“The Suck” is a slang term used by U.S. military personnel to describe harsh or difficult situations, particularly in combat zones. It came to prominence during the Iraq War, though it was used before that as well. Soldiers and Marines used the phrase to refer to the often miserable, exhausting, and dangerous conditions they faced, including extreme heat, long deployments, the constant threat of attack, and the mental and emotional toll of war.

The Iraq War, which began in 2003, saw U.S. and coalition forces involved in various complex and grueling military operations. “The Suck” became a way to encapsulate the relentless, tough nature of serving in such environments, where daily life was filled with stress, fatigue, and the challenges of war.

The term also reflects the shared experience among those deployed, a sort of dark humor that helped soldiers cope with the difficulties of their situation. It was used in various forms of military slang and sometimes featured in memoirs, films, and books about the war.

Gasoline, or fuel in general, played a significant role in the Iraq War due to the region’s vast oil reserves and the logistical demands of modern warfare. Here are some of the key ways gasoline was tied to the Iraq War:

1. Oil as a Geopolitical Factor:

• Oil Wealth of Iraq: Iraq holds one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making it a major energy player. Oil has long been a critical factor in Middle Eastern geopolitics, and many believe that control of oil resources was one of the underlying motivations for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
• Debates about “War for Oil”: One of the most debated aspects of the Iraq War is whether oil was a primary reason for the invasion. Critics of the war argue that securing access to Iraq’s oil was a key objective for Western powers. Proponents of the war, however, argue that the primary reasons for the invasion were to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s regime, eliminate weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) (though these were never found), and combat terrorism.

2. Fuel Consumption in War:

• Fuel Logistics for Military Operations: The U.S. military is heavily reliant on fuel, especially for vehicles, tanks, helicopters, and jets. The war in Iraq required enormous amounts of fuel to power military equipment, which added to the complexity of logistics. Ensuring a consistent and secure fuel supply to support the troops was a critical operational concern.
• Convoy Vulnerability: Fuel convoys were often vulnerable to attack by insurgents and roadside bombs (IEDs). Protecting these fuel supplies became one of the biggest challenges during the war. Some estimates suggest that up to 50% of the convoys were dedicated to transporting fuel, making it a significant focus of insurgent attacks.

3. Fuel Prices and Global Markets:

• Impact on Global Oil Prices: The Iraq War, coupled with instability in the region, had an impact on global oil prices. The invasion and subsequent insurgency caused disruptions in Iraq’s oil production, contributing to fluctuations in global oil markets. Some speculated that if stability had been achieved quickly, it might have led to lower oil prices, but the prolonged conflict and sabotage of oil infrastructure hindered this.
• Sabotage of Oil Pipelines: During the war and in the aftermath, Iraq’s oil infrastructure, including pipelines and refineries, was frequently targeted by insurgents. Attacks on oil facilities further complicated efforts to rebuild Iraq’s economy and resume full-scale oil production, which is crucial to the country’s wealth.

4. Fuel as a Commodity of Control:

• Control of Oil Facilities: From the beginning of the invasion, securing Iraq’s oil facilities, such as the oil fields near Basra and Kirkuk, was a priority. U.S. and coalition forces made concerted efforts to prevent these critical assets from being sabotaged or captured by insurgents or factions within Iraq.
• Rebuilding Iraq’s Oil Industry: After the fall of Saddam Hussein, there were efforts to revitalize Iraq’s oil industry as a way to fund reconstruction and help stabilize the country. However, corruption, mismanagement, and continued violence delayed progress.

5. Strategic Energy Importance:

• Fuel for Infrastructure Rebuilding: Beyond the military’s need for fuel, gasoline and diesel were essential for rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure. Power plants, generators, and transportation systems required stable access to fuel, but shortages and infrastructure damage often made energy scarce in many parts of the country.
• Energy Independence vs. Reliance on Imports: Iraq has vast oil reserves, but for much of the conflict, the country struggled to provide its population with stable energy supplies due to infrastructure sabotage, poor management, and corruption. This led to fuel shortages in many areas, even while Iraq remained an oil-rich nation.

6. Environmental Impact:

• Burning Oil Fields: During the initial invasion in 2003, Saddam Hussein’s forces set fire to several oil wells, a tactic reminiscent of the 1991 Gulf War. These fires created massive environmental damage, air pollution, and health hazards for civilians and troops alike.
• Burn Pits and Gasoline: U.S. military bases in Iraq used large open-air burn pits to dispose of waste, including fuel. Burning gasoline and other toxic materials in these pits exposed soldiers and local populations to harmful chemicals, contributing to long-term health issues, some of which are still being debated in relation to “burn pit exposure.”

Gasoline, oil, and other fuels were vital to both the functioning of the war effort and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Iraq War. Whether in the form of energy supplies, a target for insurgents, or as a factor in post-war rebuilding, gasoline was a key element shaping both the conflict and its aftermath.

Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), also known as Gulf War Illness (GWI), refers to a collection of chronic symptoms that have affected veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. After the war, tens of thousands of soldiers reported a range of debilitating health issues that were not easily explained by conventional diagnoses. The condition remains controversial and not fully understood, but extensive research has been conducted to uncover its causes and possible treatments.

Common Symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness not alleviated by rest.
• Cognitive Problems: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”).
• Chronic Pain: Muscle and joint pain, headaches, and widespread discomfort.
• Respiratory Issues: Breathing problems, coughing, and chest pain.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Skin Disorders: Rashes and other dermatological problems.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

Possible Causes:

The exact cause of Gulf War Syndrome remains unknown, but several factors have been suggested as potential contributors:

1. Chemical Exposures:
   • Pyridostigmine bromide: A drug given to troops as a protective measure against nerve agents.
   • Pesticides: Heavy use of pesticides to protect against sandflies and other insects.
   • Depleted Uranium (DU): Used in armor-piercing munitions and tanks, exposure to DU could be a source of long-term health issues.
   • Nerve Agents: Low-level exposure to chemical weapons like sarin gas, possibly released when coalition forces bombed Iraqi facilities storing these agents.
2. Vaccinations: Troops were given multiple vaccines to protect against biological warfare agents. Some researchers believe that the combination of these vaccines could have triggered adverse reactions in susceptible individuals.
3. Burn Pits: Open-air burn pits were used to dispose of waste materials, and the toxic fumes from burning chemicals, plastics, and other hazardous substances may have contributed to long-term health effects.
4. Stress: The psychological strain of combat, environmental hardships, and the stress of deployment have been suggested as potential exacerbating factors, though stress alone is unlikely to account for all cases of GWS.

Research and Recognition:

While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initially questioned the legitimacy of Gulf War Syndrome, it is now recognized as a legitimate condition. Multiple studies, including those by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), have found that veterans of the Gulf War are at a higher risk for a range of chronic health issues. Research is ongoing to better understand the condition, but the exact cause remains elusive.

Treatment:

There is no specific cure for Gulf War Syndrome, so treatment generally focuses on managing symptoms:

• Pain management: Physical therapy, medications, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.
• Cognitive therapy: For memory and concentration problems.
• Mental health care: Psychological support for conditions like depression and anxiety that can accompany GWS.
• Diet and exercise: Programs tailored to help alleviate fatigue and pain.

Veterans with Gulf War Syndrome can apply for disability benefits through the VA, which has specific provisions for veterans with unexplained chronic symptoms related to Gulf War service.

CONCLUSION

33 years of doing psyops in the suck. I was 15 in 1991 when i heard of the soldiers psalm 91 on the TV. People called it the Nintendo war, because most of it was pushing a button, firing and forgetting.