I suspect he has a Military background. I don't think he is over there , but I agree that he has me convinced that he is giving the straight scoop.
I have another source I rely on to keep up with events in Baghdad. I have friends from church whose son is an Army brigade commander there (4th Bde, 3rd ID). He sends out a newsletter every week or so, which he goes out to an ever-expanding mailing list. I've been posting them here since about #19. I've added you to the ping list. Look for #27 momentarily.