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15 years ago
Showing posts with label USMC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USMC. Show all posts
23 January 2010
The U. S. Marines leave Iraq
Today, the U. S. Marine Corps leaves Iraq and turns over all American military authority to the U. S. Army. How's the war looking now, Harry Reid?
02 October 2008
Speaking to the Future...
On the way home from annual training, I stopped at Wendy's for lunch. As I was eating, I overheard a conversation between the young man who had served me and another customer. It turned out that the customer was, like me, a former U. S. Marine--and the server was getting ready to ship to Marine Recruit Training ("Boot Camp") in San Diego, CA. The former Marine had attended Boot at Parris Island, SC and was making the typical pained noises about "Hollywood Marines," so I got up quickly and introduced myself as a graduate of San Diego. I returned to my seat, from which I heard him deliver his parting lesson: the best way to make it through Boot was to "keep your head down and blend in to the background."
After some thought, I got up from my salad and walked back to the counter. There were no other customers in line, so I called the young man over to talk. "I'm going to disagree with my fellow Marine," I said. The young man smiled uncertainly. "No matter how well you try to blend in, you will get attention from the Drill Instructors. I say, if your platoon is doing something that you can do balls-to-the-wall and really show your stuff, do it. Not just because your platoon will respect you for it, but because no matter what you do for the rest of your life, I guarantee you that you will remember Marine Corps Boot Camp. So you might as well make it a memory worth having.
"What you can't do is, A) Get injured--they'll recycle you, which would suck--and B) Take it personally. No matter how personal your Drill Instructors try to make it, telling you that the platoon is out island-hopping because of something that you did, it's just a game. The platoon is out island-hopping because island-hopping is on the schedule. It's just your day to find out how you stand up under the pressure, and taking it personally makes it worse.
"Good luck in my Corps, and I know you will do great things."
After some thought, I got up from my salad and walked back to the counter. There were no other customers in line, so I called the young man over to talk. "I'm going to disagree with my fellow Marine," I said. The young man smiled uncertainly. "No matter how well you try to blend in, you will get attention from the Drill Instructors. I say, if your platoon is doing something that you can do balls-to-the-wall and really show your stuff, do it. Not just because your platoon will respect you for it, but because no matter what you do for the rest of your life, I guarantee you that you will remember Marine Corps Boot Camp. So you might as well make it a memory worth having.
"What you can't do is, A) Get injured--they'll recycle you, which would suck--and B) Take it personally. No matter how personal your Drill Instructors try to make it, telling you that the platoon is out island-hopping because of something that you did, it's just a game. The platoon is out island-hopping because island-hopping is on the schedule. It's just your day to find out how you stand up under the pressure, and taking it personally makes it worse.
"Good luck in my Corps, and I know you will do great things."
22 August 2008
Somebody Finally Paid Attention!
Too bad I'm not in that branch of service anymore.
The United States Marine Corps has added a new Combat Fitness Test component to their PFT. It will consist of three events: a half-mile boot and utes run (that is, a run performed while wearing fatigues and combat boots), a repetitive lift of a 30 pound ammo can, and a sort of combat-oriented obstacle course.
I've been saying for years that "physical fitness" is not some ambiguous measurement generated by moving around for the sake of moving. "Fitness" literally means "being fit for" something. The military physical fitness tests should all be associated with skills and movements related to the most demanding military activities. My recommendation has been 20-yard dashes (to simulate the 3-5 second squad rush).
The United States Marine Corps has added a new Combat Fitness Test component to their PFT. It will consist of three events: a half-mile boot and utes run (that is, a run performed while wearing fatigues and combat boots), a repetitive lift of a 30 pound ammo can, and a sort of combat-oriented obstacle course.
I've been saying for years that "physical fitness" is not some ambiguous measurement generated by moving around for the sake of moving. "Fitness" literally means "being fit for" something. The military physical fitness tests should all be associated with skills and movements related to the most demanding military activities. My recommendation has been 20-yard dashes (to simulate the 3-5 second squad rush).
