Citizen Sparta

Bomb Patrol, Navy EOD

2011-11-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

A new documentary series that began broadcasting this month on G4TV. The series follows US Navy EOD Group 1 based at FOB Griffin in Afghanistan. Video Game - E3 2012

Never Forget...

2011-09-11T07:48:00.001-07:00

Never forget that 10 years ago members of the peaceful religion of Islam killed thousands of people in the name of Allah in an attempt to destroy our way of life.

Discuss amongst yourselves...

2011-08-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

It is impossible for the United States to practice or fight a counterinsurgency in Afghanistan because we are not the "constituted or recognized government" there. Discuss amongst yourselves.

Words of Wisdom

2011-08-14T20:19:00.001-07:00

"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. ... What country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that the people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from

My Dog

2011-08-09T10:47:00.001-07:00

From Tuck: "My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day. He has his food prepared for him. He can eat whenever he wants. His meals are provided at no cost to him. He visits the Doctor once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise. For this he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him. He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs,

To be fair...

2011-07-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

If the pay and benefits of those serving in the armed forces in jobs that have no civilian equivalent are part of the budget debate, why isn't the pay and benefits of the President, Senators, US Representatives and their staffs the first thing on the chopping block? I am tired of the hypocrisy.

Welcome Home Soldier

2011-07-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

SPC Nicholas Newby arrived this afternoon at Pappy Boyington Field / Coeur d'Alene Airport. SPC Newby was killed by an enemy IED while escorting a convoy in support of Operation New Dawn in Baghdad, Iraq. His unit is the 145th BSB, 116th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard. Fair winds and following seas SPC Newby. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Bravo Zulu to

Local soldiers killed in Iraq

2011-07-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

Condolences to the families of SPC Newby and SPC Beyers. They were assigned to 145th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Post Falls, Idaho, our local NG unit. I will post more as I'm sure the Patriot Riders will escort their remains and it would sure be nice if we all got out and lined the streets. RIP soldiers. Story at KXLY *** UPDATE *** From the CDA Press: On

Independence

2011-07-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

In Congress, July 4, 1776.A DeclarationBy the Representatives of theUnited states of America,In general Congress assembled. When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God

Civil War or Insurgency?

2011-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Is Insurgency just another way of saying Civil War? If so, why get involved in someone else's Civil War?

Memorial Day 2011 - Bump from 2010

2011-05-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. ---Ronald Reagan In honor of all those who gave

Bin Laden is Dead

2011-05-01T20:44:00.001-07:00

Bravo Zulu! Bin Laden died from the pointy end of a bullet and not a bomb. He knew death was coming. Way to go CIA and spec ops forces.

Required Training

2011-04-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Public Law 108-447 SEC. 111. (a) The head of each Federal agency or department shall— (1) provide each new employee of the agency or department with educational and training materials concerning the United States Constitution as part of the orientation materials pro-vided to the new employee; and (2) provide educational and training materials concerning the United States

Debt of Honor

2011-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

A Debt of Honor, I'm just saying. There is not a lick of honor in Washington. Bla, bla, bla, I'm tired of listening to the excrement from this man's mouth.

An Easy Fix for Our Budget Woes

2011-04-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

There is a very simple and interesting way to solve our budget woes that is over-looked by the politicians because it would hold them accountable. It is so simple and by its very nature would reduce the size and cost of government. And best of all, it’s fair to everyone. It provides incentives for thrift as well as incentives for people to do their best and achieve all they can. The problem

A Muslim Problem

2011-04-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

The US flag being burned is free speech. A crucifix can be placed in a glass of urine and that is free speech. Idiots from Kansas can protest at a soldier's funeral and it is free speech. So is burning the Koran. General David Petraeus and Senator Lindsey Graham need to rethink their positions. General Petraeus's comments diminish the lives that have been forfeited and lives that have been

Calling a Spade a Spade

2011-03-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Bravo Zulu to Rep. Tom McClintock Letter to President Obama Regarding Libyaby Rep. Tom McClintock (R–CA) March 23, 2011 The Honorable Barack ObamaPresident of the United StatesThe White HouseWashington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: I have read your letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate dated March 21, 2011 concerning your order that

Libyan Insight

2011-03-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Libya, the West and the Narrative of Democracy. Probably the best analysis, of Libya that I have read. Bravo Zulu to George Friedman of STRATFOR. BLUF: Whenever you intervene in a country, whatever your intentions, you are intervening on someone’s side. In this case, the United States, France and Britain are intervening in favor of a poorly defined group of mutually hostile and suspicious

Who's Left Holding the Bag?

