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October 6, 2007

Looks like, sounds like...

...everybody's sleeping in.

Soooo, just to see if your neurons are still triggering, here's a little quiz: passing grade is 40%.

Well, it's a *surprise* quiz, right?

1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?

2) Which country makes Panama hats?

3) From which animal do we get catgut?

4) In which month did the Soviets celebrate the October Revolution?

5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?

6) The Canary Islands are named after what animal?

7) What was King George VI's first name?

8) What color is a purple finch?

9) Where do Chinese gooseberries come from?

10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?


All done? Check your answers in Flash Traffic (I gotta set the example for kat and ry, after all...).

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Oct 06, 2007 | I think it's funny!

October 5, 2007

H&I Fires October 5, 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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Someday, John is going to regret giving me the keys to his blog....but, today....

I got the power! (yeah, C+C Music Factory reference...don't worry if you don't get it)

Starting off this morning with something particularly salient to this blog: A Liberal's Lament: The NRA might be right.

Kind of goes along with all that "free speech" stuff I'm talking about in a separate post. I think the guys if finally figuring out there are no half measures and no one right that should be defended while the others are crushed, no matter the reason, nor matter the cause.

Speaking of being "crushed", US says it kills 25 Insurgents (read "Mahdi Army) in Iraq while simultaneously busting up an AQI meeting where (gasp) an Iraqi MP was found attending (sounds like it was a "martyrs" funeral, but we'll see what turns out since the MP was a member of the largest opposition Sunni Block - who is also known to have ties with the Ba'athists, et al; might have been a set up - stand by for updates).

AQI Financier goes down in a blaze of glory and the list of AQI members noted yesterday includes Britons, Belgians, French, etc, etc, etc who will probably never be able to return to their adopted country. Yeah, we're sad for them, can't you tell? Speaking of that, wonder if that's how we snooped out the Iraqi MP? How many of those guys are running around ready to make a deal?

Well, there are 22 groups (ooh, scary) who decided to form yet another (yes, one more) giant organization (since the others keep falling apart) to "fight the occupiers", but also leave the door open for negotiations and, kind of, sort of, denounce Al Qaida.

They better hurry up and decide, because AQI is stepping up attacks on the Anti-AQI in their last bastion in Arab Joubour (also known as Saleh al din, Tikrit, etc north of Baghdad). Sometimes, those who come late to the party don't get any cake. However, don't confuse internal Shi'ite politics with AQI assassinations. The mayor of Iskandariyah was likely targeted by crazy Shi'ites trying to jockey for the position of "ye who gets to kill the women and enforce Shi'ite extremist Islamic Shariah on the unsuspecting citizens".

Sometimes people get the democracy they deserve when they do things out of fear like vote in Shi'ite extremists for "security". There are always 300 Tyrants waiting with out stretched, bloody palms. After all the hoopla about the missing 180k weapons from 2004-2005, we are in an all fired hurry to hand over millions of dollars more. Makes you go, mmmm....particularly while Ahmadinejad keeps on about Iranian dominance and acquiring "nuclear technology". You know what they say, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."

Stand by for updates.
-Kat

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Let me get this straight:

1) The Chinese military probes our cyber-defenses by attempting to hack into The Pentagon’s computer systems.

2) Thanks to the firewalls that 3-COM (the contractor in charge of DOD’s cyber infrastructure) has put in place, the cyber-attacks are largely unsuccessful.

3) The Chinese military orders its networking and telecommunications equipment supply company, Huawei Technologies (a CHICOM subsidiary), to purchase 3-COM.

4) The Chinese military through Huanwei and its water carrier Bain Capital Partners investment firm, submits a request for approval of the deal to the Department of Treasury's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) .

And that’s where we stand. Are the Chinese doing an end run play, to do by subterfuge what they could not do by brute force? - Pescem Primum ad Caput Foet.

BOQ

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Heh, now I've got Denizens *dueling* to get an H&I started. Both Boq and Kat had one going.

Jules Crittenden asks: Got Kids?

Why is that important? Why should you click that link?

The paranoia over parents is so strong that the AAP encourages doctors to ignore “legal barriers and deference to parental involvement” and shake the children down for all the inside information they can get.


And that information doesn’t stay with the doctor, either.

Debbie is a mom from Uxbridge who was in the examination room when the pediatrician asked her 5-year-old, “Does Daddy own a gun?”

When the little girl said yes, the doctor began grilling her and her mom about the number and type of guns, how they are stored, etc.

If the incident had ended there, it would have merely been annoying.

But when a friend in law enforcement let Debbie know that her doctor had filed a report with the police about her family’s (entirely legal) gun ownership, she got mad.

She also got a new doctor.

I'm guessing the AAP wouldn't approve of the Arms Room of Argghhh!!! - which gets cabinetry and the door installed today... whee! Busy day for me - I've got that, plus I'm laying out the route for the American Heart Association Heart Walk (which takes place tomorrow) and then there's that whole, oh, work thing, too. -the Armorer

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Wow! There's a lot of serious stuff today. You know it's Friday, right? Since nonsense is my specialty I think I'll point you toward a YouTube vid sent to me by Anthony. It is nonsense, but it's fun in a history geek kinda way......Maggie
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Maggie says "humor" we comply or else the princess might ask for our heads...

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky officials on Thursday sued the manufacturer of OxyContin, the prescription painkiller dubbed "hillbilly heroin," because of widespread abuse in Appalachia.

Okay, drug abuse not funny, but "hillbilly heroin" is. And, six counties are joining in the suit. Talk about "pain". Nothing like telling drug companies not to create new and improved drugs because, you know, we just can't hack it, we'll become addicted, AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!

(In which case, can I sue Typad, blogger, the first amendment, stupid congress critters, and the maker of my computer for blog addiction?...never mind...moving on....)

Here's some unintentional humor: When the CIA got it right.

This in the "eww..that is just sick" column. (you know you're going to click it - SFW)
-Kat

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Geez, Kat, if yer gonna stomp me, quit wearing the stillettos, eh?

Code Pink strikes a blow for FREEEEEEEEEEEEDOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!! /sarcasm. -the Armorer

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Well, it was the stilletos or the steel toed boots. Men are never happy. -Kat

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 05, 2007 | General Commentary

Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh...

Finally.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 05, 2007 | Gun Pr0n - A Naughty Expose' of the fiddly bits

Another thread in the warp of the fabric of the Greatest Generation parts...

Half-staff at Castle Argghhh!!!

The flags will go to half-staff at the Castle later next week, for there has been a death in the family of Castle Argghhh! Not my direct family, nor SWWBO's, but my boon companion Mike Lehnherr, a dedicated reader, occasional content provider, grammar consultant and commenter, his father passed yesterday.

I don't know a lot about Mike's Dad and Mom - but I know Mike, and I know that even though his Dad was not his biological father... there is no doubt as to whom his Dad was.

And by knowing Mike, I know his Mom and Dad did at least one thing right in their lives.

So bow your head for the passage of yet another of the "Greatest Generation" and give thanks for what they passed on - in spirit, and in flesh.

Make a hole down there, inbound to the Stammtisch at Fiddler's Green!

Sergeant (made it three times, he did!) Elden D. Lehnherr, U.S. Army, arriving.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 05, 2007 | Something for the Soul

Note to Congress:

MoveOn made a dumb ad, that played to their base. Rush Limbaugh made a clumsy elocution, which when taken out of context, looks dumb. Okay. This is a note from the Heartland to BOTH parties.

