iraq of updating it is second only to the expense of updating their petroleum infrastructure...  and this is why their grid is such a target for insurgents.  ALL of the grid is an item that is watched CLOSELY to keep it going and up as much as possible.  That is also why the insurgents target it so frequently.  Its easier to knock out a power line than a buried pipeline...

From Amb. Crocker's congressional testimony:

Electricity supply has improved in many parts of the country, but is woefully inadequate in Baghdad.  Many neighborhoods in the city receive two hours a day or less from the national grid, although power supplies for essential services such as water pumping stations or hospitals are much better.  The Minister of Electricity said last week that it would take $25 billion through 2016 to meet demand requirements, but that by investing the $2 billion a year the Ministry is now receiving from the government’s budget, as well as private investment in power generation, that goal could be met.

-Wolf

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Comments

[johnston45]

My question is this: Is there anything we can send to you to make your more comfortable? Mach3 blades, smokes, snacks, phone cards, hygiene gear, linens?

Wolf's reply: Good question; one that I'll give from MY perspective- don't need anything, and most in IZ don't, as the AAFES stores provide so much! While some may get low, and others may not use as MUCH b-oderant as their neighbors like, we can get nearly everything.

Those in the more out-lying FOB/COBs may be different- I'll ask Laughing Wolf!

Wolf

[Caleb]

Mr. Wolf - I will ask a question that I referred to on a post below. Who is Gen. Kearney's sponsor, and is that sponsor a real honest to God warrior like a Gen. Mattis, or is he a manager/politician like Colin Powell, or is he a civilian politician/bureaucrat, and does he have ties to the administration of Bush '41' and Texas?

If I may beg a second query, I understand the reason for dumping Gen. Pace, I don't like it, but I understand it, but why in hell did they have to dump Adm. G along with him? I believe that Adm G was a submariner and a true warrior. Gen. Pace was also a warrior, according to a relative that served with him in Viet Nam.

My pair of German Shepherds have asked me to send you their regards.

Wolf's Reply: I'm not sure who his 'sponsor' is- or his relation to any administration; if you recall, he reached flag in '03, if that is any indication. It would be good to see who was on his selection board.
As far as Gen Pace, I agree; I've met the man, and he's as solid as any Marine I've met. It will be interesting to see who is lined up to succeed him; that will be quite telling.

My best regards to my most respected brethren as well! (I had a GS that made short work of vacuum cleaners.)

-Wolf

[jordan]

How are people feeling about the mission, in terms of more and more Iraqis getting on board and renouncing violence, etc..? Hopeful? Futile?

Wolfs Reply: EXTREMELY hopeful- anxious, sure, but also very determined. My 'business' there also gives me an insight not even the troops see- I get a combination of the troops and the Iraqi's take- all are willing to work hard to make it happen.

What's the relationship between Iraqis and our troops, for the most part?What do they think about politics back home? Do they hear or see much?

Wolfs Reply: While WE see quite a bit, the troops don't; they 1) don't have the time, and 2) hear it in summary from folks at home who ask that same question. They are aware of all the 'commotion' but are not as fine-tuned; plus, being in the military, you really don't have time nor inclination to pay much attention to it overall. Their relationship? Respect borne of necessity- the Iraqi's want us out sooner than later, but realize it won't be tomorrow nor easily done. The troops want out, but only after Job 1 is Done.

I'm beginning to suspect the debate here is now just about what kind of packaging to put around an inevitable chain of events: further progress, small numbers withdrawing little by little, but not beginning til next summer. It sounds like that's where the train's going, toward a slow, eventual success, and there's not much that Dems or Republicans, or anti-war grps, can do to change, adjust, or stop it.

In a way, it seems like the Washington political debate lags so far behind real-world events that "consensus", "resolutions", and "strategies" being discussed now are irrelevant to the actual war. Do they see it that way?

Wolfs Reply: Not entirely- more 'black and white' than that, usually. They DO think its mostly irrelevant- especially when a US politician shows up, pledging support and backing, then goes home and says the opposite. Sen. Clinton, for example. But, they are quite aware of who is 'supporting' and who is not...

-Wolf

[Zero Ponsdorf]

"...anything you want."

You did use a 'humor' tag and I can't stand to leave a question open.

From your perspective... is there any merit to the current theory concerning multiple dimensions?

Wolfs Reply: yes- I've always felt I've got a parallel self in another dimension- explains some of these headaches and unpaid bills...

