September 05, 2007
Bad Nuke Handling in the USAF
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Militaria
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I'm very NOT proud of this.
But it was a screw-up. For screw-ups to happen, an incredible string of coincidences have to occur. But materials are handled thousands of times. Processes are run thousands of times a day. Every once in a long while, enough people make a minor mistake, and enough people assume it was a deliberate choice beyond their clearance/knowledge (the Someone Else's Problem effect described in the Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series) that a blunder occurs.
It's human nature.
Boredom and routine war with responsibility.
Sometimes, the process designed to prevent accidents ends up creating them through its reassuring and attention-numbing drudgery.
I'm just glad no one was hurt or killed.
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August 27, 2007
July 20, 2007
Pretty cool use of technology.
It always seems like there are some developments that are always on the horizon, like flying cars. It never gets here.
But other things show up before we know it, like the internet, and MP3s, and cell phones.
From a Science Fiction writer point of view, it amazes me how much the professional writers just plain miss. Think of all the stories written in the 60s and 70s (or earlier). Not just SF stories, but normal love stories, comedies, thrillers, etc. How many movies/novels had the main portion of tension arising from lack of convenient long-distance communication? Friday the 13th couldn't really be made intelligently without addressing the prevalence of cell phones (I understand "Scream" did address that...but maybe not completely).
So in all the future looks about technology, when FTL travel and cloning have been solved, very few posit the exponential growth of computational ability. My laptop can do more than the ship's computer in Star Trek.
I'm trying to incorporate much of that in the story I'm working on now. If I finish it (and I think this one will be completed, for various reasons I don't want to discuss now), I'll look into trying to work a method of blog-publishing it for your reading pleasure in conjunction with my PayPal TipJar...
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This really
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His sights were positive, but their expression was simplest. Should you enable yourselves to be transported away so comfortably from the surviving gush of grace and everyday life?
posted by
exercise machines on February 6, 2012 03:10 AM
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July 18, 2007
Those Who Ignore History are Doomed to Repeat It
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Militaria
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And the Brits are busily repeating the mistakes of the early Viet Nam era.
The RAF had envisioned Cold War-style missile duels between high-tech fighter jets when it drew up plans for the new Typhoon, which entered service this month. To save money, the RAF originally planned to have only missile capability on the planes, and not guns. Then, after a year of Iraq operations in 2004, the RAF changed course and decided to include the guns, evidently after concluding that closing off gun bays would be costly and impractical.
Right now, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles may have an advantage over pilot/aircraft defensive capabilities. But that advantage is likely only temporary. Once all missiles are launched, an aircraft is defenseless if it doesn't have guns. And there are times that even with missiles, if the enemy is within a certain range, guns are effective when missiles cannot be fired (due to angle, friendly forces, etc).
We lost too many pilots in Viet Nam due to enemy pilot tactics to exhaust our missiles, then close to use guns. We learned from our mistake by including guns on later versions of fighter aircraft. The Brits may have avoided catastrophe by not removing the gun, but they are still flirting with disaster by not loading them, or training the pilots in air-to-air gun combat.
The discussion of strafing is more clear in the internally linked (and now linked here) Wired article, but strafing is really tangential to the issue. Guns on fighter aircraft are for dog-fighting.
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July 16, 2007
Just When You Thought Blowing Stuff Up Couldn't Get Any Cooler...
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Militaria
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...they announce stuff like this:
Reactive Materials (RMs) generally consist of powdered metals, such as aluminum or titanium, combined with an oxidizing agent.
..."A big challenge is making [RMs] strong enough to survive launch, but fragile enough to react on impact," says Judah Goldwasser, program manager at the Office of Naval Research, which is developing RMs for potential use in antimissile systems. Instead of punching small holes in a target, Goldwasser says, RM shrapnel could cause an entire enemy missile to break up in midair.
...Part of the Army's Active Protection System program, the warhead will detonate threats at a safe distance, while possibly limiting the risk of friendly fire. (Unlike steel shrapnel, RM shards can be made to burn out quickly.)
