A Semester in the Sandbox

Dozens of books about the Iraq War have been written by politicians, generals, snipers and Special Forces operatives. This war journal of an enlisted U.S. Marine provides an un-glamorized narrative of a common reservist’s deployment to Iraq, from notification of mobilization to final trip home. The visceral experiences of combat are all described in candid detail, along with hazards of homesickness, boredom and loss. In light of the rise of the Islamic State in the area described in the book, the author’s story presents a timely account of the challenges of restoring peace in this restive area.

Former Marine Reservist Adam Davidson works in the finance industry and lives with his family in Denver, Colorado.

Adam Davidson

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 200
Bibliographic Info: 20 photos, 6 maps, glossary, index
Copyright Date: 2016
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6569-6
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2573-7
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments viii
List of Terms ix
Preface 1
Charlie Company and the Early Period of the Iraq War 9
July 2004–August 2004: Mobilizing 16
Pre-Deployment Iraq 41
August 2004–October 2004: ­In-Country 47
October 2004–January 2005: Things Heat Up 86
February 2005: The Homestretch 158
Reunited 167
March 2005–April 2005: Heading Home 168
Postscript 177
Index 187

“a welcome and informative contribution to the growing library of Iraq War studies…highly recommended”—Midwest Book Review.