Comments for News around the Army

News around the Army

2005-04-26T16:15:33Z

GEN Cody has strong words for his audience. I wonder how it will play in Peoria?

"Peace will be the exception for the United States Army. War will be the norm," said Gen. Richard A. Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff and himself an aviator.
He also echoed the sentiments or President Bush, who has said that the spread of democracy is the mission of the age.

"The call of the Founding Fathers has become the cause of our time," he said.

Read the whole thing here.

"War will be the Norm" Heh. If they have the memory, I suspect the Dems will be running with that one. And if the Republicans can't find themselves some leaders - I think the Dems will stage a small come-back in Congress. Way too early to tell for the Presidency. I just hope the Republicans are learning all the lessons in how not to let a party with a majority get much of it's agenda passed, but with Senate Republicans, I'm not very confident. Moving on...

If war is going to be the norm, here's some guys who will pull their share: Capt. Corbett McCallum and Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Nelson, winners of the Best Ranger Competition. To continue...

I think those of us holding on the possibility that Syria is holding significant stocks of Saddam's WMD program should probably let that go, at least as a point of argument absent new information. The government just published the report in final form that pretty much says, "Sanctions were working". Saddam had to divert so much effort into maintaining his lifestyle he didn't have the resources to pursue his dreams. Even if he still held on to his dreams. We can still debate the wisdom of the invasion - but I think supporters probably ought to drop the WMD issue, absent new credible information. That said, there is a certain academic in the region who preaches against sanctions whose nose I'm going to rub in the report. The Duelfer Report itself is available here. No, I haven't had time to read it. Gimme a break. If you are a real glutton for punishment - read the report on the Intel Community, since they're the ones who dropped the ball in advising the Executive - dating back to Clinton's days. Speaking of the need to change...

Still flexin' and adaptin'. This time, reworking the Avenger Air Defense system for Convoy Escort Duty... too bad we can't bring back the Quad-Fifty!

Flex and adapt, flex and adapt. It's a dance. This time in searching for IEDs. And speaking of the need to find and avoid IEDs and "War is the Norm"...

The 48th BDE, Georgia Army National Guard, gets ready for another trip to the Sandbox out at Fort Irwin. I helped train these guys for their planned trip to GW1 that ended when the 100 hour war ended. These guys have earned their bones, and the Regulars should acknowledge that.

Speaking of Combat Training Centers - how many of us Old Soldiers remember any training of this caliber? This time at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, LA.

Still serving.

Comment from SangerM on 2005-04-28

2005-04-28T17:56:08Z

Ry, et al. Just to clarify, since so much has grown tangentially from my original comments: I don't really give a rat's a$$ about DeLay's criminal conduct (real or otherwise), he's pretty much just doing business as usual in that regard--just another politician doing what we pay him for (and I don't especially mind that, either). I also don't generally engage in trying to change anyone's mind on-line. What you believe or don't believe, Ry, is your business, and you are free to express it however you want, but you are wasting your time aiming at me for debate. I may agree or disagree with you, but I do not typically engage directly with anyone unless he or she is a twit, and so far you haven't been that. Basically, if you want to rant, great--welcome to the club--but don't expect me to reply. I don't, I won't, and it's a waste of time anyway, especially in response to the all-over-the map kinds of stuff you posted above. As for DeLay, my sole problem with him is his recent very vocal insistence that the federal judiciary must do what congress wants, and his subsequent stated intention to find ways to changes that will cow judges into "behaving," to punish them so to speak. Moreover, the foundation of his complaints are built on his religious beliefs, and lastly the so-called "religious right" has got on the bandwagon and is claiming they are pushing for just this kind of action. That was the envelope they wrapped Frist's recent speech in, much to his dismay, I am sure. And so, we have a senior federal-level politician campaigning to force the judiciary to pass judgments that satisfy his and his fellow Christians' religious beliefs (this grew out of the Schiavo case, in case you missed that). Frankly, I don't care a bit when politicians act like politicians, but talking about making the courts toe some line based on religious beliefs rather than law, not only makes me want to join the ACLU, it makes want to start stocking up on ammunition. I like moderate behavior. I do not trust fanatics of any flavor, and I especially fear people who try to push their religion on me. I don't care if people practice a religion, in fact, I'd prefer they do, and I don't care if they practice it in public, even, or in schools, etc; but I care a LOT when people start talking about making laws I have to obey based on THEIR religious beliefs--not the general judeo-christian ethical types of things, but the MY GOD SAYS SO, SO YOU MUST DO SO kinds of things. This is one reason I am adamantly opposed to a constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman. I am not for same-sex marriage, but I am not in favor of a change to our constitution. This kind of religion just doesn't go with my kind of politics. Period. 'Nuff said. ~SangerM

