June 2, 2007
H&I* Fires 02, JUN 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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I’m in a musical mood. Sorry.
No dancing. Unless you’re digital dancing Armorer, then it’s okay. For the Young Sheepdogs, something I know many have felt even if they haven’t said it as much it as much as they’ve felt it. “All I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.” We all know who ‘you’ is. For myself, because I just want to start this over, and see sorrow no more. (Language and visuals warning)
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Bill Lind presents a piece about the role of maximalism in strategy. Sort of in the same vein as Fehrenbach. Sort of.
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Zenpundit talks about the state of US-RUS affairs and how we got here.
ry
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Damn sailors. I tell ya, you can't trust 'em.
From MNF-I:
Surge improves security, quality of life in Baghdad
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqis open wells in Nineveh
Kurdish Regional Government assumes control over security
From the WaPo: Residents of Western Neighborhood Join Groups' Fight Against Al-Qaeda in Iraq
Because the first three stories are from MNF-I, they must be judged with extreme suspicion. But since the last one is from the Washington Post, it may be read with uncritical acceptance. I am one with the Borg.
Absent more information - count me in with the VFW on this one. Like I said - absent more info than that which has been provided to date - ignoring Adam Kokesh rather than martyring him is a better approach. Even if he *is* an IRR reservist - he does not appear to have been presenting himself as a serving Marine.
Lastly for the nonce - Footprints in the Sand, Algore version. -the Armorer
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A little gunner zen.
The Russians built themselves some interesting artillery pieces - and still do.
But the B2/B19 series of 152mm howitzers and 203mm guns have always been in my fave list.
A side view, here.
The Museum of Artillery, Engineers, and Signal Corps, in the old Arsenal in Saint Petersburg is a place I need to get to before I die.
New veteran's cemetery for Kansas.
Heh. Fort Riley donates 90 acres. I remember the squawking and whining and breast-beating when they tried to acquire some land (because there isn't enough there to properly conduct BDE-level training with heavy brigades) back in the 80's. Now they're giving it up. Not a complaint, just an observation.
KCVA ANNOUNCES TIMELINES FOR STATE VETERANS’ CEMETERY AT FORT RILEYTopeka – The Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs (KCVA) is pleased to announce plans for the final Kansas state veterans’ cemetery, to be built on grounds donated by Fort Riley . The official groundbreaking and start of construction will occur in the fall of this year.
In 1999, the Kansas Legislature authorized the KCVA to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the construction of four state veterans’ cemeteries in Kansas . Cemeteries are already built and open at Fort Dodge , Winfield, and WaKeeney, and plans are being completed on the fourth cemetery, which will officially be called the State Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley .
Governor Kathleen Sebelius is announcing the groundbreaking ceremony will occur on Sunday, November 11, 2007 – Veterans Day. “The creation of the veterans cemetery at Ft. Riley is the culmination of a lot of hard work by veterans, local residents, legislators and the KCVA. It will allow us to honor the memory of the men and women who bravely served our state and nation,” she said.
According to Kafer Peele , State Veterans’ Cemetery Program director for KCVA, the Fort Riley project was to have been the first in Kansas . Land transfer requirements, however, significantly delayed this cemetery. The federal land was finally passed from the U.S. Army to the State of Kansas in March 2006, and at that point design work went into high gear. The State’s plans are now pending final approval with the VA, and the KCVA hopes to put out construction bids in July or August. Actual work could begin as early as October 2007 with the beginning of the federal fiscal year. Cemeteries require almost a year for construction.
Fort Riley donated 90 acres from its southeast training area for this project on land just west of Wildcat Creek Road and south of the Manhattan industrial park. Phase 1 of construction will support operations for a decade, with about a third of the area being fully developed during this initial period. The cemetery is expected to support 11,000 interments in this stage. State veterans’ cemeteries give veterans and their families a full range of interment options: in-ground casket burials, above-ground columbarium walls, in-ground cremains burials, and a scattering garden with memorial wall.
Under the state veterans’ cemetery concept, the federal government fully funds the construction of the cemetery and furnishes all necessary equipment. Phase 1 is expected to bring approximately $7 million to the state for this purpose. Once construction is complete, the state performs all burials and maintains the cemetery in perpetuity.
“Our cemeteries are kept to the highest standards,” says Peele. “They are memorials and shrines to the men and women who have served this country.”
The KCVA appreciates the strong and patient support of local residents from Fort Riley , Junction City , Manhattan , and the surrounding area who began discussions on this cemetery eight years ago. A dedicated, informal working group linked up with state and federal legislators to bring this concept to life, and with design approval now a few months away, construction will soon follow. The KCVA also appreciates the roles of Riley County and the City of Manhattan in integrating utilities with the site.
Once the final plans are approved, George Webb, executive director of the KCVA, will have a public briefing so local residents can see what a beautiful cemetery will be built and made available to veterans. Webb understands how site selection challenges, flood plains, federal rules, and requirements for explosive ordinance and environmental surveys had all complicated and delayed the land transfer. Even after those were solved, the process took more time. “We are looking forward to approval of the plan and the beginning of construction,” Webb said.
The Fort Riley leadership has been concerned that the post cemetery is almost out of space. In addition, the post facility can only support retirees and those personnel who die on active duty – and their dependents. A state veterans’ cemetery has much broader eligibility options, covering veterans who served honorably on active duty or are retirement eligible from the reserve components, as well as their dependents.
Besides the four state veterans’ cemeteries, Kansas has national cemeteries in Leavenworth , Fort Leavenworth , and Fort Scott .
June 1, 2007
H&I* Fires, 01 JUN 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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Continuing the recent focus around here on the military families:
For the families: We don't know what you're feeling, but we're trying to understand.
I do anticipate that this one from Fehrenbach may annoy some: Equipment, troops strained for ... what was it? Not even going to attempt to defend it. It’s an either you get it or you don’t situation. If you don’t well, me trying to ‘splain is just going to get me into more trouble. So I’m not even going to try. Don’t ask.
[Heh. Fehrenbach and I are at least in the same chapter, if perhaps not exactly on the same page. -the Armorer]
A post by Opposed Systems Design about the sailing of USNS Comfort in a Long War mission, that doesn’t take it anywhere near the Middle East.
Another from OSD, a discussion of why command and control is currently done wrong because it focuses on tech instead of people.
[Ah, the tales I could spin. Suffice it to say - and I've been paid a lot of money to work in *exactly* this arena - "Amen, brother." -the Armorer]
Just a fun one: De Re Militari. Feed your inner historian.
