I was stationed in Iraq during 2003-2004. Our temperature sensors on our aircraft were frequently "pegged out" past 50 degrees C. Of course we were sensible enough to realize that those readings were affected by exposure to sun and the convected heat from the ground. But I always thought that if the equipment is affected by these factors than a person's physiology is affected also. Even if your well placed, scientific thermometers give you your readings. I challenge you to go to Central Iraq, stand out in the sun, on the hot asphalt, with (true) 50-70 pounds gear on. Much less try to work in those conditions. Then tell me how hot it is.

I choose to believe the author didn't intend to offend anyone, just report the data that was given. But it is a shame that now some citizens will now say to themselves, "Oh, okay, it's not that bad over there."

Even if the weather was 68 and partly cloudy, doing anything in a war zone is very stressful. I have no chance of being shot, bombed, kidnapped or tortured while I do whatever it is I do for my daily work here in the States.

First thanks for your service to our country. I couldn't begin to imagine the miserable heat and flies of Iraq. Then to add 70 pounds of gear and full body armour is simply astonishing. These men and women deserve so much more respect and monetary compensation from our country than they get.