COULD WE PASS A FEW FARGING APPROPRIATION BILLS, PLEASE?

Ya wanna make a statement supportive of the troops?

PASS THE DAMN VA FUNDING BILL. How 'bout that? Not to mention the rest of 'em. Good golly gee, people. And ya wonder why the nation thinks you're a collection of buffoons? Just watch C-Span.

The bills are what's important, ladies and gents. Not the posturing that mostly only interests those who already agree with you. ARGGHHH!!!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 05, 2007 | Politicians Hit Bottom, Dig...

Admiral Mullen's command guidance.

The Chairman of the Joint Chief's laid out his agenda for his staff.

You can download it here.

Pages 1, 2, and 6 are the pretty standard boilerplate for command philosophy. The heart lies in pages 3-5. Emphasis in the original.

To wit:

Priorities and Strategic Objectives

1) Develop a strategy to defend our National interests in the Middle East. Our immediate concern remains the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But we cannot dismiss the efforts by other state and non-state actors to foment instability in the Middle East. The increasingly hostile role being played by Iran; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Sunni-Shia rivalries; the rise of radical jihadists, and the resurgence of A1 Qaeda all threaten to tear at fragile seams and all bear directly on the security of the United States. We need a strategy to manage U.S. military presence in the Middle East that adversaries must take seriously and which reassures our friends, allies and partners.

Therefore, we will:

1). Develop a comprehensive Middle East security strategy, tied to a larger global view, but focused on our vital national interests. This effort will address long-term security in Iraq and Afghanistan, potential threats from Iran, and movement toward reducing major sources of conflict, with a goal of ultimately achieving regional stability.

> Ensure that our strategic plans are sustainable over time and provide flexibility for escalation, de-escalation, and a wide range of options.

> Integrate our capabilities within the interagency process to develop and execute this longterm strategy, while leading in the interagency wherever appropriate.

> Improve international cooperation in the region.

2) Reset. Reconstitute and Revitalize our Armed Forces . . . particularly the ground forces. Though recruiting and retention figures remain good and morale is still high, we cannot take for granted the service of our people or their families. We must rapidly mitigate the toll our current pace of operations is taking on them, our equipment, and our ability to respond to other crises and contingencies. We must recognize that new asymmetrical threats call for different kinds of warfighters, mission systems and strategies. We need to be smarter, lighter, more agile, and more lethal. Only by applying our own asymmetric advantages -- our people, intellect and technology -- and by maintaining a force correctly shaped, sized, trained and equipped can we adequately defend the nation.

Therefore, we will:

> Determine the true health of our ground forces in terms of people, training, equipment, and family support to ensure these forces are ready to serve effectively over the long term and across the full spectrum of operations.

> Provide clear estimates of resetting our units in each Service and Defense agency. Assess how long it will take and what resources will be necessary to regain full spectrum capabilities across all our forces. We must make this issue a priority in our Program and Budget process and prepare to execute it in the long term without substantial support from supplemental funding.

> Improve the capabilities of our Reserve Component as it continues to become a more relevant contributor to the operational joint force. We must also ensure it preserves a significant "strategic reserve" capability and capacity.

> With an understanding of its unique domestic responsibilities, support National Guard Bureau efforts to improve readiness, leverage existing forces, streamline organizations, and make units leaner, smaller, and more effective. We must likewise ensure the National Guard preserves its own "strategic reserve" capability and capacity. Improve requirements, acquisition, and technology development efforts to ensure rapid, predictable delivery of needed combat capabilities to our warfighters.

> Develop and help integrate realistic, complementary, jointly interdependent, prioritized Service modernization plans.

> Develop implementation plans to ensure effective execution of pending BRAC and joint basing initiatives.

> Engage in the development of a broad-based, flexible, effective, and affordable joint military health care system that provides superb care for combat wounded (to include PTSDITBI patients), and improves wellness initiatives, military care, family care, and retiree care.

> Prepare plans, to include strategy-driven prioritization, to sustain and modernize our joint forces during a time of civilian administration transition and potential fiscal constraints.

3) Properly Balance Global Strategic Risk.

We must stay mindful of our many global security commitments and of the core warfighting capabilities, resources and partnerships required to conduct operations across the full spectrum of peace and conflict. A larger, longer view of risk assessment that helps us maintain a position of global leadership and preserves our freedom of action remains critical. I want the Joint Staff focused on rebalancing strategic risk.

The demands of current operations -- however great -- should not dominate our training exercises, education curricula and readiness programs. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will one day end. We must be ready for who -- and what -- comes after.

What "comes after" is hard to predict. Conflict in the future will most likely -- but not exclusively -- demand increased precision, speed and agility. We may face state as well as nonstate enemies, including some who may only appear in cyberspace. The target could be America's infrastructure and the new weapon could be a computer-generated attack on critical networks and systems. It could just as likely be a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon of mass destruction.

Future war may therefore be borderless, or it could exist completely within the confines of small, urban areas. It may require of our people skills they do not yet possess and capabilities we do not yet field. In some conflicts, information and non-kinetic means may prevail, while in other places at other times only "boots on the ground" and precisely delivered fires will carry the day.

The American people expect their Armed Forces to maintain sufficient capability and capacity to deter and, failing that, defeat all such military threats to their security and the security of our vital national interests: a homeland secure from attack; sustained global influence, leadership and freedom of action; sustained strategic endurance and military superiority; flourishing global and national economies; assured access to strategic resources; and regional stability in the Middle East.

Where conflict threatens these interests, U.S. forces must be able to rapidly respond, providing political leadership with a range of options for deterrence, escalation and de-escalation, in coordination with other elements of national and multi-national power.

Therefore, we will:

> Develop -- through the Combatant Commanders and in cooperation with our partners -- integrated theater engagement plans that strengthen relationships with enduring allies, improve ties to emerging partners, and engage and better understand potential competitors.

> Build and reinvigorate relationships through Theater Security Cooperation with a focus on capacity-building, humanitarian assistance, regional frameworks for improving governance, and cooperation in enforcing the rule of law.

> Rapidly develop an enduring cultural, historical, and linguistic expertise in our total force to ensure effective interaction with diverse international partners.

> Establish and quickly achieve reasonable goals and expectations for deployment rotations of our Active, Reserve and National Guard Bureau components. For our Active Forces, this deployment to dwell ratio should be no greater than 1 : 1 in the near term with a view towards an equilibrium level of 1 :2 while at war.

> The vast majority of focus in people and capability resides in the Central Command AOR, and rightly so. We must work to rapidly rebalance this capability when conditions permit.

> Pursue a comprehensive approach to deterrence. Put in place a new concept of strategic deterrence for the 2 lSt Century in terms of training, equipping, theory and practice appropriate to a range of state and non-traditional threats in both nuclear and conventional realms.

> Develop an effective military strategy for cyberspace to protect and defend against infrastructure attacks, reduce our vulnerabilities and ensure our capability to operate in this vital realm.

Methinks the Navy and Air Force aren't going to like the budgetary implications of the "Reset, Reconstitute and Revitalize" the ground forces... He hits all the major hot buttons that I can see - now to see if he'll have a President and Congress that will allow it and fund it.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 05, 2007 | TrackBack (0) | Observations on things Military

Flagging Patriotism and Manufactured Controversies

[Denizen Opinion - Kat - yes, another one. In a general disclaimer, this post is mine and does not represent the views of the owner of this blog or any other commenter unless otherwise specified]

Sometimes I think that life must be too boring for people. Not enough controversy, so somebody has to make it up. It is interesting to see people trying to manufacture controversy out of nothing. Especially during an upcoming election season. Pretty much tells you how vapid and empty the entire political process is going to be.