While yer at it... what about Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

Wolfs Reply: I'll pass.. I'll take Dark Chocolate instead...

Are these just ways that physicists explain what they don't understand, or is it all the work of The Devil?

Wolfs Reply: Depends on who you ask- Ahminjihad says its the devil's work- but he should know since they are on a first-name basis...

I wouldn't do this normally, but begging the question and silliness made me do it.

If it makes you smile for a second I'll take the beat down.

Wolfs Reply: Beat down? Never... public flogging, possibly...

-Wolf

[OregonGuy]

Hey! I just received this from Oregon National Guard. Message follows:

GUARD AND RESERVE MEMBERS MUST TAKE ACTION TO KEEP TRICARE RESERVE SELECT
Posted: September 28th, 2007 4:35 PM

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - National Guard and Reserve members currently in the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health care plan must sign up for the restructured TRS by Sept. 30, 2007, in order to continue their coverage.

Effective Sept. 30, the "old" TRS ceases to exist. A restructured TRS begins Oct. 1, 2007.

"Don't forget to make the switch" should be the motto of the day as current TRS participants are automatically disenrolled on Sept. 30, 2007. Continued coverage under TRS is not automatic. By law, enrollees must attest that they are not eligible for, or currently covered under, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) when they submit a new TRS request form.

In August, a letter was sent by Reserve Affairs to Reserve Component members currently covered by TRS. The letter explained the program changes and how to continue coverage, but as of early September only 15 percent of the approximately 11,000 current members had completed the new TRS request forms and sent them in to their regional managed care contractor.

To continue TRS coverage, all current members must follow the instructions at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/ to print out, sign and return a new TRS request form to their regional contractor by Sept. 30. If payment is usually made by check, the first month's payment must also be included. Those members who are paying electronically do not need to include a payment - if they meet the Sept. 30 deadline in submitting a new TRS request form.

Under the restructured TRS starting Oct. 1, there are only two qualifications. First, the member must be a Selected Reserve member of the Ready Reserve. Second, the member must not be eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits program or currently covered under FEHB (either under their own eligibility or through a family member). They must attest to this on the new TRS request form.

National Guard and Reserve members can find out more about the restructured TRS through the "My Benefits" portal at www.tricare.mil. Monthly premiums are $81 for the service member and $253 for member-and-family coverage. TRS offers coverage comparable to TRICARE Standard and Extra.

National Guard and Reserve members can contact their Reserve Component points of contact to be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/ra/html/tricare.html
if they have additional questions about their eligibility for TRS.

End of transmission.

Now, I thought that that was pretty thoughtful, sending a late day e-mail on Friday.

But, you go with the Public Information Officer you have, not the one you'd like to have.

Please, let your viewers know.

Wolfs Reply: Duly noted! Tri-Care is likely to change quite a bit over the coming years- I, for one, greatly favor it. It would CERTAINLY beat have to keep COBRA in-between jobs for a lot of Guardsmen. Its still not as cheap as some HMO / PPO plans, but far better than nothing. And the #1 health issue for Reservists and Guardsmen deploying? Dental....

-Wolf

[Old Tanker]

Zero,

Ya know, I've been looking for the answer to the unified field theory, you just made me think to ask Wolf how we can get there without super string theory, but enough of wasting Wolf's brain power....

Seriously, Wolf, if you run into any of the C.O.'s or Tops out at any FOB's and their boys need something, make sure you let us know!!

As far as questions go, I'm with Jordan. What's the general concensus? Other than getting extended for the surge, do the boys feel like it's gettin' the job done? (Sorry, Gals as well!!) Are they seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?

Wolfs Reply: If you want a REAL example of how this all could look- we need to concentrate on 2 areas- North and North-Central Iraq, primarily Kurdish areas. Those areas are actually quite safe, comparatively. They are building new airports, malls, roads, infrastructure that they need- and they are waiting on no one. Yes, there are examples of the 'Baghdad violence' happening there, but its VERY infrequent and blamed on 'outsiders'. They are looking for business input there- and want to make it happen. Now, given that environment, how do you think the troops feel?

Fantastic doesn't quite cover it...

-Wolf

[Uncle Jimbo]

Where does the white go when the snow melts?

Cordially,

Uncle J

Always searching for a better answer

Wolfs Reply: The same place the Dark goes when you open the freezer door.. that is, if you can PROVE the light even goes out...