2011-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows I have argued against any involvement in Libya and I stand by that position. There is no overriding national interest or imminent threat from Libya. This entire operation is a fool’s errand and I hope it leads to some major changes in our country. I fail to understand how enforcing a Libyan “no-fly zone” involve air-to-ground combat missions against tanks and other ground

It Costs to Not Fly

2011-03-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Selected Options and Costs for a No-Fly Zone Over Libya US policymakers and other world leaders have watched intently as civil war has erupted in Libya. In recent days, reports of air strikes on Libyan rebels and civilians have led some in the international community to call for a no-fly zone. Some argue that since US vital interests are not at stake, America should not become engaged in yet

Unclear Mission, Uncertain Terminal Point.

2011-03-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

If you don't read STRATFOR you should. Here is one of their free articles, it's on point. Never Fight a Land War in Asia, George Friedman, STRATFOR. BLUF: "...Donald Rumsfeld once said, “You go to war with the Army you have. They’re not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time.” I think that is a fundamental misunderstanding of war. You do not engage in war if the army you have

The Castle Doctrine or Are they so different than us?

2011-01-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Religion aside, I propose that the Taliban is nothing more than a local political organization/militia and is acting in the exact same manner that we would if the United States was under occupation (see The Castle Doctrine). We cannot force our style of democracy on the Afghans and thus we should extricate ourselves from any form of nation building. Let's focus our efforts on securing our

Wake Up and Smell the Delusion

2011-01-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

via Small Wars Journal I've been saying this for some time. Afghan Report 2010 by Colonel Douglas Macgregor at The Washington Times. "It's too soon to tell, but reductions in defense spending may demonstrate that it's far less expensive to protect the United States from Islamist terrorism as well as the criminality flooding in from Mexico and Latin America by controlling our borders and

Standing Up For Your Beliefs

2010-12-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Just saw this via CJ Grisham and I'm here to say I support this Commanding Officer. It's nice to see an officer stand up for what he thinks is right rather than what he thinks will help his career. This is a rare thing in today's military and I wish we had more officers like this. Officer won't sign order for troop indoctrination Asks to be relieved of command over repeal of 'gay' ban in

Military leadership or the lack there of...

2010-12-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is an extremely well written article by Dr Lawrence Sellen. The issues Dr. Sellin discusses are leadership issues that permeate the military at all levels. It's a culture that is so ingrained that in my opinion it will not change unless external forces make it happen. The CJCS and and individual heads will never be able to turn the proverbial ship without being forced to do so by the

My Fellow Americans...

2010-09-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Imagine this: The President of the United States wants to make an important announcement about the future of our country. You eagerly tune in on your favorite news channel, the talking heads are bewildered and are offering a hundred ideas as to what the President is about to say. For the first time ever, nobody has leaked a single sentence of what is going to be said. The news station breaks

Please help a local Hero's Widow

2010-08-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Baker passed away last month before many needed repairs could be completed on his house in St, Maries, Idaho.. His wife, Heidi, did not have the funds to travel to Arlington National Cemetery for his funeral. Many local an national folks have stepped up including Congressman Walt Minnick to cover the cost of her flight and hotel...well done everyone. However,

Al-Qaeda's Afghanistan sanctuary was a con-venience, not a necessity

2010-08-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dr. Metz makes the argument that al-Qaeda does not need "state support or sanctuary" to function. To date, nobody has made a valid counter argument. Thus I still agree with my friend Marc; our soldiers should not be in Afghanistan to try and create a "civil" society. AMERICA'S FLAWED AFGHANISTAN STRATEGY Dr. Steven Metz, U.S. Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute Despite the lavish