Now that Iraq seems to be slipping off the radar, we don't seem to have anything important to twist ourselves around. So, we're back to "first principles".

(continued in flash traffic)

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 05, 2007 | TrackBack (0) | General Commentary

October 4, 2007

H&I Fires October 4, 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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Running a tad bit late...but off to a good start this morning.

How many people know that North Korea just took home a deal for approval from the six party talks to close down all three nuclear reactors by Dec 31 in exchange for food and oil? According to the details, the US will lead the way in dismantling them and provide the funding. Basically its a hand shake deal, but the Chinese pretty much told Kim Jong Il to take it.

Besides heating oil and food I'm not sure what was promised although the food and heating oil probably topped the list since even Kim's elites were probably going to have to eat a lot more vegetarian(sole of shoe) soup this winter.

Oh, yeah, obligatory: Bush is worst president ever!

And here is a little speculation about the possibility part of the "I swear I am not cheating this time" deal from North Korea was ratting out some of its client states? You know..things go "boom" in Syria and nobody is talking?

In other news, a 1,200 pound Marine retires after 12 years showing the new recruits what being a marine is all about.

Cost to outfit GI going into field during WWII $170 (2007 adjusted rate); today $17,000; next decade $28,000 to $60,000 depending on specialty. It's called, "force protection", but we'll call it "CRA" Civilian Risk Aversion.

This in the "about time" column: Army to offer college credits with training.

A museum that honors Black WWII Vets opened 2 months ago is barely making it. Maybe they'll incorporate it into the WWII Museum the are building in Witchita. You'd think some folks (Danny and Whoopi) might remember that they are doing their thing in Hollywood as black actors because black vets showed the world they could shed their blood for freedom and democracy as well as the white man could. They placed the flag of equality on the mountain top. Even Martin Luther King, Jr was only following the path they had carved out.

NATO launches new Afghan offensive. Looks like we're not going to let the cave dwellers sneak home for Christmas and come back to war in the spring.

Small break from things warlike: Astronomers find second earth forming 424 light years away. Followed closely on the heels by the US and Russia signing a new space deal. You wonder if anybody else knows the world is going to explode someday soon and we need to get off of it as soon as possible? Or maybe we're all just a bunch of imperialist expansionist who want to be the first to put a flag on some other piece of property?

Speaking of Russia and things not military: Unusual Hostage Situation - Kidnapper demands Cranberries.

Back to things ugly and violent: Chavez claims US stoking military rebellion. Now, would we do that? I mean one of our ex-presidents did confirm old Chavez as dictator for life...er...duly elected president.
-Kat
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A series of unfortunate events for AQI. That includes, after Al Tunisi was vaporized, discovering a list of 500 takfiri including their pictures and personal data. I picture many roaches running from the light. (H/T Mudville Gazette and somebody else who I can't find the original link from but you know who you are)

Also from Mudville, please read Jim Spiri on returning home from Iraq. He and his family have given much in this war.
-Kat
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Bill Roggio provides an actual picture of the problems AQI is having staying alive.

More on the North Korea Deal...it looks a lot better than any before and we will have actual techs on the ground to perform "disablement" by next week. (H/T Instapundit) - Kat

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 04, 2007 | TrackBack (0) | General Commentary

The Prince of Darkness.

[Note - Dusty put this in the H&I late yesterday, and it clearly deserves it's own post, so I did that. -the Armorer]

Jason puts the crosshairs on my favorite retired 4-star.

Thoughts:

Having seen Wes' conduct of the war in Kosovo (as the senior USAF officer attached to V Corps in Albania) up close, the Shelton characterization didn't surprise me.

For the blue suiters, especially the planners in the CAOC at Vicenza, there seemed to be great deal of pressure to introduce an Army aviation unit into the conflict when the latter clearly wasn't ready and their contribution would have had little effect on the fight. The same thing was happening, sort of, with the Corps' MLRS batteries.

That's not to say the Apaches and their crews weren't capable...it just didn't make sense to roll them into the equation given the ROE limitations, the targets, the intel available and the AH-64's capabilities and vulnerabilities. Again, the 11 AVN Rgmt is chock full of great Americans, with balls the size of pickle jars, flying awesome aircraft but sometimes you gotta square peg and a round hole and it doesn't pay to needlessly pound away--it wastes assets and can really screw things up.

Personal opinion: The pressure from Wes to do so was palpable...and the Army staff resisted, and resented, it. Clark's demanor/attitude, and what seemed to be a nakedly partisan and opportunistic attempt to showcase the Army in an ongoing air battle got him in trouble. My gut tells me Clinton rightfully saw the hazards in that and responded. Trying his damnedest to inject Army combat units into what was a pure air war (for good or bad--different discussion), Wes made himself a pain in the ass, exceeded Bill's personal and political pain threshold and the rest is history.

All that said, the shortcomings we saw in capabilities less than a decade ago have been extensively addressed in today's ops. Say what you will about the political dimensions of the Iraq campaign, the corporate memory being built there across all three services, and the associated improvements in all services' equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures, will stand us in good stead for a long time to come.

[As someone who was involved in this from a different perspective - let me just echo the Instapilot's view here. But I admit, I've not been a fan of he POD since I first worked with him at the National Training Center, back in the '80s. Now to see if this post will pull in the one guy who pops in to support the POD when we bash him in these pages! 8^ ) -the Armorer]

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Dusty on Oct 04, 2007 | Observations on things Military

TINS! Numbah Ten!

I smacked Real Life on the snoot and it hasn't come to -- yet.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Số mười, GI. And this one was definitely a Number 10 for the ground participants:

As you recall, the mission was a combat assault.

Nope -- the same map

And if you don't recall, well, it was *still* a combat assault.

The Plan called for a five-ship insertion into the southeastern green quadrangle after the morning monsoon ended and, after the troops began moving westward into this neck of the U Minh, a second five-ship insertion would make an insertion into the quadrangle just west of the WR0 line. Those troops would move into the U Minh and take up blocking positions along the trail bordering the Rach Xen Bau canal -- when they were in position, the troops from the first insertion would re-orient and sweep towards them through the jungle, driving any VC they'd flushed toward the blockers. A heavy fire team of Copperheads would be patrolling between the shoreline and the trees on left flank security detail. After the action was over, everybody was supposed to procede to the western quadrangle for extraction. Sounds like a plan, right? But did I mention the jungle was the U Minh Forest?

Nasty place.

The morning monsoon ceased right on time (you could set your watch by the rainshowers if you didn't mind being maybe ten minutes off every couple of days) and there were still some broken clouds layered at about 2,500 and 7,000 feet. I was flying C&C, enroute at two grand to scope out the LZs; the Copperheads would do the close-in recon, and they were trailing me at about a mile, staying on the treetops. If there was anybody home to hear the noise, they'd associate it with me until the guns appeared. We'd left the flight at Ca Mau, about ten minutes away; they'd crank in another five minutes and bring in the first lift, because I'd have a decent LZ brief by then. We figured that if it took you more than five minutes to formulate the approach path, approach type, enemy situation and obstacle warning, touchdown point, egress route and suppression instructions, you were snoozing -- these days, they spend *hours* on "The Mission Plan: Actions Approaching the LZ" "...Actions In the LZ" et cetera -- usually with the same results that we got in five minutes.