--ry
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Hmmm. Overheard recently (as in about 20 seconds ago) "You know you're not awake when you spray your underarms with nasal spray." Indeed.
Here's a trend we can hope continues... Sunnis revolt against al-Qaida. Reported by the AP, so it must be true.
From the email box yesterday:
Perhaps if instead of requiring convinience stores to install bullet proof glass, more lighting, locks etc. It would be more useful and cost effective to follow ol' Cooter here in his response to a robbery. Notice how Mr. Mouthy punk gets real humble, real fast.H/t, Kevin G. -the Armorer
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Peggy Noonan announces the death of the Conservative Coalition, stabbed in the heart by President Bush. There will be much rejoicing in KosLand, should this be true. But if the Prez has lost Peggy, he's lost the center of his mass.
I disagree as often as I agree with Ralph Peters, but this one struck a nerve.
We may have waited too long to operate on the cancer killing Iraq. (Washington's still arguing about the diagnosis.)Since Saddam's statue fell, we've tried one grunt-level technique after another, hoping tactics would produce a strategy. That's backward. First, you establish your strategy. Then you select the tactics that can achieve it.
Oh, we had nebulous goals regarding democracy and peace in the Middle East. But goals aren't a strategy. And neither the Bush administration nor the Pentagon ever laid down a coherent and comprehensive strategic plan to get us from A through B to C. Even if the current troop surge works, it gets us only to B - with C still undefined after more than four years.
The terrorists have done a better job. We sent them reeling in Afghanistan, and the invasion of Iraq stunned them, but when we reached Baghdad we turned out to be the dog that caught the fire truck. Civilian ideologues insisted our troops wouldn't be needed long, if at all, and forbade our military from running a no-nonsense occupation with sufficient resources to impose and maintain order.
We gave the terrorists and insurgents time to regain their balance. And they did. Oh, they went through trial-and-error phases, including ill-judged mass confrontations with U.S. firepower. But they ultimately proved more adaptable than we've been: We restrict ourselves to supposedly humane theories of counterinsurgency warfare that have failed us for 60 years; our enemies simply do whatever works.
And we can't. Because "whatever works" usually involves a lot more killing than we and the international community are willing to stomach - until you have no choice but to either surrender or engage in *real* killing. WWII-style killing. -the Armorer
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� The Jump Blog links with: Episode 1: In Which GoldFalcon Advocates Socialism
A reminder of some upcoming events in the region...
D-Day Commemoration at Forbes Field June 2World War II will come to life in Topeka on June 1 and 2 during the 7th Annual Heartland Military Day at the Kansas National Guard Museum, at the main entrance of Forbes Field. “German” and “Allied” troops will show what life was like during World War II through dramatic reenactments and encampments. All events are free and open to the public. The event will commemorate the D-Day invasion and the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Preparation for Heartland Military Days begins Friday evening, June 1, with camps being constructed and participants wearing WWII uniforms. All re-enactors are invited to participate. A locally owned WWII Sherman Tank and Tank Retriever will be on display along with tank crew veterans of the Normandy Invasion, who will reminisce about their time inside a Sherman Tank and their personal insight into the battle. Vehicle owners, re-enactors, gun and uniform collectors should contact Gary Nicholson at 785-242-7839 to enter their display.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 2, re-enactors will be living the life of World War II troops in the encampments on the museum grounds. There will also be an extensive display of World War II and Korean War era vehicles and equipment, which have been meticulously restored by their owners. Mock battles will be staged at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the museum grounds featuring German and American soldiers. Between battles, visitors may view the equipment and visit with the individuals who do the restoration work and study the history of the war. In addition, there will be a Civil War display, World War I display, World War II display and a uniform display spanning from the Mexican War to present.
The museum features Kansas National Guard history displays and weapons. Other displays inside the museum focus on Kansas Army and Air National Guard participation in conflicts including the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo. Weapons are also on display for those engagements, which have been assigned to the museum from the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama . Outside displays include 1/4 ton Jeep, 2 1/2 ton and 5 ton trucks, M-60 Main Battle Tank, M-109A5 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer, M-110A2 8 Self Propelled Howitzer, M-113 Personnel Carrier, M-42A1 Duster Twin 40 mm Anti-Aircraft gun, UH-1 Huey helicopter, OH-6 Cayuse, AH-1 Cobra helicopter, OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, CH-54 Skycrane helicopter and a recently restored F-4D Phantom II jet fighter.
Museum board members and volunteers will operate a food stand Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kansas National Guard Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is always free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Jack Elliott at the Kansas National Guard Museum (785) 862-1020.
If you're out in central-west central Kansas looking for something to do but don't want to head to Topeka - Fort Riley is offering up a concert from the Big Red One band.
DIVISION BAND TO PERFORM FREE CONCERT JUNE 2 IN MANHATTANFOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS, CONTACT April Blackmon, Community Relations Officer (785) 239-2022
May 31, 2007
The 1st Infantry Division Band will perform June 2 at Manhattan's City Park. The concert, which begins at 8 p.m., is part of the Manhattan Arts in the Park Concert Series. It is free and open to the public.The event will feature the concert band, the premier ensemble of the 1st Infantry Division Band. Musical selections come from all genres of music from classical to popular.
Featured soloists include vocalist Staff Sgt. Renatta Draper. The band will also perform traditional concert selections and marches.
The 1st Infantry Division Rock Band is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. June 29 in Manhattan's City Park. The performance also is part of the Manhattan Arts in the Park Concert Series. It is free and open to the public.
About the 1st Infantry Division Band: The 1st Inf. Div. Band was constituted Oct. 12, 1943 in the Regular Army, 1st Infantry Division. The band has promoted Esprit de Corps to American Soldiers around the world while serving in WWII, Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo and Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
While the band has spent most of its time in Kansas, the unit departed with the 1st Inf. Div. in the 1990s and spent 10 years in Germany promoting German/American community relations and serving the troops overseas.
The band returned to Fort Riley in 2006 with the 1st Inf. Div. headquarters.
Go to Manhattan and give a listen to combat-experienced musicians.
A moveable Castle.
No, not a tank. That Master and Mistress of Argghhh! have decided they are going to see if they can't capture this place and expand the demesne by several orders of magnitude, to 77.5 acres.
Larger view available here.
If we are successful in this campaign - this would be Firing Point 1 at Castle Argghhh!.
This looks down range, towards the hill that will be the backstop, and since the range is angled downhill, that will reduce the chances of "overs".
Range 2, Field Fire.
Goin' down to the Lake. Well, pond, but it ain't a cement pond. It's about 100m x 75m. And stocked, for those who care about such things. Some algae to get rid of.
