You Took The Words Right Outta My...

How we doing hard-chargers!

So we got a few words from a former Army Soldier, who was blessed to see both sides of the playing field. I give you a few good words from retired Sergeant Micheal Thorin.                          (I thank you for your sacrifice to this great country my good sir.)

I believe that "balanced" rivalry is good. 

If I had to say one branch actually believed themselves superior, it would be the Marines. Sadly, having come from the Army, I would have to bow down and give credit where credit is due.I've seen more fit Marines than soldiers, which is pretty amazing considering the Army has and enlistment size of 541,291 compared to the Marines who have only 195,338.   Hence the few the proud...

From the outside looking in, it appears the Marines go more "by the book" when it comes to physical fitness standards, also Marines have an individual drive to maintain fitness and uniform standards.

Here is one exception that I may add; infantry units and combat arms units in the Army, have soldiers are mostly fit and ready.                                 

I attribute this to self preservation. When I was a medic assigned to a medical company, we did PT, but it was not the "get your but up and drive on!!!!" kind of PT.

We were never really driven to excel...

Now let me add that Infantry units and combat arms all "live and die by the sword". Meaning that their ability to constantly push themselves in order to ensure that they are not only fit enough to ensure their survival, but also fit enough for their brothers, and now sisters in arms, and their equipment as well.

Meaning if a soldier goes down during an engagement, you may have to pull that soldier out. If your 70 pounds overweight and your last meal was a Coke and a bag of barbecue pork rinds, you are going to have a less than stellar performance.

Now, all of this is dependent on whether or not you have a strong chain of command with a great desire for integrity; i.e. Instead of pencil whipping PT scores and "pencil/pen" weapons qualifications to keep the numbers up, a chain of command that doesn't want to guarantee troop strengths by the power of the pen.

Rather instead keeps troop strengths up by assuring PT, weapons qualifications, height/weight, and uniform are enforced daily so that when all of these are done for record, thereby maintaining troop strength by ensuring compliance daily. This is so soldiers do not have a chance to not simply go with the motion, but to be the force that drives the motion.
Another thing I had noticed was the difference in services. In basic training we were told everyone's primary MOS was 11B. I did not see many of our support companies live by this belief. 

However, you look at the Marines, and they say that every Marine's primary MOS is 0311 Rifleman, and the majority of all MOS's in the Marines life is this belief.
Again, I am not intending to offend anyone, but 11B and combat arms (19D, etc), more closely matches to the Marines.

I know there are officers who not only require that the standards be met, but also led by example, and lived out the standards.

Just my take, and I may be completely off. I pray that my fellow Army Soldiers, Airforce Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Navy Sailors do not get offended, because when it all comes down to it and rivalry becomes an issue, everyone better remember that the military is like human physiology, where if one system of the body shuts down or doesn't function properly, THE OTHER SYSTEMS WILL SUFFER.

                

It is the same way for the sum total of our military; when one suffers, we all suffer.

Always remember this and realize that rivalry can be fun and bring forth a sense of esprit de corps, however, if taken to an extreme, the body can suffer.

God bless, and may we continue to keep each and every branch of our military strong with a desire to make each branch strong and compliment each-other, as this was the original concept.

Your words are greatly appreciated here sir. I think even with the rivalry among branches, everyone has to remember that we're all brothers and sisters fighting for our gorgeous illustrious country.

Thank you to all who have made the sacrifice to serve America.

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

Conversing With A P.I.G.

Today we’ll be speaking with Nathaniel Hall. This gentleman was a part of Surveillance and Target Acquisition platoon.

**What made you want to make this move as you were already an Infantry Marine?

Honestly, I joined the Marines because I knew nothing about the military but always loved the Special Forces mentality and training.  After realizing I couldn’t lateral move out of my battalion, Scout Snipers was the next best move to make.  

**What was indoctrination like and how challenging was it for you both mentally and physically?

The indoc was extremely sleep deprived, mentally and physically draining.  We started off running a PFT which was a 3-mile timed run which had to be done under 19 minutes.  Then we ran 10+ miles after while conducting a gear inspection in between all of this.  Then we had to head out to the field where the rest of the training began.  We conducted a lot of land navigation, mission planning, classes, physical training and stalking movements.

