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Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: After the Coup is over!
« on: February 19, 2019, 03:42:57 AM »
Hell of an editorial Don. What's the source? I've never heard of Julie Kelly.
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Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: After the Coup is over!« on: February 19, 2019, 03:42:57 AM »
Hell of an editorial Don. What's the source? I've never heard of Julie Kelly.
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Tootsie Roll Marines« on: February 16, 2019, 07:36:22 AM »Us Army wearing Marine combat patches...We've already seen dogs and cats livin' together, and boys married to boys...So I hate to think what's coming next??? Big D, when the Commandant of the Marine Corps requests an ETP from the Army Chief of Staff for a unit to wear their patch, you do so. And we're a National Guard Brigade, at that. 603
Site Rules & Introductions / Re: Hello from Ft. Campbell« on: February 16, 2019, 07:34:09 AM »
Welcome, Cameron! Have fun in the Looooozyana swamps!
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Site Rules & Introductions / Re: New from northern ky area« on: February 16, 2019, 07:32:29 AM »
Welcome! Nice bouncer!
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Tootsie Roll Marines« on: February 15, 2019, 08:44:11 AM »My first deployment (OIF3 05-06), our entire brigade served under II MEF. I'm proud to wear their patch on my right shoulder. Good folks to serve with. I've never had an issue serving with Marines, but that doesn't mean I don't give them a good ribbing. ;-) Nice! 606
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Tootsie Roll Marines« on: February 15, 2019, 05:49:36 AM »Sean, You operate any with Marines? I have to say, they are darned fine soldiers. I got to operate a bit with them over the years, attended one of their aviation schools, flew the MARSOC guys in Afghanistan, and later, the regular Marines all over southern afghanistan. For your run of the mill, day to day guys, they all act like 82'nd, 101st or 10th mountain infantry. My first deployment (OIF3 05-06), our entire brigade served under II MEF. I'm proud to wear their patch on my right shoulder. Good folks to serve with. I've never had an issue serving with Marines, but that doesn't mean I don't give them a good ribbing. ;-) 607
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Tootsie Roll Marines« on: February 12, 2019, 08:52:39 AM »
Good story!
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: My Boyz, Downtown LA, 2/4/2019« on: February 12, 2019, 08:47:15 AM »609
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: My Boyz, Downtown LA, 2/4/2019« on: February 07, 2019, 03:37:05 AM »
Probably part of a movie shoot. The first Black Hawk was being loaded with a litter.
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Intel / Re: Armed Antifa groups marching« on: February 04, 2019, 08:09:25 AM »
I love how mixed up their ideologies are. LOL! Come on, folks dressed as red communists espousing freedom for all? Laughable!
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: February 02, 2019, 06:57:36 AM »Many times the Iraqis in Baghdad just didn't get the whole "Yield" to the military thing, so we had to ram tham and shove them off of the road. It was funny to watch from overhead, although in the end I never liked being a part of damaging stuff that normal people owned. Our TTP, if it was a single vehicle that wouldn't yield to our front, we'd use a siren (installed one on our lead vehicle). If that didn't get their attention we'd "pit" them in the ditch. If there was a lot of traffic, we'd jump the median and "play chicken". Most of the time, the Iraqi's didn't yield because they had no idea we were there. No nefarious intent, just clueless drivers. I got called on the carpet one time for one of my gunners pitching an empty .50 shell casing through the back glass of a bus full of school children that was merging into our convoy element. My Bn CO was pissed because the owner of the bus was seeking recompense. My CO wanted to know why I didn't shoot a pen flare at the bus. I told him, "If a .50 shell went through the glass (which was obviously not safety glass), what do think a flare would do? Sir, I'd rather not have a burning bus of school girls on my conscience!" 612
Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: The "Why" Thread...« on: January 31, 2019, 02:19:49 AM »
If 7-11s are open 24 hours a day, why do they have locks on the door?
