Video: How Soldiers Drive In Iraq

Abdul Sachedina January 31st, 2007 10:33 AM Link

Wow! I never would have imagined such disregard for other peoples property. If someone knocked into the back of my car (regardless of it’s condition) I would surely be angry and scared shitless. Is it any wonder there are such things as “Car Bombs” where by damage is intended and directed towards U.S. soldiers. Guess what? Iraq doesn’t have a monopoly on “Poor Traffic Conditions”, Traffic is everywhere. It means a great deal of people are trying to get somewhere all at the same time. It also means that there is a lack of infrastructure and the where with all to upgrade the road system. I wonder whose job that is anyway? Might we all agree that a mojority of the roads in Iraq doen’t even exist due to the bombing that we inflicted on them in the first place? Now we simply push their cars out of the way, in order to get where “we’re” going. I can imagine the terror I would be feeling if my wife and children were in our car as it was “Sticked” by a Military Vehicle. I’m certain all the children riding in those cars are properly fastened into child car seats that are properly tethered to the car by some sort of Latch System. Aren’t you? There simply has to be a better way to get around. Aren’t we there to save these people?

Ben January 31st, 2007 10:50 AM Link

Abdul, you didn’t stop to think that the Iraqis are not as materialistic as we are here in America. They treasure life before their car that was made in the 80’s. I’d gladly take a door ding over a suicide bomber attack

Eric M January 31st, 2007 10:52 AM Link

When Iran and other terrorist elements are trying to kill you, screw other people’s cars. If you don’t have the presence of mind of moving out of the way of the HUGE and LOUD military vehicle heading towards your rear end in a war zone, then you are no very smart. I know I would. Rebuilding can only occur after the murderers who will kill civilians or military are wiped from the earth. Why don’t you join the army and drive around a combat zone like a nice person until it gets you killed.

Death from Above January 31st, 2007 10:53 AM Link

Abdul -
You’re a shit head.
Regards.

James P. Morse January 31st, 2007 10:56 AM Link

Abdul -
You’re NOT a shit head.
Regards.

Carl January 31st, 2007 11:08 AM Link

Abdul has pretty much nailed the idea. We destroyed their roads (and who knows how many civilians on them), and now we are ramming their cars off of them.

When Iran and other terrorist elements are trying to kill you

hey, dude, its Iraq….

screw other people’s cars

well, you screwed their country, so why not their car?

If you don’t have the presence of mind of moving out of the way of the HUGE and LOUD military vehicle heading towards your rear end in a war zone, then you are no very smart. I know I would.

OK, fair enough point, even if we are not smart enough to correctly spell NOT. Ask Borat, he” edumacate you.

Rebuilding can only occur after the murderers who will kill civilians or military are wiped from the earth.

Technically, we (the US/UK alliance) have killed more civilians and military personnel in Iraq than the Iraqis have.

VMMVMMM January 31st, 2007 11:11 AM Link

My sister in law served in Iraq and her responsibility was driving a Humvee around to transport troops. This is what they have to do to stay alive. When you stop, you are attacked and killed. I don’t think this was unreasonable at all, they were bumping people relatively softly. If I were in this situation, I would do the same thing. Having relatives out there, I want them to do the same thing.

I think it is pretty foolish and immature to resort to name calling here, but unless you are in a situation that puts your life in constant and imminent danger, I wouldn’t be passing judgement on these people who are simply trying to stay alive while they are working hard to ensure the safety of those that live in the country they are there to serve and help rebuild.

Whether you agree with the war or not, I want our troops to do their job safely and come home alive. If that means that a few cars are dented in the process, so what?

ms January 31st, 2007 12:06 PM Link

I think abdul has made the point very clear,
I live now in Europe, and I have a hard time arguing for the american point of view.

who made them go there? the wet fantasy of weapons of mass destruction?? another country calling for help as Cuwait did??
no, it was in a search for “democrazying” (!) the middle-east.
A lot of military folks, sience folks and so on said that this will put on a fire in all communities in the middle-east, and hey, Palestina got worse, Iran elected a hardliner against the more modern parties, and even north korea knows that the U.S. can’t fight a war on two sides of the globe anymore, at least this creates tensions that are unnecessary. What happens if north korea attacks south korea, just fire a few rockets into the south, and let little george in washington dance in anger.

finally, nobody can say it is getting better in iraq.
nobody can state when the U.S. can pull out there, in victory, not in defeat.

driving like that in iraq is the symptom, not the cause. but that leaves a gap in the “why are we here?” “and is this country now ’safer’ as it was before the U.S. attacked it? answers.