11 July 2008
Marine Corps is Falling In Love With My Favorite Workout
I discovered CrossFit almost a year ago. Unfortunately, there are no facilities suitable for their WoD's here in Jefferson City, and I can't yet afford the equipment on my own. I'm incorporating their principles as much as possible into my own workouts, however, and hopefully someday I'll be able to partipate for real. For now, the endorsement of U. S. Marines using the program.
Senate Testing Alternative Weapons
As much as the Army likes to gripe about M-16A2--designed by a U.S. Marine--and its derivative M-4, it seems unhappy that the Senate is re-competing the M-4 against other weapons. Although the M-4 has no particular deficiencies--other than the preference of many operators for a larger round--there have been many technological advances in weaponry since its design.
The M-4 is a carbine version of the M-16A2 service rifle, which was designed by a U. S. Marine and introduced for service in the 1980's as the world's longest-range standard issue service rifle. It has since been matched by at least two other service rifles, and the M-4 was later introduced as a specialized close-combat version. The M-4 has become immensely popular in military units because most combat takes place closer than M-16's 800-plus-yard range.
The M-4 is a carbine version of the M-16A2 service rifle, which was designed by a U. S. Marine and introduced for service in the 1980's as the world's longest-range standard issue service rifle. It has since been matched by at least two other service rifles, and the M-4 was later introduced as a specialized close-combat version. The M-4 has become immensely popular in military units because most combat takes place closer than M-16's 800-plus-yard range.
26 June 2008
16 May 2008
U. S. Marine Gets Four Years in Prison--For Kissing
The United States Marine Corps has sentenced SSgt Tyrone L. Hadnot to four years in prison for "abusive sexual misconduct" with a 14 year old girl. According to Hadnot's statement, he held the girl in place and kissed her--and the girl herself is pressing no charges.
But this was apparently enough to sentence SSgt Hadnot to four years in prison, and severely restrict all Marine Corps off-base activity pending a review of "sexual misconduct policy."
Hm. My first question is, where did this meeting take place? I'm betting on a Kadena nightclub which isn't supposed to allow minors in in the first place.
But this was apparently enough to sentence SSgt Hadnot to four years in prison, and severely restrict all Marine Corps off-base activity pending a review of "sexual misconduct policy."
Hm. My first question is, where did this meeting take place? I'm betting on a Kadena nightclub which isn't supposed to allow minors in in the first place.
26 April 2008
The Biggest Marine Corps Wannabe of ALL TIME
Yes, that's right: uber-wussy elitist Barack Obama wearing a "USMC" tee shirt. Trust me, Uncle Sam's Children will never be that misguided.
13 March 2008
13 February 2008
Bias Rampant in Berkeley
The article is here.
First, you will notice that about three-quarters of the quotes in support of the numerically-inferior Code Pink. My primary objection is not to the predictable bias of the reporter, however. Pay particular attention to this: "Pete Salvatore, age unavailable, of Rocklin near Sacramento, was arrested shortly after 1 p.m. on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, said Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss.
A group of Code Pink supporters wrapped Salvatore in a large banner and he claimed he needed the knife to free himself, Kusmiss said."
That's right: not only did the Berkeley Police Department hang up
when Move America Forward called for assistance yesterday, but now they arrested a man for being assaulted.
I can only hope that neither the California nor federal governments accept Berkeley's non-apology, and seriously crack down until this nonsense ends. This is in no way free speech issue, and must not be treated as one. This is sedition, assault, and harassment.
First, you will notice that about three-quarters of the quotes in support of the numerically-inferior Code Pink. My primary objection is not to the predictable bias of the reporter, however. Pay particular attention to this: "Pete Salvatore, age unavailable, of Rocklin near Sacramento, was arrested shortly after 1 p.m. on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, said Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss.
A group of Code Pink supporters wrapped Salvatore in a large banner and he claimed he needed the knife to free himself, Kusmiss said."
That's right: not only did the Berkeley Police Department hang up
when Move America Forward called for assistance yesterday, but now they arrested a man for being assaulted.
I can only hope that neither the California nor federal governments accept Berkeley's non-apology, and seriously crack down until this nonsense ends. This is in no way free speech issue, and must not be treated as one. This is sedition, assault, and harassment.
