The Conservative Cave
Current Events => The DUmpster => Topic started by: franksolich on June 30, 2011, 08:18:16 AM
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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1390044
Oh my.
The mountain man primitive, who like all men nightly pitches his tent one day's march nearer the mausoleum:
ThomWV (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:45 AM
Original message
The most cowardly job on earth is in Nevada
I have a nephew I get to talk to from time to time. The fellow is in his late 30's, he is a Captain (Pilot) in the Air Force. He is stationed in Nevada Sits in a cubical during his working hours flying armed Drones over Afghanistan and Pakistan. He told me once, a couple of months ago, that 'this is real combat, these are real bullets'.
I am and old man now, but I was part of my generations war. I know what real bullets are and what they do. My nephew has the most cowardly job on earth.
Well, I wouldn't call that "brave," but it's not anywhere near as cowardly as adult physicians who eviscerate infants in the womb.
RandomThoughts (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:48 AM
Response to Original message
1. Anyone that fights for better ideas will quickly find courage.
Because the bad side of ideas likes to use fear.
It is pretty consistent across the centuries.
aikoaiko (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:51 AM
Response to Original message
2. Seems like a harsh assessment to me. We've always been maximizing impact while mimiizing casualties
piratefish08 (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:59 AM
Response to Reply #2
9. minimizing casualties by expanding the number of countries we drone bomb?
Somalia now makes 6.
seems counter-productive, eh?
NNN0LHI (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:52 AM
Response to Original message
3. I swear I read somewhere that these drone pilots were stationed in Florida some years ago
Sure this good ole boy isn't bullshitting you?
Not saying I am right and you are wrong but I think that is what I read somewhere.
Don
brendan120678 (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:53 AM
Response to Original message
4. 'this is real combat, these are real bullets'
I believe that to be a valid point.
Imagine how Civil War veterans must have thought about WWI veterans.
Or imagine how WWI veterans must have thought about WWII veterans.
Or imagine how WWII veterans though about Korean and Vietnam veterans.
Etc,
Etc,
Etc.
As the years go by, warfare changes. Undoubtedly, it gets "easier," but it is still real.
ThomWV (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:54 AM
Response to Reply #4
6. In every example you give the enemy gets to fight back.
Rebubula (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:58 AM
Response to Reply #6
8. The Goal of war...
...is NOT to die for your country.
It is to make the other poor bastard die for HIS country.
(Patton)
The goal is also to win. War sucks - but it is a reality. I would rather our enemy not have the ability to fight back.
hobbit709 (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:54 AM
Response to Original message
5. In his late 30's and still a Captain?
He's either incompetent or pissed someone off.
ThomWV (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:55 AM
Response to Reply #5
7. In and out several times
If I had to guess I'd say that he has been out as much as he has been in.
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ThomWV (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:45 AM
Original message
The most cowardly job on earth is in Nevada
blahblahblah
I am and old man now, but I was part of my generations war. I know what real bullets are and what they do. My nephew has the most cowardly job on earth.
You watched TV news at night, that's all you did. Cowardly, dirty, smelly old hippy.
This DUmbass would probably play Russian roulette with an M1911A1. (only one bullet in the clip)
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[snort] We make fun of the 'Droniez' too. They wear flight suits and everything.
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Frank, you've often said this, especially in reference to this particular primitive
The mountain man primitive, who like all men nightly pitches his tent one day's march nearer the mausoleum
Could you elaborate on the underlying meaning? I've been meaning to ask for some time now. :???:
TIA :cheersmate:
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[snort] We make fun of the 'Droniez' too. They wear flight suits and everything.
While I wouldn't knock the skill of a UAV pilot, it does strike me as a bit strange that they can be awarded Bronze Stars for pushing a button and turning some Talibunny into a fine red mist 10,000 miles away.
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Frank, you've often said this, especially in reference to this particular primitive
The mountain man primitive, who like all men nightly pitches his tent one day's march nearer the mausoleum
Could you elaborate on the underlying meaning? I've been meaning to ask for some time now. :???:
TIA :cheersmate:
It's a long story, the phrase used only on the mountain man primitive, and it's impossible to render short.
Anyway, the mountain man, who's now 66 years old, has always claimed to be an atheist.
Well, whoop de doo with that. So he's an atheist.
At the same time, the mountain man primitive has betrayed an obsessive fear of dying.
Now we all have a fear of dying; that's a perfectly normal and healthy instinct.
But the mountain man primitive is coldly, clammily, sweatily, terrifiedly, afraid of death.
The thought of his death scares the shit out of him.
And myself being a nice guy.....
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Are there any other AFB's in Nevada other than Area 51 and Nellis?
I thought the UAV's were piloted in Florida, Central Command HQ and all.
And why are they wasting a pilot with the rank of Captain time with what should be a WO's job?
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Are there any other AFB's in Nevada other than Area 51 and Nellis?
I thought the UAV's were piloted in Florida, Central Command HQ and all.