** What are Marines like in S.T.A. Platoon??

For the most part they are A-Type personalities which to me is a combination of mentally and physically tough individuals, peak conditioning, motivated, leaders and team players.  

** Explain the difference between P.I.G.’s –&– H.O.G.’s

 P.I.G.S: Professionally Instructed Gunmen

 H.O.G.S: Hunter of Gunmen.

HOGS are school trained snipers where PIGS are taught by the HOGS throughout their time in the STA Platoon.

** In S.T.A. you work in smaller teams when patrolling, explain the rationale behind this?We work in smaller teams because we conduct most of our missions over night.  You need to be able to be agile and tactical which calls for smaller teams.

** Please tell us the story behind your Purple Heart…

Honestly, this link (2/8 Scout Snipers) does a better job explaining this than I can.  Due to a concussion and severe hearing loss led to the Purple Heart.

** Do you feel you’ve been taken care of as far as education and medical benefits since your EAS from Marines?

Education, VA and benefits has always been a hot topic.  One of the things I learned the quickest when I was getting out of the Marines was that no one is going to do their job so you need to get what is yours.  This simply means whatever you are entitled to then follow through with those claims.  I have pursued my bachelors thanks to my benefits and currently in school for my masters as well thanks to my benefits.

** What are your true thoughts on the services aimed to help veterans transition to civilian life??

There is still a lack for these services, however there are plenty of motivated individuals who have paved the way for other veterans.  It is up to the veteran to seek these services and do not stop until you get what is yours.

** 22 Veterans commit suicide per day. Hence the hashtag #22 what are your thoughts and how can we prevent more suicide attempts??

There are groups out there trying to fight this but this is a battle that is hard to fight due to mental illnesses.  However, as a band of brothers we can call each other monthly, text, email and facebook one another in order to maintain communication.  SITREPS are always essential to weekend libo, training operations and team unity.

** Advice to Marines who want to go S.T.A. platoon???

Be able to carry more than 70+ lbs, have a good PFT score, understand the fundamentals behind land navigation, be a team player, be proficient in field craft and marksmanship.  

** Last question, what was your PFT score and can you still put those same numbers up??

My PFT score was always around 290 but unfortunately I could never get that one-two last pull ups.  Beats me as I have always trained for the pull-ups and lifted weights as well.  

 I appreciate your time in this interview. As well as your sacrifice for this country, thank you.

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

Cpl. Michael Ouellette

Good day everyone, so today we here at USMC Infantry Brothers are very happy to honor one of our Marine Corps brothers whom is also a BAMF.(Bad Ass MotherFucker)

 

On March 22, 2009, Cpl. Ouellette was leading his squad on a combat patrol in the Helmand province.  Which is now referred to as Zad district, when an improvised explosive device detonated under his left foot. The blast dismembered the corporal’s left leg and his upper right thigh and groin were bombarded with shrapnel.

 

Cpl. Micahel Ouellette

 

Immediately corpsman Matthew Nolan, came to aid as much as he could as there was massive blood loss. Even with the situation taking place Ouellette was still in charge and able to dictate. Ordering his element to defend as enemy fighters were engaging.

 

There is word that Ouellette was instructing the radio operator of his element what to call in for helos as well mortars. He wanted to be sure his element was ok as the now acting team leader would have to step up since Ouellette was now severely injured.

 

Ouellette was able to guide his radio operator's communication when helicopters arrived to suppress the enemy. Lastly the squad leader would not be evacuated until all his Marines were able to move out of the area.

 

(Nauzad, once the Helmand Province now the --->> Zad District)

 

The corporal of Marines later passed on from wounds sustained. However, corpsman Nolan said he was breathing and conscious during the evacuation. The last thing he heard Ouellette say was: "I'm proud of my Marines." 

 

A new headquarters building at the Marine Corps' Advanced Infantry Training Battalion will honor a fallen noncommissioned officer who earned the Navy Cross during the battle that took his life.

Marine officials will dedicate a new facility named for  Cpl. Michael Ouellette at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, on Wednesday.(tomorrow)

 

The infantry squad leader was posthumously awarded the service's second-highest valor award for actions during a 2009 deployment to Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines.