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-27

2005-04-28T01:03:04Z

'Fire away', ry, for stating the obvious? Nah... what we see in Washington is simply the result of Professional Politics in it's mature form. You're right, Punc is right, I'm right- the whole thing just basically reeks. Too many politicians who manage to achieve Washington-onian status are in it for The Game, not such obscure and archaic notions as public service, or doing whats right for The Nation. Personally, I think we should stop treating aspiring politicians as though they are some sort of celebrity. A man or woman seeking public office should be regarded as the basest of applicants for a menial job. They should be forced to explain themselves, and their convictions, in plain language. Obfuscation and prevarication should be 'called' immediately, and not permitted to stand. Political double-speak should be an automatic red flag, regardless of the R or D... Idealistic, no? Under the circumstances as they exist, both Parties lie, cheat, and steal to get their people into power, and then back them when the sh*t hits the fan instead of saying 'This one is outta here, for the general good of The Nation'... cuz they don't want to lose the seat. Cynicism amongst us Proles is thereby engendered, eh? It's true, as you say- Thats The Way The Game Is Played. But I, for one, am sick of the posturing and pontificating of these jerks (Rs and Ds both). There are major issues to be addressed, and problems to be solved- things we elect these people to handle on our behalf. And they ain't doing it- because they're too busy playing Party-Politics. ..when I'm President it will all be different... heh

Comment from ry on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T23:12:40Z

Boq, let me get good and worked up and you'll have that trifecta. I'm like SWWBO wrt Catholicism, and I find the whole complaining about the new Pope to be little more than political belly aching(oh, someone doesn't want to follow our ideology. Must be a Nazi then. MoDo comes to mind over this. Seen DU posters? Or other lib-media noting that Ratzinger supposedly cost Kerry the election?). Nope, people with d's next to their names never use religion in political context. It's just those eeeeebbbbiiiiillllll conservatives. Guns, religion and politics. Sorry, just in an ornery mood of late. NEw hard contacts. I can't believe I'm getting shelled from my right on Delay though. Ouch. I didn't say that everyone does it. I did say that this is how the game is played. I'm saying that the real power players on both sides have skeletons in the closet. There are honest politicians, but they're not your major players. I have to disagree with Punct, though it'll likely cost me my head. If the folks with R's were so good at cleaning house then this Delay thing would never have come up. The NYT and democrats have been poking around this guy for going on 3 years. IF the r's really did clean house of their own volition they'd have seen that there was fire to this smoke and taken care of it. I think Punct's using a different watered down variation of 'our poo don't stink,' but hers uses the caveat 'as much.' The list of major players on both sides who had been dogged by persistant ethical irregularity questions is pretty extensive(Blogoyovich(D) and what's his name from Colorado who got sunk by his diaries in the 90's(R) as a start. The Colorado guy was a high ranking republican and Blogo was a big wheel from Chi-town.). If we're serious about this we'll get rid of all the current high powered names. They're all dirty. But neither side will because of the effects such a decapitation would have on the ideological cause. That's why I'm a political hypocrit as much as anyone else, and why I say we must be cynical about this matter. Fire away. I deserve it.

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T22:57:28Z

...mix Trifecta thoroughly in alcohol...

Comment from MKL on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T22:56:59Z

Back in 91 the rumor around here (Georgia) was that the 48th BDE was woefully below standards and that was why they were stuck out Cali. A fellow I knew in the BDE back then told me that the 48th was used to wargame the plan that was used by Norman so that was why they were still out there. I didn't believe that one but I'd always believed the one about them not being close to ready to deployed, with a brigade from Ft Benning having to be used to round out the 24th Mech Div. The few fellas I knew in the local company were just abit over weight by about 50-75 pounds.... A powerful politican abuses his power? I'm shocked, shocked to find that is going on here! Apparently Delay is the first member of Congress to do this? I guess he can go the McCain route and become outraged at it and lead a faux crusade against it. McCain seems to have gotten good traction out of that, anybody remember the name "Keating" or the "Keating 5"???