Ken January 31st, 2007 1:13 PM Link

Wow, a bunch of people commenting on a situation they have never been in and have no concept of. You’ll notice in the video that the vehicles horn is blowing the entire time, the vehicles also travel with their headlights on and have large signs written in both English and Arabic stating “Convoy, keep right”
A stopped convoy is a sitting duck, in the past terrorist have moved slow moving vehicles into the path of convoys in order to slow or stop them for an ambush. Every vehicle is a possible threat and every driver in Iraq knows to stay away from the convoys. I give this driver a lot of credit, he did what he could to get the people out of the way, including slowing to a near crawl before bumping the vehicles and crossing into oncoming traffic when the lane he was in was halted for a traffic circle. For the last 30 years vehicles have been equipped with bumpers capable of withstanding a 5mph impact, so the driver slowing to 5mph to push the vehicles out of the way isn’t doing any damage and noone is getting injured.
And no, we all might not agree that the roads are non-existant. Any damage Americans cause to the roads is repaired. We have to use the roads to travel too so it does us no good to leave them damaged. This video is very indicative of the high level of stress involved with traveling in a war zone. When you hear of an explosion in an area you passed just hours prior you get a funny feeling, a little bit of it is relief in knowing that you “dodged a bullet” so to speak, and a little of guilt knowing that if it detonate to kill you it detonated and killed or injured someone else. Ignorant comments like some of those above do nothing productive, name calling and using this video as a platform to show how “evil” the soldiers are doesn’t decrease the danger to either the men and women in uniform or the Iraqi citizens. (remember more of them are killed by insurgent’s car bombs than US soldiers are.)

VMMVMMM January 31st, 2007 1:30 PM Link

So why attack those who did not make the decision to go to war, but have to be placed in harm’s way? If you hate the decision, fine, but the fact that the soldiers have to bump a few people off the road to survive has nothing to do with whether or not they should even be there in the first place. I wish we weren’t at war, but I don’t think tactics to avoid being shot to death have anything to do with the decision to go to war in the first place.

smokeydog001 January 31st, 2007 1:37 PM Link

This site is quickly becoming the car section of http://www.moveon.org!

Reilly Brennan January 31st, 2007 2:14 PM Link

Smokey,

My Karma Done Ran Over My Dogma.

Reilly

NixGuy.com » Driving in Iraq January 31st, 2007 5:14 PM Link

[…] tip to winding road. Filed under: Iraq by — Dave @ 6:08 pm […]

Jesda January 31st, 2007 5:20 PM Link

Boring political debate.

jon January 31st, 2007 5:59 PM Link

Well being a soldier in Iraq at this time I think this is a great training video. So with that out of the way. For some of you feeling sorry for the Iraqis being pushed out of the way you have the right to form your own opinion but seeing as though you have not personally experienced it then I suggest you shut up. I have seen first hand what happens in heavy traffic in Iraq. One minute you are going 20mph the next you are going 5mph and and VBIED goes off on your convoy or you take indirect fire from all around. Let me tell you taking fire and not knowing where it is coming from is not fun. So with that I think my life is worth more than the POS vehicles around here. So Abdul and Carl go FU@@ Yourself!! Also thanks Carl for clearing the whole Iraq/Iran thing. Seeing as though soldiers were just killed by Iranian terroist just 20 miles from my location I will just forget about that and only worry about the Iraqi terroists you fuc@ing moron………

AC January 31st, 2007 6:53 PM Link

i think that it is reasonable to drive like that, if it keeps you from getting killed, and i wish i could do that in the seattle traffic near my house

steve parker January 31st, 2007 7:33 PM Link

Great. Can’t wait for THESE “trained drivers” to come home and hit the freeways. Guess you can bet they won’t be too nervous or distracted to drive properly, right? Just something else we can thank W for …

Cpt(Ret) Olen Ridling February 1st, 2007 12:23 AM Link

Freekin-A. No way I would let any one bottle neck me into a place where they could set off a booby trap (now called IED). Remember for every American they kill with one of their booby-traps they usually kill more Iraq Nationals.

