FUN ON THE TIGRIS

For soldiers who paid attention during high school history classes, a trip on the Tigris River has more significance than a typical patrol through the capital city.

“This is like you read it in the text books,” Pfc. Justin Brown, says as he scans the banks of the river for possible trouble. “It’s just awesome.”...

“Our section got volunteered for this mission,” said the native of Chico, Calif. “I didn’t know how much fun it was going to be.”

“Fun” is not a word generally used to describe a patrol in Baghdad. And there are certainly elements of the river patrols that aren’t fun.

The reservists, who hail mostly from Oregon and Washington, have been conducting the patrols since April. They’ve come under fire several times. And they know they’re more vulnerable while they’re riding the waters.

But it’s a change of pace for most soldiers. Brown’s battalion usually rides around in tanks, although his job is working in supplies.