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: January 31, 2019, 01:45:50 AM »Was a water bottle an approved signaling device? Most Iraqis during that time didn't really have any driver training, or rules of the road training. Under Saddam, it was almost impossible to get a DL. After the fall of the government in '03, anyone with the funds could buy a car. That resulted in a lot of folks on the road who were just idiots (or maybe ignoramuses is a better term). They thought rearview mirrors were a decoration, and really had no clue as to "rules of the road". Most drivers had no malicious intent, but acted just like the folks driving SVBIEDs. Rather than risking killing/injuring an innocent, a lot of us tried to use improvised non-lethal means to get a driver's attention. Our TTP was for the gunner to hurl a .50 shell at the window. We always had a small pile left from the test fire pit. That was almost always enough to get the driver's attention, and get them to back off. 614
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: January 30, 2019, 08:50:58 AM »It's a small Army (especially nowadays!). No worries! LOL! 615
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: January 30, 2019, 05:51:29 AM »Timeframe was late January/early February 05. 616
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: January 30, 2019, 02:53:38 AM »The divided highway, Was that "Route Irish"? Timeframe was late January/early February 05. I believe it was Irish. It's been a minute, LOL! We never had any littlebirds form up on us, but several times we had Kiowa Warriors give us escort. Nothing like seeing a 58 flying alongside you, 10 feet off the deck! 617
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: "There I was" the story thread« on: January 29, 2019, 08:46:38 AM »
I'll start this off in the traditional Army way: No crap, there I was, on my first mission in Iraq in 2005. We were tasked with linking up with several bus loads of Iraqi Police officers, who had just graduated from the Police Academy in Jordan, in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport. Our mission was to provide escort back to Karbala and Najaf, where they were being assigned. Now, since we had only been on the ground in Iraq (Najaf) for less than 48 hours, we had no idea where we were going. The S-2 section did not have any maps, and the S-3 did not have much in the way of link-up information, aside from we were supposed to link-up with an LNO named MAJ Tentpeg (not his real name) at BIA. The best they could offer me was a Google Maps printout, with turn by turn satellite pictures. Being the good Scout Platoon Leader I was, I voiced my reservations, then saluted the flag, and proceeded to move out. We find our way to Baghdad, find the airport, and proceed to drive around looking for what may be our assigned group of escortees. God, his Angels, and a good bit of luck caused me to find them. Unfortunately, we were on a limited access, divided overpass at the time. I radioed to my guys, told them I thought we'd found our target, and instructed my lead vehicle to take the next exit so we could flip a U. In those days, we pretty much did everything at full throttle. I see my lead victor take the exit, then lose sight as I was in the middle of an 8 truck element. Then I see a large splash of brownish water ahead, immediately followed by my Senior Scout (lead vehicle) yelling, "crap!", across the net. I radio back asking for a SITREP, and he says, "Slow the f*** down! That puddle isn't water, it's crap!" We comply, amid the beginnings of gut-busting chuckle fest. Apparently, the Iraq sewage pumping trucks that service the local portajohns had been dumping their load under that overpass, and my lead Scout hit the 2 foot deep puddle at about 50mph. When we got to our link-up site, those poor guys came rolling out of their truck like it was on fire. The gunner was covered from head to toe in poop water (luckily he's been wearing goggles), and the driver and Vehicle Commander were liberally doused. Needless to say, that truck reeked! Took them about 2 hours to wash it down enough for them to move out. All I could think was, welcome to Iraq! LOL
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Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500 build thread, Part 2« on: January 22, 2019, 07:58:06 AM »Hey Don, for someone who can DOT someone else’s threads up in a New York minute you whine more than a liberal at a trump rally....Oh shiZ 619
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500 Build Thread, Part 1« on: January 22, 2019, 07:53:01 AM »Prices of new SUVs are insane. Sadly, Duramax, or any other diesel trucks, have become a status symbol for a whole other type of people. Saw an example today. New Duramax Denali (still had temp tags), leveled, 35”ish Toyo‘s, hooked to a 10’ trailer loaded with a 2019 Polaris Ranger. Ranger was limited edition browning camo, lifted, arched a-arms, and 30” tires. Guy tried for what seemed like 10 minutes to back out of a nearly straight driveway. Pretty sure he put the trailer into the rear bumper not once, but twice. Easily had $80k into that setup but couldn’t back it thirty feet without creating an insurance claim. LOL! Reminds of when my neighbor was trying to back his new boat into his driveway. I got out to help ground guide him, but he would follow my instructions. He finally got in the drive, after about 30 minutes of trying, by backing completely over a bush/flower garden. LOL 620
D.O.T. / Re: New rifle sights.« on: January 21, 2019, 06:48:23 AM »
I wonder if Uncle Sugar would have an issue if I installed those on my M4? LOL
BTW, love those! 621
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: January 16, 2019, 02:41:02 AM »
Praying for you and especially the missus, Big D. May God grant her doctors the wisdom to discover the issue, and the knowledge to fix it.