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T18:20:32Z

Punct - Politics and Guns??? Sure they go together; just add in Religion into the mix and we can have ourselves a Trifecta.

Comment from Punctilious on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T17:05:59Z

I'm not sure entering a mixed discussion of guns and politics is wise... *jumps in with both feet* Ry, the problem is that the folks with the litte r's next to their name do tend to sort themselves out. Once the media smoke clears a politician with real flames in his house is ousted if he doesn't oust himself first. Look at all the folks who aren't speaker of the house/majority leader. If you look at the folks with little d's you see that rather than clearing the smoke and cleaning up the mess they just blow more smoke. The leaders of their party stay right where they are doing what they've been doing. I think the fact that the R's clean house strengthens the party and leaves better people in place. Of course they have lost some great political thinkers to charges that would only garner a D more votes, but that is part of being adults and understanding that actions have consequences. It is frustrating to watch. If Delay and Pelossi did the same thing (hire family) and it is clearly against the rules (not new interpretations) then they both should go along with every other member who violated the rule. (That'll turn things over.) As far as appointing family members to work on campaigns... This is a tough point. A candidate needs dedicated trustworthy people to help out. Family members usually fill that bill (well, excepting for a few notorious brothers-in-law). Is it unreasonable for a family member to be fairly compensated for work done on and value added to a campaign? Probably not. Who decides fair compensation? That is the sticking point. Probably need to compare them to professional marketers in the region they are working. As for the every body does it... 1.One not everybody does. 2. Political parties will go to great lengths to find a way to make the claim. In the ethics investigation I watched the guy who hired bozo's was included on the list in order to get a guy from the other side of the aisle who had even less to do with the situation. Although in retrospect they probably couldn't have included a nicer guy. I have some hope that the blogosphere is helping to alleviate some of these problems. I bet without citizen journalists (and FOX and talk radio) the Pelossi stuff would never come to light.

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T11:52:19Z

Hey HL you may wanna check it from the horse's mouth As far as the M423PD Fuze is concerned, this was the original Fuze designed for the M151 HE Warhead, as designed by the folks in Picatinny, and contracted out to Morton Thiokol back in the 70's. Its Arming distance is supposed to be 43 to 92 Meters. However, when launched from high-speed aircrafts, the inertial dynamics present, affects the Fuze's set-back weight. Meaning that it could arm at much shorter distances. Thus, the rework on its internal clockwork, and redesignation to the M472PD Fuze. Alliant Technologies I believe is the current contractor.

Comment from ry on 2005-04-27

2005-04-27T11:16:55Z

I think people are mistaking my comments for 'well, they do it too, so there.' Nope. I'm saying, in a most cynical fashion, 'that's the way the games played.' I'm saying it's a rather tin plated complaint given how dirty the major players are on both sides, and a cheap shot or obvious complaint given how big a rat bastard big political players are. It's a ready made complaint to throw against someone you don't like when it's convinient instead of a principled stance. I'm saying if you find Delay odious you find everyone who does it odious. Delay is the fish de jour. But he ain't the only fish. If you're trully outraged, even if you almost always vote for guys with r's next to their name, you should want all the smelly fish gone. I'd find Sanger's comments more palatable if he said something akin to: 'well, first we get the rat bastard Delay, and then we move on to Clinton since her scandal's pretty bad. Then we get the next jackalope regardless of ideology and party affiliation.' But he hasn't, and that makes me think he's just hatin' on folk who do things he don't like while givin' his side a pass. He's making a watered down 'our poo don't stink' type argument that only the conservatives are doing stuff that is odious(while ignoring history to boot--was JFKs religion an issue? Has every Dem president since 1900 made a point to show Christian benefides? Was religion in part the genesis for abolitionism? Religion has been a serious part of politics as far back as I can remember. Oh, and aren't democrats(exemplified by James Carvilles organization) seeking a way to brand democrats as moral and religious as well? Didn't Gore and Clinton do campaigning in churches(and on Sundays!)? And if that isn't mixing religion and politics I don't know what is. If it's odious throw them under the bus too.). I'm saying be fair. There's a horde of folk with little d's next to their names who are guilty of the exact same thing. Don't get pissed at Delay if you aren't going to get pissed at HR Clinton(who's done the exact same things as both Delay and Gingrich--so she's twice as dirty and unethical as Delay-- without a holler of complaint or ounce of chastizement, while they are being driven out of COngress or were driven out.). Okay, sorry Sanger, but you're just going to have to kick my verbal butt to shut my big keyboard up.

