We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:56:55 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2012 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification ...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.... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html Tue, 24 Jan 2006 06:07:31 -0600 mean. I'm gonna take my blog and go home! *pout*]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39486 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39486 Wed, 25 Jan 2006 05:45:47 -0600 I *promise*... really! I *promise* I'll still respect you in the morning. Oh, right. Like, you respect him in the first place... ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39482 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39482 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:58:55 -0600 *pats John on top o' his widdle head* I *promise*... really! I *promise* I'll still respect you in the morning. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39476 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39476 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:06:49 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39475 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39475 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:54:02 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39474 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39474 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:53:52 -0600 I dunno John, I kinda like Jon's glossary... WOOT! WOOT! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39473 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39473 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:39:41 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39469 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39469 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 16:27:08 -0600 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.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39467 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39467 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:55:20 -0600 Wrench-Monkey - your glossary is wrong, trust me. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39466 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39466 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:51:12 -0600 "...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. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39465 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39465 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:48:44 -0600 ChocoLICK gun hasn't been out NEAR enough lately... ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39464 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39464 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:48:14 -0600 run Barney Run http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39463 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39463 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:40:45 -0600 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...? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39457 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39457 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:29:48 -0600 *sigh* the choklit gun hasn't been out NEAR enough lately... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39456 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39456 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:28:20 -0600 I pity the poor Googler trying to gather term-paper info who happens by on this post... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39455 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39455 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:22:12 -0600 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... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39454 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39454 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:21:42 -0600 *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) http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39453 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39453 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:19:18 -0600 No I didn't WK. I'm just too much of a gentleman to mention that bit. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39448 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39448 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:08:51 -0600 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..... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39444 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39444 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:45:50 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39440 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39440 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:31:39 -0600 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* http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39438 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39438 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:20:44 -0600 run Bill run I think she is going for your collective.... or something http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39437 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39437 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:00:25 -0600 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..... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39436 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39436 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:58:47 -0600 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* http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39434 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39434 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:55:47 -0600 Oh Jim, you underestimate us. We're saving that for later. :D http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39432 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39432 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:34:02 -0600 sigh well at least they didn't pick up on the whale puke or bill gettin a Huey off. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39431 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39431 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:30:18 -0600 *sigh* football players football shoulders football pants yep. I wouldn't mind being on the "receiving" end either, FbL! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39430 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39430 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:25:20 -0600 And the Education of Jim B continues... *wicked grin* http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39429 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39429 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:22:33 -0600 *Nothing* is safe with this bunch. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39428 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39428 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:22:09 -0600 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 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39427 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39427 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:14:56 -0600 Jon - more like Mud Wrestling - fun to watch for the spectators, not a horrible disaster for the participants. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39426 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39426 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:13:57 -0600 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* ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39425 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39425 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:12:13 -0600 These "steelers" you keep mentioning. What up with that? Taxing authority or something? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39424 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39424 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:11:51 -0600 Bill, you mean interesting as in a train wreck type interesting?? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39423 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39423 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:06:34 -0600 How bout them Steelers eh? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39422 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39422 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:05:33 -0600 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*]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39421 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39421 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:58:02 -0600 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.... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39420 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39420 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:51:19 -0600 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? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39419 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39419 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:46:17 -0600 Oh, *this* will be interesting... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39418 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39418 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:29:54 -0600 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* http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39417 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39417 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:24:28 -0600 Now watch--some tree-hugger is gonna demand we come up with a solar-powered force field... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39416 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39416 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:15:24 -0600 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!! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39415 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39415 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:13:52 -0600 BCR - MORE BATTERIES! Auuugggggghhhhhhhhhh......!!!! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39414 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39414 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:06:55 -0600 "Marius' Mules". Mud and heavy packs have been a problem for literally millennia. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39413 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39413 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:03:58 -0600 Jim - I was returning the favor. Heh. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39412 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39412 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 12:02:38 -0600 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?" http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39411 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39411 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:59:58 -0600 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*) ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39410 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39410 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:58:01 -0600 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... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39409 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39409 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:47:37 -0600 Why did I know you would focus in on that line like a laser? You go gurl. Run Jon run. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39408 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39408 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:43:03 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39407 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39407 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:37:42 -0600 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....... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39406 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39406 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:33:53 -0600 V29 - No mud, huh? *Rainy* season. Nam Can. Tranny oil temp up, tranny pressure down. No mud, my a$$... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39405 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39405 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:16:47 -0600 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... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39404 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39404 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:11:51 -0600 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! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39403 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39403 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:11:03 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39401 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39401 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:06:33 -0600 If the Huey was carrying me, how is it that *I* had to get it off the ground? Huh? Huh? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39400 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39400 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 11:03:56 -0600 Jeez Bill you did all your best work sittin down. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39399 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39399 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:56:14 -0600 Checked with my buddy in Flight Safety: Bill, the Huey was carrying you, not vice versa. You were along for the ride. Cheers JMH http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39398 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39398 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:55:53 -0600 M-2 carbine and banana clips, about seven pounds. Now strap on a Huey, weighing in at five tons... Hmmpf. Pikers. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39397 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39397 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:48:44 -0600 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*]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39396 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39396 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:36:40 -0600 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 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39393 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39393 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:32:27 -0600 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? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39384 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39384 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 09:59:50 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39381 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39381 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 09:54:19 -0600 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! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39379 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39379 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 09:42:13 -0600 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... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39377 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39377 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 09:19:38 -0600 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. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39374 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39374 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 08:57:27 -0600 Notice the ever increasing load of 'stuff' they carry. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39372 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/01/any_soldier_any_era.html#comment-39372 Tue, 24 Jan 2006 08:47:55 -0600