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Three guesses as to what this guy does for a living...

By Dusty (AKA Attila of Argghhh!) on February 8, 2005 | | Comments (32)

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32 Comments

By Montieth on February 8, 2005 3:08 PM
Walks everywhere? He looks like a PBI.
 
By A reader on February 8, 2005 3:31 PM
Looks like an SF-type to me, out doing a little recon. I can't quite make out the patch on his left shoulder. He's wearing an older-style set of DCUs, not the newer "digital" style... so probably not a marine. He's also a bit older than the average young troop. He's carrying a professional's weapon: Aimpoint or ACOG on top of an M-4, laser designator (infrared) on the fore-end, and double-magazines. He's also equipped with a set of single-tube NVGs, and enough gear to stay out in the field for a while. That's about all I can glean from a glance.
 
By SangerM on February 8, 2005 3:47 PM
Leg Infantry Scout. 173rd Airborne Bde. Maybe just a plain 'ole 11B, same unit. Possibly Northern Iraq. . .
 
By John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2005 4:12 PM
Two of you combined are kinda close... but I already know so I'll shut up.
 
By ScottinHouston on February 8, 2005 4:25 PM
Looks like one of the (few & lucky) mustard stains from 1BDE 82nd ABN DIV to me.
 
By Cricket on February 8, 2005 4:32 PM
Well, the older style DCUs had the chocolate chips. Ranger? Scout? Engineer?
 
By PhantomObserver on February 8, 2005 4:35 PM
A living advertisement for Tylenol Aches and Strains (TM) pain medication -- "When your back really needs it."
 
By Fred Boness on February 8, 2005 4:47 PM
He's in Alaska. He's a mud scout looking for a path muddy enough to be worth marching the rest of his unit through it.
 
By cw4billt on February 8, 2005 5:14 PM
Long-Range Surveillance Company, 173rd Abn Bde. If he's good, he can tell how long ago the vehicle went past; if he's real good, he can tell you which way it went (wheeled or tracked, doesn't matter--There Are Clues).
 
By Eric on February 8, 2005 5:31 PM
.. I think I remember this photo.. it was from the 173rd after they deployed to Northern Iraq to work with the Kurds early on in the war... what does he do for a living?.. he is a soldier.. and a very religious person..
 
By Dr_Funk on February 8, 2005 6:39 PM
Given that it was Instapilot that posted it, I would guess that he's a Combat Controller. In any case, he's clearly a SOF troop of some kind, but not a Marine.
 
By AFSister on February 8, 2005 7:37 PM
HEY! I recognize that guy!! And so will Cassandra and a few others. ALa featured this guy as her Soldier of the Day recently. We all agreed: He's quite a Soldier! My guess? He just jumped in, but I don't know where. He's loaded down from his gills to his toes, so he I'm thinking a first-in, Airborne Ranger or something.
 
By cw4billt on February 8, 2005 8:46 PM
AFSis - Let me guess--you just finished watching "The Longest Day." He's airborne, but dollars to ham 'n' limas, he didn't just jump in. Looks like there's more stuff on his back than the "PBI" carries, but it's not adding much more weight to the seventy-or-so pounds of the "basic" load he's got or he'd really look like a hurtin' pup. Portable "hide-me" stuff. He's also been travelling on the road for a couple of miles, not walking through the weeds, so, if he is deployed, I'd guess he's in Afghanistan, probably east-northeast of Kabul.
 
By John of Argghhh! on February 8, 2005 9:02 PM
Bill - take a *good* look at the shoulder patch.
 
By J.M. Heinrichs on February 8, 2005 9:20 PM
How about Operation Northern Delay on 27 Mar 2003 by 173 Airborne Regiment (and attachments) at Bashir Airfield in Northern Iraq. Picture is here: http://www.173rdairborne.com/images/Iraq-loading-1006.jpg Cheers JMH
 
By SangerM on February 8, 2005 9:26 PM
Definitely 173rd Airborne Bde. Hard to say what Bn, however: 1) knee pads not in immediate-use position, so he's pa/trollng, not expecting to need them. 2) May be looking at veh. tracks, that's my guess. 3) There are no SOF folks, per se, in these units. There are LRRP (they used to be C Co. of the CEWI Bn, not sure if they are still there), and scouts, and SAPPERS (but he's not "patched" for that), but no SF/Ranger types. 4) He's dirty, wet, & Cold! Looks tired. Been at this a while. Wearing pretty standard gear for non-SF types (that weapon is authorized for lots of folks who need to travel light). 5) Not sure if that's chute or poncho/shelterhalf stuff on top of ruck, other bag is gas mask, maybe an ammo pouch or ready pouch on left thigh; again, pretty standard stuff. 6) Not SF. Not Ranger. Not Delta. I think that's northern Iraq. -SangerM
 
By SangerM on February 8, 2005 9:29 PM
No fair! I was trying to play Holmes and all that.. Phoeey. But I am surprised I missed the guy behind him! Clear as day, now that I've seen the big picture. Thanks! SangerM
 
By MIKEY on February 8, 2005 10:17 PM
Puts himself in harms way, for "us"...... God bless him, and all of them.
 
By AFSister on February 8, 2005 10:28 PM
173rd is right, and I'm standing by my "just jumped in" claim. He's carrying an old mountain ruck, which is apparently easier to rig and jump in, and hasn't put his flack jacket on yet, which is another clue. Not first-hand knowledge, by the way. Just reviewing previous conversations about the pic.
 