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T02:18:53Z

Hmmm...fas.org lists the M151 and and M229 versions of the Hydra as using the M423PD fuze...no mention of arming distance. And, just for fun, there's a WP warhead (M156) and...a FLECHETTE!! (M255A1) Doesn't say what the frag radius is...wonder what safe is with those things. Also wonder how hard it would be to build an M136(AT-4) pod. And speaking of miniguns...how about taking the old Vulcan ADA turrets and putting them on LAV/Stryker hulls for convoy escort?

Comment from Punctilious on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T02:03:07Z

Kat-MO, I have to add in two more. Some are just so overwhelmed or lacking in some vital way that they cannot cope and do really stupid things. Some really are there doing the right thing. Unfortunately they are the ones that burn out or muster themselves out because of a truly single slip-up.

Comment from kat-missouri on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T01:50:20Z

Punct...working on federal compliance issues with private companies, I see the same thing. You have three kinds of people: 1) Truly don't give a *honk* and thumb their noses at procedures as long as they can get away with it. 2) People who just don't know any better because they really don't take the time to read all the info 3) People who push the edges. They know but they like to say things like "well, if we JUST do this this one time" or "I really need to do this thing for this one person" or "how bad can it be?" Just skirt the edges and sooner or later they fall off.

Comment from Punctilious on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T01:37:40Z

The Hill is a pressure cooker and decisions get made in the blink of an eye. Money and power get to people after a while. Not everyone, but enough. Having watched from the 50 yard line while an ethics investigation went on, hearing the charges knowing the staff involved I could see that it was bozo behavior. Unfortunately it was a direct result of the boss ignoring/allowing bozo behavior. I guess I'm too cynical. I'm wondering what is in it for NBC to report on Pelossi. I wonder if her violations are even more aggregious or if they are going after the fair and balanced market...

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T01:05:16Z

Sadly true, Boq... remember the ancient blessing/curse- "May you live in interesting times..." Americans often seem to look for quick and clean conclusions to messy problems- probably the influence of movies and TV. Problem solved and bad guy caught in 60 or 120 minutes. We have many years of interesting times ahead of us... but at least, at last, something is being done...

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:55:05Z

If I may insert a rejoinder... To paraphrase Clausewitz: Diplomacy is the peaceful means to carry foreign policy. War is nothing but its violent manisfestation. Like it or not, we are stuck with this in between state of semi War semi Peace, and all Confusion called the GWOT. To bring up your chest, and pursue a purely warlike policy can be done, but would instantly peeve off 1.6Billion against us - Cost too high. To put forward your rear end, and pursue a purely peaceful policy could also be done, but would we all know what the consequence would be - Cost too high. Thus we are stuck for the foreseable future threading a fine line between continous Peace and War.

Comment from Fuzzybear Lioness on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:48:11Z

Rowrrr right back at ya, Neffi! (must be that cat-nip cape)

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:35:23Z

For real, Punc- ABC news detailed how members of Pelazzi's staff took paid trips from lobbyists, and a certain female Democratic rep (OK- Ms.Tubbs) did the same and then changed the paperwork when she realized she might be in trouble for it. She then refused to talk with the ABC reporter... ...it's all too much for this Pooh bear...

Comment from Barb on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:29:33Z

Ry said 'It's not good enough to say, "Dude- they did it too!" ' Too true ! I want to know where the backbone of the Republican leadership has gone! If the Dems threaten to filibuster - don't bleedin' back down and compromise. (Oh - and thanks for reminding me of Murray - I'm still grating my teeth over that one!)

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:27:22Z

Ah, The Army: Guaranteeing full employment at Redsonte. Ice gets it BOSS.

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:20:09Z

Hmm, here I am composing a bit while completely oblivious of this little t�te-�-t�te going on at the Main Hall. On thing I hafta say about my cell here at 3North. With all of the water rushing here by the Moat, all them fist-a-cuffs get drowned out.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:15:25Z

We're missing the point - the vehicles are what they have, on the here-and-now. Making do with what they have (though all the suggestions are interesting).

Comment from Punctilious on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:13:41Z

I must have lived in MO long enough to adopt the motto... For REAL Neffi?