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Build Threads / Re: Power Wagon winch on a standard 2500 Ram« on: January 15, 2019, 02:59:43 AM »Didn't you call FEMA and have a D8 cat brought to your property because one of your sprinkler heads broke and dirt washed out on your driveway?? Or am I mistaken? Oh, snap! BTW, nice find on the winch mounting parts! 623
Bug-Out Bag and Camping gear / Re: How do you tell time?« on: January 07, 2019, 06:50:57 AM »
I recently upgraded my Suunto Vector (8 years of good use!), to a Suunto Traverse Alpha. The GPS function is more accurate than any handheld I've ever used. Rechargeable, and the battery typically lasts me a couple weeks. I've been wearing it daily for about 6 months now, through multiple field training exercises, with no wear, and I'm pretty tough on a watch. The sapphire lens is extremely tough, not a scratch on it. If you're looking for a relatively simple GPS watch, with limited smart watch options, I highly recommend it.
https://www.suunto.com/Products/sports-watches/Suunto-Traverse-Alpha/Suunto-Traverse-Alpha-Stealth/ 625
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: Hippyland magazine« on: January 07, 2019, 06:02:46 AM »I responded by explaining it was more of being raised by a grandfather who survived the depression and in case things ever get really bad here like Venezuela we could always use it as TP. Outstanding! LOL 626
Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: what would you do?« on: January 04, 2019, 09:37:02 AM »
I'd sit back and
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Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: January 03, 2019, 08:18:13 AM »Has he ever been on his lid? 628
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: January 03, 2019, 07:52:20 AM »
I really like the box, Don! Question: how are the lids for the forward bins secured, when closed? Also, how is the entire assembly secured to the floor?
Just curious for how all that will stay put if (God forbid) you get in a rollover situation. 629
Share Your Recipe / Re: whats your preferred beverage of choice« on: December 31, 2018, 04:01:18 AM »
I like the craft beers around Huntsville, AL. My favorite is a gose brewed by Straight to Ale. A couple of fingers of Dalwhinnie over an ice cube on occasion. For the most part, though, I'm a water drinker.
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Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: CIEMR, Christmas« on: December 25, 2018, 05:30:53 AM »
Mike, and JR - it sucks to have to work through grief, especially during the holidays. My condolences to you both.
Don - you are right on the money. They only part I enjoy about the Christmas season is the time I get to spend with family. It means so much, although I often take it for granted. It's time like these, when deployed overseas, that I truly appreciate all I have back home. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and Don, thanks for reminding us what it is truly about...the birth of our savior. 631
Coffee Induced Early Morning Rant / Re: CIEMR, Christmas« on: December 25, 2018, 05:26:39 AM »09 I was back in Iraq Same here 632
Build Threads / Re: 2000 XJ« on: December 25, 2018, 05:02:38 AM »Well the xj build is officially done as of today. When I was back in Indiana in Nov Baylee got rear ended. Hard enough it pushed her hitch (minus receiver at the time) forward and down bending both frame rails if you can call them that? along with making her rear hatch inoperable. Waiting on USAA to get back to us with a payout, we believe they will total it. The starting fix quote by their approved shop was just shy of $5300 Sucks to hear this! Hopefully the payout covered what Baylee really wanted. USAA usually does a pretty good job. 633
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: December 25, 2018, 04:54:23 AM »Nice acquisition, Don! So, when do you start adding armor plate to the doors, body sides, windows, and windshield? How about a sunroof with foldout mini-gun CROWS system?This crows system, have an extra one handy? or a NSN?? ;-)) Let me look around the warehouse.....LOL! Maybe Santa will be nice to you....if your CARREPs don't put you on the naughty list! Merry Christmas! 634
Build Threads / Re: SquareD Part 8, This thing ever going to get finished?« on: December 25, 2018, 04:51:51 AM »Wow! I take a couple of months hiatus from the site to get ready for deployment, expecting to come back here and see Square D up and running, cruising the malls, and terrorizing mulch pits throughout the Kentuck! I'm disappointed Big D!Where ya headed, can you say? I'm at Arifjan, Kuwait. I appreciate it! Merry Christmas! 635
Tires, Wheels, and Suspension / Re: Steel wheels or Aluminum?« on: December 24, 2018, 06:30:14 AM »
My $0.02: Steel wheels are cheaper, easier to fix, and more durable. The only downside, IMO, is weight. Both for having to change a tire and as a drain on HP. Aluminum means less strain on your back with big meats.
There, I steered things back on topic. You're welcome, Big D! 636
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: December 24, 2018, 06:21:44 AM »I can see it now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Man, I haven't thought about Tango & Cash in years! 637
Build Threads / Re: 2002 Suburban 2500« on: December 24, 2018, 05:45:59 AM »
Nice acquisition, Don! So, when do you start adding armor plate to the doors, body sides, windows, and windshield? How about a sunroof with foldout mini-gun CROWS system?
