Okay, so this probably seems weird for me to talk about.  Recently a good friend of mine could not understand how I could agree with the invasion of Iraq and yet not agree military intervention in Libya.  To be clear about that point, first and foremost, just because a President decides to use military force does not mean I unilaterally agree with ( Read more... )

I made the decision earlier this year to retire from the Army.  I've been active duty and reserve for over 30 years now.  Yeah, I enlisted during the Carter Administration.  I've been a part of the Cold War, have deployed for Desert Storm, Operation Joint Guard/Joint Endeavor, and three tours in the GWOT in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I've got plenty of ( Read more... )

As you go into this Memorial Day holiday with the cookouts and concerts and such, remember to raise a glass to absent friends.


( Read more... )

The first time in forty years the Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded to a living recipient.

Join with me in saluting a living hero; Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta.

The Official Citation:

Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta

United States Army

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the ( Read more... )

And why exactly, is he sticking his hand down the tube? But I especially like it when he shakes it and looks down the tube.  Glad to see there are knuckleheads in the Russian Army as well.

Ёб твою мать!

I had promised a friend I'd write my thoughts about General McChrystal's firing "in a few days".  Okay, it's been a couple of weeks.  I've been on vacation.  Sue me.  It's not like anyone is paying to read my blog anyway (although you can - it's available on the Kindle).  I also know it is probably old news, obe by now.  I don't really care.  I ( Read more... )

When I have Reserve Duty, since I am 125 miles away from my unit, I usually stay at someplace inexpensive, but nice enough, like Days Inn.  This weekend they were all booked.  Who knew Laurel, MD was such a popular place?  So I had to book a room at Red Roof, which I generally don't much care for.  It's just slightly too seedy for the money.

The ( Read more... )

I had yet another audiology exam today for the Army.  It was a very professional, modern, comprehensive exam.  My hearing has gotten a bit worse - no surprise there.  The "why" of having yet another hearing exam is interesting ( Read more... )

While in Afghanistan, we had to take anti-malarial medication daily.  As our team's NCOIC, it was my job to make sure everyone took their pills.  For some reason, the name of the drug (which causes liver damage, they say), eluded me.  Early in our deployment, I am routinely checking to make sure everyone took their pills:

Me:   Did everyone take ( Read more... )

At least for now ( Read more... )