-Wolf

[Caleb]

Mr. Wolf, wily, ferocious, sir, in answer to my query, you note that Kearney made flag in 03. It is now 07, only 4 yrs later and he is wearing 3 stars. I rest my case regarding him having a well placed sponsor. I wonder if he is close to Tommy Franks?

As to the replacement for Gen. Pace, I recently read an article on the replacement. I can't remember the name (sorry, senior moment), but I believe that you will find that he comes from the Army. That eliminates Adm. G and I have heard nothing about his next assignment, leading me to wonder if he has been advised to retire, afterall, like Gen Pace, he is reputed to be a confirmed warrior.

The post regarding Gen. Pace meeting with the unit he was first assigned to upon commissioning about a week or two ago was telling. The idea that he would present his K-bar from Viet Nam to the platoon leader tells all we need to know about Peter Pace. I have my father's K-bar from his time in the 1st MarDiv. during WWII. It is in pristine condition, and you would have to kill me to get it away from me. I made sure to carry it during my fairly short association with the Marine Corps shortly after Korea.

Wolfs Reply: I hope you mount that K-bar some day; that is certainly a great memento and links to the spirit of the Marines. That was one LUCKY platoon leader- I hope THAT one gets mounted in the team house...

As for progression, remember that in the same time span, GEN Petraeus went from 2 to 4 stars... but his was more on merit...

-Wolf

[Igor]

Master Wolf-san:

You asked, "Where does the white go when the snow melts?"

White is composed of ALL colors, and when the snow melts the colors separate and become green grass, blue sky, and red roses - "primarily" (pun intended!).

:)

Igor

Wolfs Reply: Ok, so, where does all the Dark go when you turn on the light??? One cannot create nor destroy matter, only alter its composition... or my state of mind.

-Wolf

[Igor]

Oops - I meant Uncle Jimbo asked...

Igor
/see, I make mistakes just like everybody else...

Wolfs Reply: The Wolf forgives... THIS time...

-Wolf

[Kat-Missouri/USA]

Not a question, but a reminder re: electrical grid and Baghdad -

Don't have the article handy, but the problem with Baghdad is that at least three of the main power plants in outlying districts have disconnected from the grid and left Baghdad still pondering their politics in the dark.

Part of that was about politics. Baghdad did not give, but it did take. the Bureaucrats mistook their positions in Baghdad for unalterable positions of power, leaving the outlying provinces dangling as it were. This little trick reminded Baghdad politicians that it was the provinces that elected them. You might say that it may have fostered the little jump start in reconciliation and developing an appropriate oil profit sharing plan.

Secondly, these provinces were starting to experience some peace and reconstruction. Unplugging and providing more services to the provinces may have certainly assisted in some of the counter-insurgency advances there. Never underestimate the power of electricity.

Now it is Baghdad's turn to negotiate "power sharing". sadly, the six million people there suffer for it.

[defendusa]

Wolf,
Several months back I heard from my "Top" in his perspective that alot of Iraqi's are really not interested doing for themselves and would rather the welfare state mind set. I "argued" that you have slackers in all societies, no matter what the conditions. What do you see in the realm of Iraqis and their ambitions to make it happen for themsellves? Do you think the people you're seeing understand the opportunities they have, now? Thanks...

Wolf's Reply: The Iraqi society has primarily been based on a 'government salary' that was a distribution of the oil wealth, similar to other countries in the region. Prior to 2003, a standard salary was equivalent to about 200 USD/mo. Now, policemen and soldiers and others can make about 3 times that, enticing them to join and bring civility to the country. Their oil wealth will always be a prime contributor, but they are also extremely business-driven, and will make opportunities where and whenever they can.
Previously, even factory jobs were based on a government salary; there is a lot of work moving toward a 'true market' economy around manufacturing and self-sustainment, with some Iraq-unique differences. See the Office of Business Transformation for info on this.

-Wolf

[Old Tanker]

Wolf Sir,

I thought it was widely excepted scientific concensus that there are small pixie like (or elf like if you please) people living in the refridgerator (right behind the crisper) that run out and turn on and off the fridge light.

Wolfs Reply: Ok, so, where does all the Dark go when you turn on the light??? One cannot create nor destroy matter, only alter its composition... or my state of mind.

-Wolf

Dark is the absence of light, therefore not destroyed. Light exists as small bundles or "quanta" of energy that exhibit both wave-like AND particle-like characteristics and is therefore not destroyed, energy is either released or not. I believe this satisfies the Law of conservation of energy and without matter, no mass-balance is required! Since neither alter your state of mind, you should be go to go!