Jesda February 1st, 2007 7:52 AM Link

“Great. Can’t wait for THESE “trained drivers” to come home and hit the freeways. Guess you can bet they won’t be too nervous or distracted to drive properly, right? Just something else we can thank W for …”

Lots of soldiers have come home. None have gone on Baghdad-inspired reckless driving benders. Idiot.

D February 1st, 2007 11:04 AM Link

STOP THIS S….. These are “our” troops, our kids, fighting for all of us. Do you not remember 911. Whatever it takes to get them home safe. A few dints do not compare IN ANY WAY with all the lives lost from terrorists. If you have not been there, then you cannot judge.

mo February 1st, 2007 1:06 PM Link

our troops are a bunch of a**holes. full of fa*s and d*kes. fu** the Iraqi war and f**k bush.

Downing February 1st, 2007 8:29 PM Link

Well……VMMMMVD or what ever your name is….these US Soldiers are over there because we in America are not chicken shit to stand up and fight for our President/ Commander in Cheif, if and when he says thats what needs to be done….I hope you stay in Europe…you are not welcome in America…and beside that people drive like that every day in Mexico,,,,,,,,God Bless our Troops and our alies…I cant waite till an American President cuts off all the foreign aid..especially to European assholes….Tony Blair excluded. LOL

Accodati.com » Chi si ferma è perduto February 2nd, 2007 3:14 AM Link

[…] [Via Winding Road] […]

Jack Sprat February 2nd, 2007 9:10 AM Link

Dear Mr. mouthbreather mo: evolve, dude. Stupid ** spellings and comments aside, I would give my eye teeth for a chance to drive in such a way on some crap days. The H1 is a vehicle that actually needs to be driven this way in order to keep its limited warranty active. This is an outstanding video shot by people livin’ the video gamer’s nightmare and fantasy.

nospeedbumps.com » Blog Archive » Driving in Iraq February 3rd, 2007 11:58 AM Link

[…] How to drive in Iraq to avoid getting killed (via NixGuy). Seems crazy but I would be doing the same thing. […]

John February 3rd, 2007 9:54 PM Link

I hope abdul is not in the US. He may load a car with explosives and blow himself up. I don’t like the war over there, but in view of car bombs etc. I think the soldiers should shove them off the road to protect themselves. If our citizens don’t like it I suggest the move to Iraq…John

Get the - Paintball Forum - Paintball guns and gear forums February 6th, 2007 1:06 AM Link

[…] Get the out of my way!!!!!!!!!! Winding Road � Archive � Video: How Soldiers Drive In Iraq Now that’s how to drive in traffic. __________________ 2003 Summer Super Moderator and Most Informative Award Winner COG/TOG Member It is my sworn duty to comfort the afflicted, and to inflict upon the comforted. […]

Bobby February 6th, 2007 5:42 PM Link

I believe the driver of that vehicle has the right to do what he was doing. If they stop they are dead, what would you do in that situation. You would fucking make people get out of your way.

Abdul…Put yourself in their position what would you do. If you drive nice and get stopped, bam what do you know you are dead.

peter February 18th, 2007 11:12 AM Link

rediculous as it sounds but i say cars should be illigal…especially in poor countries…simply because they pollute…poor peple don’t have money to mantain a car for low immissions…so it should be emergency transportation and deliveries only…and in states it should be pretty much the same…of course it’s going to bring a lot of discomfort but if everybody doing it at the same time it will work out…the only real problem is that people will never give up their comfort until the real shit hits the fan…and we all know that it’s comming

