NASIRIYAH, Iraq -- They haven't showered for a week. Five of those days, they've worn chemical-protection gear 24/7, long-sleeved charcoal-filled suits that don't allow chemicals in or any air out. Sandstorms blow grit that sticks to sweaty brows.

On top of that, they damn well better pay attention.

"The lack of urgency that runs through your guys' brains is going to get you killed," Steelworker Chief Michael Neumann, 37, of Norris Town, Pa., shouted at Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Tuesday morning.
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Battalion 4 Seabees face not only the threat of chemical weapons and hostile Iraqis, they also must deal with harsh conditions and the expectations of leaders who want to keep them alive.

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Their successful mission was a triumph over fear, harsh conditions and complacency.

Neumann believes a little kick in the pants now and then will not only keep the soldiers alive but help them accomplish more.

"This isn't the place to stop thinking," Neumann said. "If they don't start thinking, they could end up walking in front of a firefight. Or just slipping and falling off the quarry and killing themselves."

"In Desert Storm, we killed more of our people than they killed of us."
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And it would be easy to lose focus in this harsh environment. There are not only life-threatening elements to worry about but also more mundane woes.

There are no bathrooms, only the holes they dig in the sand with their E-tools, tiny foldable shovels they carry in their packs. Gnats and flies gather in ears, noses and mouths, undeterred by insect repellents Although MREs include Jambalaya, Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, and hamburgers, the meals all reach a sameness after being consumed three times a day.

The temperature is getting into the 90s, so the soldiers sweat profusely in their chemical-protection suits, especially when working hard. But there's nowhere to wash their clothes.

While in camp at night, they can't turn on lights to read or play cards. It would allow the enemy to find them. And almost all of Battalion 4 still hasn't received any mail or been able to make phone calls.

Conflict with Iraq: A little kick in the pants to keep troops motivated, safe