Comments for Any soldier, any era...

Any soldier, any era...

2006-01-24T12:07:31Z

...would recognize these guys.

Hi-res here.

These guys would...

...so would these.

As would these, and many others, throughout history. This is Infantry. This is what makes the difference.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-25

2006-01-25T11:45:47Z

Ow! Y'all are being mean. I'm gonna take my blog and go home! *pout*

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T03:58:55Z

I *promise*... really! I *promise* I'll still respect you in the morning. Oh, right. Like, you respect him in the first place...

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T03:06:49Z

*pats John on top o' his widdle head* I *promise*... really! I *promise* I'll still respect you in the morning.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T02:54:02Z

Here I am, #82 the size of a Planet, one of the biggest gunrooms in bloggerdom, a retired Myrmidon of an Army feared the world over... The Imperial Armorer, Keeper of the Imperial Arsenal of Doom, and around here, I'm Rodney Dangerfield. Pay no attention to the grumpy curmudgeon behind the curtain. Feh.

Comment from Mike Z on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T02:53:52Z

Regarding the photos... there's a WWII photo of a bunch of GIs in Italy pushing a jeep out of the mud. I thought of this photo while helping to push a quarter-ton out of the mud during a National Guard drill in '91 or so. Some things never change.

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-25T02:39:41Z

I dunno John, I kinda like Jon's glossary... WOOT! WOOT!

Comment from Blake Kirk on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T22:27:08Z

Yeah, John, I know. But I don't really see the lessons seeping in. The so-called "front-line" units (like 3rd BCT of the 101st, for whom I work,)aren't that bad, but d@#^it, we're fighting a war that is largely without front lines. EVERYBODY in a uniform needs to understand this stuff at the gut level. And it's the junior NCO's and the 2nd Lieutenants of ALL branches who have to understand that they MUST NOT put up with a "Yeah, but..." attitude. And while we're at it, let's have the text of "Proud Legions" tattooed on the insides of the eyelids of the people who set policies for the training base.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:55:20Z

Blake - I haven't checked lately, but it's on several of the Army school's reading lists... It's not on the CSA's list, but you'll probably find some titles there you approve of. The Army financed a huge reprinting of Fehrenbach back in the 90's, too. We *issued* the book to Advanced Course students.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:51:12Z

Wrench-Monkey - your glossary is wrong, trust me.

Comment from Blake Kirk on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:48:44Z

CDR Salamander wrote "...all the airpower and naval power in the world will not do you any good until you have your young men on the ground holding territory from the end of a gun. Simple, but so easy to want to wish away. I think I might link...." T. R. Fehrenbach said it best in 1963 in This Kind Of War: "..you may fly over a land forever; you may bomb it, atomize it, pulverize it, and wipe it clean of life -- but if you desire to defend it, protect it, and keep it for civilization, you must do this on the ground, the way the Roman legions did, by putting your young men into the mud." I think that Chapter 25 of This Kind of War, the chapter entitled "Proud Legions," (from which the above quote was taken,) needs to be required reading at the lowest levels of both the officer and NCO school systems, and it needs to be read by the Army's civilian leadership and by our elected officials as well. Not that that's likely to happen anytime soon.

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:48:14Z

Quote WK "*sigh* the choklit gun hasn't been out NEAR enough lately..." Spellcheck has revealed an error in the above statement. Below is the corrected version. *sigh* the ChocoLICK gun hasn't been out NEAR enough lately...

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:40:45Z

run Barney Run

Comment from Barney Google on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:29:48Z

Hi! Is this the place that's got information on solar-powered force fields? *peering around myopically* Or maybe it's the waiting room of the ASPCA...?

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:28:20Z

*sigh* the choklit gun hasn't been out NEAR enough lately...

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:22:12Z

I pity the poor Googler trying to gather term-paper info who happens by on this post...

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:21:42Z

Jon - The 'rasslin' sometimes involves whipped cream, chocolate syrup and assorted colors of maraschino cherries. Slippery and sticky at the same time. You might want to book a shower stall for later, 'cuz the tub in the Jungle Room is down for maintenance--excessive hairballs in the drain...

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:19:18Z

*grin* Hear that ladies? We've got ourselves a gen-yew-wine gentleman around here! (who just happens to like rasslin' in the mud and getting his hands all dirty)

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T21:08:51Z

No I didn't WK. I'm just too much of a gentleman to mention that bit.

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T20:45:50Z

Jon and John- You both left out the best part of mud rasslin': the clean up that follows the slippin' and slidin'; grabbin' and holdin', take-downs and reversals. It's the clean up that becomes interesting. Especially with Kittens around.....

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T20:31:39Z

Quote John The Boss "Jon - more like Mud Wrestling - fun to watch for the spectators, not a horrible disaster for the participants." As long as I don't end up like Blue in the movie Old School, I'm up for Mud wrestling.