...The Air Force is working on a warhead called BattleAxe that will shower a large area with reactive fragments, devastating "soft" targets such as trucks. Cluster bombs often leave behind dangerous unexploded munitions, but stray RM fragments are safe to handle, which would help lower civilian casualties following military operations. Accidental drops won't set RM fragments off, and they can be tossed in a fire to burn up.
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June 22, 2007
Do Military Service and Advanced Academic Education Mix? Should They?
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Militaria
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Generals Petreaus and Peters dispute on the issue.
Point to note: "Advanced Academic Education" means civilian PhDs in non-military topics of study.
I have to admit Gen. (ret.) Peters has a point with this:
Col. Peters, who has a master’s in international relations from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, says that rather than pursue theoretical studies at Princeton or Yale, officers would benefit from coursework in the languages and cultures of regions relevant to the U.S. military.
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April 13, 2007
I'm out of the country for the next 10 days, so I may be posting less.
That is all.
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Here was the rather location, he thought; and, after hunting round, went up the court. Herbert Spencer, in his brilliant work on Education, grants a prominent site to working for leisure minutes.
posted by
treadmill machine on February 5, 2012 01:29 AM
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June 28, 2005
I finally got the new blogroll category up:
The Association of Former Military Linguist Bloggers
But since I took so long to overcome my apathy, I've forgotten who originally responded. If you should be in that blogroll, let me know. And if someone wants to come up with a logo for it, let me know. Let me know if you want your MOS/AFSC and language listed, too.
More on this subject soon.
Show Comments »
I'll be curious to see how many people fill this category.
I mean, it seems like it should be a pretty selective group.
posted by
zombyboy on June 28, 2005 04:10 PM
Actually, there were like 12 who responded last time. Now that I've actually set up the category, it's easier to overcome inertia and actually add them in, so I promise I won't drop the ball this time!
posted by
Nathan on June 28, 2005 05:39 PM
USAF X1N374G/1A8 (Scored 3/3 on the Korean DLPT only once, a month before I retired!)
posted by
Cowboy Blob on June 28, 2005 05:58 PM
Well, I've found links to my blog from both milblogger and gunblogger communities.
To tell the truth, I think I must have been nominated, as I never did anything to be included in either community.
posted by
Nathan on June 28, 2005 06:55 PM
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posted by Nathan on
01:55 PM
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Comments (4)
June 20, 2005
I know, I told you this last week. But I stood up and gave a speech on the spot, so now I'd like to share it with you:
Every culture has a "coming of age" ritual. The military is no different. It may seem strange for me, at age 37, to be talking about finally completing my "coming of age" ritual, but it's true. This promotion comes at the time that most officers* have completed their obligation to the USAF and the government. I could resign my commission and go be a civilian today.
But by accepting this promotion, I am demonstrating that I am aware of the duties and obligations of military service, and I am announcing that I'm in it for the long haul. Rather than pursue the best job, or the best place to live, I have chosen to dedicate myself in selfless service to my country. My intention is to provide guidance, leadership, and training to those below me, and excellent loyalty and service to those above me.
So help me God.
Read More "I'm Now a Captain" »
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Again -- congratulations, Nate; it was well deserved. And very nice speech too. ;)
posted by
Dalin on June 20, 2005 09:44 AM
Well done, Nathan!
BTW, let me know how best to contact you, now that you're getting settled.
posted by
Beth on June 20, 2005 12:07 PM
Um, you just did. [grin]
Okay, I'll send an email later.
posted by
Nathan on June 20, 2005 12:14 PM
Congrats, sir! I guess this means the training wheels are off now, huh? :)
posted by
Cowboy Blob on June 20, 2005 02:52 PM
You betcha. I got my railroad tracks!
posted by
Nathan on June 20, 2005 03:08 PM
Yeah, no scrambled eggs for you.