Comment from Boquisucio on 2005-04-26

2005-04-27T00:10:21Z

If target saturation is the best form of fire suppression, why not go for a GAU system? By definition an ambush is a close range affair. For this reason the M134 would be an ideal system for the job. With a rate of fire of 3,000rpm it is sure to correct any miscreant's behavior. Its manufacturer even has ready to use a Hummer/Truck Mount for this puppy, that can be dropped into any vehicle and lag bolted on the spot. Then again, if a bigger punch is desired, you could always wish for the GAU-19/A. BTW, that Hummer is not standing on top of a beautiful Caribbean Beach. That "White Sand" is genuine Vermont Powder Crystals. But I digress. Silly question to anyone, why rework the Avenger, when there are far cheaper alternatives off-the-shelf out there? Oh HL, the HYDRA M151 Warhead carries a M427PD Fuze, and has an arming distance of 200 to 360 Meters. Oh, and you may find this DOX from the good folks at Indian Head Interesting.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T23:48:03Z

Ry - go fight! Just being the referee! You didn't do anything wrong - just reminding!

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T23:46:18Z

[reeling from cataclysmic shift in space/time continuum]... I just now watched Peter Jennings on ABC news... narrating a story on how the 'free travel' scandal is not just a Republican problem! Complete with names and details of Democratic violators, including Nancy Pelazzi's staff... I gotta stop smokin' this stuff, I'm hallucinja.. er, halyucina, umm... imagining things

Comment from Neffi on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T23:32:34Z

Be they R or D, plenty of House-cleaning needs doing. I'm mostly with Sanger- the R's have been making a lot of noise about morals and values... but they ain't walking the walk. It's not good enough to say, "Dude- they did it too!" I didn't accept that excuse from my kids when they were little, and I don't accept it now. Both sides (and it bothers me to refer to the elected body that is supposed to be guiding this Nation as though they were enemies, or opposing teams) need to clean up their respective acts. Those voters like myself who generally vote Republican can't do much about Kennedy or Sanchez, but we can and should reject the Republicans who bring shame and disapprobriation on the party... That's my $.02 worth... ps- Lioness, when you ring that bell, your fur ripples... rowrrr

Comment from ry on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T22:57:27Z

Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Just seeing Sanger pushing Delay every day finally got my goat. Sorry John. Sorry Sanger. Sorry FB. I guess I didn't break the PG-17 barrier.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T22:40:35Z

Okay - fighters to your corners! Keep it civil and don't get personal... No hitting below the waist, but making hamburger of the guys face (argument) and destroying his spleen (counter-argument) is okay. Popcorn over by the Rita-matic. FuzzyB will be the scantily-clad lovely who walks around the ring with the numbers announcing the rounds.

Comment from Fuzzybear Lioness on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T22:26:42Z

Ry, can't say I agree with everything you wrote above, but I like the attitude! :)

Comment from ry on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T22:20:11Z

Sanger, dude!, the conservatives making religion an issue? Am I living in a different plane of n-space than you or something? Who tried to scuttle judge Prior because he follow Catechism closely? Who wrote adn whined about 'values voters', ignoramous red-state-bible-believers, and who had a candidate say 'God-guns-gays'? Who had the candidate make a big deal about being a Catholic(and couldn't pass up a chance to mention that he served in Vietnam)? Was that the guys who put little R's next to their names or the guys who put little D's? Duuuuuudddde. You must chill. I have hidden your keys.(Say Anything/John Cusack reference) YOu wanna toss people out of COngress for behaving badly? Fine. Toss Loretta Sanchez while you're at it. Legally changes her name back to Sanchez from Brixley to run in a Latino heavy district, and has paid staffers working with immigrant help orgs to ensure that newly naturalized citizens vote Latino(i.e. for her). Congress found 500+ fraudulent votes and a immigration org lost federal funding for the proven illegal action of political pressure during the naturalization process(serious no-no). Last I saw she still had her congressional seat. Everyones got someone that needs to be taken out behind the woodpile and the scrupples let loose on them. Is Delay any dirtier or worse than Teddy Kennedy, the moron from Washington state who praised OBL because he built orphanages, and 'Double Standard' Diane Fienstien? Gimme a break. Delay's an SOB? So? He paid his wife and daughter half a mil over 4 years(basically to launder it right?). So? Is that worse than having someone go to prison to cover your ass(HRC and whitewater)? Gonna take away her Senate seat because she's mean and unethical? Quite moralizing. He's an SOB from Texas. That just means his a bigger SOB than most 'cause they do everything bigger down in Texas.