*shrug*

The aircraft are six times as expensive, so I guess you've gotta spend six times longer on The Plan.

Visibility beneath and between cloud decks was great -- I identified the LZs when I was still a good seven miles to the southeast (the lower right corner of the map, ry) and, when I got closer, I could see something else.

Four guys un-camouflaging something.

"Hey, Three-One, One-Five on Uniform -- I've got people on our side of the north-south blue just short of--"

A 12.7mm Soviet heavy anti-aircraft machinegun. Aka, a .51 cal. See the red circle on the map?

"Owwww! Fifty-one! Fifty-one! Fifty-one! Break south -- One-five is going for the clouds!"

When concealment is closer than cover, opt for concealment. I'd already figured if I turned to run or dove, they had an excellent chance at nailing me, but I could climb 500 feet and be inside the scud before they could get a shot off. I yanked the cyclic back and the collective up, and went from straight-and-level at 100 knots to climbing in bat-outta-hell mode with zero knots forward airspeed.

Yours Truly to pilot: "Keep your eyes on that .51 -- lemme know when they start elevating it."

Pilot to YT: "Like they're doing now?"

*jink left, right pedal turn 90 degrees, keep climbing -- they don't have radar, and the jink 'n' pedal turn will skew his lead angle -- I hope*

Into the clouds. Six seconds later, out of the clouds.

"Hey, One-Five, Three-One, Uniform -- you sure you don't want company up there?"

"No, you'll just -- waitaminnit. Head south for three more minutes, then frag off one of the guns to Ca Mau for fuel -- have him tell the flight to hang loose and monitor Victor. Then you and your wingman head west to the Gulf, then turn north along the shore until you're over the PZ. Fly a long orbit and make noise, but keep the trees between you and the .51."

"Roger that. I sent Three-Three back. Don't get a nosebleed way up there."

YT: "Okay, how do you figure we're gonna get those guys?"

Pilot: "By that, I take it that we're not going to do something sensible, like go away from something designed to shoot down friggin' Messerschmitts?"

YT: "What's sensible got to do with it? I didn't get up at 0430 just to enjoy cold C-rats at Ca Mau at sunrise. Think."

Pilot: "Well, using the guns would be stupid -- they'd get killed before they got the first rocket off. Ummm -- you planning on dropping stuff on them?"

YT: "In a manner of speaking. Where were we yesterday?"

Pilot: "At that Marine Tiger Team fort. The one with the -- ooooh, artillery!"

Continued in Flash Traffic, so I don't blow all kat's Monday/Tuesday stuff through the bottom of the blog...

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Oct 04, 2007 | Observations on things Military | This is no Sh*t!

Senator Clinton in Kodak Moments.

She who will raise our taxes for the greater good (hey, at least she's open about it)...

Senator Clinton with a fund-raising con artist:

Senator Clinton with a fund-raising con artist

Senator Clinton with a man she would command:

Senator Clinton with a man she would command

And, in a blast from the past, Senator Clinton with a constituent:

Senator Clinton with a constituent


For the record - even if I thought she was the best choice, I wouldn't vote for her. For the same reason I wouldn't vote for Jeb Bush, were he running. Political dynasties in the House and Senate are one thing - in the White House, quite another.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 04, 2007 | Politics

October 3, 2007

H&I Fires October 3, 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...

Rush Limbaugh, kind of amusing, sometimes annoying, occasionally funny, but, honestly, not an appropriate debate topic for 24 hours or more in congress. These people literally must have nothing to do. They have certainly accomplished little over the last two years. Of course, they're after Limbaugh, not just because of the MoveOn mess, but because they can't quell talk radio through competition, they can't make it give up its market share by the "fairness doctrine" and now they are doing some lame "Mom, he hit me, too" dance in congress. This is so lame I can't believe I'm blogging on it, but wanted to say:

People...the world is going to heck in a hand basket and you're debating Limbaugh. We're doomed.

Except in Iraq where the surge is going so well that the Shia now asked for our specific assistance backing up the IP during a Shia holiday instead of relying on the segregated police and private security. They are too worried it will come out like last time with multiple people wounded and killed.

Hey, some more leaking of the secret plan to conduct a secret test of some not so secret places.

Now, for something completely different from NRO: Why right wing economics beat left wing social causes in elections. (referencing "the Problem with Kansas")

I'll give you a hint: people don't like people that mess with their money, especially when they have no say in how its spent (no taxation without representation). For the most part, Democrat social schemes like Health Care for all and $5,000 savings bonds for Children involve something like taking more of my money, giving it to a crooked pyramid scheme con artist (the government) and then passing what's left around to people I don't know and have no idea whether they deserved it, got it or cared about it like I do.

That would be reason #2 why I won't be voting for Hillary. Scariest thing she ever said in 2004 was "We're going to raise your taxes for the greater good."

Oh, and sometimes, these social schemes remind me of our friendly new dictator down south who calls his movement "21st Century Socialism", but looks a lot like 21st Century Totalitarian Communism complete with "politburos" who will make the "will of the people known" to the executive and legislative branches. Of course, how that will happen since elections are now gone is a mystery unless, of course, the politburos are full of fine upstanding folks with ESP.

Thank you Jimmy Caw-taw for over seeing the destruction of democracy. I always knew you had it in you.
-Kat
********************

On the Lebanon Fires: Seems they are under control. Details.

And, from SWJ: Kilcullen's Power Point on Counter-insurgency. For the most part, this was a very informative presentation on counter-insurgency. I did find one or two points interesting regarding "strategic communications". More on that later.
-Kat

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Frank - this one's for you! Battery Adjust! -the Armorer

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Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 03, 2007 | General Commentary

The Arsenal in Motion.

Construction proceeds apace, with painting finished yesterday, carpeting going in today, satellite TV going in today, and Internet access next week (when I'll be gone on the road, anyway), hence why blogging by me is sporadic, despite all the stuff going on.

If the schedule holds, the cabinets will go in tomorrow, and the seals will be in place on Friday.

Accordingly, the Arsenal is in motion, changing from one site to the other, via different routes and at different times, natch. Not for nothing did I take those counter-terrorism classes with the driving lessons!

Arsenal staging.

For those who want to figure out what's in there - click here.

Notice Sergeant Barnacle keeping a [glowing] eye on things. Or izzat a BCR Labs Special Patrol 'Bot? You'll never know... until it's too late!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 03, 2007 | Something for the Soul

Victory in Iraq: 300 Tyrants

[Denizen Opinion - Kat]


Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. - Declaration of Independence

I am writing this piece as a follow up to "Winning in Iraq: Disconnecting From the Matrix". Mainly because, while I was making a point about media coverage and the difficulty in understanding what was really going on, I did not want anyone to be fooled or to fool myself about reality in Iraq.

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 03, 2007 | Global War on Terror (GWOT)

October 2, 2007

H&I Fires October 2, 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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Bumped Up For Important Update

Beirut is Burning! You should be reading the Tank. J. Thomas Smith has been keeping abreast of the situation there and reporting that Hezbollah was up to something. I was overtaken by events because I was going to publish something about Iran and Syria using Hezbollah in Lebanon as a proxy sometime soon. Also, an unreliable source of Debka was reporting Russian's had left the Bushehr nuclear plant and Putin was quoted as saying that Russia had not left but had contingency plans for evacuation in case of a war. That was the second report of the same that just came out this morning (yesterday actually).