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T20:20:44Z

lick lick lick One must clean one's self prior to playing with one's food...after all, playing with your food can make you, um... dirty... *flicks tail*

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T20:00:25Z

run Bill run I think she is going for your collective.... or something

Comment from klkk on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:58:47Z

Interesting ain't the word for it, Bill. Jon, you're getting in over your head. Ever see a kitten play with a mouse before the meal starts? You ain't got a chance.....

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:55:47Z

I have to admit, you caught the "getting off" remark by Bill much sooner than I did. Very impressive! Perhaps you brought your A-Game today? Or is that your XXX-Game....? *takes swing around pole before resuming position in chandelier*

Comment from FbL on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:34:02Z

Oh Jim, you underestimate us. We're saving that for later. :D

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:30:18Z

sigh well at least they didn't pick up on the whale puke or bill gettin a Huey off.

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:25:20Z

*sigh* football players football shoulders football pants yep. I wouldn't mind being on the "receiving" end either, FbL!

Comment from FbL on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:22:33Z

And the Education of Jim B continues... *wicked grin*

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:22:09Z

*Nothing* is safe with this bunch.

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:14:56Z

Wellhell never mind the Steelers, I thought that would be a safe topic. And then there was FbL. jim b walks to the bar for a double scotch

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:13:57Z

Jon - more like Mud Wrestling - fun to watch for the spectators, not a horrible disaster for the participants.

Comment from FbL on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:12:13Z

How bout them Steelers eh? Quite a team! I'm particularly impressed with their receivers... All those muscular thighs and arms and butts, and all wrapped in white spandex... It's almost as good as ballet! *swoon*

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:11:51Z

These "steelers" you keep mentioning. What up with that? Taxing authority or something?

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:06:34Z

Bill, you mean interesting as in a train wreck type interesting??

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T19:05:33Z

How bout them Steelers eh?

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:58:02Z

I'm not sure how long I can hold her. And, that... dear Jon, is the question men have been asking since the beginning of time. Many have tried, but only a few have succeeded... and that number is rapidly shrinking. But I can guarantee you this: those who *have* succeeded have been very richly rewarded for their efforts. *wink*

Comment from CDR Salamander on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:51:19Z

Picture is worth 1,000 words. I think people are starting to admit what many were yelling for the last 25yrs plus.....really 15yrs.....heck, back 60yrs if you want...all the airpower and naval power in the world will not do you any good until you have your young men on the ground holding territory from the end of a gun. Simple, but so easy to want to wish away. I think I might link....

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:46:17Z

jim b walks briskly downtown to the coffeeshop for a brew. (I almost typed likker store). This is gonna be a really dangerous place for a simple former Mud Marine like me isn't it?

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:29:54Z

Oh, *this* will be interesting...

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:24:28Z

Jim, in the tradition of the service, I will sacrifice myself to allow my brothers to escape. Run fast, because I'm not sure how long I can hold her. *HUGE grin*

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:15:24Z

Now watch--some tree-hugger is gonna demand we come up with a solar-powered force field...

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:13:52Z

Alrighty then guys man the dories .... we sail in quest of Whale Puke ... AAAaaaargh "Whale 'vomit' sparks cash bonanza An Australian couple who picked up an odd-looking fatty lump from a quiet beach are in line for a cash windfall. Leon Wright and his wife took home a 14.75kg lump of ambergris, found in the innards of sperm whales and used in perfumes after it has been vomited up. Sought after because of its rarity, ambergris can float on the ocean for years before washing ashore. Worth up to $20 a gram, Mr Wright's find on a South Australian beach could net his family US$295,000 (�165,300)." Perfume? Yea Right!!

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:06:55Z

BCR - MORE BATTERIES! Auuugggggghhhhhhhhhh......!!!!

Comment from Bad Cat Robot on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:03:58Z

force fields! Weigh nothing! (except the power supply) Oh, and if you look way back in the mists of history you find references to "Marius' Mules". Mud and heavy packs have been a problem for literally millennia.

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T18:02:38Z

Jim - I was returning the favor. Heh.

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:59:58Z

and bill never say anyting like this in here, you know how them wimmins is. "If the Huey was carrying me, how is it that *I* had to get it off?"

Comment from AFSister on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:58:01Z

I know, Bill... but it sure would be nice if "light" infantry actually meant something. Did you see Bogg's love note to Hillary? I got a kick outta that.... hehe! (oh... I concur with Jim. Run Jon. Run. Run like the wind...unless you're properly prepared for a run-in with the Kitten. *evil grin*)

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:47:37Z

AFSis - There's always a trade-off--if you want ballistic protection from military rounds, you (currently) need a lot of kevlar plus the inserts. That's not to say some genius won't figure a way to make armor out of, say, spider silk, but it's a ways off yet...

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:43:03Z

Why did I know you would focus in on that line like a laser? You go gurl. Run Jon run.