I don't have pictures of it yet, but there's a Tank Table 8 in the lower (literally) 40.
And a pretty good spot for an Assault Fire range on the upper 20.
Sweeet.
Heh. Perhaps it's more accurate to say the "Rifle Range of Argghhh!," with a comfortable range shack...
But - on to the important thing... what to name this spread? Let's hear your ideas.
� Nom de guerre: Rivrdog links with: Shire of Argghhh!
Top 10 Signs You Are Blogging Too Much.
Reader Jim C. sends us to CentralSnark to check out this list, and provides us this list.
1. Your immediate reaction to seeing a "ten signs you are blogging too much." is to blog your own top ten. [um... er, ah...]2. You bought a new hard drive just so you had enough room to backup your list of RSS feeds. [Nope.]
3. Your spouse carries a picture of the back of your head in their wallet because this is what they normally see. [Well, it's actually a profile as she sees me when she walks by in the hallway.]
4. Sitemeter goes down and you have a panic attack. [Well, only if the *numbers of visitors* go down. I can live with the server going down - then everybody on my server, at least, is suffering.]
5. Your philosophy comes down to that there are two things in life - bloggable/unbloggable. [um, guilty]
6. You have a bumper sticker that says "I ♥ my Aggregator." [Nope, dodged this one. Don't even *use* an aggregator. Yet.]
7. When you have just got done reading 500 some posts your first instinct is to hit refresh to see if any more have been written. [Thankfully, no. Unless they're comments on *my* site.]
8. You don't always remember your wedding anniversary but can instantly remember the year, month, day, and hour you started blogging. [Nope. SWWBO trained me better than that - besides, that's what the archive thingy is for. So I don't have to remember, I can just look it up.]
9. You are more concerned about comment spam than Homeland Security and while you are against the death penalty in general you think surely for Trolls deserve the exception. [Yeah, so?]
10. The first thing you do when visiting a new blog is to see if your blog is on their blogroll. If not you try to find a post where you can immediately leave an intelligent and witty comment so that they will immediately add you. [Well, sometimes.]
Heh. The #1 reason you know you are too into the whole thing? Aside from having your buddy laser-engrave the Castle logo on your gun rack, and bar mugs?
When you announce to the world that you are #1 on Google for "I bayoneted myself" at the Milblogger Conference... and everybody thought that was funny, vice a shocked silence.
And then you keep mentioning it... because, well, you want to *stay* number one~!
8^ )
So, what's *your* sign, baby?
May 31, 2007
H&I Fires* 31, MAY 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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Heh. Just... heh.
News from MNF-I:
Iraqis take lead at Al Suleikh Joint Security Station.
Earning, maintaining trust of residents.
Iraqi, Coalition Forces clear Muqdadiya -the Armorer
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Castle Denizen Bloodspite continues his assault on the Immigration Bill.
The Four Freedoms, Part 1, and Part 2. -the Armorer
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As Ry notes - at the Castle, everything is fair game - including the kitchen sink. -the Armorer
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Marine DJ Emery finally gets his Purple Heart - and a special invitation, from rather an important visitor. Good. DJ has had a hard fight, and has more to go. That's one tough Marine. I know - that's redundant. Sue me. -the Armorer
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What's the world coming to?
To quote Doctor Venkman: ...Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria.
I don't have a clever title for this post.
The death notifications this week have been falling like a badly-aimed mortar barrage - almost randomly, yet damn close.
Several in our little milblog world have been singed by close impacts. or heard the whizz of jagged metal as it zings by, overhead. I sent this note to one of them.
I know how it feels.
And the sense of helplessness that goes with it.
Heh. In the day, whenever I heard civilians talk about how easy military families have it, I just remember those days in 1968-9 and mutter in my little lizard brain, "F**k you, you clueless 'tard."
Cops and firemen's families deal with this, too, of course.
But it just sucks to sit and wait. Especially when there's a spate of notifications. The movie We Were Soldiers came close to catching what it's like to be in the unit family when casualties hit. But only close.
I found out when I did my career - in many respects, it's easier to be the one deployed, because, if nothing else, you have the illusion of more control.
Like I said on the blog - hug the kids, they're better'n margaritas, anyway.
Mom and I used to sit in her bed and watch the 10 O'clock news and then Johnny Carson (well, I got to watch the first half-hour if it was a school night).
I know there's not much we can do from this remove - but if there is... let us know, 'k?
Cheers,
John
I'm not posting this to show what a sensitive guy I am. Quite the contrary.
I have a naked political reason for doing so. And a rather specific audience in mind.
And in this regard, I am *not* a chickenhawk. I've been here, done this - and gotten the telegram. And I *know* how that telegram changed my family (and that was only a wounding, not a death). Yet I went ahead and did it to my mother, at least without the telegram.
But however painful this is for military families - we did know it went with the territory.
And it really sucks for those who lose the game of chance that is the combat calculus.
But the pain of the families is *not* a reason to quit. Because if that were the case, then we should never start.
Any more than the loss of a fireman is reason to pull back from fighting fires.
Or the death of a cop to stop enforcement of the laws.
Passion and emotion make for awful policy, however good a movie they may make.
Certainly, assessments are in order. And one can change policy to prevent reckless carnage.
But the mere fact that military families are in pain, well, that, in and of itself, isn't a good enough reason for stopping. That requires a more sober assessment. Of ends and means. Long term goals, vice short term costs.
And it isn't always easy. But don't let your passion, or, rather, compassion, rule policy decisions.
Inform them, certainly. Be determinants? No.
� links with: I don't have a clever title for this post
� Fuzzilicious Thinking links with: Another Kind of "Waiting"
May 30, 2007
H&I Fires* 30, MAY 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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A twofer on things I might not have gotten right in the past:
1) Was Plame on the NOC list at the time? (Cassie, anything you can say about it? Being who you are and what you do might give us peons(zugzug) a chance to cut thru the bureaucratese.)
2) Verschärfte Vernehmung. Would similarities between modern ‘stress positions’ and Nazi interrogation methods give you pause or change how you approached the topic? They might, and they might not. The Norwegian war crimes trial seems to be rather crucial to me, deciding it legal-like, which nobody in the past has actually drug out. Merely asserted. See, facts do matter more than assertions, and reasonable people do exist on these internets.
Blogs. Where else can opinionmongers admit mistakes other than blogs?(Yeah, shameless dig at Barkin’ Arkin.)
--ry
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Beaver...somethings wrong with Ward
Mainly he's about to in the unemployment line. Thank gawd.