Zenpundit Questions Afghsistan

2010-07-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have to say Mark Safranski of Zenpundit has asked the best questions that I have seen about the war in Afghanistan. I have been brainstorming an essay to outline why I feel things need to change but I have to say Mark has done a great job asking some tough questions. I still feel there are some questions beyond these that we need to ask of ourselves. The founding fathers were very clear in

Duty

2010-07-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

"Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous." ~Keith B. McMullin

Persistent Conflict

2010-06-27T09:16:00.001-07:00

Andrew J. Bacevich, West point graduate, retired Colonel, currently professor of international relations at Boston University has an opinion piece at the Washington Post today entitled "Endless War, a recipe for Fours star arrogance." It's a good article repudiating the "persistent" or endless war mentality. His closing paragraph sums it up. "The responsibility facing the American people is

Local Marine Casualty

2010-06-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

DOD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl. Joshua R. Dumaw, 23, of Spokane Valley, Wash., died June 22 while supporting combat operations in Nimruz province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry

Army Wives Redux?

2010-06-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

All I can say is why is Colonel Drinkwine still in command let alone still in the Army? As a parent of a soldier in his unit I am very concerned and do not have faith in his ability to lead in combat. I'll ask the nagging question. Is this what actually led to LTC Frank Jenio's relief as Commander of the 2-508PIR? I know the stated cause was the powerpoint slide but this is way to fishy. I

The Brotherhood of War

2010-06-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

‘You Will Not Fear…’ WSJ Photo Journal June 9, 2010, 11:04 AM ET For those who are familiar with C/2-508 take a good look at his Memorial Bracelet. RESCUE AND PROTECT: Staff Sgt. Edward Rosa reads the Bible and extends a cigarette to Pfc. Jorge Rostra Obando, who was stunned by an explosion in Afghanistan’s Arghanab Valley. One comrade was killed and two injured in the blast. Pfc. Rostran

Memorial Day Salute - 4BTC, 82d ABN

2010-05-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Please remember our fallen troops from past and present wars.

"No war is over until the ENEMY says it's over"

2010-05-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Something to think about...from Defense News Gen. James Mattis Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command By Vago Muradian Published: 23 May 2010 Widely regarded as a man who blends a warrior ethos with a historically grounded intellect, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis is noted for plain speaking about the brutal realities of war fighting. Marine Gen. James Mattis, Commander, U.S. Joint

An Angry Blue Star Mother

2010-05-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

The mother of one of the injured soldiers from my sons unit has had enough of the lies and posted something about it. Her son Kevin was on foot patrol with my son in the Arghandab River Valley last November. While crossing a wall an IED was triggered that had been placed in the wall by the enemy. Kevin's proximity to the IED shielded my son from the majority of the blast. Kevin was injured

Follow the Marines AKA: Military Thrift

2010-05-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

The Army, Air Force and Navy are always after the latest wiz-bang gadgets and spend horrific amounts of money on R&D for many projects that are often cancelled and over budget. Now don’t get me wrong, military R&D has lead to many technological advancements for our society. Equally, if researchers aren’t permitted to fail on occasion we’ll never make the big leaps in technology. The United

Supper With A Hero

2010-04-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is posted over at ArmyLive. It hits close to home and I had to pass it on. As an Army wife, you quickly learn that living in on post military housing is always an opportunity to learn. My 8 year old neighbor and military child Katherine Birdsong was at our house admiring our Christmas Tree with our son John Jr. I was busy in the kitchen preparing supper when I heard her say, “and

This is BAD NEWS

2010-04-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Michael Yon has posted on Facebook that he is being kicked from the Stan. This is very bad news and on the surface means command at higher levels are afraid of information getting out. I suspect the Canadians are pretty miffed as he has called a spade a spade with them and rightfully so. Michael posted this on his Facebook today: I have sent a message to Public Affairs: Teresa, Need to