Buckle Up Boys and Girls, it's going to be a bumpy ride. -Kat

Update: Beirut Spring is covering the fires, which are not yet formally tied to terrorist events. -the Armorer
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Not that I'm fond of Al Jazeera Terrorist Network, but, in the pursuit of some information, I saw one or two items.

First, as promised, if you didn't see it anywhere else already, this is Al Tunisi's letter to AQ in Iraq: Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

Meanwhile, somewhere in Arab Jubour, last bastion of AQI and the most vile Ba'athist hold outs, a few of the remaining "fighters" are insisting that no group is talking to the US, there are no agreements and they are simply waiting for the US to pull out, the Maliki government to fail so they can take over the government. Picture shows them armed to the teeth, in front of their homes, looking defiant. Until an Apache flies, over at least.

Someone else notices the slow disappearance of Iraq from the news.
-kat

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CAPT H thought we should get ourselves some Classical Values... -the Armorer

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Speaking of InfoOps, as we do around here, Bob Owens of Confederate Yankee points out a *huge* InfoOp and the long-time-in-coming CounterInfoOp, which highlights the problems that people inclined to generally follow the rulez have when confronting people with no such compunction - or at least shared concept of the rulez. That's the utility of the Geneva Conventions and associated compacts - they establish what are supposed to be a generally-accepted basic premise for belligerents to follow. Significantly, on a different level, most conflict post-WWII has taken place between opponents who are *not* signatories of the Conventions, which is a source of some of the pain in our Current Operating Environment - while there are in fact rules under the Conventions and LoLW that cover illegal combatants, politics prevents them from being applied, in many cases, for venal political purposes - because no one anticipated it being an issue when the Conventions were first drafted. -the Armorer

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Jules Crittenden on a little hypocrisy regarding looting... -the Armorer

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Bloodspite, on remodeling, and a little lesson about Mother Nature. -the Armorer

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And now it's my turn to suffer the fates of post stomping. LOL -Kat

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And you unpublished it, too! -the Armorer

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Yep...somethings are just too hideous to hide in the comments section.- Kat

Now to our Afghanistan watch:

Violence up 25% in Afghanistan this year. Right now it's way up. It's the post summer, pre-harvest, everyone had time during Ramadan to go jihad-ing. Not to mention, fighters unable to go through Syria due to the crackdown have to go get their jihad on somewhere else.

Something a little more local: In Ft Riley, Afghanis and Americans train together. Goes along nicely with this piece over at SWJ: how to create non-linear thinkers.

Back in Afghanistan, suicide bombings are up and so is the infamous practice of booby trapping toys to kill children. Something that they claimed the Russians did in the Afghan/Russo war. Makes you wonder.

A hero of Afghanistan who received a bronze star for pulling two men from a burning vehicle in April, was killed in Afghanistan on patrol this week. Read. He was severely burned, but after rescuing the men, jumped in the turret and returned fire. He went back to Afghanistan because he wanted to serve his country.

And, CNN asks you to vote for their CNN Everyday Hero. Somebody is missing from the list. Go figure.

In other parts of the world, Putin says he is the Czar! and no way he is stepping down. Look into his eyes.

Democracy gets a big boost in the Ukraine and a woman is the leader.

While down south, Democracy is being eroded under the guise of "21st Century Socialism" (ie, Communist Tyranny by any other name; Fukyama, history is calling).

Our good friend, I'm A Jerk, was making his rounds through Venezuela, Bolivia and probably soon Ecuador. One must wonder how deluded and horrifically "oppressed" one has to feel to "elect" tyrants and then give away all of your freedoms. More like Democracy was "too hard". Take all my freedoms so I don't have to make a choice!

Which reminds me of why I totally do not want Hillary for President. The fact that we are apparently on some dynastic roll (Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton) in this country is top on my list of reasons not to vote for her. There is a major malfunction in our democracy when people are too lazy to vote and too lazy to look beyond the "known" for a president when we are about to go 20 years with the same families in charge. Is there any chance one of these Republican guys is going to step up and make a case? (Yes, I am discounting the rest of the Democrat candidates because they are a bunch of idiots. So, Republicans, where are you?)
-Kat

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What Kat said. Moving on - email from my buddy Kevin:

1) Win lottery

2) Get pilots license

3) Get Class 3 license

4) Get ammo, lots and lots of ammo

5) Buy this.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yEqslC2h3T0

6) Find strafing range in NE Kansas......

Neffi, Bill, Dusty - look! Bright! Shiny! Ooooo! -the Armorer

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Apropo Kat's link above - Peter Hegseth on Iraq slipping out of the news... -the Armorer

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You knew it wouldn't last. Marmosets of the world... be vewy afwaid... the Princess of Snark is back, over at Milblogs (scroll down to "winning the information war one acronym at a time). Hussy. I gave her the keys to this place a long time ago. Does she hang out? Hardly. -the Armorer

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Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 02, 2007 | General Commentary

Iran And Syria: Heavy Handed Chess

Pushed up and incomplete for relational purposes to current events in Lebanon. I've been working on this for three days, trying to read all the reports on Iran and Syria, including the reports from J. Thomas Smith in Lebanon. Last night after the rumor of the Russians leaving Bushehr Nuclear Facility, it seemed that the below analysis was correct and I was not going to have time to finish it before it happened. That turns out to be correct. Still, here is some background information on the situation and why Syria and Iran would be moving now to push Hezbollah, their proxies in Lebanon, to begin their attacks in Lebanon and attempt a coup (UPDATE: uncomfirmed rumor as to the start of the fires; however, Hezbollah has been moving up operations - read). .

Previous Post: Iran and Syria - Brinkmanship in the Middle East

There is much maneuvering around Syria and Iran that points to a barely concealed game of chess over the potential survival of either regime and stability in the region. Last week's report indicated that Syria was believed to be involved in the assassination of yet another anti-Syrian Lebanese Parliament member in the hopes of reducing the majority ruling party and force a new election or at least provide room for a deadlock with pro-Syrian forces inside the government that would be favorable to Syrian economic overtures and military protection. The Lebanese parliament has yet to elect a president.

J. Thomas Smith reports that the Lebanese Anti-Syrian PMs are now "under siege, literally" in a hotel in Beirut. They are currently being protected by Lebanese military and special forces. He has also been reporting for several days that approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Iranian Quds and IRGC are in Lebanon training Hezbollah fighters in advanced guerrilla tactics. While Hezbollah fighters took up positions in largely Christian enclaves, blocking roads and manning checkpoints. In Thomas' words, they are planning something big (dated 10/1/07: big is happening Lebanon is burning)

At the same time Israeli planes continue to fly into Lebanon's air space on a daily basis.

(continued in flash traffic)

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 02, 2007 | General Commentary

Rather than risk the H&I again today...

...I'll just make what got blown away twice yesterday a post!

First up... neener neener neener to most of you (though there are some who no doubt have views just as kewl or kewler...)

This is the view from the bedroom doors in the morning, out here at the Castle.

I should note, the hummingbird feeder there is attached to the door, and it's quite as huge as it appears...

For those so inclined, a larger pic can be had here.

This last weekend was spent mostly in the barn, though there was some outside work, with SWWBO pulling fenceposts and learning to use the tractor.

The reason for all this is that the Destriers of Argghhh!, who have lived the last 10 years in the old Quartermaster Stables at Fort Leavenworth, were due at the new demesne on Sunday, lest we have to pay for another month... Good trade for them. They're going into larger stalls, and instead of getting to go to a 3 acre pasture with 30 other horses every other day... they have 40 acres of wood and pasture, which they will eventually share with about 20 horses, as we allow friends to pasture their horses out at the Castle.