The president of the University of Colorado has recommended that a professor who likened some Sept. 11 victims to a Nazi should be fired, according to the professor and the school.....CU President Hank Brown made the recommendation in a 10-page letter sent to the chair of the committee that handles tenure issues. University spokeswoman Michele McKinney confirmed published reports about the recommendation Monday but said the school would not make the letter public.
Ward Churchill's reaction?
"I've got more faith in almost anything (than in the university process)," he said. "A random group of homeless people under a bridge would be far more intellectually sound and principled than anything I've encountered at the university so far."
Heh.
And Further proof that BloodSpite's Chlorine in the Gene Pool Act should be voted on.
A man accused in a deadly, two-state shooting rampage was trying to prevent space aliens from abducting his daughter, his attorney said Tuesday at the start of his murder trial.
Some folks..you just can't reach.
--BloodSpite
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Over at Right Wing News, John Hawkins has his new poll of the "Reichwing" (H/t, Cassandra for that label) Blogosphere, this one regarding the immigration bill. John's penchant for binary choices makes his polls sometimes rather overstate the Vox Populi of the Reich, drowning out we wimpy centrists, but this time through, the choices really were appropriately binary, if not necessarily nuanced!
Townhall Columnist Ben Shapiro lays out his plan to combat global warming - buy a big powerful car, eat more beef, and buy a carbon offset.
John Edwards, too much the dilettante to be President:
The former senator defended his gig on the grounds that he took the job to learn how financial markets relate to poverty. This is a bit like saying you frequent brothels so you can learn where babies come from. But here's the hilarious part: Edwards said he didn't know the fund was involved in subprime lending. If he was there to learn about poverty and finance, how did he miss this salient fact? He must be a slow learner. No wonder his former political consultant, Bob Shrum, calls him "a Clinton who hadn't read the books."
The blogfather has more.
Speaking of combating global warming by buying a big car (heh, when the Castle relocates to an acreage a Big Truck is on the table) Rich Lowry notes the reaction to higher gas prices and other considerations is to... buy another car. This one smaller. But keeping the big ones for... big reasons. Just like we'll be doing around here.
Cal Thomas, among others, suggests that just because we surrender, doesn't mean the war will be over.
Ry mentioned it yesterday, the fact that Cindy Sheehan is quitting the Democrats because of their hypocrisy. Lets see how the Netroots reacted to her defection... hmmmm, slightly mixed, I think - "Good Riddance, Attention Whore". Heh. What's an anti-war protestor to do? -the Armorer
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Snerk! Another reason people join the services. Tankers at play. -the Armorer
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Bill Arkin responds to the milbloggers.
In his bit today - Mr. Arkin responds to our criticism of his Baseball and the Military post.
Hey, he responded. It's a conversation, and so far it's not gotten too bad. He responded to Blackfive, Op-For, Badgers Forward.
He noted me directly, and followed with his summation paragraph.
One Milblogger, Argghhh!!!, seems to agree that there needs to be more accountability at the top: "Mr. Arkin - there aren't too many milblog spaces out there who call for *more* Flag Officer and Senior Leader scalps and heads on pikes than Castle Argghhh!." But he goes on to say that only he and the other MilBloggers have the adequate access and perspective to criticize: "The difference, sir, between you and I, is that I actually have some experience on the inside behind my call for summary executions."I guess I'll continue in my naïve hope that a free press, not a fan base, is our best hope for encouraging impartial and well-rounded criticism. As for only team owners and players commenting on the team and hoping to be the only sources of information? I would prefer that all Americans saw themselves as team owners: that was the point of my column.
I left this comment at Arkin's place:
Heh. Fair enough criticism of my response to you, sir.
And admittedly poor writing on my part, in that I failed to convey my point adequately.
I didn't mean to set it the way you took it, in that *only* I am qualified - I meant it more in the terms that you set regarding criticism of the MSM, in that many in the mainstream sniff at us bloggers because we don't have the training and qualifications of a mainstreamer - so too I *meant* to say, I've got my subject matter expertise, too, and would suggest that in some respects I am therefore *more* qualified than you - but that doesn't make you unqualified.
And were you a regular reader you'd find I support and criticize the MSM. I know my limitations - as I said in my piece:
"No, Bill, at least here at the Castle, we're about providing context the MSM doesn't, explaining things they get wrong, and telling the stories they don't want/have the space or time to tell. I'm not anti-media, really. It's a symbiotic relationship. I'd have far less to write about if the MSM didn't exist - I know the limitations of my news-gathering abilities. But I also know my value-added, which is why some of your guys talk to me... to get that context, some back-story, some explanation beyond what the PAO provides."
We're looking in a mirror, Mr. Arkin - you criticize me for the same flaws I criticize you.
I would suggest we're both right.
Don't get me started on obscene amenities... 8^ )
From inside the surge.
A report from one of the guys doing what the "stay behinds" will do if the pullout occurs as the Dems mutter about and even the President is talking about.
We are back in the palace, waiting patiently in the entry hall. A worker is mopping the Italian marble floors which reflect the dim light of an enormous chandelier that hangs from a carved Moroccan ceiling three stories above us. We have been moved around from one side of the chamber to another twice already, photographers and assistants trying to figure out the right location for the ceremony. As is true of most things here, the exact nature of the ceremony is a matter of some conjecture. The night before COL B informed me that we had to be here at 8am with six members of his personal security detail for an awards ceremony. Later that night, sifting through a stack of email I find one that sheds a small amount of light. Buried in the thread is a comment from GEN Patraeus to the corps commander saying he will be the one to give out the awards, but there is little meat on the bones other than that. Given the names of the Shurta involved, LT Mahmoud, Gazi, Nabil, Mohammad, Nour Adin, and Daud, I can only assume it has to do with the car bomb from a few days ago.A suit walks up to me, an ear piece stuck in his ear. He looks about my age, and out of place in a coat and tie. He clearly knows who I am and without introductions gets straight to business. A flurry of words. “Do you know what this is all about?...great story…read your report….chance to recognize heroes…the general will be here shortly….how do we pronounce this name….great stuff….” And off he goes. I am left with little more knowledge than I had other than confirming my suspicions linking the incident to the ceremony. My mind races back to the official report I sent, which as I recall, was far less detailed than the account I gave in my last letter. So much so that I am left wondering if my update, and not the official report, is the basis of the day’s event.