We cannot provide democracy if we desire it more than the Afghans

2010-04-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

How to Save Afghanistan From Karzai By Bing West, Op-Ed Contributor, New York Times April 7, 2010 In February, the Taliban sanctuary of Marja in southern Afghanistan was attacked in the largest operation of the war. Last week, President Obama flew to Afghanistan and declared, “Our troops have pushed the Taliban out of their stronghold in Marja .... The United States of America does not quit

Thankful this Easter

2010-04-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

I love this song it it just seems appropriate to post it this Easter weekend. I think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Cherryholmes - This Is My Son I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the power of the Atonement. I am also thankful for my family that mean everything to me; for my wife who is my best friend, for my children that make me smile and give such

Neal McDonough, Worthy Husband & Father

2010-04-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Who is Neal McDonough you ask? Neal played 1st Lt. Lynn 'Buck' Compton in Band of Brothers. My hat is off to Mr. McDonough for respecting his wife and family by being a virtuous husband and father. Does anyone under 40 today even know what virtuous means? I wish there were more people who would stand up for what they believe. Neal McDonough is a roll model and hero in my opinion! No Sex

US Navy Takes on Pirates of Africa

2010-04-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

** Updated photograph ** Bravo Zulu to the US Navy! CNN reports: U.S. Warship Captures Suspected Pirate Mother Ship DoD photo by MC1 Cassandra Thompson A U.S. warship sank a pirate skiff and captured a pirate mother ship in the Indian Ocean on Thursday, according to a statement from U.S. Naval Forces Africa. The frigate USS Nicholas came under fire from a pirate vessel shortly after

Anything for a Photo-op

2010-03-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

Obama will do anything for a photo-op Precious to the Taliban, Kandahar is McChrystal's all-or-nothing gamble. It may not have been wise to announce in advance that he's betting the bank on the outcome. It also would have been encouraging had our president, instead of checking the "Afghanistan box" with a six-hour night-time visit, spent just one full day in-country to see what our troops are

"Dear Dad, I'm sorry if you're reading this . . . "

2010-03-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

From MaryAnn at Soldier's Angels.... Don't read if you don't want to be a sobbing fool at work! The letter sat on the dresser for four years. Robert Gilbert never opened it. He only touched the envelope when he needed to dust around it. He wanted to give it back to his son unopened. Every time his Marine son was deployed, his son would ask, "You still got my letter?" His dad never wanted

People You Should Know

2010-03-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

March 25th is Medal of Honor Day The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on members of the United States armed forces who distinguish themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." Because of

Is he right or is he wrong?

2010-03-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

By no means am I a fan of Patrick Kennedy or the Kennedy clan, but I have to ask is he correct in this statement? "... My opposition is that somehow we are going to control the ground by maneuvering ourselves militarily to control the ground as if it's a nation-state. I hear my colleagues talk about the flag of Afghanistan as if Afghanistan is a country. In case anybody has bothered to look at

The Bridge and Who's in Charge?

2010-03-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Michael Yon finally has his story up about the destruction of the Tarnak River Bridge by the Taliban and the chaos surrounding who is in charge and how the coalition partners work or don't work together. Who’s In Charge? The overall commander of ISAF forces in Afghanistan is often called “COMISAF,” or “M4.” The man behind the letters is General Stanley McChrystal. General McChrystal’s boss is

A Mom's Window Into War

2010-03-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

A Mom's Window Into WarPublished Mar 4, 2010 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Putting 7,000 miles between a mother and her son tends to hamper communication. But when that son is a U.S. Army crew chief stationed in Afghanistan, things get even more difficult. While Sgt. Patrick Janssen is working with the 82nd Airborne, his mother gets e-mails, some instant messages and even a few phone calls. But Val

We Need a Few Angels

2010-02-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

Our injured warriors need help. Today I spoke with Julie M. of Soldier’s Angels Washington and she just received a request from a medical unit in Afghanistan for more blankets. Given the recent combat actions they are completely out. We will find out what other supplies are needed and pass that information along as soon as possible. Take a look at the Soldier’s Angels webpage for more

