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Post by colt6940 on Nov 12, 2012 15:33:54 GMT -8
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Post by mqd123 on Dec 1, 2012 17:19:22 GMT -8
news.msn.com/us/marine-pioneering-effort-to-move-women-into-combatI think women in combat is a bad idea... even if they're Marines. Isn't there some physical strength standards that is required of someone in combat duties? I would like to think that if I get shot, my buddy can drag my ass to safety. I've never met a woman who could do that and that should worry me if I'm out there getting shot at, right? Are the Marines lowering any standards to make this happen?
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Post by kayaker55 on May 4, 2013 19:41:39 GMT -8
One of my students recently did a project on the Medal of Honor. Amazing stories of men compelled to go above and beyond the call of duty. I was inspired to read more.
Medal Of Honor One Man's Journey From Poverty and Prejudice M. Sgt. Roy Benavides, USA SF with John R. Craig chronicles the life and military career of an incredible man.
This is the clip my student used in his presentation:
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2013 21:12:46 GMT -8
What conclusion do your draw from a man like Benavidez? I'm listening to his speech, seems super-human.
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Post by kayaker55 on May 6, 2013 15:29:23 GMT -8
I've been reading more about the MOH winners. The common consensus seems to be they believe they aren't heroes or super human. Many of them state they were "just doing what they were trained to do." The other obvious aspect that stands out was their devotion and commitment to their brothers in arms. No one else mattered.
M. Sgt. Benavides' MOH was a bit more significant because he wasn't awarded the MOH until 1991, many years after his actions in Vietnam. Some claim his MOH wasn't initially even considered because racist officers refused to recommend him. Then you add the media picking up the story. Remember the military, U.S. and media were very different in the 70s. It's not too much different then Audie Murphy's story. I still remember the movie. Murphy actually starred in it. Find it on Netflix. Great war movie for the era.
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2013 22:48:46 GMT -8
I wouldn't be surprised if politics (racial or otherwise) played a role. Just think of all the behind the scenes stuff that goes into silly awards like the Oscars. We do have a long history in the US of belated recognition; think of the Tuskegee Airmen.
I bet Benavidez' harsh childhood was an asset to him.
People like him are doers. They keep their nose to the grindstone, but with an added element of taking the initiative.
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Post by kayaker55 on May 7, 2013 17:47:41 GMT -8
I agree they were doers who took the initiative. But in reading more about these men and their citations, I can't help but make a connection between their actions and the 7? 8 ? virtues of Bushido. First, the word Samurai originally meant “one who serves.” Then, if you read the description of each virtue, you can't help but realize they were "Walking in way of the Warrior" - Bushido ! If you want to read more about the MOH recipients go to: www.cmohs.org/. It's the website my student shared.
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nick
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Post by nick on May 20, 2013 14:00:51 GMT -8
I'm reading a very depressing book, 'The Outpost', by Jake Tapper, about an outpost in Afghanistan. Many soldiers lost their lives before and while the outpost was almost overrun, and eventually abandoned. I can only read a little at a time because it makes me literally furious.
Some criticize the book for certain inconsistencies, others criticize some of the tactics at the outpost, but no one denies the fact that it was a huge f@#$ up, foolishly initiated and perpetuated by the Army. The brave soldiers on the ground were the ones who had to pay the price.
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2013 23:01:40 GMT -8
I'm reading "the Last Season" by Eric Blehm about a very experienced back country ranger in Kings Canyon National Park who disappears in the wilderness. It's a non-fiction mystery, because no can figure out what happened to him - accident, suicide, disappearing act etc. Not really about guns & ammo, but does touch on search & rescue + wilderness survival. www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/Final-Patrol.html
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Post by wckalijkd on Jul 29, 2013 17:37:32 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2013 21:03:49 GMT -8
Wow, that's really interesting. I dig that stuff!
I just finished reading "Whispering Wind" by Syd Kyle Little. It's a rare book, but one of the most amazing stories I've ever read. It's the memoir of an Australian Native Affairs Officer who was sent to Arnhemland (one of the most remote parts of Australia) in the late 1940s to be the lone representative of the government in the middle of nowhere. He lived with the Aborigines and really learned their ways.
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Post by wckalijkd on Jul 31, 2013 17:35:57 GMT -8
S-13,
Tim Bax is releasing a "limited edition" copy of 3 Sips of Gin. Over 100+ personal photos in this edition. Getting a copy of this too:-)
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Post by Stan on Sept 3, 2013 10:24:43 GMT -8
I thought I would finally add to this well-rounded warrior thread as we should all read & learn as much as possible. 'No Easy Day' by "Mark Owen" Easy and fast read. Many things I am not surprised about: *Professionalism and independance given to the DEVGRU operators. Real no kidding "big boy rules". "Pack what you think you need for the deployment..." *Virtual unlimited access to 1st class weapons and equipment. Issued two H&K 416s, a gerber tool for each mission mag, etc. *Unlimited support for the UBL raid; drone feeds, CIA analysts, etc. *Full dress rehearsals on a mock compound. Done since the Son Tay Raid in Viet Nam. Some things I was surprised about: *A couple swipes at Obama. *A couple swipes at Dick Marcinko, the founder and first commanding officer of ST6 which would become DEVGRU.
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