Regardless, a crowd is beginning to gather around the six shurta that stand at a loose form of attention in front of the Iraqi, American and Brigades colors. COL B fusses over them. Today, they are all in the same uniform, the old American style green BDUs. On most days these six would probably sport at least three or four different camouflage patterns. Today they have borrowed what they needed and look uncommonly uniform. COL B is a bit of a traditionalist in terms of uniforms. He thinks military uniforms should be green and that the appropriate headgear should be the beret. He has found a red beret for each. Anyone who has ever worn a beret will know that you just can’t borrow one from someone else. They are temperamental creatures, that take months of training to conform properly to the head. The shurta fidget, uncomfortably trying to keep them on. Their eyes wander as they admire the palace, they never could have imagined being inside of.
The pace is quickening and the important people start arriving. The General in charge of the National Police is early, and looks over the troops. The MND-B commander arrives. My Brigade commander. The minister of Interior. The corps commander. The Minister of defense. All are here for a meeting after the ceremony. COL B, my American brigade commander, and I are pulled outside to greet GEN Patraeus when he arrives. He is all smiles when he pulls up, and after exchanging brief greetings, focuses straight in on COL B and gets to work. They have a quick discussion about expectations and standards and the status of his district. Then its inside so the fun can begin. I slink off to the side and join my team to watch. COL B falls in on the end of his row of shurta.
The ministers give a few quick words describing the bravery of the young men, willing to risk themselves to protect their countryman. Patraeus does much the same, and then they begin to load the awardees down with gifts. From the Americans, a certificate and a coin. For those that don’t know, the unit coin has almost replaced the traditional medal as a form of recognition. Each unit commander develops a coin with unit crests and mottos and histories, which they present to soldiers. It requires no paperwork, is immediate, and usually much more valued than the official ribbons. The shurta love it. Several have started wearing plastic ID card holders on their arms and have the coin tucked inside for all to see. The minister of defense is generous as well. An official letter to each is accompanied by a gift of 500,000 dinar (about $350) and a promotion of one rank. Seeing themselves on TV that night or in the newspapers over the next few days can hardly be discounted either. More words are exchanged as the ceremony dissolves into the normal swirl of congratulations and mingling. I catch an occasional glace from the shurta. They wink and nod at my team. They are as proud as they can be. And so am I.
Victor slides up next to me. “sir, I think the minister of interior just told COL B that his promotion is approved. He handed him some official papers.”
“Are you serious, they didn’t announce that?
“Sir, that’s what I heard him say.”
“Wow, I better go find out”
When the crowd finally departs for the meeting, and COL B and I are back in charge of our agenda, I ask. “So general, do you have something to tell me?” He grins and his eyes shine. He takes an envelope out of his breast pocket, and unfolds the paper inside to show me. I don’t have to read Arabic to know what it says.
____________________________________________
A few of my team gathered around the back of our HMMWVs. We watched silently. There was really nothing to be said. Snake, our terp, stood spread eagle with his hands up against the truck. A squad of military policemen from the detention facility searched him methodically, cataloged his belongings and cuffed him. Snake was silent as well, and complied. He did not attempt to make eye contact. Over the last few days it had become clear that Snake had been serving as an enemy agent. We were lucky to detect it after only a few weeks. We have no idea if his infant son really died last week, we hope not for the wife’s sake. We do know that the charity we gave to him will not be recovered. We are reminded that the first casualty of war is innocence, and trust has been wounded in the collateral damage.
____________________________________________
Hours later, we are preparing for a mission. CPT S gives the intell dump before we roll. We have the details on an attack that happened the previous day. One of the Transition teams we had trained with at Fort Riley had been hit with one of the EFMPs that come from Iran. Two of our comrades were dead and a third very badly burned. The mood is somber. While many of the teams we trained with have been attacked, these are our first casualties. Today there is none of the normal cheerful banter and good natured abuse we normally exchange as we head out. I get into the truck and strap on my intercom set. SFC C has his on already and comments quietly. “The team is pretty shaken up today, what can we do about it?” I reply. “Ya CJ, we are a bit shaken up. Nothing we can do but get back in the saddle. The war isn’t going to win itself.”
We of course will do something about it, collectively and alone. Pray, tell stories, listen to music, write. In a few days we will attend the memorial service. And then, like generations of Americans before us, we will go back out and win. It is what our country expects, and it is what we expect of ourselves.
____________________________________________I read an editorial today in the Stars and Stripes newspaper. A teacher asked her class what Memorial Day was. One young man apparently answered “that’s when the swimming pools open.” Sad but true.
It is quite possible that that young mans family has not had any members that served or died in our nation’s service. Maybe there are no stories for him to have been told, no family heirlooms on the wall, no uniform in the closet, no rack of medals on display, no photos on the mantel, no grave to put a flag on. But I doubt it. My guess is, no one took the time to tell him those stories. I also bet he would love to hear them, and would be a better man if he heard them now, as a boy.
One of my favorite possessions is a typed manuscript of my grandfather’s autobiography. In it is a mix of stories that he told us as a kid, and some that he never really mentioned. Before I deployed, I reread his tales of service in the Navy Seabees during WWII, and of recovering in a long string of veteran’s hospitals when he returned home. I am grateful to have the opportunity to travel back with him, all because he had the generosity to leave that behind. It is to a large extent why I choose to write these letters home. One day, when all is said and done, I hope that my girls can dust off my words as well. Memorial Day should be remembered with memories, and not just a small flag next to a stone. And then, if it is really hot, maybe a dip in the pool.
How the news spins...
Okay, I'm over at Townhall, reading this piece on how bad ideas keep coming back to haunt us... at least from the left (though I suspect if you come from the left, you might argue the converse, as well)
Well, there I am, reading about the Law of the Sea treaty (among other gems) and the following picture from the AP with a Reuters caption is what accompanies the article:
This Washington State Patrol handout photograph shows weapons found in a vehicle of John Popper, lead singer of "Blues Traveler," who was placed under arrest for drug possession after troopers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle on March 6, 2007. Popper's driver, Brian Gourgeois was arrested for reckless driving for driving at over 100 mph (160 km/h). Popper told the authorities that he was a collector of weapons. Troopers recovered a total of 14 weapons, including four rifles (one of which was a 50 caliber rifle), nine handguns and a switchblade knife. REUTERS/Washington State Patrol/Handout
So, I went looking for some news.
The vehicle, owned by Popper and driven by Brian Gourgeois, was pulled over for going, um, 111mph. Sounds fair to me.
Our Performing Artist and his driver were apparently, perhaps, a touch high, too, as the officers caught a whiff o' weed and so decided to search the vehicle. So a dog was summoned...
Inside the black Mercedes SUV, officers found a cache of weapons and a small amount of marijuana, the Patrol said. A police dog searched the vehicle, finding numerous hidden compartments containing four rifles, nine handguns and a switchblade knife. Authorities also found a Taser and night vision goggles. The vehicle was seized.