Comment from AFSister on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:37:42Z

John- I'm looking forward to reading that post tomorrow. It's been a concern of mine for a while. Like Jon said, I know a lot of our fully loaded guys go into battle with 100 pounds of gear strapped on. I myself tried on one of the newer vests over the summer, and they are heavy as SHIT. My back wouldn't be able to take it.

Comment from Were-Kitten on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:33:53Z

Jim- When *I* read Jon's line, it came out like this: "At that time I was a strapping young symbol of manhood and virGINITY" ROFLMAO!!!!!!! I seriously had to go back and read that again, and then, combine with your statement? I was laughing out loud at my desk. HAHAHHA!!!!!!!!! *sigh* i love Marines. and Soldiers. and Airmen. and Sailors. and Coasties. and... well, I you get the picture.......

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:16:47Z

V29 - No mud, huh? *Rainy* season. Nam Can. Tranny oil temp up, tranny pressure down. No mud, my a$$...

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:11:51Z

Jim - Remember the old Infantry Maxim: Never run when you can walk and never walk when you can ride. Riding entails sitting down. It's a tough job, but somebody has to keep the pilot's seat from sliding around...

Comment from V29 on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:11:03Z

Ahhhhhhhh, the blessings of Army Aviation. Light load only toted from bunk to flight line, an airconditioned office, beautiful views, home for cocktails and dinner every night, and best of all.... no mud. I miss the good old days!

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:06:33Z

Bill you look really spiffy in that Napolian hat with the N taken off and the Huey sewed on. It's a well known fact that the Huey was autopiloted by LBJ from the WhiteHouse. They just let you sit in it. You provided the smiley face from behind the plastic, to give grunts the warm fuzzy feeling that there was a human inside. I think all this stuff is declassified now. If not ... sorry.

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T17:03:56Z

If the Huey was carrying me, how is it that *I* had to get it off the ground? Huh? Huh?

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T16:56:14Z

Jeez Bill you did all your best work sittin down.

Comment from J.M. Heinrichs on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T16:55:53Z

Checked with my buddy in Flight Safety: Bill, the Huey was carrying you, not vice versa. You were along for the ride. Cheers JMH

Comment from cw4(ret)billt on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T16:48:44Z

Lessee-- Put on an SPH-4 flight helmet, about four pounds; assorted survival gear plus canteen, maybe twenty pounds; chicken plate, thirty pounds; and sawed-off M-2 carbine and banana clips, about seven pounds. Now strap on a Huey, weighing in at five tons... Hmmpf. Pikers.

Comment from FbL on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T16:36:40Z

Where were these chicks when I was in high school? Do you really need to ask, Jim? But I'll give you hint: among the Castle Denizennes, I'm the youngest (in my early thirties). Trust me, that thing about women hitting their stride beginning in their 30s is no myth! *grin*

Comment from J.M. Heinrichs on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T16:32:27Z

This is Infantry. This is all the same. It's the Cavalry which makes the difference; especially since the Artillery missed a couple turns in the Rear Area. Cheers JMH

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T15:59:50Z

Now ya see one needs to be careful and diligent when reading these things I read this from above: "I was a strapping young symbol of manhood and virilty" Don't say that kinda stuff in here it gets the wimmins allllll hormonal. Where were these chicks when I was in high school?

Comment from Jon The Mechanic on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T15:54:19Z

When I was a grunt with the 10th Mtn (1990-1994), we went out to NTC. At that time I was a strapping young symbol of manhood and virilty who weighed in at just over 190 lbs. They weighed my LBE, eqpt, weapon, and Combat Lifetaker bag, and all of that equiptment weighed in at just under 125 lbs. And when I went to Somalia in Oct, I did the same thing. Basic combat load, eqpt, weapon, 4 quarts of water, and 2 meals in my assault pack weighed in at about the same amount.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T15:42:13Z

I changed my mind. I'll put up a post tomorrow on the subject. No reason to expend all ammo today when there's already enough going downrange!

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T15:19:38Z

While the Soldier's Load is a topic of never-ending discussion in the circles I move in, I would note that comparing cherry-picked photos (I was looking for mud and misery) of Marines headed to chow and a working detail in Flanders is perhaps not quite cricket... but since you bring up the Soldier's Load, I think I'll update the post above...

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T14:57:27Z

As we all recall the 'scandal plagued New York Times' (I like that phrase btw) did their thing on that poopyhead "W" and his less than total coverage body armor thing. I seem to remember a video of one former soldier questioning Murtha. He was no longer able to soldier because of a herniated disc. So where is the study on how many soldiers are disabled due to carrying too much stuff too long. I remember one particular exercise in Norway. My rifle company carried too much stuff, too long. Most had numb arms, hands and shoulders for a month.

Comment from jim b on 2006-01-24

2006-01-24T14:47:55Z

Notice the ever increasing load of 'stuff' they carry.