02 February 2008
SF Gate
The city council of Berkeley recently passed a resolution naming the United States Marine Corps "unwanted invaders" (which, I believe, constitutes an act of secession), and granting a weekly parking spot and exemption from noise permits for anti-military protesters. Yesterday, three persons (alleged in the article to be "Code Pink," but not wearing normal Code Pink attire) handcuffed themselves to the front door of the Marine Corps recruiting station in Berkeley and prevented people from entering. It was seven and one-half hours before the police arrested the protesters.
I was reading the comments on an article at sfgate.com regarding the incident, and I have some rebuttals to the liberal talking points there. I'm not interested in registering with the website to post my comments there, but perhaps they will be generally enlightening:
1. "You right-wing Fascist"- While Fascism is defined as "ultra-right wing" in most dictionaries, it should be noted that this refers to the European right wing (as in Italy and Germany)--thoroughly socialist. The right wing in the United States, however, refers to free-market economy and minimized government influence on the private citizen.
2. "This is a free-speech issue"- The First Amendment to Constitution of the United States of America does not "give you the right" to say or do anything you want; it prohibits Congress from passing laws abridging free speech. Assaulting people attempting to enter a building is a crime, period. Protest all you want; don't interfere with someone else's freedom.
http://www.krusch.com/real/under.html
3. "There is no more Communist or Socialist party in the U. S."-
sp-usa.org/
www.cpusa.org/
4. "We are at war because the 'military-industrial complex' has learned that war is profitable" "The war in Iraq has bankrupted the coffers of the United States"- Usually uttered by the same person. 'Nuff said.
5. "All of my conspiracy theories aren't reported in the media because of their right-wing bias"-
http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/Media-Bias-Is-Real-Finds-UCLA-6664.aspx?RelNum=6664
6. "Jim DeMint is trying to defund public programs in Berkely in retaliation"- actually, Senator DeMint is asking that congressional earmarksfor Berkely be removed from the omnibus spending bill, and the money given to the U. S. Marine Corps. Actual public programs would not be affected.
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=JimsJournal.Detail&Blog_ID=f3dbe45e-2252-4940-8614-2d80cca0834d
Of course, I personally support withdrawal of all federal and state funding from Berkely until they recognize federal authority.
7. "The opposite of funding war is funding education. There is reason that so many universities lean to the left"-
Yes, there is: http://www.indoctrinate-u.com/intro/
8. "The rich don't pay taxes; they have to poor to do that for them"-
Actually, the top 1% of incomes provide more tax revenue than the bottom 90%:
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2007/10/top-1-pay-more-.html
9. "America was founded by secular-progressives"- The founding fathers were definitely not secular; many of them (notably George Washington and Benjamin Franklin) were Freemasons, which requires a religious affiliation. Several were even ordained ministers. As for "progressive," the definition of that word has changed. They certainly wanted to change from the status quo of their day, but they were very modern in outlook, and were quite vocal in their dissent from many of the post-modern positions which comprise today's "progressive" movement.
I have answered the allegations of "illegal war" and "unwinnable, Viet Nam-esque quagmires" in other fora; I would be happy to do so again in reponse to a comment here, but this is enough for the present post.
I was reading the comments on an article at sfgate.com regarding the incident, and I have some rebuttals to the liberal talking points there. I'm not interested in registering with the website to post my comments there, but perhaps they will be generally enlightening:
1. "You right-wing Fascist"- While Fascism is defined as "ultra-right wing" in most dictionaries, it should be noted that this refers to the European right wing (as in Italy and Germany)--thoroughly socialist. The right wing in the United States, however, refers to free-market economy and minimized government influence on the private citizen.
2. "This is a free-speech issue"- The First Amendment to Constitution of the United States of America does not "give you the right" to say or do anything you want; it prohibits Congress from passing laws abridging free speech. Assaulting people attempting to enter a building is a crime, period. Protest all you want; don't interfere with someone else's freedom.
http://www.krusch.com/real/under.html
3. "There is no more Communist or Socialist party in the U. S."-
sp-usa.org/
www.cpusa.org/
4. "We are at war because the 'military-industrial complex' has learned that war is profitable" "The war in Iraq has bankrupted the coffers of the United States"- Usually uttered by the same person. 'Nuff said.