One wonders if they were purpose-built hidden compartments, or simply all those clever little storage areas built into SUVs - I dunno Mercedes vehicles, so it could be either. But I would like to know, if I was the writer of the article, since it is kinda relevant.
*This* is an interesting look into Popper's world view, however... The vehicle also had flashing emergency headlights, a siren and a public address system, according to the Highway Patrolman.
In a news release, the Patrol added, "Popper indicated to troopers that he had installed these items in his vehicle because (in the event of a natural disaster) he didn't want to be left behind," He also told officers he collected weapons.
I won't argue about this being news. I just find the article interesting because of word choice, etc, and the focus on the weapons - though, aside from the weed, there wasn't much in there you wouldn't find in my basement. And boy, on a day I'm going to the range...
One thing that did pop into mind was - is Mr. Popper fibbing on his ATFE Form 4473? The part where you have to answer yes or no to question 12(e): Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Fibbing on the form is, um, frowned upon.
I admit to being hyper-sensitive on the issue, but the article seem to twitch with wanting to scream out "Guns! Guns! Lookit all the Bad Guns" but couldn't. Not effectively, anyway. Clearly, the Highway Patrol wanted to make it about guns in terms of the publicity, etc.
Why couldn't they go full-bore scary?
The two men were booked administratively into the Adams County jail and released on their own recognizance. Authorities plan to charge them with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gourgeois will also face a charge of reckless driving, the Patrol said.
I guess, aside from my question about 4473's (a Federal issue, anyway), there wasn't anything illegal about the guns.
Heh.
May 29, 2007
H&I Fires* May 29, 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
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Short on time, but I do have this link to a story about Cindy Sheehan quitting the ‘anti-war business’. Laters.
--ry
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This was the weekend of looking at acreages. The two that currently top the list are a 77-acre plot far enough out of town to be safe from development for a good while, and a 65-acre heavily wooded plot up north of here, near Saint Joseph, just in the bluffs east of Atchison, in Missouri. Both are *well suited* to hosting a blog-shoot, where you could safely take 400m shots, and putting up the horses. I just have to get over sticker shock. The homes on both would need some re-working/reconfiguring as we would like them. But plenty of privacy. Nekkid partying on the deck! Eeeee. Scary thought.
What's up from the email over the weekend... lessee, Tommy S. was really impressed with this display of courage, and striking a blow for freedom, up in Orcas Island, Washington! Not. Pathetic. C'mon kids, that's the best you've got? Real social consciences there!
Bloodspite teases the Armorer. That said, he has the good sense to link to frequent commenter and capital "G" Grognard, John S, of Oldguns.net - I would note that John is sometimes disqualified from playing in our Whatziss posts - because he was the provider of the Whatziss... That said, the Armorer doesn't yet feel rich enough to spend that kind of geld on an addition to the Arsenal, when that kind of geld would fund so many *more* additions to the Arsenal!
Further expanding on the theme of the Cyborg post - Kevin provides a link to this video... mebbe FCS should consider this for some of their RPVs...
And just in case you missed it over the weekend - the Whatziss was answered here. -the Armorer
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Okay, I know it's a sample of one. Still, there's a new piece in the Middle East Quarterly, written by David Patten. Subject: Is Iraq in a Civil War?
Is Iraq in a Civil War? by David A. Patten Middle East Quarterly Summer 2007Many politicians have determined Iraq to be in a civil war. "We're not fighting terrorism in Iraq," Rep. John Murtha (Democrat-Penn.) said on January 27, 2006, "We're fighting a civil war in Iraq."[1] He is not alone. On November 27, 2006, NBC sparked media and political debate when it announced it would henceforth label the violence in Iraq a civil war. Such a designation is significant. Major-General William Nash (ret.) explains failure to acknowledge that a civil war exists "means that our counter-measures are inadequate and, therefore, dangerous to our long-term interests."[2] A March 2007 Pentagon report augmented the debate. "Some elements of the situation in Iraq are properly descriptive of a ‘civil war,' including the hardening of ethno-sectarian identities and mobilization, the changing character of the violence and population displacements," it said.[3] However, the debate should not be political. Precision matters. If Iraq is not in a civil war, using the term for U.S. domestic political reasons might undercut efforts to restore stability.
Aside from the content of the article, what's the other bit that caught my eye?
David A. Patten is a sergeant with the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Stony Brook University. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Army.
Emphasis mine. I don't know what that might say about the utility of a Doctorate in Philosophy... but I know what it says about that Sergeant. I'll take two, please. -the Armorer
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Heh. I forgot that I didn't *do* an H&I yesterday. The one so marked was meant to be todays. Snerk! -the Armorer
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Update to the Orcas Island vandalism of veteran's graves - Dan of Riehl World View has a person of interest for law enforcement to consider. Of course, sometimes coincidences are just that - coincidences. But LE can see if there are any dots to connect, assuming their workload allows them to devote sufficient time. As to whether or not it's worth the time - well, the locals know better than I do if it's a 'broken windows' kind of thing, or something to go after only if it falls in your lap. -the Armorer
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Heh. As usual, Bill Arkin gets it *almost* right.
...and thus proves the point. Bill sez:
As I see it, beyond the social networking and communications functions, the Milblogs have set themselves up as an anti-news media squad. The conference included many discussions of the deficiencies of mainstream press coverage of Iraq. In fact, some people actually believe that, with the availability of worldwide news on the Web and the emergence of military blogs, the Pentagon press corps and even the mainstream news media is obsolete.
Heh - yeah, I ran one of those panels, and let an MSM'er have his say, and Noah certainly didn't go over well with some. But he had some good points, too.
No, Bill, at least here at the Castle, we're about providing context the MSM doesn't, explaining things they get wrong, and telling the stories they don't want/have the space or time to tell. I'm not anti-media, really. It's a symbiotic relationship. I'd have far less to write about if the MSM didn't exist - I know the limitations of my news-gathering abilities. But I also know my value-added, which is why some of your guys talk to me... to get that context, some back-story, some explanation beyond what the PAO provides.
Which is *another* reason, aside from OPSEC, that the Brass has a love-hate relationship with the milblogs - and unlike people like you, wrapped in the star-spangled banner of the 1st Amendment, many milbloggers ply their craft under restrictions you would find intolerable.
