This is Jocko podcast number 456 with echo Charles and me jock a willing good evening.

Lieutenant Colonel Ron Clark commander of the first of the five was six red curr he told us that if we were looking for action we'd find it.

Although firefights and other hostile action are routine IEDs are the worst problem

he said. They were responsible for five of the six deaths. His men have

suffered since deploying in January. As of mid-May his troops at Camp

Corregidor on Eastern Ramadi had suffered 380 attacks from IEDs

while finding and destroying 667 more.

Corregidor is roughly the size of a super Walmart. more. could temporarily occupy or so close that they could practically heave mortars at us by hand.

On average, the camp gets shelled every other day.

Clark told us that because attacks are so constant body armor and helmet are required

anytime you leave a reinforced roof building. An added attraction is the

snipers who occasionally pop off around into the camp from the minarets.

They know of Americans unwillingness to attack religious buildings even if they're clearly being used for military activity.

When I asked Colonel Clark why Iraqi army or police couldn't be used to make sure nobody

entered the mosques with weapons, he was quick to say we never hesitate to fire back when fired upon.

However, he added, our fight requires strict cultural and religious sensitivity in order to be successful and legitimatize the Iraqi government and army.

The constant threat of snipers and mortar attacks contributes greatly to the general unpleasantness. The camp is also short on

and mortar attacks contributes greatly to the general unpleasantness of life in

Corregidor. The camp is also short on amenities,

even by Iraqi standards.

It's also short on men.

Company strength should be 136. Charlie Company

...