So, SWWBO has been working on her stalls, with me as muscle when needed, and the two young men, Major and Andrew, who are helping out at the Castle in exchange for pasturage, helped us get the post holes dug for the stalls. The poles are set, and SWWBO will finish out the stalls this week. All of this labor has been supervised by the Barn Cat of Argghhh!, Sergeant S'mudge.

The Destriers of Argghhh! are in their temporary lodging, the Round Pen, seen here with dawn starting to brighten the eastern horizon yesterday morning. If you look close - you can see Willy and Petey in there.

The Gun Vault of Argghhh! is coming along - but that will be a different post.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 02, 2007 | Something for the Soul

TINS! You Picked It (Again)

Well, the voting was close, in keeping with the spirit of the TINS!, in which *all* the calls are close. And at least nobody said, "Hey, all that stuff happened while you were still in Flight School!"

Nooooo, they *didn't*, and I have the best witnesses a quart of muscatel can buy.

Unfortunately, Real World reared it's misbegotten multiple heads so often I didn't get the chance to write anything for the past two days. *But* -- because I like ya, and you've waited so patiently to see me get my ass shot off yet again something tangible, here's a preview of what Numbah 10 was all about:

I *knew* I hung on to those maps for a reason...

Yup, all those pretty colored kindergarten shapes actually *mean* something. I won't tell you exactly what, of course, until I figure out how to keep from getting my ass shot off actually type up the story. I'll give you a couple of hints, though.

The Plan.
Hosting provided by FotoTime


Me.


Them.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Off to Bollimer. With any luck, I'll be there before any of you can wake up, read this, and ask me to retrieve a certain stuffed marmoset...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Oct 02, 2007 | Helicopter Pr0n - 10,000 fiddly bits all flying in formation... | This is no Sh*t!

October 1, 2007

H&I* Fires 1 Oct 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. A new fiscal year... and we're working from last year's budget. That was usually annoying from a soldier perspective - as a blood-sucking contractor, it really bites, because all those shiny new contracts written on '08 dollars can't go into effect until the actual budget is passed. Which hampers us, but also hampers the government client - one, I might note, At War. A pox on both the Executive and Congress!

Dusty sent us this WSJ article on the "Broadband Taxman Cometh." Oddly enough, not having any service at all, it's academic for the moment. Depending on how the states approach this, there's going to be a potentially huge crunch throughout the system.

Silly debate news, via Stop the ACLU.

John Hawkins of Right Wing News sends:

Hello

Right Wing News polled the right side of the blogosphere on their favorite people on the right.

Here's are a few hints/questions about the results:

* A very prominent bloggers tied for 2nd place. Can you guess who it is?

* Can guess the top 4 Republican candidates for President and the order they were selected?

* Can you guess who finished higher: George Bush or Dick Cheney?

Click here for the results. The Armorer did not participate in this one, on purpose, because my conservative heroes tend to wear boots and carry rifles, or command those who do. That was gonna get lost in what all those polibloggers chose, and I was right. -the Armorer

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Two diametric views on PMCs in Iraq.
--
Sy Hersch is at it again. You know, this guy’s been saying we’re going to war Iran, imminently, since, oh, 2004?
--ry
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It's official, Admiral Gary Roughead is the Navy's newest CNO and I (along with the Ogre, SJS and several others) have won the CNO Pool. Nearly as sweet, I bested the favorite Naval Consort and I will crow until I am silenced, lol.......Maggie
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Well, since we're all Seymour Hersch today, I'll give you this: Hersch's interview with Der Spiegel. He's continuing to beat the "US is planning to go to war with Iran" drum and talking about the "real Hitler". It's a laugh a minute. My favorite "go on and laugh, you know you want to" line was something about "if" Iran would get the bomb (best estimate he says is five years) it would be under the control of the IRGC, not Ahmadinejad. Uhhh...I might be confused, but Ahmadinejad IS the IRGC. You know, former leader, giving all the cool jobs, contracts and money to the IRGC to build up its power?

Oh...and, you know, there is only one Hitler even if the US has been quick to call everyone they disagree with "Hitleresque". Of course, it could be because the regimes he lists, Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao, etc are some of the most repressive, genocidal regimes in history. Some of them may even have surpassed Hitler in their genocidal murder. But, you know, I'm not a lefty, apologizer for mass murdering totalitarians so my reading of history may be way off.

Not to spoil my update on the Iran-Syria situation, but Strategy Page gives an interesting point of view about all the "war or not to war" rhetoric going on with Iran. The long and short of it is, Iran is experiencing a "Mr. Gorbechav, tear down that wall" moment. You know "Reaganitis": Spending all your hard earned dough on weapons and people you will probably never use while your economy goes to the dogs. The "kaboom" you hear in Tehran may not be an actual war head.

In other news, we continue "mop up" operations in Iraq. The things you won't see put together on your favorite news channel or in your favorite paper: US Military deaths down and Iraqi Civilian Deaths down at the same time. All the while, there has been the usual uptick in Ramadan attacks (Al Qaida's favorite time of the year) that is no where near the last couple of years.

How bad is it? I can't find the link right this second, but a report indicates that documents found on al-Tunis, the most recent "2nd in command" of Al Qaida in Iraq recently killed, included a letter he never got to send. Basically it said, "Send help. We're surrounded and cut off with no escape."

Ya' think?

Oh..and the infamous Abu Al Qaqa, the late Zarqawi's mentor and facilitator in Syria, was assassinated on Sept 29. Depending on whose press you read, he was either assassinated by "Zionist-American" collusion with the Syrian government or a disenchanted, recently released, "Zionist-American" brain washed mujihadeen for being a traitor to Al Qaida and sending many a young wannabe jihadist to their death. I'll have more on that later.

Mmmm...and I can't get to it because it's behind the WJS wall for paying subscribers only, but some other folks are starting to jump on the "Iraq is a Win" bandwagon. The Australian says, "If it Quacks like a duck..."

Now that their losing, AQI is going into the "death spiral" of purging and blaming everyone but their stupid leaders for causing the faithful mujihadeen to be defeated.

Let's see, freedom, democracy, capitalism v. 7th century, isolationist, totalitarian, head chopping, murderous, raping, child slaughtering, "pray like we do, or else", real torture, fanatics? Touch and go for a bit there, but your average Iraqi probably doesn't "love death" more than they "love life".

Uh-Oh...AQI in Iraq may have finally figured out that Iran has been playing them like a $50 Chinese Violin. The fictitious Omar Baghdadi threatens Iran with attacks if they don't stop arming those pesky Shia death squads

More to follow on the "pesky Shia death squads", the Blackwater incident and a more recent attack on some hostile forces that are now miraculously innocent Shia civilians who were just playing a Ramadan game of "find the ring". You know, no Mahdi would be attacking US forces. Sayyid al Sadr said not to. Yes, another "go on and laugh, you know you want to" moment.
-Kat

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[Is it safe?]

Murray feels the need to share a TINS, after reading Bill's post. F-bomb warning!

Update: Heh, I've covered similar ground here... -the Armorer

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Okay, this has gone beyond lame into a whole new realm of stupid. Really, doesn’t the House of Representatives have something better to do than play this silly game? *Sigh.*

What ever happened to "Don't get stuck on stupid?'
--ry
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Can't resist posting this...it's nice to see a judge not taking himself too seriously. H/T to Mona Charen at NR's Corner

Eggsactly

Courtesy of Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of The National Synagogue in Washington, DC I have learned of the following opinion filed by Judge James R. Muirhead of the US District Court in New Hampshire. A prisoner had filed a complaint about the kosher food he was being fed in the prison. As part of his request for a preliminary injuction, the prisoner filed a hard-boiled egg.