 

The man was injured and still able to sum up enough strength in order to maneuver his element. He was able to remain poise in a very stressful situation, as well as being able to give commands in order to call for fire.

The family of Corporal Ouellette, we here at USMC Infantry Brothers want to say we're proud to be associated with such persons. The precious act of bravery and the ability to think and react quickly saved multiple lives March 22, 2009.

Thank you for your service Cpl. Ouellette your name shall live on forever...

 

God-Speed

 

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

 

Veterans v. Civilians

I'm sure if you're a civilian,  or a Vet, you've heard Veterans say something like "I can't stand civilians."  

In this post I am going to go through this "Vets vs Civilians" idea and why it exists.  When I was still Active Duty in the Marine Corps I never paid much attention to civilians. I simply didn't have the time. I was always around my Marine brothers, training or drinking in the barracks.

When I visited home I saw my closest friends and family in what little time I was able to spend with them.  Now that I've been out for over a year I can say without a doubt that I completely get it.  And I'll get into it here. But first I'll hit you with an anecdote...

Some time ago not long after I got out I was having lunch with some friends and watching a football game. We were drinking beers and eating bar food having a GREAT time. Somewhere in this time conversations turn to work related topics. And after some bitching from a friend about how much he works I proceeded to tell him how big of a baby he was, though I probably used much harsher words.  

He turned to me, dead serious, and told me "Well you don't know what it is like to work 12 hours a day!"  "Whoa, whoa, whoa, WHAT!?" I thought to myself. "Is this Mother F*cker serious?!" I mean I was HEATED.  Of course I know what it's like to work 12 hours a day.

In Afghanistan I was doing two patrols a day plus standing a 6 hour post. We all were. Many times I was up well over 24 hours being a part of QRF (Quick Reaction Force) or being woke by loud thuds and my cot shaking violently because we were being mortared.

Dave arriving back from a mounted patrol 2011

Now hopefully this will set the tone for the rest of the writing. You see, in the military from day one you are told that you don't rate anything and you are told exactly what lane you belong in. If you so much as slip outside your lane you get put in check very quickly.

So when Veterans are in Wally World or some store and other patrons or even the store associates are just down right rude, this can very easily piss you off.  Especially if there are kids running around like little terrors screaming and whatever else.  

Most civilians would say "But Dave that is so silly, how can you even get mad over that?" Well let me tell you. Even after you get out you have this mentality of "OK, this is my place in life. This is my lane, I'm doing my thing trying to live my life." But we can't do this. Why? Because f-ing civilians don't know what their lane is. Literally.

You can drive down i-95 on your way to school, trying to get an education as a 31 one year old. What happens? You excessively get cut off, people don't pay attention, they rear end someone and now it takes you an hour to get to school on what should've been a 20 minute ride all because someone had to text or couldn't wake up 20 minutes earlier to do their damn makeup.

Most Veterans will tell you they don't give a shit what you want to do with your life. It's just when your ignorance or idiocy starts creeping into my lane that I get pissed off. Everyone thinks they're more important than the person next to them and will step all over them if they can to get what they want instead of just STAYING IN THEIR LANE and waiting their turn.

That's all most of us really want; Civilians to have basic manners.  Be cognizant of others around you.  To students who have classes with Veterans: Please do not EVER try and act like you know more than they do about the military and what takes place, especially when it comes to infantry and people actually doing the fighting.

This has happened to me several times in a few Pol-Sci classes I  have taken and I do not hesitate to put you back in your lane on this issue.

I am much older now than I was when I sat in that bar with my friends watching football and something has dawned on me.  As much as civilians tend to piss me off on a regular basis, I went and fought so that they had the right to bitch about working 12 hour days.

I went and fought so that they had the freedom to drive down the highway. I fought for their freedom to be a huge douche-bag, if that's what they choose to be. I just ask for one thing, stop and look around once in a while and realize that you're not as important as you think you are.

You aren't owed anything.  You certainly weren't owed the blood shed by countless Americans that went, willingly, to fight for your right to be a self-righteous ass. I'm not asking you to buy Veterans drinks at the bar or even tell them thank you. Just appreciate what they've sacrificed for YOU and every other American.- DJ

#SemperKill