Congrats!
posted by
Gordon on June 20, 2005 07:32 PM
Cool!
posted by
Frank on June 24, 2005 06:23 AM
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posted by Nathan on
09:37 AM
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Comments (7)
May 30, 2005
I'm in a very strange situation.
I'm not into ceremony. And yet, I've chosen to make my career in a field in which tradition and ceremony are of the utmost importance.
I don't really like weddings and graduations and retirements and other such ways of marking occasions. They are so much hassle, and too many people get so hung up on the ceremony that if anything goes wrong, they feel it actually diminishes the fact the ceremony is attempting to memorialize. I hate hassle. I hate standing around waiting for something to happen. I hate someone trying to be wise and pithy and relevant in a 10-minute speech. And I really hate when someone talks longer than 10 minutes! [grin]
But I do understand why ceremony is necessary. I understand that it is the tradition and ceremony that supports and reinforces the concept of selfless service for most servicemembers. For the younger/newer servicemembers, remembering the fallen is a promise that they, too, will be remembered and honored among the greatest of the warriors if they make the ultimate sacrifice.
That means that even though I won't want a ceremony when I retire, I'll have one.
And so even though I really don't like Memorial Day celebrations, I participate. Not necessarily with gusto, but without complaint or reluctance. Not this year, though...our unit wasn't tasked for anything, and I have been too busy to search out a ceremony to join on my own.
Read More "Memorial Day" »
One question, though: what really is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans' Day? In a conversation with a close friend in China, I couldn't really explain the difference very well, except that perhaps Memorial Day memorializes the fallen, and Veterans' Day memorializes those who fought? I'd never really considered it before...
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I would have answered the same way, personally.
Veteran's Day seems to have more parades + that sort of thing, too...
posted by
Jo on May 31, 2005 11:21 AM
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posted by Nathan on
11:33 AM
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Comments (1)
March 10, 2005
To: Military Readers Currently Deployed
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Militaria
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LOOKING FOR EXTRAORDINARY HOMECOMING STORIES A TLC show is looking for stories of military personnel who will be going home between now early May. We are looking to film compelling and unique reunions back in the USA with families, friends, or fellow platoon friends sent home early for medical reasons. The show is not about politics or the atrocities of war. It's a positive documentary show that hopes to evoke smiles, tears and empathy from the American audience. We are really looking for AMAZING stories. We have already shot a few including: a father who has never met his newborn child; a family that left up the Christmas tree until the whole family could celebrate together. We are now looking for more AMAZING UNIQUE stories. Please get in touch if you are about to head home and would like to be part of the project or let me know if you know of someone else's story. Contact: (Meri) haitkin@trueentertainment.net
See Mudville Gazette for more
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posted by Nathan on
03:17 PM
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Comments (0)
December 13, 2004
I Have No Confidence In
McCain
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Militaria
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This guy is getting too big for his britches. He apparently thinks he is the only person with any military judgment.
I'm getting more and more happy he didn't win the nomination over President Bush back in 2000. The saving grace of President Bush has been his humility. McCain is demonstrating a clear superiority complex and tendency toward self-aggrandizement.
Show Comments »
Up until recently, I'd been coming around on McCain. Since the election, though, between his grandstanding on steroids in baseball and his decision that Kofi Annan is worth defending but Rumsfeld isn't has done everything he can to remind me why I lost trust in him in the first place.
posted by
R. Alex on December 13, 2004 06:54 PM
Maybe he's on steroids.
posted by
Jim - PRS on December 13, 2004 07:35 PM
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December 09, 2004
Precision-guided munitions, satellite assistance, advanced radars, stealth technology, Light Armored Vehicles...all have had an impact on how we fight, and have made the US military the most effective in the world, if not in all of history.
But here's an interesting article on another advance: the ratio of wounded who survive compared to those who die is far higher than ever before, right around 90% of those who are injured survive.