Marjah Analysis

2010-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

Free Range International has a great analysis by "babatim" of the Marjah offensive. I have been back in America for the past week and it is obvious my prediction that Marjah would unfold in the same manner as the Now Zad fight of last summer was too optimistic. I still think my read on the overall strategy is correct but clearly the fight for Marjah is more difficult and will be more

An Afghan Journalist - Behind Taliban Lines

2010-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

I'm always disgusted when I see pictures and video from embeds with the enemy. That being said, this looks like it will be worth watching. PBS FRONTLINE - Behind Taliban Lines On air and online February 23, 2010 at 9:00pm (check local listings) Late last summer, while reporting a story for FRONTLINE, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi through channels put out word that he would

Patrol Base Jaker

2010-02-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

What might success in Afghanistan look like? Help fund PATROL BASE JAKER to find out. Project by David Scantling

Putting Our Troops At Risk

2010-02-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight t AC360 had a report U.S. Reviewing Afghanistan Detainee Policy than anyone who is concerned about the war in Afghanistan should watch and read. This is an on-gong policy that has and will continue to put our troops unnecessarily at risk. It's my son out there, I can say it. He's been hit with two IED's while on dismounted patrol by these skum-bags so don't start citing this and that

The Six Fingers or My Responsibility as a Leader

2010-02-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Several years ago one of my subordinate supervisors, we’ll call him Larry, came to me because he felt that one of our employees, we’ll call him Curly, was not pulling his weight and needed to be terminated. I have to hand it to Larry, he came prepared. He placed several papers and charts in front of me outlining Curly’s poor performance. There was no arguing that Curly was not meeting the

No COIN for you?

2010-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

A Green Beret's advice: Think COIN, but don't do COIN BY ROBERT HADDICK After more than eight years of war in Afghanistan and nearly seven in Iraq, the conventional wisdom is that the United States will face more troublesome insurgencies. Even as the U.S. military's involvement in Iraq winds down and as it tries to tame the Taliban in Afghanistan, new insurgency troubles have emerged in Yemen

Setting the Foundation

2010-02-09T19:49:00.001-08:00

Nate and Ken over at 30 Days Through Afghanistan have posted their report after meeting with Colonel Agoglia, the Director of the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan to discuss COIN. Below is my reply to their post Setting the Foundation. Great report guys. I really appreciate the questions to and comments from Colonel Agoglia concerning COIN. He [Colonel Agoglia] said

The Other Side of the COIN

2010-02-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

Major Nathan Springer at the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Center supports and disagrees with Major Jim Gant's thesis on Tribal Engagement in Afghanistan. There are always two sides to every COIN so take the time to read. He makes some valid arguments. THE WAY AHEAD IN AFGHANISTAN: DOES A SILVER BULLET EXIST? AN ANALYSIS OF GIVING POWER OVER TO THE TRIBES TO ACHIEVE

To any interested party

2010-02-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

Jim Gant put this up over at Steven Pressfields blog War and Reality in Afghanistan in response to the Tribal Engagement Tutorial: Mental Models post. I have a son fighting in Afghanistan so I take his advise pretty seriously. To any interested party,Making the rounds this week with Steve and Chief Zazai, talking with a lot of smart folks in the DC area and without getting into any detail at

30 Days Through Afghanistan

2010-02-01T20:08:00.001-08:00

USAF Technical Sergeants Nathan Gallahan and Ken Raimondi are about to embark on one of the greatest challenge of their lives. They are going out on a 30-day mission throughout Afghanistan to visit every regional command in Afghanistan in 30 days. We need to get to those areas because that’s where the stories we want to cover are. We want to bring you to those areas with us and share the

Nick’s Rules on Leadership

2010-01-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

I originally posted this last July but it seems apropo today. --------------------------------------------------------------- My son and I have spent a great deal of time discussing leadership as of late. He has many examples that he would like to emulate and and equal number not to follow. It is interesting as a father to watch him grow and slowly build his personal leadership toolbox and