[referman]

Gentlemen Wolf,my question is;How do our troops feel about the civilians working there?I know back in 06 they were a bit testeeee on the outrageous amt of money the civilians were getting,and are the civilians really helping our troops..Sorry this is a 2fer.Here in plattsburgh ny near the canadian border they are installing wind mills for electricity.With the isolated towns and villages I was thinking it may be something to look into over there!God Bless and give my best to the troops sir.

Wolf's Reply: The civilian worker is a two-edged sword- as you can see in the headlines these days. The 'average' Iraqi doesn't care one way or the other- and in some ways prefers civilians as its less 'visible' working with them sometimes. And, they understand these people are thousands of miles from home in a dangerous place.

With the petroleum reserves in Iraq, windmills would not be considered as viable, however Iraq certainly has an environment that would work well... open desert with no other viable use, and lots of wind (which many would say emanates from Baghdad...)

-Wolf

[Grim]

Kat wrote:

"Don't have the article handy, but the problem with Baghdad is that at least three of the main power plants in outlying districts have disconnected from the grid and left Baghdad still pondering their politics in the dark."

According to our recent roundtable discussions, the other big problem is a relative scarcity of diesel fuel caused by higher prices. A lot of the turbines we installed in Iraq as stopgap power generation measures use diesel. That fuel was plentiful at the time, but is becoming more expensive and in higher demand worldwide.

As a consequence, power output is below capacity from those turbines.

[The Wolf]

Fuel-
This one commodity in Iraq has not been adequately explained outside. Something that most people miss are the following:
1. When SH was in power, vehicles were restricted, ownership was difficult, and gas stations were few and far between; of course fuel was highly subsidized.
2. Once SH was toppled, and restrictions were removed, cars FLOODED into Iraq. Want to know where all those awful VW Dashers and other unwanted cars went to to die??? Iraq. Anything that had wheels that they could pick up cheap west of Turkey headed to Baghdad. Fine. Now they had cars. But NO GAS STATIONS- they don't have fuel stations on every corner like in the West. Not even close. What was a 'shortage' was exacerbated by the condition that there were only a few stations to service all the new vehicles. Trucks included.

With the gov't price controls 'gone', it became profitable to sell the fuel on the black market. Some went over the borders- some was hoarded. But with the lack of stable electric, distribution, and the fact they didn't have that many refineries to begin with, and added tens of thousands of new vehicles, it was not a pretty picture...

=Wolf

[The Wolf]

From email:
Mr Wolf
just wondering if the two SF Soldiers have any recourse against kearney? any chance he could lose a star and get mustard out of the Army?Thanks for your service and have a great weekend.
Joe

Wolf's Reply: Sir, not likely. No statute that I know of similar to the civilian equivalent of filing suit for defamation or anything like that. Depending on HOW and WHY, and by WHOM the charges were dropped, the LTG may just have saved face big-time.

-Wolf

[Caleb]

Mr. Wolf, feral sir, this morning Sarah, my female GS asked me to communicate a concern of hers. As females are wont to do, she is concerned that you may not have taken enough Chap Stik with you to the desert sands. She notes that a generous coating of that product on your nose will keep it from getting irritated and sore from the sand, and will not impair you ability to determine your world through the scents around you. She also asks if you think that her brothers and sisters in the canine world are also so protected. Sarah is not very forgiving toward humans that fail to fulfil their duties toward their canine protectors.

[rgrmom82]

Speaking of dogs, caleb. I got sent to Grants NM on an assignment and no offents to anyone currently living there, but it was hell. I got a room assignment with lock issues and started crying and my little sheepdog slipped her collar and ran. I am sick with loss. Prayed all the way home that God will help my babe find her way back if that is his will. More to this story later.....needless to say I looked for her as long as I could, got the cops and paramedics out looking and then it got late and I had to go. Well, I am frugal, that will teach me...babe are you out there somewhere asking for me? do you have food and water? Find your way home...

[rgrmom82]

This is what was shown to me from the Eagle's Nest.

"there are many species of trees and they are all good. But.... it's all just firewood till some one carves a cross from it. Elm is a winner for that. If you can't see the forest for the Tees, you shouldn't let the fish glide for water. Midges lead to very bad things like little old hagis that passed out drunk over the ant pile. That could cause a real mess kit. Private Jack Moorelocks demoted...one too many loose hoses in his toolkit. "

Eagle to Basset1, come in, over?