By mid-November, 10,369 American troops had been wounded in battle in Afghanistan or Iraq, and 1,004 had died — a survival rate of roughly 90 percent. In the Vietnam War, one in four wounded died, virtually all of them before they could reach MASH units some distance from the fighting.
Related.
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posted by Nathan on
05:40 AM
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Comments (0)
November 23, 2004
I really didn't say anything about the cameraman in this orignal post about the shooting controversy in Fallujah. My ire was reserved more for people who were already convicting the Marine on the basis of a video.
And I'm not going to add to that. But I am going to encourage you to read this post by the cameraman, Kevin Sites. The tone seems heartfelt and the feelings/motivations described seem genuine and valid. I admit I was thinking that he might have some anti-US Forces agenda, even if subconscious, but I'm convinced now that there was no such bias. I still think the camera can misrepresent reality even if not intentional, but I'm no longer suspicious of the camerman himself.
Hat tip to Q and O Blog.
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posted by Nathan on
09:10 AM
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Comments (0)
November 13, 2004
...but if they pull it off, it will be worth every penny.
Look, intelligence is the single most important aspect of war. A sewing needle, applied at the proper time in the proper location, is more effective than a 20 Megaton nuclear device in guaranteeing that our nation's best interests are met. How do you know the proper time and proper location? Intelligence.
Intelligence has gotten a bad name at times for various reasons. Sometimes for being wrong, when the errors mean lost lives. They forget or aren't even aware of all the times correct intelligence saved far more lives. Sometimes intelligence gets a bad name because, in trying to protect our sources to ensure we continue to get necessary information, the intelligence organizations hold the information too closely. And sometimes the bad reputation comes because we have the right information and are ready to share it...but it takes too long to disseminate it to the proper people.
This should help solve the second and third problems nicely. If we have a completely secure system that runs totally separate from any other net, we don't have to be quite as cautious about dissemination. And if it is a robust network that allows anyone with the need to know to access the information they need to know, anyplace, any time, and when they need it, then the intelligence itself is far more useful.
This could be a very good thing, indeed. Here's hoping!
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posted by Nathan on
05:01 PM
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Comments (0)
September 27, 2004
I don't have any idea where to even begin forming an opinion of this.
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Is John Ashcroft dictating rules to the military now?
posted by
Kathy K on September 27, 2004 02:47 PM
I wouldn't presume to know. On the other hand, we can be absolutely certain Bill Clinton no longer retains any influence in the military, right?
posted by
Nathan on September 27, 2004 02:49 PM
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posted by Nathan on
12:53 PM
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Comments (2)
September 15, 2004
Okay, he's a reservist, but honestly!
...anyone want to "caption contest" this?
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Hey, if we can wear flag patches backwards....
posted by
cowboy blob on September 15, 2004 07:58 AM
Sorry, I'm a civilian so I don't get it. Can you please explain? If you have the time that is. As for the caption of hurricane winds 105 miles from the eye all I have to say: is "Holy Cow, Batman," I hope this doesn't affect you.
posted by
michele on September 15, 2004 08:07 AM
Check out the rank inisgnia on the Lt Col's shoulder boards. Don't you think it lacks a certain....say, balance?
posted by
nathan on September 15, 2004 08:09 AM
He's not a lieutenant colonel, he just plays one on TV
posted by
Fûz on September 16, 2004 08:00 PM
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posted by Nathan on
07:39 AM
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Comments (4)
June 15, 2004
I Kinda Like the New Army Battle Dress Uniform
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Militaria
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Take a look.\
But then, I liked the proposed new Air Force BDU, as well.
Show Comments »
I'm not really geeked up about the fact that they're gonna cost app. $30 more than what is currently used, and yet, are made in Mexico.
posted by
Jo on June 15, 2004 07:52 AM
You're so cute when you're being protectionist. [grin]
I'm betting that in the end, the contract will go to an American firm, and the cost is merely the result of making a better product that will help save lives.