5. "All of my conspiracy theories aren't reported in the media because of their right-wing bias"-
http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/Media-Bias-Is-Real-Finds-UCLA-6664.aspx?RelNum=6664
6. "Jim DeMint is trying to defund public programs in Berkely in retaliation"- actually, Senator DeMint is asking that congressional earmarksfor Berkely be removed from the omnibus spending bill, and the money given to the U. S. Marine Corps. Actual public programs would not be affected.
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=JimsJournal.Detail&Blog_ID=f3dbe45e-2252-4940-8614-2d80cca0834d
Of course, I personally support withdrawal of all federal and state funding from Berkely until they recognize federal authority.
7. "The opposite of funding war is funding education. There is reason that so many universities lean to the left"-
Yes, there is: http://www.indoctrinate-u.com/intro/
8. "The rich don't pay taxes; they have to poor to do that for them"-
Actually, the top 1% of incomes provide more tax revenue than the bottom 90%:
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2007/10/top-1-pay-more-.html
9. "America was founded by secular-progressives"- The founding fathers were definitely not secular; many of them (notably George Washington and Benjamin Franklin) were Freemasons, which requires a religious affiliation. Several were even ordained ministers. As for "progressive," the definition of that word has changed. They certainly wanted to change from the status quo of their day, but they were very modern in outlook, and were quite vocal in their dissent from many of the post-modern positions which comprise today's "progressive" movement.
I have answered the allegations of "illegal war" and "unwinnable, Viet Nam-esque quagmires" in other fora; I would be happy to do so again in reponse to a comment here, but this is enough for the present post.
01 November 2007
The Untold Truth?
Armistice Day was first commemorated in the United States by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, and 30 states made it a legal holiday. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 inviting all States to observe the day and made it a legal holiday nationwide in 1938. It has been observed annually on November 11 since then - first as Armistice Day, later as Veterans Day. This was a clever ruse to hide the fact that President Wilson had a secret affinity for the United States Marine Corps. President Wilson, although a Dem, was not an all together bad guy. In the summer of 1918, he met with the German and Allied commanders, separately, of course. He pushed both sides toward ending the war, and, as fate would have it, he suggested the armistice signing take place on 11 November 1918. Everything fell into place. He gave it one year and then initiated the most misunderstood holiday these United States ever saw. He sold it as a celebration of the armistice all the while keeping in mind that November 10 was the birthday of the beloved Corps. Trying to appease St Peter and God himself, thus ensuring swift entry through the pearly gates, he gave the United States Marine Corps the day after that hallowed day of their birth as a holiday, thus freeing Marines everywhere to celebrate in the grandest of fashion. So on this the two hundred thirty second birthday of our beloved Corps, While raising toasts to Chesty Puller, Dan Daily, Smedly D Butler, Carlos Hathcock and all the great men and women that have been bestowed the honor of United States Marine, let us not forget the one democrat that gave the Corps so much! If you share this with anyone that has never served in the only true branch of service, they may not believe you and that's ok, the world needs non-believers. Semper Fi!
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem" -- Ronald Reagan
UPDATE:
As it turns out, this was actually fabricated by a friend of mine. Here I thought he'd done some sort of outstanding historical research.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem" -- Ronald Reagan
UPDATE:
As it turns out, this was actually fabricated by a friend of mine. Here I thought he'd done some sort of outstanding historical research.
25 September 2007
Changing Insurgent Hearts
USMC Major General Doug Stone, who is in charge of detainees in Iraq, is trying something new. Through a combination of education, religious classes, vocational training and even sports, the General is gradually reforming the moderate Muslim population of Iraq.
Not only has the rate of re-capture (the percent of detainees released that make it back to the battlefield) dropped from 7% to 2%, but current detainees are even turning in extremists who try to infiltrate the re-education classes.
I applaud the General for his innovative and proactive use of the detainee facilities in Iraq.
Not only has the rate of re-capture (the percent of detainees released that make it back to the battlefield) dropped from 7% to 2%, but current detainees are even turning in extremists who try to infiltrate the re-education classes.
I applaud the General for his innovative and proactive use of the detainee facilities in Iraq.
02 August 2007
Fwd: Wear of the Marine Corps Uniform
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jason Diederich <jason.c.diederich@gmail.com>
Date: Aug 2, 2007 9:20 AM
Subject: Wear of the Marine Corps Uniform
To: askfox@fox.com, oreilly@foxnews.com
Dear Fox Network:
I was very disappointed to find that, recently, on your show, "So You Think You Can Dance", Mia Michaels hosted while wearing a modified USMC Dress Blue Jacket with improperly displayed Lance Corporal insignia. I am writing to let you know that this is not only blatantly offensive to all former U. S. Marines, it is a violation of federal law. More information is available here. (10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772.)
I and my fellow Marines hope to see this issue addressed shortly and decisively.
Thank you,
--
Jason C. Diederich, formerly of the U.S.M.C.
--
Jason C. Diederich, formerly of the U.S.M.C.
--
Jason C. Diederich
12 November 2006
12 November 2006
First of all, a big happy birthday to all of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children!
It's been a quiet week--I was surprised at how quickly it went by. I had intended to go to Moberly to assist Kevin and Mary Ellen with Veteran's Day activities at the VFW, but Kevin and I both pooped out. I am certain that instant karma is gonna get us. On the up side, I now have my sergeant stripes sewn on my class A's.
Hey, does everybody remember a couple years ago when I asked for birthdays and contact information, and I actually *remembered* everybody's birthday that year? (I think I did, anyway) Well, I had that all stored on my laptop, which was fried when my apartment flooded--and of course I deleted those e-mails after about a year. If it wouldn't put you out too much, I'd appreciate getting that info again...
Kevin and Rachelle are going on their annual cruise soon--the beginning of December. I hope they don't get spit upon by any animals this time.
No progress to report on my commissioning goal, but I am due for a raise at MBS this month. Annual Training this (fiscal) year is going to be in Guatemala... is it bad that that makes me think of the movie "Birdcage?" ("I think you are intimidated by my Guatemalan-ness!") Also, I got possibly the most insulting rejection letter ever from my last federal job interview. Instead of hiring me, they hired... No one! They actually left the position unfilled rather than hire me. Wow. Kinda stings! :)
This "no weight" work-out I've been trying is kicking my hinder. I don't know if that means that it will actually be *productive* in the long run, but I've cut back the training a bit so that I can progress in it and continue to improve my APFT score.
I believed that I am scheduled for my Master Mason initiation in December. I have to say, I really get a kick out of this stuff!
-Jason
It's been a quiet week--I was surprised at how quickly it went by. I had intended to go to Moberly to assist Kevin and Mary Ellen with Veteran's Day activities at the VFW, but Kevin and I both pooped out. I am certain that instant karma is gonna get us. On the up side, I now have my sergeant stripes sewn on my class A's.
Hey, does everybody remember a couple years ago when I asked for birthdays and contact information, and I actually *remembered* everybody's birthday that year? (I think I did, anyway) Well, I had that all stored on my laptop, which was fried when my apartment flooded--and of course I deleted those e-mails after about a year. If it wouldn't put you out too much, I'd appreciate getting that info again...
Kevin and Rachelle are going on their annual cruise soon--the beginning of December. I hope they don't get spit upon by any animals this time.
No progress to report on my commissioning goal, but I am due for a raise at MBS this month. Annual Training this (fiscal) year is going to be in Guatemala... is it bad that that makes me think of the movie "Birdcage?" ("I think you are intimidated by my Guatemalan-ness!") Also, I got possibly the most insulting rejection letter ever from my last federal job interview. Instead of hiring me, they hired... No one! They actually left the position unfilled rather than hire me. Wow. Kinda stings! :)
This "no weight" work-out I've been trying is kicking my hinder. I don't know if that means that it will actually be *productive* in the long run, but I've cut back the training a bit so that I can progress in it and continue to improve my APFT score.
I believed that I am scheduled for my Master Mason initiation in December. I have to say, I really get a kick out of this stuff!
-Jason
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