The battle for the Arghandab Valley: Stryker soldiers say commanders failed them

2009-12-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

A VERY interesting article in the on the fight for the Arghandab Valley near Kandahar. I'll add more details later. Stryker soldiers say commanders failed them By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer, Army TimesPosted : Monday Dec 21, 2009 ARGHANDAB RIVER VALLEY, Afghanistan — The view west from the roof of the Arghandab district center at sunset in mid-autumn is breathtaking, the remaining leaves

An Open Letter to Vaugn Ward, Congressional Candidate for Idaho's 1st District

2009-09-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Vaughn, Good afternoon. I sent this request almost two weeks ago and have not received any kind of a reply or confirmation that the e-mail was received. I hope you will choose to answer these questions so that I might make a decision as to whom I will support in the upcoming election. This is an important time and I feel these are important questions that each of us must ask of

Honoring Sacrifice & Repaying Debts

2009-09-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I really don’t care if everyone remembers what they were doing or where they were on 9-11-2001. I think it is more important that we remember we were attacked without provocation by islamic terrorists. They attacked because they do not value life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness. They wanted to destroy our way of life. They still do. Islam is not a religion of peace despite what the media

4BCT, 82ABN Deploys

2009-08-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

The 4th Brigade 82nd Airborne has started deploying. Armed Liberal's son was part of the ADVON and he has a great post up at Winds of Change. My son will be heading out with the main body. Our prayers go out to all of the soldiers going in harms way. Not much else I can say about it right now without getting a bit choked up.Being the old sailor that I am I have to say "Fair Winds and Following

Support Charlie Company, 2/508 PIR, 82nd ABN

2009-08-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

>> UPDATE <

Putting the Troops at Risk

2009-08-08T08:54:00.001-07:00

UPDATEIt's the pot calling the kettle black. Congress and the Whitehouse have been hammering corporations for extravagant travel and now Nancy Pelosi wants to spend $550,000,000 of taxpayers money on several new Gulfstream G5's (C-37) and Boeing 737 Business Jets (C-40). I'll tell ya what Nancy, go fly Southwest Airlines and save the taxpayers some money!I don't care what anyone says but the

It's Official...The Global War on Terror is Over

2009-08-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Whitehouse is full of idiots. What else can I say? Check this out from the Washington Times.White House: 'War on terrorism' is over'Jihadists' and 'global war' no longer acceptable termsBy Jon Ward and Eli Lake WASHINGTON TIMES It's official. The U.S. is no longer engaged in a "war on terrorism." Neither is it fighting "jihadists" or in a "global war."President Obama's top homeland security

"It's the Tribes Stupid"

2009-08-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

Steven Pressfield is the renowned author of several books including Gates of Fire, The Virtues of War and The Afghanistan Campaign. Steven has published a video blog series about "War & Reality in Afghanistan."Steven describes the blog as such:"This five-part series is about war in Afghanistan, ancient and modern. I'm not doing this for money or politics. I'm a Marine and I don't want young

Snitch on Your Neighbor

2009-08-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you did not believe it before, believe it now. Obama is now asking citizens to snitch on their neighbors. We are almost nazi Germany or soviet Russia now.Read on:"There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual

This is not Chicago...

2009-08-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) for publically challenging the Obama gangsters in Wahsington.Issa to Emanuel: Back Off!August 4, 2009WASHINGTON. D.C. – Following reports that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has been orchestrating an effort to intimidate members of Congress and Governors who raise legitimate concerns regarding the effectiveness of the stimulus, House Committee on

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2009-08-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Take a close look at this picture and see if you can figure out what it says about the Obamanator.Check out the story at American Thinker

So why are gas prices so high?

2009-07-30T06:46:00.001-07:00

Everyone has noted the rise in gas prices over the past several months. I want to know why they are so high when demand is DOWN!!!!Exxon Mobil Corp.'s second-quarter profit tumbled a bigger-than-expected 66% amid weak demand, falling margins and slumping prices.Read about it at at The Wall Street Journal.