But your concerns are valid, and a letter-writing campaign to your congresscritters wouldn't be a bad idea.
posted by
Nathan on June 15, 2004 08:04 AM
I think it looks a little sloppy. Of course, that's probably the last thing a soldier cares about when he's soaked in mud or buried in sand.
posted by
Patrick on June 15, 2004 06:50 PM
After thinking about it a little more, you're trying to have it both ways, Jo:
You say it is too expensive, and are upset the uniform was made by an outfit (pun intended) in Mexico to lower costs.
And if they would end up cancelling the uniform, you'd probably complain that they weren't willing to spend money on a uniform that will actually help save lives.
posted by
Nathan on June 18, 2004 01:25 AM
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posted by Nathan on
01:18 AM
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Comments (4)
May 14, 2004
Okay, so there I was, in the Congo...no, wait, that wasn't me...
Anyway, when we deploy, the Air Force has something they call the "Troop Commander": the poor sap who gets stuck with making sure the whole trip goes smoothly and everyone arrives at the appointed locations at the appointed times. It is usually the highest ranking person who can't get out of it. So Flight Docs and even aircrew in non-aircrew positions don't have to do it, and that means I've been Troop Commander on every deployment flight except one.
I've never had a problem before...
Read More "Anecdote From the Trip Over" »
...until this trip.
See, my first trip, there were only 5 of us. Not a big problem, even despite Guam having no electricity due to a typhoon, and the next typhoon hitting the island just as we were about to take off--we barely got off in time!
But the subsequent trips, the standard line was: "You are adults. This is when you are supposed to be here. Be on time, or you can explain to your commander why you didn't show up when you were supposed to."
Each time, I set the show-up time about 15 minutes before the bus had to leave to make it to the plane on time. That's worked without a hitch 4 times, even twice when there were more than 30 people.
This time, only 11. We were in Germany, everyone was of legal age, so I expected them to drink, and probably get drunk. No problem, they just have to watch out for each other and be responsible. We needed to leave for the terminal at 0520. At 0515, seven people still hadn't arrived. I started calling rooms...no one answered. Their hotel was 4-5 blocks away, so I started running...they were coming around the corner as I stepped out of the building. Whew.
Except that there were only five people. One, uh, "couldn't find his glasses". Why he didn't answer the phone, I don't know. But he finally arrived about 0527, and we got him checked out.
That left the last guy. No idea where he was. We called no less than 7 times. One of the enlisted had stopped by his room on his way out and stuck his head in the door and didn't see him. I told the front desk if he came by to make him get a cab ASAP.
We arrived at the terminal only a few minutes late. Not bad. I called the Military Police to see if they'd picked anyone up. He had last been seen at 3 AM, so I don't know where he could have disappeared to in just 2 hours.
Another 10 minutes, and the hotel desk clerk still hadn't seen him. So I called back the MPs and had them go check his room...if they found him, they would bring him directly to the airfield. Sure enough, he was snoozing on his bed.
I still don't really know what happened. As the Troop Commander, I was responsible for getting everyone on the plane on time, and I did. I should not have had to take the extraordinary step of involving the military police, because as an E-4, the standard is that he should have the responsibility to ensure he put enough measures in place to be there on time.
...and yet, I was responsible. If I hadn't figured out how to locate/find him, I would have had some explaining to do...
...but I did find him. In the end, no harm, so no foul. As an officer in charge of his deployment movement, I have the authority to give him a reprimand. A reprimand could hurt his chances to make E-5, or at least delay it. That could have reverberations down his career, and could mean he might be forced out...
Some officers might have torn into him.
My solution? It was a bad move on his part, but a better move on my part might have prevented it. He was at fault as a servicemember, but I was at fault as a leader. I told him I had no words for him, that I would turn it over to his chain of command. When I arrived, I told his senior NCO that I had no need to "burn" him for his irresponsibility, but that I would prefer that he learned a lesson from this, and that I would leave disposition entirely up to them. The grim look of the Senior Master Sergeant let me know he would get a butt-chewing of epic proportions...but I'm sure nothing will go into the records. The airman will be given the chance to learn from his mistake, grow from it, and if he successfully learns from this, it could be a step in the right direction for a great career.
