Satellite TV
While living in a war zone I am learning it is very normal to have no idea what is happening even as close as 1 mile from base camp. This is very true of my unit which has decided not to impart any information about the war to the soldiers. The intelligence officer, XO (Executive Officer), and commander generally keep us in the dark about movement within the unit, insurgent attacks and the overall direction of the war. They have a television in the operations room that is locked and only available to the select few soldiers I just mentioned.
Many of the soldiers in the unit have raised money and purchased a satellite dish that can pick up 40 channels including CNN. Once this is up and running I believe there will be a shift of power in the unit, because knowledge is power.
People are really looking forward to the satellite TV so we will be more abreast of the world's happenings. (On the other hand people are also excited to get to watch sports and sitcoms from home, not to mention Desperate Housewives.) Right now the majority of information is obtained from the internet and word of mouth. It will be interesting to compare the information released on TV versus that available on the internet.
I do understand that too much knowledge can be stressful for soldiers, but I think everyone is old enough to make that decision for themselves. Personally, I already worry about the safety of my fellow soldiers, and feel that more information would help to temper these thoughts and feelings.
Many of the soldiers in the unit have raised money and purchased a satellite dish that can pick up 40 channels including CNN. Once this is up and running I believe there will be a shift of power in the unit, because knowledge is power.
People are really looking forward to the satellite TV so we will be more abreast of the world's happenings. (On the other hand people are also excited to get to watch sports and sitcoms from home, not to mention Desperate Housewives.) Right now the majority of information is obtained from the internet and word of mouth. It will be interesting to compare the information released on TV versus that available on the internet.
I do understand that too much knowledge can be stressful for soldiers, but I think everyone is old enough to make that decision for themselves. Personally, I already worry about the safety of my fellow soldiers, and feel that more information would help to temper these thoughts and feelings.
posted by Heidi O at 10:50 AM
3 Comments:
Right on, Heidi, I am in complete agreement!! Keep up the good work!
Heidi-I know how you like to keep informed-I agree that you should have some knowledge of your surroundings-it isn't like you were still in Med School!
Heidi -- I can definitely understand why you would like to know what's going on with a war that's within two blocks of your doorstep, UNLESS sometimes ignorance is bliss. When we were in Germany in the 60's, the only news we got was through the Stars & Stripes and they picked what they wanted you to know. We had no cell phones, no computers, but we did have letters once in awhile from home. It cost $8 a minute to make a phone call to the U.S., so I didn't talk to anyone in the U.S. (including family) for TWO YEARS!! I can't even imagine that in today's world. So pray for that satellite tv and find out what's going on!! jan bogle
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