Other members of the U.S. division, along with Turkish and Russian battalions under U.S. operational command, will be deployed throughout the northern sector established by the Dayton, Ohio, agreement. As the population grows, so too, does the paperwork, according to Bates. We just made things happen because we had to make it happen. Since the team arrived, Bosnia's harsh winter snows and fog delayed and canceled flights carrying troops, supplies and equipment. A warming trend produced a sea of sloppy, liquid mud that now coats boots and everything else it touches.
Nothing stops the progress for long, however.
Troops work long into the night setting up for their counterparts on the way from bases in Europe. Living conditions will steadily improve, according to Bates. We're soldiers and used to living in hard conditions, but we'd still like to be able to shower every day or so. Right now, some of the soldiers on the perimeter are only getting showers every four days or so. Frederick High, from C Company, 3rd Bn., 325th Inf., said the weather has been good and bad.