Bill goes on (and dons his White Hat):
I've often thought if we could cover the military like sports, with transparency and intimate knowledge and a play-by-play that was both affectionate and unsparingly critical, we'd have a healthier debate. Interest and knowledge on the part of the typical American in foreign affairs and national security would actually increase.But alas, it is the military, and whether it is the death of Pat Tillman or a war plan, the impulse of the institution is strategic defense. Secrecy, of course, is always justified on OPSEC grounds.
In war as opposed to baseball, an attitude that has become more and more pronounced during the Iraq war is that the team -- the U.S. military and the American soldier in particular -- can't be criticized. There is no room to call someone to task -- not even a general -- for his managing, fielding or batting errors, no matter how egregious. Not only are the details held quite closely as to who is responsible, but to actually hold the team itself accountable is to be disloyal to the big team, the country.
That is why a vigilant and independent news media is needed more than ever.
Heh. Bill does *not* read the Castle. I'm guessing at best he reads Matt, over at Blackfive, and then only now and again, cursorily.
Mr. Arkin - there aren't too many milblog spaces out there who call for *more* Flag Officer and Senior Leader scalps and heads on pikes than Castle Argghhh!. The difference, sir, between you and I, is that I actually have some experience on the inside behind my call for summary executions.
This space does not often criticize individual junior troops. Nor does it criticize the soldiery in general. We do, however, criticize policies and actions. And when individual soldiers do Bad Things, this space says let the system work it's way through the process. Castle Argghhh! did *not* leap to the defense of the Pendleton 8, for example. We excoriated people over Abu Ghraib, while at the same time demanding a sense of proportion in the outraged reaction to it.
We were not kind to Colonel Karpinski, yet we were not really satisfied that LTG Sanchez got to keep his job, either.
You read us shallowly, and I suspect narrowly. Just as you accuse us of doing.
And many of us, though *not* this space, report the war from a far more intimate place than you do. Indeed, if only war reporting *were* this easy...
Other milbloggers returning fire at Arkin:
Op-For
Blackfive
Uncle Jimbo
Mrs. Greyhawk
Chapomatic
May 28, 2007
Memorial Day 2007.
Today, we honor those who have gone before. In November, we honor the living.
I don't mind the sales. Commerce built this country. I don't mind "Going to the Lake" - having fun with family and friends makes life worth living. And this day is about having a life worth living.
And I know that most of us (though not perhaps those who read this space) have no memory of a loved one lost in war. Many of the younger of us don't remember or never knew a relative who served in time of war.
Heh. TINS. At work, we have VFW "Buddy Poppies" out for sale, the proceeds go to benefit veterans needing assistance. When Jack, my colleague who is in charge of that little fund-raiser, went to collect up donations at the local food emporium in our building, the owner told him the young kids who work in the building and eat in the Cafe had been surprised to learn that Memorial Day had an actual meaning, beyond a three-day weekend. Good golly have we adults collectively failed our children in that regard. That said -
Have a good time. That's the point.
By living your life, planning your future, you redeem the voucher that those who have answered the Last Call for the last time bought for you.
Their service was *all* about the Capital F Future.
Just by living our lives, and taking an interest in what goes on around us, we pay that debt. We can pay it ahead by keeping an eye on those who commit us to war. And recognizing that avoidance for avoidance's sake is as bad in its way as rushing headlong and blindly into battle. Truly, in this arena, the answer lies in the middle, not at the extremes.
But.
BUT...
Whatever else you do with your free day - Remember Them. It only takes a moment. But Remember. They are not truly gone until we forget.
For some of us, the true meaning of this holiday doesn't come into focus until...
We Hear The Knock.
Attend The Funeral.
And Bury Our Dead.
This is why today is Memorial Day.
The town of Culpeper Virginia remembers.
Carren Z, who almost became a War Widow, has a post up that isn't so much about Memorial Day as it is about *why* we have Memorial Day.
Today, at Castle Argghhh! we remember those who one way or another touched the Castle and it's Denizens this last year.
At Princess Crabby's, Major Mike Nachsen remembers.
Bad Cat Robot remembers.
Denizen Kat has produced a Memorial Day Video.
SWWBO remembers William J. Healy, her father, and WWII veteran.
We remember 2LT John T. Donovan, an artilleryman of the Great War.
We remember Ann Donovan, my mother, who saw a husband off to two wars, and a son off to one.
We remember Bill Meriwether, Colonel of Infantry, AUS, WWII and Korea.
We remember LTC(R) Karl Teepe, my ROTC instructor, who died at the Pentagon.
We remember Charlotte Winters, a veteran of WWI.
We remember Corporal David Unger, who died in Iraq.
We remember Sergeant Donald Lucas, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Coporal Brent Poland, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Private David Robert Greenslade, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan
We remember Col. Thomas H. Felts Sr, who died in Iraq.
We remember Colonel James Harrison, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember Specialist Benjamin Ashley, who died in Iraq.
We remember Specialist John Edward Wood, who died in Iraq.
We remember Colonel Paul M. Kelly, who died in Iraq.
We remember Staff Sergeant Darryl D. Booker, who died in Iraq.
We remember Staff Sergeant Lawrence Lee Roy Parrish, who died in Iraq.
We remember Second Lieutenant Emily Perez, who died in Iraq.
We remember Navy Lieutenant and sometime President of the United States Gerald Ford, a veteran of WWII.
We remember Elmer B. Lindsey, a veteran of WWII, who drove the first vehicle across the Ludendorff Bridge, at Remagen.
We remember Colonel Jeff Cooper, veteran, and one hell of a shot.
We remember Sergeant First Class Bernard Lee Deghand, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember WO Frank Mellish, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember WO Richard Nolan, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember Sergeant Shane Stachnik, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember Private Mark Graham, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan, due to friendly fire from US aircraft.
We remember Chief Warrant Officer Robert (Bobby) Girouard, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember Corporal Albert Storm, Canadian Army, who died in Afghanistan.
We remember Captain Glenn Ford, US Navy veteran of WWII and Vietnam. Oh, and he was an actor.
We remember Lieutenant Jessica Hill, USCG, who died on duty.
We remember Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Duque, USCG, who died on duty.
We remember Kenny L. Sculley, fellow Rotarian, Army veteran.
We remember Private First Class Kristian Menchaca who died in Iraq.
We remember Private First Class Thomas Tucker who died in Iraq.
We remember William K. Healey, a Vietnam Veteran.
We remember Major Douglas Zembiec, the Lion of Falluiah, who died in Iraq.
We remember Sergeant Alexander Funcheon, who died in Iraq.
We remember Professor Liviu Librescu, who died a sheepdog, protecting his flock, at Virginia Tech.
We remember Staff Sergeant Darrell Kasson, who died in Iraq.