I've given him an opportunity, and I hope he takes advantage of it.
But I also learned a lesson. It's not enough to "depend on people's responsibility". Not everyone has had the lessons I've had, and so not everyone is as obsessive about being in place on time. From now on, I will take the extra 30-60 minutes to make sure that everyone is awake and moving...although I will do my best to do it in a way that doesn't make them feel as if I'm doubting them.
Being a leader isn't easy, but it is fulfilling.
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Show Comments »
Dude... here's another one for the books. Taking a student with me on a tail swap to Saudi we RON'ed at Mildenhall. Snow was moving in rapidly and we were attempting to take off way ahead of schedule. (get out while you still can) I tell the student to begin preflight while I stow my gear. When I returned...no student. I find her in the galley wrapping her recently purchased Christmas presents. Ass chewing commenses. I'm called away by the Mission Crew Commander and when I return to my station...no student. Gone. Nowhere to be found. Not outside the aircraft...not in the latrine...just gone. Pilot calls for engine start so I make the call to just leave her. Turns out she realized she had left her line badge in her billeting room so she decides to fetch the missing line badge.(without informing anyone) Guess she found it 'cause she had it with her when we returned to Mildenhall 3 days later on the return trip. And this with no alchohol involved.
posted by
Mitch on August 13, 2004 10:26 AM
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posted by Nathan on
03:02 PM
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Comments (1)
May 06, 2004
So why do you think there are so many Christians in the military?
I have my ideas, but I want to hear what you people think before I share my musings.
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I'll give you a hint on my opinion: I'm not surprised that mid-career officers seem to have the highest percentage of Christians...
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I didn't know this was a measured metric in the Military. I thought this fell under "Don't Ask, Don't tell."
Most of the members of the military that I know (except for 2 in my local church) were all athiests; not that I doubt your claim. There is always the famous quote: "There are no atheists in foxholes."
So what is your theory? I'm very interested.
posted by
Jeremy on May 10, 2004 08:07 PM
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posted by Nathan on
08:20 PM
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April 27, 2004
Liquid Armor.
Simultaneously, the US Army can't afford enough armor vests w/ trauma plates for the soldiers currently in Iraq.
Another bit o' evidence that the term "US Military" can be used to mean both "State of the Art" and "Way Behind the Power Curve", and usually simultaneously.
Via e-Claire
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posted by Nathan on
11:26 AM
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April 17, 2004
I'll be deployed to al-Udeid this summer. If you know anyone else who will be there this summer, have 'em contact me here so we can try to have a blog-meet-up there. I'd like to create a Blogging Moment of Historical Significance, if I can...
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posted by Nathan on
11:27 AM
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April 13, 2004
I can describe it one paragraph:
In Afghanistan, at this same point after the initial US forces put their boots on the ground, the Afghani military had already begun taking over much of the combat/engagement responsibility. After we had been there one year, the casualty report consisted mainly of Afganis. Sure, they had a decade of experience fighting the Soviets, but so did the Taliban we were fighting there. But in Iraq, at the first sign of trouble, the military deserts en masse and the police go home, if they don't actually join the fighting on the side of the insurgents.
Until we solve that problem, it doesn't really matter what we do.
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posted by Nathan on
11:45 PM
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The questions:
1. Do you think your country did the right thing sending you into Iraq?
2. Are you doing what America set out to do to make Iraq a democracy, or have we failed so badly that we should pack up and get out before more of you are killed?
3. Do the orders you get handed down from one headquarters to another, all far removed from the fighting, seem sensible, or do you think our highest command is out of touch with the reality of your situation?
4. If you could have a medal or a trip home, which would you take?
5. Are you encouraged by all the talk back home about how brave you are and how everyone supports you?
I'm in the USAF rather than the Army, and my post is in Qatar rather than Iraq, but I'll take a swing, too.