And why are they wasting a pilot with the rank of Captain time with what should be a WO's job?
Air Force, m'boy, Air Force. Captains fetch coffee. Majors fly.
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DUmmy ThomWV apparerntly discovered those great youtube gun camera links,
and was inspired to spin a lame bouncy tale around them.
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Are there any other AFB's in Nevada other than Area 51 and Nellis?
I thought the UAV's were piloted in Florida, Central Command HQ and all.
And why are they wasting a pilot with the rank of Captain time with what should be a WO's job?
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1842216-2,00.html
Apparently so. Also looks like they may be expanding it the enlisted ranks. Chalk one more up in the question of, "what really separates non-commissioned from commissioned?". You'd be hard-pressed to find a senior NCO without at least an associate's degree, many have Master's degrees now.
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While I wouldn't knock the skill of a UAV pilot, it does strike me as a bit strange that they can be awarded Bronze Stars for pushing a button and turning some Talibunny into a fine red mist 10,000 miles away.
Agree there.
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It's a long story, the phrase used only on the mountain man primitive, and it's impossible to render short.
Anyway, the mountain man, who's now 66 years old, has always claimed to be an atheist.
Well, whoop de doo with that. So he's an atheist.
At the same time, the mountain man primitive has betrayed an obsessive fear of dying.
Now we all have a fear of dying; that's a perfectly normal and healthy instinct.
But the mountain man primitive is coldly, clammily, sweatily, terrifiedly, afraid of death.
The thought of his death scares the shit out of him.
And myself being a nice guy.....
I often wondered about that saying myself. Knowing you I figured it was a play on something he said at one time.
Perhaps you should email him the lyrics to the song "Don't Fear the Reaper". :-) :-)
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Interestingly, it appears that Bronze Stars are meant not only for bravery, but also "meritorious service".
Criteria
The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.
When awarded for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal is annotated by a bronze "V" device (to designate valor). Only one "V" device will be worn on the medal or ribbon regardless of the number of times awarded.
http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7771
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I wouldn't be surprised if UAV pilot was one of the most boring jobs in the world.
A few get some great shots, but they orbit for hours and hours and days and weeks on end just on station.
That's their strong point - extremely extended flight time so they can patiently wait for something to happen.
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[snort] We make fun of the 'Droniez' too. They wear flight suits and everything.
Heh, heh, heh! Now that's funny!
RandomThoughts (1000+ posts) Thu Jun-30-11 08:48 AM
Response to Original message
1. Anyone that fights for better ideas will quickly find courage.
Because the bad side of ideas likes to use fear.
It is pretty consistent across the centuries.
Anyone else think that "RandomThoughts" is the perfect name for this *****?
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Anyone's job that potentially saves the lives of grunts is a hero in my eyes!
That said, my son sent me this a while back:
US Marine Corps Rules:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4." (That just shows good sense.)
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.
Navy SEALS Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Adjust Speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.
US Army Rangers Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.
US Army Rules:
1. Select a new beret to wear.
2. Sew patches on right shoulder.
3. Change the color of beret you decide to wear.
US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask "what is a gunfight?"
5. Request more funding from Congress with a "killer" PowerPoint presentation.
6. Wine & dine 'key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 1345 tee-time.
US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy the Marines
Sniper Rule:
1. One shot, one kill.
Cindie
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H5 girlfriend, H5!!!!
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It's a long story, the phrase used only on the mountain man primitive, and it's impossible to render short.
Anyway, the mountain man, who's now 66 years old, has always claimed to be an atheist.
Well, whoop de doo with that. So he's an atheist.
At the same time, the mountain man primitive has betrayed an obsessive fear of dying.
Now we all have a fear of dying; that's a perfectly normal and healthy instinct.
But the mountain man primitive is coldly, clammily, sweatily, terrifiedly, afraid of death.
The thought of his death scares the shit out of him.
And myself being a nice guy.....
Well, sir, you are a nice guy. It IS very thoughtful of you to remind this man who "remembers what real bullets are and what they do" that it's not only bullets that will fetch him to the steps of the mausoleum.
What a poseur he and all the other lying DUmmie warriors are. :loser:
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Well, sir, you are a nice guy. It IS very thoughtful of you to remind this man who "remembers what real bullets are and what they do" that it's not only bullets that will fetch him to the steps of the mausoleum.
What a poseur he and all the other lying DUmmie warriors are. :loser:
Now, now, now, Boudi, you should know better than to use DUmmie and warrior in the same sentence, unless of course we're talkin' "butt warrior", then that is permissible. heh!
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Now, now, now, Boudi, you should know better than to use DUmmie and warrior in the same sentence, unless of course we're talkin' "butt warrior", then that is permissible. heh!
:-)
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Well done delilahmused, it's the truth but it's not very often recognized.
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Are there any other AFB's in Nevada other than Area 51 and Nellis?
I thought the UAV's were piloted in Florida, Central Command HQ and all.