Spc. Rose February 19th, 2007 6:45 PM Link

I don’t really know what everyone’s opinion on the war is. I don’t really care what everyone’s opinion is. I just got back 3 months to the day ago. I love the Iraqi people. There are a lot of really smart, friendly, and just great people that live there. I was a lead truck driver in a convoy the whole time I was deployed. All 18 months of being away from my family, serving America. I don’t care if you don’t like me for what I do, I don’t care if have family that live in Iraq. But what I do care about our troops, and the fact that some of you don’t recognize that we’re there for you, is just ignorant and inconsiderate. I personally know that driving in this manner is the only way to live. My truck was struck on 2 different occasions in terrorist attacks. Both times by a near miss VBIED, followed by small arms fire. Both times we were stopped in traffic, when the VBIED came over the median. Thankgod for armor and a gunner that knew what he was doing. I don’t wish that shit on anyone. Even you Abdul. Don’t hate the troops for doing what it takes to get the job done, God bless us, and forgive us for some of the things we do.

MIB February 20th, 2007 2:56 AM Link

Guys, all off you are right. but you forgot something very important which is that no body asked for this stupid help you morons. leave the middleeast on its own and eventually everything will be ok. But skrewing politacly and then make the area a laboratory for teasting new weapons and getting rid of old ones on the accounts of the iraqis and other countries, is not fair. and by the way every bullet shot by the americans or who ever buy the slogan fighting terrorists is paid for by the iraqis and other and with interest so shut up all of you and close this stupid useless debate about a humvee driving around and u know nothing about what even caused a humvee to arrive to iraq in the first place.

David February 20th, 2007 3:06 PM Link

I know that there are some of you that do not agree with how our troops are getting around in traffic over there, but I would rather they did that and came home alive instead of in a box. To me, it seemed like the driver was doing alot less than what he was probably told to do in traffic situations. So he was being considerate, as much as he could and still stay alive and avoid being blown up.
Here’s a thought for everyone, really stop and consider this: Your brother, sister, father, mother, aunt, uncle, a relative in one way or another is over there because they support our country and chose to serve in the military. They may not have chosen to go over there, but they will do what they are told and go where they are sent. They are trying to protect you and give you the ability to sit at home and watch tv, play on the computer, or go to the mall. Why not support them, your family, and **Pray** for their safe return when their tour of duty is over.

Evandro Suuza February 22nd, 2007 3:21 PM Link

wow in brazil we have many cars with this system
but who should have your squeezed car is the rabble of the president bush….

Evandro Suuza February 22nd, 2007 3:30 PM Link

oh? throughout history and in every country there’s been cases where the “terrorist”/militia or whatever you want to call them killed the “innocent” under the pretenses that you are either with us or against us… (iirc that exact line is an american thing isnt it?). Now i will not claim that the minute men killed civilians as i dont know for sure but there are many cases in american history where it has happened. ie. loyalist vs patriots.hahahahahaha
for this IAM BRAZILIAN VIVA LA FRANCE

kat February 23rd, 2007 8:15 PM Link

you do what you have to do….they are on survival time. I also noticed that everybody got out of the way real fast after being bumped.

Bill Pupo February 27th, 2007 12:36 PM Link

Aren’t you boys special something to tell your kids?

Bill Pupo

Vietnam 68-69 Door Gunner!!!

tombstone February 27th, 2007 9:15 PM Link

Okay look, wars are inevitable that’s just the way it is..However, I think this one seem’s PRETTY MILD as compared to past ones..By that, I mean look at how Hitler’s troops treated whole towns and cities while they occupied Europe..I’m sure those people would have welcomed a little bump on the bumper instead of being dragged off to some deathcamp..Most people that have an opinion on how they would do it, obviously have never been shot at before..I have been!! It is an eye opening experience to say the least..You have no idea what you are made of until it happens to you (God Forbid)..Some director just doesn’t jump out and scream “CUT, LET’S TAKE LUNCH NOW”, and all is well!! And what’s more, until you have been, you need to shut your face!! There’s way too many people that are far too critical our military..HEY MAN, they are just doing what they have to do to stay alive!! They don’t want to be there anymore than you want them there. God bless em’.. If you don’t support the war, hey that’s your perogitive, but you need to support our troops..They’re our own people… They’re just doing what they’re told to do..And another thing, this war might have been over a long time ago if the media would have stayed the hell out of it, not shown videos like this, and let our military do they’re jobs..And besides, when’s the last time some ass hole jumped out in front of you and you wished you could’ve done the same thing??

Opus Rex February 28th, 2007 8:52 PM Link

There is a form that civilians can fill out for compensation. Just go to the DOD web site and dl DD Form STFU-IDFC-2003.

Pencil March 6th, 2007 12:25 PM Link

I feel sorry for the average Americans as well as for Iraqis. Poor Americans are cheated but cant say anything. They were sent there to remove WMD, they found that they were fooled, and they are ebeing killed, but still have to obey orders and find ways to stay alive by bullying Iraqis..

Listen guys. While you are being killed, and while your tax money is poured into these adventures, Iraqi oil money ( in addition to all the looted saddam gold and money ) has ended up in Habirton accounts and the fat pockets of Donald Runsfiled, Dick Cheney , and a few other Bush fat cats.

Please accept my Arabian condolenseces for the death of YOUR right of speech.

MS March 17th, 2007 1:41 AM Link

Who the hell we are to save Iraqis? We have no reason to go into someone’s home and tell them how to live.

al March 18th, 2007 1:41 PM Link

How fucking gross!! God……We’re over there to help them?? Democratize them….teach them Western Social Skills….fuck…and we wonder why American’s are hated…….jesusfuckingchrist……..GROSS…..sick.. and…..so American…aren’t ya proud?? And NO…they weren’t concerned about IED’s..they were just being fuckheads..bully’s..Americans…We are there to help those people……aren’t we??? Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY March 19th, 2007 1:43 AM Link

Indicates loosing groud in Irab by the comments of indviduals.

al2 March 19th, 2007 2:35 PM Link

Who told us to help them? Democratize them.. and teach them Western Social Skills…

We ain’t learned from our own history of Civil War. It is impossible for foreign power to tell someone how to govern, and how to behave.

I guess you guys need to read..read..learn..learn from our own history.

neutral June 1st, 2007 10:35 AM Link

Shame on the driver….poor man!

MINI ME July 16th, 2007 11:33 AM Link

WELL SOME ONE SHOULD THINK YOU CANT BE STUCK IN TRAFIC WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF WHO IS TRYING TO KILL YOU , THE OTHER WAY TO CLEAR THE STREETS IS DO WHAT WAS DONE TO JAPAN TO GET THEM OUT OF THE FIGHT IN WW2

mark July 19th, 2007 3:28 PM Link

hey invaders you get what you give and you gave death to irakies and u deserve the same so die

Darm Schplutz November 8th, 2007 1:51 AM Link

What a true reflection of today’s America! Baby Boomer FAGS and our worthless 20 & 30-nothing ‘Generation Cheese’ comparing our troops to Hitler’s SS and siding with the Islamofascists. What I can say is that it is no surprise to me that the pampered and coddled American public would be yammering this way as they watch American Idol and fight over that last Cheeto. When the Muslim victory, which you so long and hope for does come, it’ll be laughable to see that you’ll be first on their list to behead and/or skin alive!

Arsalan January 11th, 2008 7:17 AM Link

I read almost all the comments given by so many people. There is always an opposition in even any gud thing one does. here i hv mixed feelings. this does show no care for the Iraqis plus also shows the fear of death. as per that its logical to hit. but isnt this possible that instead of hitting,the US army spreads a newsletter to the Iraqis tht when ever they hear horn of a US vehicle coming from behind they should give way. by this the number of awared people will increase and US wont need to be called Bastards all over.
i also saw a video in which a US tank unpurposely crushed a vacant car. what do they expect (US) then; flowers instead of bullets?
US acts like barbarians and say that we are here for building democracy-their real attitude confirms that they are for oil not for democracy.
all this will bring a bad name to the stongest economy of the world.plus a lot of enemies. if u hv forgotten ur past then cuming future will make u realize; whats right n whats wrong!
In short: For every action there is a reaction! So A mericans be prepared for the worse

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