Judge Muirhead issued the following ruling:

No fan I am
Of the egg at hand.
Just like no ham
On the kosher plan.
This egg will rot
I kid you not.
And stink it can
This egg at hand.
There will be no eggs at court
To prove a clog in your aort.
There will be no eggs accepted.
Objections all will be rejected.
From this day forth
This court will ban
hard-boiled eggs of any brand.
And if you should not understand
The meaning of the ban at hand
Then you should contact either Dan,
the Deputy Clerk, or my clerk Jan.
I do not like eggs in the file.
I do not like them in any style.
I will not take them fried or boiled.
I will not take them poached or broiled.
I will not take them soft or scrambled
Despite an argument well-rambled.
No fan I am
Of the egg at hand.
Destroy that egg!
Today! Today!
Today I say! Without delay!
SO ORDERED (with apologies to Dr. Seuss).

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BTW...

Reference this post yesterday, I apologize for not providing a much shorter summary for those who don't have the time or inclination to watch Professor Pausch's entire lecture (almost 1.5 hours long but worth every %*#@! minute, IMHO, but still...).

Here's the WSJ article that piqued my interest.

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Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Oct 01, 2007 | General Commentary

The Chairman is Dead! Long Live the Chairman!

As long as you don't use the term... GWOT.

We now stop the /snarking and bring you President Bush.

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT ARMED FORCES FAREWELL TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF GENERAL PETER PACE AND ARMED FORCES HAIL IN HONOR OF ADMIRAL MICHAEL MULLEN

Fort Myer, Virginia
11:47 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Vice President, Mrs. Cheney, Secretary Gates, members of the Cabinet, members of Congress, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the finest military ever, that United States military, Secretary Rumsfeld, General Myers, members of the Pace and Mullen family and distinguished guests. Today we pay tribute to an outstanding Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and we welcome his distinguished successor.

Ceremonies like this are a storied military tradition. It is a time when families, friends and comrades honor those who have fulfilled great duties to their nation. It is a time when we show admiration to those who step forward to assume new obligations. It's a time when we make generous use of words like "honor" and "character." Sometimes those words are used too often. In the case of the two men we celebrate today, those words cannot be used too much.

Admiral Mike Mullen comes to this post with a broad and unique range of talents and experience. Some of you may not know that his parents were highly-regarded members of the Hollywood community, who worked for some of the greatest entertainers of the day. Many people are surprised when told about the Admiral's show business roots. After all, he's humble, well-grounded, and filled with common sense. (Laughter.) Not exactly what one thinks about when they think of Hollywood values. (Laughter.)

Admiral Mullen left California to attend the United States Naval Academy to pursue a career in military service. He soon found himself stationed on a destroyer on the gun line off the coast of Vietnam. During that tour, Admiral Mullen was part of operations so intense that the gun barrels on his ship glowed red. That was the beginning of a distinguished career.

The Admiral has commanded three ships, an aircraft carrier battle group, and the U.S. Second Fleet. He served as the commander of all U.S. naval forces in Europe and the NATO Joint Force Command. And later, as Chief of Naval Operations, he championed the construction of new types of vessels needed to deal with the threats of the 21st century.

Admiral Mike Mullen understands what's at stake in the war on terror. He was on duty at the Pentagon when Flight 77 made its doomed plunge. He felt the plane slam into the building. He saw the carnage and devastation. And like all who worked there that terrible day, he still carries the pain and the loss. Admiral Mullen was there when war reached America's shore -- and he brings the talent, vision and judgment needed to help us fight and win that war.

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen will follow his strong belief that every member of our Armed Forces is, as he put it, part of "one team and one fight." He will continue to set a sterling example to our men and women in uniform. He will bring judgment and candor to decisions that may mean the difference between life and death for young Americans who are serving our nation. He will demonstrate the same love of country and dedication to duty that inspired his sons to follow him into military service.

Admiral Mike Mullen is a man of decency and honor, and I congratulate you on your new assignment. And I know your parents would be proud. And I thank you and Deborah and Jack and Michael for your service to our nation. (Applause.)

As Admiral Mullen begins his service as Chairman, he is fortunate to have as an example the man we honor today. General Pete Pace is one of the most respected and accomplished military leaders I have ever known. He helped craft America's response to an unprecedented assault on our homeland. He helped liberate two nations from brutal tyrannies and helped bring freedom to millions of people. He began the process of transforming our military into a more efficient and effective force.

Yet these accomplishments do not begin to tell the full story of this remarkable man. That story begins in Teaneck, New Jersey, where General Pace grew up the proud son of an Italian immigrant. His dad worked two and sometimes three jobs to provide for his family. His mom attended church service every Sunday, and, according to the good General, still lights candles to pray that her children are happy, healthy and safe.

General Pace was a good student and a good athlete. His mom said the General has been good at everything he's ever done. Some of you may think mothers are required to say only admiring things about their sons. Well, take it from me, it's not always the case. (Laughter.)

General Pace's dad died before he could see his son reach the height of his career -- yet he always knew that his son would be a success. His family believed in his potential -- and they weren't the only ones. There is something about General Pete Pace that makes believers out of nearly everyone. That includes the men who served with him in Vietnam and whom he led during some of the most vicious urban combat in American military history. It includes the troops he led in Somalia who looked to him for resolve and guidance during difficult times. It includes Marines who look with pride on the first of their ranks to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It includes two Secretaries of Defense who relied on the General during tough and trying times. And it includes a President who has counted on General Pace's candor and sound judgment during some of the most difficult times in our country's history.

During his service at the Pentagon, General Pete Pace has shown us many talents. He's shown an intellect sharpened by post-graduate studies at George Washington and Harvard. He's shown us great oratorical skills -- this is a man who frequently speaks without notes -- I really don't recommend this to everyone. (Laughter.) He's shown a sharp wit. When a Naval commander once made an edgy joke in front of the Secretary of Defense, the General stepped right in and gave the young officer some advice. He said, "Never let a promising career stand in the way of a good joke." (Laughter.)

The most important attribute General Pete Pace has shown us is a quiet strength. It is a strength that has won the admiration of friends and peers. It is a strength built on the love and support of a strong and devoted wife, Lynne, and their family, Peter, Lynsey and Tiffany. It is a strength that gave Pete solace in the tough, and sometimes bitter, world of Washington, D.C. It helped him bring selflessness to a city filled with egos, and a dignity to a political process that might have worn down lesser men. He now leaves active service with a distinguished team in place and a talented successor. And yet I also have the sense that General Pace is not going to end it all here. He's a man who has always put country first and he will find new ways to serve.

General Pete Pace always understood what's important. It wasn't titles received, or honors bestowed -- and it certainly was not the good graces of official Washington. What mattered most were the young men and women who serve our country and risk their lives for its honored cause. He kept a picture on his desk of the first Marine who died under his command in Vietnam. He can still recite the names of all other Marines who died under that first command -- and because this is a man with a tender heart, sometimes it's hard for him to get through all the names without choking up a little bit.

Pete has devoted his life to those who wear our country's uniform. And they are devoted to General Pace. They're among the hundreds who've received his advice and friendship. They're among the thousands who lined up at military bases during his final tour to shake his hand and wish him well and say goodbye. They're among the millions whose names he will never know but who will always remember him. And they include that single soldier who came up to the General on his last visit to the war zone. He looked at General Pace with gratitude, respect and pride, and said, "Thanks for your service. We'll take it from here."