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Build Threads / Re: SquareD Part 8, This thing ever going to get finished?« on: December 24, 2018, 02:09:12 AM »
Wow! I take a couple of months hiatus from the site to get ready for deployment, expecting to come back here and see Square D up and running, cruising the malls, and terrorizing mulch pits throughout the Kentuck! I'm disappointed Big D!
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Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: only in CA« on: August 16, 2018, 11:58:44 AM »
Sounds like karma to me. SMH
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Curious what our site Vets and Active Military think about this article?« on: August 10, 2018, 04:37:49 PM »Sean, It'll be the end of the year. I'm the Command IG for an Expeditionary Sustainment Command, so I only get to "command" the other three Joes in my shop. We'll be supporting Soldiers in at least 9 different countries throughout CENTCOM, so I'll probably be quite the "combat tourist". Should be a fun and interesting tour making sure Soldiers are getting taken care of. Nate's already contacted me and made me promise to give y'all my address once I get on the ground in KW. 641
Build Threads / Re: SquareD Part 8, This thing ever going to get finished?« on: August 10, 2018, 03:32:47 PM »
I'm a big fan of manual trannies. Simpler, less to go wrong. But that's just me.
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Unbelievable« on: August 10, 2018, 03:25:59 PM »Kinda like what our scouts do, closer to, and on the ground... LOL! Except we have better camouflage! 643
Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: Cops knocking on door of my place at 5am« on: August 09, 2018, 03:15:45 PM »I got a kick out of the guy kicking back in the HMWWV. Me too! Sense of urgency for this whole "operation" was lacking. And what was that guy banging on in the area between the houses? 644
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Curious what our site Vets and Active Military think about this article?« on: August 09, 2018, 02:56:21 PM »
I agree with all Big D stated above. I'll add:
I think the commercialization testified to by Nick Francona, is despicable. Period. As to the recruiters setting up outside of sporting events, this is understandable. The U.S. military is the largest organization of professional athletes in this country. Think about it. We are required to maintain a level of fitness, and perform physically strenuous activities under stressful conditions that most pro sports players are unable to. And we are expected to be able to do for 20 years! It makes sense that we start with recruits who are already athletic, especially in todays age of millennial softness. Schools today don't have much focus on fitness. Most students spend more time on their buts in front of game consoles than outside playing/doing physical things. Recruiting athletic kids means less time getting them into physical condition for the military, and less injuries during training. It's a no brainer. For the most part, I have rejected professional sports. I don't follow them, and don't buy their products. I made this choice for a number of reasons, one of which being that I don't agree with someone getting paid multi millions for playing a game while Servicemen, First Responders, and Teachers are making just above poverty line wages. I think our cultural priorities are skewed when we value entertainment more than service. I'm uncomfortable when people thank me for my service, but appreciate it when the offering is sincere. I didn't sign up for thanks. It was my calling. Yes, I've deployed. I'm preparing to deploy again in a few months. I do this because I feel it is important to do my part in defending our great nation. I am honoring the sacrifices made by all those who have served before, whose sacrifices made it possible for me to enjoy the freedoms we have. That said, I'd rather be made uncomfortable by being thanked, than spit upon. I feel like I've been rambling a bit, but I hope these random thoughts give some insight into my point of view. 645
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Unbelievable« on: August 09, 2018, 02:17:38 PM »
Incredible site. Thanks for posting.
The Wild Weasel guys were a special kind of crazy. They'd fly until a SAM radar locked them up, then fire a radar guided missile at the SAM radar, hoping it would take out the guidance system before the SAM hit them. That's ballsy as hell! 646
Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Extortion 0ne-seven« on: August 09, 2018, 01:59:22 PM »“Over time, certain memories will fade, certain details will fade. But one thing that doesn’t fade is never forgetting what they did.” Amen! 647
Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: Texas Girls« on: May 18, 2018, 01:15:42 PM »
LOL!
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Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: Missed Approach« on: May 18, 2018, 01:12:57 PM »
LOL! Is that the new terrorist ballistic missile? LOL!
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Humor, Good Stuff, and Red Neck Practices! / Re: The power of the Platoon Sergeant« on: May 18, 2018, 01:11:34 PM »
LOL!
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Our Pro-Military, Veteran, and Thin Blue Line place / Re: Brotherhood« on: May 01, 2018, 05:29:51 PM »So by your post sean, are you saying that your retired now?No, not 'til they boot me out. I'll hit MRD in 2026. |