We remember Staff Sergeant David Berry, a holder of the Soldier's Medal, who died in Iraq.
We remember Sergeant Ian Anderson, who died in Iraq.
We remember Staff Sergeant George Brown, a soldier of the 2nd Division, in WWII.
We remember Arvil Stanley, a Marine Raider in WWII.
We remember Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis, who died in Iraq, that his buddies might live.
Whatever else we may do today... we will Remember.
Because, it's just a pittance of time.
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam of our American dead.
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam of our fallen Commonwealth Allies.
And lastly, now is the time at Castle Argghhh!, when the Armorer dances, alone, for Mom. To the music she requested for her service, The Navy Hymn.
Others doing a little remembering...
Blackfive’s How to Honor the Real Heroes.
Soldiers’ Angels Germany, Remember.
Iraq the Model on a different kind of Memorial Day event, today in Baghdad.
Malkin, How Not to Honor a Fallen Hero.
Badgers Forward, Memorial Day Observed.
Michael Yon’s Memorial Day Message.
The Anchoress: These Formidable People Think Freedom Is So Valuable That It Is Worth Dying For.
Butterfly Wife, The Memorial Day Ads Are Here.
My Desert Adventure, The Real Hero.
Old War Dogs, Don’t Let Them be Forgotten.
And not least - another excellent roundup of fine Memorial Day posts can be had at Mudville Gazette, where Mrs. Greyhawk spent many hours pulling that together.
Homefront Six explains she was once one of those kids I talked about.
Neptunus Lex has an *excellent* post that takes a historical bent.
SGT Hook, The Honor Was Ours.
And just as I finish this update... my inbox pings.
DoD Identifies Army CasualtiesThe Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.
They were assigned to 1st Brigade Transition Team, and attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Dunham, 36, of Baltimore, Md.
Staff Sgt. Russell K. Shoemaker, 31, of Sweet Springs, Mo.
For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.
� the Middle Ground links with: Remember Them
� Techography links with: Memorial Day 2007
� The Glittering Eye links with: Memorial Day, 2007
� She Who Will Be Obeyed! links with: Memorial Day
� Sister Toldjah links with: Memorial Day 2007
� Pirate's Cove links with: Memorial Day Monday: One Marine
� Righty in a Lefty State links with: Memorial Day 2007
� Fuzzilicious Thinking links with: Memorial Day
� Wake up America links with: Memorial Day Tribute
� America's North Shore Journal links with: Memorial Day on America’s North Shore
� Bill's Bites links with: Remembering around the web (Renamed, updated, bumped)
� HomefrontSix links with: Memorial Day 2007
The Whatziss, answered.
The funny part is, AW1 Tim actually got it first, but then essentially reneged.
CAPT H got it fully correct. It's an AT-3 Sagger missile. More accurately, it's an armorer's training cut-away of one, this particular one out of East Germany after the wall tumbled.
If you're interested in the flow of this Whatziss, click here and follow the links around.
May 27, 2007
H&I Fires* May 27, 2007
Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite.
You're advertising here, we should get an ad at your place...
Yesterday, today, and who knows, maybe tomorrow, the Master and Mistress of Argghhh! will be out searching for a new location to raise the Standard of Argghhh! Several hundred miles of travel already, searching out those sites that call to us. There are two that are candidates, and both will probably support the Armorer's Dream - a place suitable for shooting from the deck without annoying, scaring, or endangering the neighbors. Which means - not many neighbors. The Master and Mistress of Argghhh! are somewhat curmudgeonly and retiring people. But it would be good for a blogmeet, too.
We saw a place yesterday that when you come upon it, it sits in a forest glen, with a split-rail fence in the front yard... just begging for a 12 pounder Napoleon. Even SWWBO agrees.
Moving along...
Another mugged liberal. Welcome to the fold, State Representative Michael DeBose (D-12) of Cleveland.
News from the Front:
BAQUBAH — Coalition forces rescued seven kidnapped victims during a three-day operation in Chibernat, a village north of Baqubah, Wednesday.
BAGHDAD — The acute care clinic of the 399th Combat Support Hospital at Contingency Operating Base (COB) Speicher is one of the busiest U.S. clinics in country.
CAMP BAHARIA — The sounds of men shouting cadence, boots stomping down baby powder-fine sand and rocks skittering across the ground fill the air. Iraqis in green flight suits, helmets and bullet-proof vests hold their rifles in front of their chest and march in time to the commands of their blue-shirted drill instructor, an Iraqi policeman by the name of Mohammed.
TIKRIT — About 45 local sheiks met with Diyala provincial leadership in Baqubah, Iraq, to discuss their tribe’s concerns, reconcile grievances and discover solutions to rid terrorism from the province, May 23.
Separated at birth? Did my Mom and Dad have a sekrit? This guy and I must share some DNA...
From Denizen Netbrad:
...I found your Doppelganger at Jamestown, working in the armory. Enjoy and have a safe and happy weekend.
Heh. I actually intend to start making firearms like the ones this gentleman is handling. Even more appropriate, perhaps - on my mother's side, the family first appeared on this continent in the form of Nicholas Meriwether at Jamestown circa 1650.
Oh, and I can't stand it - this is funny. -the Armorer
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For light Sunday reading... a Sea Story. Here's a taste of a naval aviator's report on his first attempt to qualify (CQ) to fly on and off an aircraft carrier at night. Complication? He's being told to do it in the middle of minimal visibility:
As I cross the shuttle, CAG is in tension and is quickly fired off the bow, disappearing immediately ! As I go through the cockpit checks, I try to keep my voice as low as possible (trying not to do a Tiny Tim impersonation) and keep my heart from pounding a hole in my chest... Truthfully, Marine or not... I was scared s______ !This is a good one! - FbLGod never made a blacker void than off the bow of the boat at night with no stars and no moon... Only those of us who've been there... can truly appreciate what I'm saying, here... By this stage of my life, I'd been shot at... missed and hit... but never had anything make me as tense.
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Continuing the pain...
...of the Whatziss. To catch up for newbies - start here and follow the links (meaning you need to read the comments, too).
Here's another little detail shot.
Later today I'll put up a comprehensive clue.
You guys are working it pretty well, really.
Update: HomeFrontSix reminds me - I *did* promise a more comprehensive picture. Truthfully - I don't think it's going to help much...
.
Mebbe it's just Clobbering Time.
.
Just sayin'
.
"The Iraqis don't want Saddam back - they want the stability. But they want the stability without being fed into industrial chippers."
. -The Armorer, on Hugh Hewitt, 27 December 2006.
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