Read More "My Answer to Andy" »
1. Yes. I willingly and uncomplainingly gave up being at home for my 6th Wedding Anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's to work 12-hour shifts for 65 days straight (no days off) in order to support this action. It is a necessary step in the Global War on Terror. In fact, even though I just got back in January, I volunteered to go early again. This time it looks like I'll get to miss my birthday, my wife's birthday, and Independence day. But I'll be celebrating Iraq's independence, so it will be worth it.
2. Andy, simple questions are best. Within the very first line of this question, you distorted the issue. We are in Iraq for several reasons. We have already eliminated a significant source of funding for terrorism in the Levant and the world. We have eliminated multiple training locations for international terrorists. We stopped a depraved butcher from slaughtering his own people and continuing his own plans to someday attack the US on its own soil. That's now: we pulled up the weed. Now we are spending time there to bring about an environment that will prevent such a noxious weed from springing up again. We've already won the most important, quickest, and most difficult part of the battle there. Now we face a test of wills, and patience, and restraint. We are winning this phase of the war, too, but it doesn't always look like it in the middle of the battle, just like the Battle of the Bulge you took part in.
3. Another distortion. The US Military allows an unprecedented latitude to the commander in the field, the guys with boots in the dust. Nice attempt to draw a Viet Nam parallel, but while that might float in the toilet, it doesn't float here. To address the basic issue, however: yes, our leaders have made some mistakes, because no one is omniscient or omnipresent or omnipotent. They've also made some stunningly correct decisions. Despite the "unbiased" media trying to politicize the deaths of soldiers, the death toll for the entire year is still far less than was originally predicted we would lose just tring to reach Baghdad. Try to have some perspective, will you? If that's too hard, at least try to remember the cockamamie predictions of disaster you armchair generals had at the beginning, will you? You lost credibility a long time ago; sniping and carping does nothing to bring it back.
4. If you really wanted to learn anything, rather than just trying to score cheap points with a "Have you stopped beating your kids yet?" blatant cheap shot, you might ask, "Would you prefer a medal or a ticket back?" You'd be suprised at the number of guys who would rather continue fighting for the US there. Sure, there's always some who don't. Selfless Service is the military ideal, but sometimes it takes a few years for the individual to actually adopt that attitude. But we are a team. I'm going back, willingly and ahead of schedule. If confronted with the enemy, I'll fight like hell to make sure he's the one who doesn't go home again, but if fate results in my death, it is a willing sacrifice. You may spit on my grave, but my children will know who the hero is.
5. We don't do it for the glory and thanks, no. We do it for the well-being of the nation, the safety of our loved ones, and the Brotherhood of War. But we do accept thanks from anyone who can do it without a sneer. We don't need any of your false gratitude.
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Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!Vietnam!
There's a classic lib argument.
posted by
Chris Muir on April 13, 2004 04:03 PM
Nicely done. I'll say it again -- you may not WANT my thanks and undying gratitude, but you have it.
I know all too well what you're sacrificing for the good of all.
posted by
Emma on April 15, 2004 04:45 PM
Weeeellllllll....
It's not that I don't enjoy thanks. And knowing your experiences, your thanks means a lot.
It's just that my "sacrifices" are mostly just annoyances. No one has ever aimed a weapon at me. No one has ever tried to kill me (although my co-workers have probably considered it at times...).
I remain willing to risk my life, but to date, the military has not seen fit to place me in that sort of situation.
[sigh]
So when I get thanked, I really want to just pass the thanks along to the people who really deserve it. Like Blackfive and Citizen Smash and Sgt Hook and the guy over at Iraq Now (can't remember his name). These people back up their words with their own life and well-being. I just have to put up with cafeteria food for 6-8 weeks at a time.
posted by
Nathan on April 15, 2004 06:37 PM
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posted by Nathan on
03:29 PM
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resurrectionsong links with:
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Accidental Verbosity links with:
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HammerHead