By J.M. Heinrichs on February 8, 2005 10:51 PM
If I remember correctly from the first reports, the field that the 173rd jumped into was quite boggy. A couple of the troopers commented on feeling rather knackered by the time they reached the road in the picture. Thus I presume the trooper will start reading track after he is satisfied that the road will not transform itself into bog #2. Cheers JMH
 
By cw4billt on February 8, 2005 10:58 PM
I took a *good* look at the shoulder patch and other than the bayonet appearing a tad short (might be perspective) all I got was some *good* eyestrain. [*blinking like a screech owl in a spotlight*] And since the guy behind him isn't wearing kneepads (on his right leg, anyway), I now fall back on the immortal words of Lou Costello: "I'm so confused..."
 
By Joe Tinsley on February 9, 2005 7:28 AM
Look again at photo. There are 3 guys in photo. One sitting down, note boot between legs, then there is one knealing directly behind. Note change in camo color right side. You can also see right arm on solider.
 
By Cricket on February 9, 2005 9:09 AM
The guy directly behind him is loaded for bear and hiding. You can see his fanny pack while he is standing. The other one is more hidden. My guess is a patrol.
 
By Lark on February 9, 2005 9:14 AM
a DANG sight more than me, I know that much.
 
By Heartless Libertarian on February 11, 2005 9:03 AM
The old ditty I learned in Ranger School: You can tell an Airborne Ranger by his ruck, (By his Ruck!) You can tell an Airborne Ranger by his ruck. It's as big as a truck, And it's heavy as f*ck, You can tell an Airborne Ranger by his ruck! RLTW!
 
By Jeremiah B. on February 11, 2005 10:22 AM
looks to me like he's an "infantryman" (glorified forward air controller) who wears kneepads so he doesn't hurt his knees when he's sucking his lieutenant's cock to try to get a promotion... also helps when he's hiding at the bottom of a shell crater from a guy with a 30-year-old rifle, screaming for air support rather than actually fighting as infantry... most COWARDLY, PUSSIFIED military in the world. americans should be ashamed.
 
By Jeremiah B. on February 11, 2005 10:32 AM
P.S.- anybody notice how the "big bad ass" "world's only superpower" reacts when somebody stands up to it? Take yesterday (10 Feb.) for example. Notice how quick i twas to resort to military "force" against little Iraq but where are the threats against Iran or North Korea?? Hmmmmm??? Where's the swaggering, lectern-pounding cowboy now???? He instead has Kindasleazy Rice say "Please, North Korea, please return to the 6-party talks". Then the bitch makes the hollow threat of sanctions against Iran which everyone knows would get vetoed in 2 seconds by Russia and China. So my question is, why the hair-trigger response against oil-rich little Iraq who they thought would be a walk-over, while going to any length to AVOID a REAL fight with a REAL threat like North Korea or Iran??? The whole world (outside of retarded chicken-shit america) knows why. It's because like every bully, america is, at heart, a PUSSY that can't take a punch!!! Stand up to it and it cowers, makes excuses, runs away. Fuck america. It is the WORLD'S BIGGEST SUPERPUSSY!!!!!
 
By spd rdr on February 11, 2005 11:31 AM
Sounds like you've got a lot of experience on your knees, Jeremiah.
 
By CKC on February 11, 2005 12:49 PM
Me thinks Jeremimah (deliberate type-o) is one sexually frustrated eunuch who's just coming off a week long kool-aid binge at moveon.orgy!
 
By CW on February 11, 2005 1:36 PM
I'm pretty sure his unit patch on the left shoulder is that of a Pathfinder. Now, being that I'm an old Marine, I don't know how these men are dispersed throughout other airborne units. Also, if memory serves, this photo was taken at a time when the Army "dropped" units into N. Iraq to act as a blocking force between the Kurds and the Iraqis early in the war. With regards to Jeremiah B., son, you need help. You don't write like a Brit, so perhaps you are Canadian, or worse, a self-hating American. As hurtful and petty as your remarks are, they're still your opinions. When I read your twisted comments about America and her fighting men, I just remind myself of how many MILLIONS of people have been liberated by those wonderful, brave men. America does have the choice of being truly isolationist, but historically, we have chosen to help other people. You can question our motives regarding oil, but I don't really care. If you think we invaded Iraq for their oil, you're beyond rational discourse because your ignorance is unparalleled. I hope you grow up and realize just how wonderful America is, especially if you are an American.
 
By Jason on February 11, 2005 2:06 PM
Hey CW! Enough with the Canadian comments already. There's a few of us up here that respect the work this fellow is doing. Just FYI, there's alot of Albertans that could give your average New Yorker a run for their money at being "American" (at least in the sense you're referring to).
 
By YaRdApE on February 11, 2005 4:05 PM
*Follow up to Jason's post* I too very much respect the efforts that our Southern brothers have/are putting forth in Afghanistan/Iraq, lost 4 regimental brothers in the Tarnak Farms incident. (details should not be required at this point.) I have worked with both Americans and British troops overseas and hold both in high regard. No need to bash any Nationality at all. Jeremiah B, (or if I may be allowed to stoop to his level for just a moment and affectionately refer to this mental midget as C*ck Jaws) speaks for his ignorant self only. As to "his" (scratch that, "it's") Nationality only one can guess, but all know that an asshole is an asshole regardless. -S P.S. Alberta rocks! I'm coming home soon...
 
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