General Pace, throughout your life, you have led those troops to honorable achievements and into the pages of history. Because of your example, you can know that with courage, valor and confidence, they will take it from here.

And so Godspeed to my friend, General Pete Pace. Thanks for your courage. Thanks for your leadership. And thanks for your service to a country we love.

Thank you, sir.

Snark=Yes

Godspeed General Pace - and Admiral Mullen - what're we going to rename those medals? Welcome to the Snarkpit, Chairman...

8^ )

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 01, 2007 | Observations on things Military

A naming contest!

Okay, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mullen, has slain the Global War On Terror, much like King Canute tamed the tide.

So - let's have a naming contest.

If it ain' the GWOT, what is it? Mel sent me one suggestion already:

I recommend SCAPEGOAT: Synchronized Combined Arms Police Enforcement on Globally Ominous Agents of Terrorism.

Okay - that'll get you started.

Suggest away!

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 01, 2007 | GWOT Whatever it is...

This just in: War Over! Back to Status Quo Ante for naming anyway...

Sanitized to protect the innocent.

From:
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 6:10 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject: *****REMOVE ANY REFERENCE TO GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR" OR "WAR ON TERROR" FROM ALL CORRESPONDENCE*****

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

J-X,

Today, we have received clear direction from Adm Mullen (incoming CJCS) regarding the phrase "Global War on Terror". He does not like this reference and we are not to use this in any future correspondence. Review your letters, orders, JSAPs, and presentations to ensure this reference is removed.

Ensure strict compliance.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

R/S,
LtCol X.

We eagerly await the Chairman's new naming guidance. Still, can't help but think... walks like a duck, talks like a duck, looks like a duck...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 01, 2007 | GWOT Whatever it is...

“Follow on orders.”

Hello all.

I want to congratulate Joe on his safe conclusion of his tour in the Stan’. Thanks Joe, you are a great American.

Well, as I complete my tour here at my current overseas duty station and ready my family and myself for the next PCS and IA deployment to Afghanistan, it occurred to me that some folks may not know the details of how the process works for a Sailor up for reassignment. In my particular case this will be my 12th Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The process begins as they all do, an email or phone call to the “Detailer” (a mythical creature who lives in a far off place, who is supposed to represent the Sailor and the Navy). This process is very similar to the mating ritual of the right whale. After a series of non-conclusive, non-binding “maybe’s”, I was able to pin the Detailer down to “Penciling” me in for a set of orders. I eagerly told Mrs. Haircut the news and we celebrated the return to the States and to our adopted hometown of Pensacola. The inevitable question from my wife was, “when will we see hard copy orders”. Now “hard copy” orders are about as binding as a U.N. Resolution, but it is enough to authorize shipment of household goods, auto, dog and more importantly complete the mortgage application for breaking ground on the house construction.

Well I called the detailer and asked when I could expect to receive the hard copy and he gave the same non committal “6-9 months out”. Then a few days later came the email: “I have an IA you might be interested in”. Whoa Nelly! Now, at first I was anxious then I was excited. I have never been the guy who has to be “voluntold” and I earlier volunteered to go IA to a PRT battalion but big Navy said “no”, something about the Army (lead on Civil Affairs and PRT’s) not having a billet for a Navy Warrant Officer. So I resigned myself to heading back to the States and wrapping up the career.

The Navy reviewed the policy of how they assign Individual Augmentee Sailors and have decided to fill the IA billets with personnel up for orders or PCS’ing. The Service has always been about timing and my timing was lousy or good depending on how you see it.

My wife was not very happy that the Navy decided to spring the new policy change at this particular point in our career. You see this is not her first tea party, and she has been with me for Desert Storm and the cruises and deployments after that and of course when I was deployed on USS Enterprise on Sep 11th. It was “just like the Navy” she said. From my point of view, since I was there at the beginning, it is very exciting to go back again. This time Boots on the Ground (BOG) I wonder what has really changed in the last 6 years.

Oh since volunteering for this IA, I received hard copy orders for the IA tour in 5 DAYS!!! Got to love the commitment! Still waiting for my Pensacola orders!

- MTH -

[Ya'd think a Senior Guy like this would know better than to admit to volunteering where his wife could see it... - the Armorer]

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 01, 2007 | A Haircut Goes to War

Cox and Forkum.

Hosting provided by FotoTime

Coda.

Why is this important? For all the reasons others will tell, but for the Armorer, here at the Castle it's...

...because they were early and powerful supporters of Project Valour-IT.

Just ask Fuzzybear Lioness, the Heart of Project Valour-IT.

Sadly, that hoser Rall still publishes.

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by John on Oct 01, 2007 | Politics

September 30, 2007

H&I* Fires 30 SEP 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...

**********************************
Grandma Guavin’s rosary is getting a real workout thanks to the Taiwanese senate vote. Maybe all that idle talk we had not too long ago won’t turn out to be so idle? Gawd, I hope it remains absolutely idle. Please.
--
Supporting the Troops starts long before they step on the field, and it doesn’t end when they step off either. I may not be on the same page as Phil Carter over at Intel Dump, but we’re at least in the same chapter of the same book.
--
I wonder what the feeling on this one will be around here? Not really, I know, it just pisses me off someone would say that and I’m looking to share the outrage on it.
--
ry to Labo(u)r MPs: Don’t.
--ry
*****************************************

Flash Traffic (extended entry) Follows... �

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Denizens on Sep 30, 2007 | TrackBack (0) | General Commentary

Go Watch this now...

Sometimes, it's easier to just point to something when trying to explain to people why we serve.

In war, you do it for your buddy/shipmates/wingmen. But when you have time to get philosophical, the reasons broaden.

This is why I was proud to serve and contribute to the preservation of a country, society and culture that can produce such people. Click on the link to watch the video.

God bless you Randy; you help make the 26 years I gave VERY worthwhile. -Instapilot

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by Dusty on Sep 30, 2007 | TrackBack (0) | General Commentary

Sundry Sunday

An old farmer in Georgia had owned his farm for several years. He had a *huge* pond in the back, fixed up real nice; picnic tables, volleyball net, a horseshoe pitch -- like I said, real nice. And he'd properly shaped and graded the pond for swimming when he built it. One evening, the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee.

As he came still closer, he saw the noise originated from a bunch of young ladies skinny-dipping in his pond. He coughed to make the ladies aware of his presence and they immediately swam to the deep end of the pond. One of them shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

The old man replied, "Calm down, now, hon -- I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond nekkid--

"--I'm just here to feed the alligator..."

V-29 swears he *didn't* make that up.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
So far, the Kill Bill Match the TINS! to the Radio Call Contest has produced some enlightening results: Brab and NinjaFluff (with Pogue flying CAS) want to see me crisped, the starch-wing contingent wants me to go trolling for flak, Sis wants to see me ventilated, ry's opting for a Blue-on-Blue and Two Who Shall Remain Nameless want me to go up for a rematch with the heat-seeker. At least Cassie hasn't shown up to fling the trivet. Or engage in rampant foot-tapping, followed by a faire la moue et la flounce.

However, if the trend holds, *most* of you will be able to -- ahem -- brag about your prescience...

Reporting As Ordered, Sir! �

by CW4BillT on Sep 30, 2007 | I think it's funny! | Shameless Self-Promotion | This is no Sh*t!