War Is Not Complicated

2009-07-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

Bing West, former Marine officer and author of The Strongest Tribe, gives his take in the Wall Street Journal on how we will win in Afghanistan.War is not complicated. You have to separate the guerrilla forces from the population and kill them until they no longer want to continue. Al Qaeda, dominated by Arabs, is finished inside Afghanistan. The Taliban are Afghans, to be dealt with by Afghans.

The Good Lord and The Man

2009-07-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

John Rich

4th BCT, 82nd Airborne, Block Leave

2009-07-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

We just enjoyed two wonderful weeks with my son at home on block leave prior to his deployment to southern Afghanistan with 4/82. Funny thing, he had a 0600 flight out of Raleigh-Durham that he was sweating because he ended up being scheduled for a 2300 night jump just prior. Luckily they jumped at 2100 and he made the flight with time to spare. His best buddy presented him with a jump ready

5/2 SBCT Arrives in Kandahar

2009-07-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

A good buddy of mine is a Fire Control Officer with the 5/2. We wish him and all of the 5/2 God speed and a safe return.

That's Rangeriffic!!!

2009-07-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Death Blossom: The tendency of Iraqi security forces, in response to receiving a little fire from the enemy, to either run away or do the "death blossom" spraying fire indisciminately in all directions. The term originated in the 1984 movie "The Last Starfighter" as a maneuver in which a single starfighter can single handedly wipe out an entire armada.

MRAP Replacement (M-ATV by Oshkosh)

2009-07-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Given that my son is heading to Afghanistan in the very near future (He is home on block leave as I type this) this is of great interest to the both of us.The Army Times reports:Oshkosh to make new M-ATV, Pentagon saysBy Dan Lamothe - Staff writerPosted : Wednesday Jul 1, 2009 12:19:34 EDTOshkosh Corp. has won a $1 billion contract to build new, mine-resistant vehicles for off-road use in

Call me "Senator"

2009-06-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Senator Boxer is a DouChe. Another example of the liberal democrats contempt for the military and our warriors. Californians', please do us all a favor and do not re-elect Senator Douche Boxer again.From FoxNews:In case you forgot, Barbara Boxer is a senator.The feisty California lawmaker felt the need to remind an Army brigadier general of that fact Tuesday during a hearing before her Senate

Remembrance - Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

We are here to play, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and Marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with

Soldiers Die When Leaders Cater to Opinions and Popular Opinion

2009-05-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

A fantastic Op-Ed in the Washington Times today written by Andy O'Meara, a retired U.S. Army Colonel. Thomas McInerney a retired Air Force Lieutenant General and Paul Vallely a retired Army Major General.Our rules of engagement punish service-members for nonlethal acts, such as threatening captured enemy agents. In this bitter war, the armed forces have imposed strict rules of engagement upon our

Payback in Afghanistan

2009-04-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

This is the same mountain range where Marcus Luttrell’s SEAL Team Made Their StandTurning Tables, U.S. Troops Ambush Taliban With Swift and Lethal ResultsBy C. J. CHIVERSNew York TimesKORANGAL OUTPOST, Afghanistan — Only the lead insurgents were disciplined as they walked along the ridge. They moved carefully, with weapons ready and at least five yards between each man, the soldiers who surprised

Scumbags

2009-04-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Audio of Marcus Luttrell's 911 call as he chased the scumbags who killed his dog at over 100 mph for about 40 miles.Audio Here

Brigade of 82nd Airborne Division get Afghan order

2009-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A brigade of the North Carolina-based 82nd Airborne Division that had been ordered to Iraq instead will be sent to Afghanistan as part of a mission to train that country's forces, the military said Friday.The Department of Defense said 3,300 paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bragg will deploy in the spring and through the summer. The announcement said

The Way It Is Meant To Be Sung!

2009-04-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Thomas P. M. Barnett

2009-03-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Blackfive who saw it at Ace of Spades. It is one of those things that makes you say hmm.

Away

2009-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the absence. I have been working on a side project that I hope to have going shortly.

