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What the troops are listening to

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We’ve asked US troops stationed in Iraq what they’re listening to on their iPods. Producer Jake Warga was embedded with the Third Infantry Division in Baghdad and plays us some of their playlists.

http://hearingvoices.com
http://hearingvoices.com/news/cat/hv/story/soldiers-soundtrack/
http://jakewarga.com/share/Iraq_Leaving/
http://hearingvoices.com/news/cat/hv/webwork/writs/iraq-warga/

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DAVID BARON:  As part of an occasional series, The World is asking U.S. troops in Iraq what they’re listening to on their iPods and why.  Some soldiers have been on several tours there and they reflect on how their role has changed since the 2003 invasion.  Producer Jake Warga was embedded with the Third Infantry Division in Baghdad and brings us the first in our series.  You might recognize this; it’s Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

MAJOR JAMES LOCKRIDGE:  I’m James Lockridge.  It’s new to me; this is my first iPod I’ve ever owned.  I’ve downloaded a few songs over the past few days.  I’ve got Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.  What I really love about this thing is the podcast.  So I’ve got a bunch of programs from NPR, two Talk of the Nations, the 7:00 a.m. news, Car Talk, which I’m still working through and the last two this American life’s.  It’s so different than the last two rotations, but yet you’re still in Iraq and it’s over so many years.  It just seems like it’s more of story now than a song.  The United States Army can go anywhere, at any time, at any place and face anybody.  I learned that during the first war and with overwhelming firepower.  I would never want to be anybody that had to face the United States.  I mean after OIF one everybody really thought the war was over.  I didn’t foresee this insurgent campaign coming on.  But now we’re back, but again, I think I’m done again.  I mean they got it.  Could we stay her another 20 years or more?  Absolutely.  Do you have violence?  Absolutely.  Do you have corruption?  Absolutely.  Can the Iraqis do it on their own?  Yes.  That’s really the prognosis for here.  It’s time to wrap this thing up, get the elections done and head on home and let the Iraqis do it.  They want to do it.

BARON:  Coming up, news headlines from around the world on PRI, Public Radio International.

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