Comment from ry on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T22:00:19Z

Yeah, what Sanger said. Been reading Liddel-Hart(Strategy) the last couple of days. This doesn't sound like much of a strategic vision at all. It sounds exactly like the wrestling match of strength on strength that LH talks about in the beggining of the text. That's good for the Army, since it has a job other than training, but that's not a future many are willing to accept(US Army as Roman LEgions bringing peace and law at the point of the sword for twenty years). I do disagree with Sanger about the presumption of non-martial means failing. Why? Because the US Army is the big stick that allows State to speak softly. Failure is an inherent possibility and we'd all better accept that. LH I think would agree.

Comment from Montieth on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T21:55:24Z

The HMMWV with the Avenger kit is a top heavy beast. I really really really don't want to see pictures of those things rubber side up because they went down a street at 60 and made a hard left. What's wrong with fitting those avenger weapon stations to the back of Deuces like the gun trucks of old? If the transport companies in Vietnam could fit .50 dual and quad meatchoppers from WWII to the backs of 2.5 tons and 5 tons, can't the army do that for real? In an ambush what counts is suppressive and killing firepower. The more guns going bang bang bang and putting lead on the ambushers the better. Frankly, I have to wonder if some M8 greyhounds pulled back from oversea's owners and re-armed with .308 M1919s and the 37mm cannons (canister!) would be better than the M114's. Scratch that, not the Greyhounds. The Staghounds, those had floor armor. The greyhounds did not...

Comment from SangerM on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T18:33:29Z

I really hate the "war as a norm" mentality. It presupposes that all other instruments of statecraft are ultimately doomed to failure. I understand the basic sentiment--that the Army can expect to have a real mission for the foreseable future, but perpetual "war" is NOT the desired end state, and no one should accept it as a given and preach it, especially a senior Army officer. In fact, I consider the General's statement a lapse of imagination. The goal of war is to return to peace, or failing that, at least to return to a state of 'ready' tension. If an Army General beleives the Army will be at war in perpetuity, then that General has no plan for winning, just for fighting. Sad case, to my mind. War is used to defeat an enemy that is actively fighting; supposedly in a war we will defeat the enemy, or at least keep him occupied while the State Department and other Agencies work to defuse situations, deflate the ballon of anger fueling the war, or as a last resort, eliminate through other means the people fomenting the conflict. And that last is NOT the mission of the Army, nor is it war; it is the job of organizations like the CIA, or perhaps SOF to handle the small actions that prevent wars. Basically, I think Gen Cody went for the sound byte, and will only end up feeding the dimly-formed perception that many Americans have that we are in this not to win, or to return to an acceptable level of tenssion, but rather to keep the Generals and the weapons brokers employed. I am pretty sure this is not the case, but I do think the Dems will eat this up; moreover, to tie this to another thread; I believe thoughtful people will start to wonder whether the Republicans should be allowed to maintain the majority they hold. Certainly, I am becoming convinced that we need to get things back to being more balanced. Basically, this kind of comment from the General tied with things like Tom DeLay's antics, the general conservative push to make relgion a political issue; the worrisome and irresponsible Social Security plans of the Administration; and the attempts by many republicans to make the Judiciary bow to the wishes of the government just flat pisses me off. I'd bet I'm not alone. I know this has the flavor of a ramble, but every day I read or hear something else that convinces me the Republicans are out next election, not for good reasons, but because the people in charge seem to think they were elected solely because people liked them, and THAT's not so. Had the Dems posted almost anyone other than Dean or TPoD, I am not sure Bush would be President today. But I guess that's enough of that for now... eh? ~SangerM

Comment from Sgt. B. on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T16:52:21Z

The quad .50 is nice, when it works... But all of the things that go into the care and feeding of ONE M2 gets quadrupled... Plus maintaining the vehicle... But when everything works... My God, it's glorious!

Comment from Walter E. Wallis on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T16:36:47Z

The quad .50. A beautiful machine to be behind.

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2005-04-26

2005-04-26T16:32:37Z

Wasn't war, or at least semi-war, the normal state for the Army for a big chunk of the 19th Century? You know, those Indian War things. And I seem to recall that being an all volunteer force, too. I kind of wonder why they don't just bolt matching .50s on the Avenger. Would have to be a depot-level thing done stateside, though. That story seems to be about a mod done in the field, or close to it. Another fun mod might be to bolt a Hydra rocket pod on in place of the Stinger pod. Hey Bill, what's the arming distance on the Hydras?