Al Qaeda's 'Shadow Army'

2009-02-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

I first saw this at The Mudville Gazzette.Al Qaeda has reorganized its notorious paramilitary formations that were devastated during the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002. Al Qaeda has reestablished the predominantly Arab and Asian paramilitary formation that was formerly known as Brigade 055 into a larger, more effective fighting unit known as the Lashkar al Zil, or Shadow Army, a

Winning in Afghanistan

2009-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is personal to me because I do have a son serving in the armed forces who will deploy to Afghanistan in the near future. I don't like the idea of nation building, but when it comes to Afghanistan what is the alternative? If we simply walk away our enemy, those who have vowed our destruction will operate with impunity. I for one do not want my country to be attacked again. I also do not

Taking Chance

2009-02-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

In a time when we need hero's, here is one we can all look to.Several years ago I read the account of LtCol M.R. Strobl who escorted the remains of PFC C. Phelps USMC from Dover AFB, DE to his home over at Blackfive with my wife and we shed many tears reading it. By all accounts HBO has done the story justice.'Taking Chance' chronicles one of the silent, virtually unseen journeys that takes

Another Sheepdog

2009-02-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

We are fortunate that brave men are willing to do harm on our behalf. Spc. Erik Oropeza will be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism during an ambush in Taji, Iraq.Spc. Earns DSC for Heroism During AmbushBy Matthew Cox - Staff writerPosted : Friday Feb 6, 2009 10:45:26 ESTSpc. Erik Oropeza doesn’t remember hearing a thing when the 13 155mm howitzer rounds exploded beneath his

The Sun Has Set

2009-02-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

The sun has set for the S-3 Viking, aka "War hoover."I spent many hours working on and flying in the venerable S-3 Viking, the "War Hoover" with VS-32 "The World Famous Maulers." After thirty-four years the last Viking squadron, VS-22 "Checkmates," was disestablished this weekend at NAS Jacksonville.The Final Boat: End of the USN’s S-3B VikingsConceived primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

One Iraq War Vet Declares War On Hollywood

2009-01-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

One Iraq War Vet Declares War On Hollywoodby Sgt. WelshPlease go to this link first - click here - to understand what I’m about to rant about and why I’m so pissed.Almost 90% of Americans believe the war in Iraq is and was a waste. The Hollywood media feeds the public wasteful, depressing, and horribly fabricated stories. When did the U.S. military become the bad-guys? We are stereotyped “

The Assault Begins..err Continues in Ernest!

2009-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

"The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subject races to possess arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by so doing. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that the supply of arms to the underdogs is a sine qua non for the overthrow of any sovereignty. So let's not have any native

Economy Out of Control

2009-01-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

The government continues to spin/spend out of control. The Fed continues to print money like it grows on trees and the President (Bush & Obama) and Congress is spending it like there is no tomorrow. Something has to be done. It is time for everyone to put a stop to this. Please read the U.S. Constitution, get involved, and let's force a change in direction. I'm not sure we can last another

Just the way it was on 9/11

2009-01-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Finally, someone not afraid to tell it like it is. My hat is off to those involved in making this film.With “Taken,” Hollywood Inches Closer to Melting “Thou Must Whitewash Islam” Ruleby Debbie Schlussel With “Taken” debuting at the box office today, we’re inching closer to the melting of the post-9/11 “Thou Must Whitewash Islam” commandment.Since 9/11, Hollywood is taken with the politically

Defective Body Armor

2009-01-29T06:48:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years there has been a great debate about body armor. There are many who feel the Interceptor body armor is not as effective as Dragon Skin. Read here, here, and here.Army Orders Recall of Body Armor Jan 28 11:34 PM US/EasternBy RICHARD LARDNERAssociated Press WriterWASHINGTON (AP) - Army Secretary Pete Geren has ordered the recall of more than 16,000 sets of body armor

Al Arabiya Unintentionally Confirms Hamas Dirty Tricks

2009-01-28T17:44:00.001-08:00

Gaza reporter caught on tape confirming Hamas fired rockets near TV officesBy Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent Footage of a presenter on the Arabic language television station Al-Arabiya apparently confirms that Hamas fired at least one rocket from close to a building used by journalists during the 22-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.The Israel Defense Forces shelled the