And why are they wasting a pilot with the rank of Captain time with what should be a WO's job?
Nellis. My kid was looking into that job when he enlisted. I think initial job training in at Dysis (sp?) in TX then they go to Nellis to fly the things. Now he is going to be in the Prcision Calibration field and I have no idea where he is going to go.
I did my time in the canoe club and with the grunts as a corpsman. The zoomie jokes were worse than the Costie ones.
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I have always wondered something. I know that there are some primitives that have DD214's. But how many of them actually volunteered for service and how many were drafted.
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Now, now, now, Boudi, you should know better than to use DUmmie and warrior in the same sentence, unless of course we're talkin' "butt warrior", then that is permissible. heh!
Most likely the same as a rump ranger. :whistling:
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H5 girlfriend, H5!!!!
Ditto! ^
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While I wouldn't knock the skill of a UAV pilot, it does strike me as a bit strange that they can be awarded Bronze Stars for pushing a button and turning some Talibunny into a fine red mist 10,000 miles away.
Bump^. I agree. I can understand awarding the BSM to these folks given the criteria outlining the award, i.e. "in support of combat operations". Nothing above the BSM though and certainly NOT with a "V" device. This is a strange and new age we are embarking on with this "war from afar" technology. I don't feel that those who participate in this should be eligible to be awarded decorations which are given to those who physically occupy a real pair of boots on real ground with the very real possibility of earning a PHM. These guys will never perform a building entry by kicking a door in and facing the business end of a Kalashnikov so they shouldn't be eligible to share the same level of recognition of those that do.
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Are there any other AFB's in Nevada other than Area 51 and Nellis?
I thought the UAV's were piloted in Florida, Central Command HQ and all.
And why are they wasting a pilot with the rank of Captain time with what should be a WO's job?
There is Creech AFB in Indian Springs.
http://www.creech.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14306
I never even knew it existed till me and my friends passed it when we were driving from Nellis to see Death Valley. I thought it was odd to have what looked like such a small base out in the middle of no where. I thought they might have done support for Groome Lake but the info page says they fly UAVs.
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The USAF deployed to Kuwait and Turkey for ten years before the marines and army even knew where it was on the map, ditto for Somalia.
Most of the putzes that make fun of the Air Force are those who never deployed and counted on those "angels over their shoulders" to scatter the POS insurgents to points far away from the path the Army and Marines are convoying through.
Google PJ and then find the balls to talk to them about air conditioning and watching HBO. Johnny the marine gets himself in a little pickle on the ground it's the USAF PJ who comes bails his ass out. Then Google the mission of Talons I and II -- oh wait, you can't because they are special ops. Their mission is not to win wars, it is to prevent them. Books don't get written about their missions much.
From the B-52's who scream through the dead of night at 200 ft off the ground, to the C-130 that flies through dangerous mountain terrain hauling supplies and troops... the USAF is doing their mission, and they do it well, and they been running a fix rotation since Desert Storm. I don't even want to freakin talk about the Clinton "humanitarian mission" years that nearly broke the backs of these flight squadrons.
Make fun of the Canadians, this attack your own nonsense gets old.
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(http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/web/web_040511-F-9999S-011.jpg)
:bigbird:
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(http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/web/web_040511-F-9999S-011.jpg)
:bigbird:
I hope he's lost that hat by now.
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Interestingly, it appears that Bronze Stars are meant not only for bravery, but also "meritorious service".
http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7771
Yep, my husband earned one during Desert Storm, for meritorious service. Except for the anticipated SCUD attacks and the SCUDs flying overhead at a distance, he wasn't in harm's way, there. That came later, during the Bosnian "peacekeeping" operation. Anyway, there is no doubt in my mind that he and his fellow intelligence soldiers helped save a lotta lives over there.
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I hope he's lost that hat by now.
http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/person.asp?dec=1990&pid=123006509
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Yep, my husband earned one during Desert Storm, for meritorious service. Except for the anticipated SCUD attacks and the SCUDs flying overhead at a distance, he wasn't in harm's way, there. That came later, during the Bosnian "peacekeeping" operation. Anyway, there is no doubt in my mind that he and his fellow intelligence soldiers helped save a lotta lives over there.
Everyone's roll is important -- from the supply guy to the generals in theater. They ALL deserve our respect and thanks.
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Everyone's roll is important -- from the supply guy to the generals in theater. They ALL deserve our respect and thanks.
Oh hell yeah. I personally always made it a point to thank the cooks serving up my meals in the field. Those poor bastids get less appreciation and respect than anyone else, IMO. But, I can remember one night going awfully hungry on an FTX at Hood, waiting for the chow to find us. An Army can't fight without fuel, ammo or food and water, not for long, that's for sure.
Other underappreciated MOS's, again IMO, are Signal, Maintenance and Ordnance. And I did get a bit weary of all the MI jokes too. :(
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8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally.
?? I am going to need an example of this. SAC had a clear mission.
Nuclear bombs don't deploy. :wink: