I’ve been home on leave for the holidays for the past week, hence the lack of posts. Christmas was pretty good this year, we’ll at least better then last year spending in the sandbox. I got some clothes from my Finacee’, and a new PowerShot SD 450 along with The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Book Set. I havn’t been able to keep up with may of the news or other blogs that I normally read since being back on the east coast for leave. But I will be sure to post more when I get back from skiing in Vermont this week.
*SEPIUS EXERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATER INFINITAS*
I was checking out some of the other military blogs out there and I came across an article that makes you realize how much at war we are with terrorism. There is an email circulating directing Soldiers who use the Army Knowledge Online to a false website that logs the users information to be used at another time. This is just one of the ways that Terrorists are waging war on us. This is why it is important to practice good Operational Security or OPSEC as it is called. Remember to check web addresses, and send encrypted email whenever possible, don’t discuss troop movements etc. I will be posting some information on OPSEC and how to properly implement it.
* SEPIUS EXERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATER INFINITAS…*
Last night I was invited to go to a PGA West dinner. The club was participating in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. This program collects and distributes new toys to needy children all over the United States. My fellow Marines and I were assigned to sit and eat dinner at an assigned table. And answer any questions that these folks asked. Most questions were about the war in Iraq, and the role that we played while deployed. The evening was a nice experience. I was able to meet some very down to earth people. Some other pluses where the food was damn good, but the open bar was even better. These people truly appreciated everything that we do. It was nice to be in a crowd of people who really care about what’s going on in Iraq, and all over the world. One of the downsides was that it ended too early. Now I know these people are in there 70s-90s, but you can still stay up past 2200. I would have wanted to stay for a few more drinks.
*No better Friend, No Worse Enemy…..*
According to Maradmin 241/05 there is a precautionary recall on certain batches of OTV’s or Outer Tactical Vests. These vest are to be check by the Marines unit to determine whether they are from a recalled batch. We did a screening of all our ballistic panels for out OTV’s. This includes the three panels that are in the vest, two panels that are in the collar portion, and one in the neck, and groin protector. Sadly both my neck and throat panels where on recall status. So that’s 3 panels of protection that wouldn’t have work when I was in Iraq. I’m just thankful that I never had to have those panels fail on me. The bright side is that I will get new panels before our next deployment. Remember to check your ballistic panels.
*never expect what you don’t inspect…*
I was sitting around today thinking I have all these Gmail account invitations that I never do anything with. So I though some other Marines could use these accounts for when they deploy so that they have plenty of space to save all there email (Over 2GB). So for any Active, or Reserve Service member out there who would like a free GMail account leave me a comment with your name and Branch of service and an email account to send the invite to.
*Motivate, KILL*
Today was one of the saddest days I’ve have in the Marine Corps. Our SNCOIC left for another unit today. I was sad to see him go, he tough me so much. He was a great guy who you knew you could count on when the shit hit the fan. He would have your back no matter what. He was supposed to be our gunny when we deployed to Iraq again. It’s just a crock of shit that they are sending him to another unit. Tonight we had a small gathering out at a local bar to say our goodbyes. The only light of hope that we have is that he will still be close enough where we can still see him from time to time. Gunny we will always miss you.
*Engineers Lead The Way….*
I just wanted to let everyone know that I added two new Military blogging links today. The First is from MilBlogging. You can find it listed under Intel. The second one is MilBlog and it’s listed under Friends. The reason it’s listed there is that when click the link will bring you to a random Military blog. Happy Hunting. I also just want to say thanks for all the great comments coming in. I’m going to try and post more.
Semper Fi
and remember when in doubt double tap….
Why does it seem that most of the new marines we get are retards. I don’t know if it’s me but they come to the fleet lazy, and without a clue. Sometimes you even show them what the right things to do are. And they still act like there still in High School. They where even bitching when I ran the platoon for 5 miles today. It wasn’t even at a fast pace. Sometimes it gets very disappointing. But I learned a long time ago that you can’t let others bring you down. Just plug away doing the right things. I have to give a class this afternoon on some Maintence Managment paperwork. Also I’d like to say hello to all my new visitors to the blog. I had over 15 visitors yesterday. I think it has to do with this page being listed in MilBlogging.
Remember Stay In the Fight.
Damn. It’s been a busy week. Not that much has gone on this week, but it’s just been busy running around getting the day-to-day crap done. I’m tired as hell today. I worked out 3 times today. (The 3rd time wasn’t my choice) So instead of going to sleep early like I should, I’m going to go out to grab some pizza and beer with some of the guys. I’m counting the days till I go home on leave. Soon they will be in the single digits. I can’t wait. I just want to remind my buddies back home to let me know when they want to hang out…
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