Any of you CM fans ex/current military?

[buddy]

Sound off, people! Just curious as to the military experience of all participating in this forum...I was in the Army Reserves for 8 years (7 active). I was an office clerk, I made the rank of Sergeant before getting out and I spent 7 months in the Gulf War (6 in the field - 3 weeks of which in Iraq at a jump-toc or forward tactical operation center. My 8-man detachment actually captured about 9 surrendering soldiers). How's that for an office geek?

[SGTRock]

Yeah I was in the Candian Army For Two years
2 was enough to find out how pitafull our Army has become since the Liberals pretty much have a free for all in Canada.

Snif


------------------
Sgt. Rock Says " War is Hell, but games are fun "

[Fred]

Hi!

PFC german army (armored artillery). Drafted with 18, being there for 15 month.
At least a short military career ;)

Fred

[Paul]

3 years in US Army, 82-85. Got out as a SP-5. I was 82C, an artillery surveyor. After Fort Sill basic training, I have spent rest of my tour in Aschaffenburg, West Germany. Some of the best years of my life. Love that german beer.

[PatB_TGN]

Served in the United States Navy for six years on board a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN 629b, USS Daniel Boone) out of Kings Bay, Georgia.

Machinest Mate, M-Div, Engineering/Nuclear power program.

-Patrick

[Sefchick]

1st Lt. US Army Military Police Field Unit.
Also was in a POW Camp unit.

I'm out now and now a Police Officer.

[Mikeman]

Ballistic Missle sub! Now that's cool! I served in the U.S. Army on an M60 Tank from
1973-1976. 1/33 out of Gelnhausen Germany. 3rd Armor Division. Joined the Army to throw grenades and never saw one. I was on KP the day they did that in basic training.
Started some great fires though with HE rounds at Hohenfels.

[Moon]

Corporal in German Bundeswehr, Signals battalion. Refused to sign up for sniper training because it would have ment to enlisten for another four years, and became armchair general instead http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

[Cormand]

Sergeant in the Swedish army, Mechanized Infantry Rgt, Tank commander (gotta love those Leopard 2 Imp's).

Cormand

[tss]

Coastal artillery weatherman in Finnish army for 285 days.

I don't consider myself as a trained soldier, since I spent most of the time in an isolated weather station doing weather reports. In fact, after the basic infantry training I didn't fire a single shot with my assault rifle. (Not even the "absolutely required" marksmanship tests, as nobody remembered to schedule us for them...)

-Tommi

[titan]

Spent 8yrs in New Zealand army 84-92 in an infantry battalion first 3 in the mortar platton as a number one then transferd to a rifle company (Charlie),did section commanders course (squad leader for you yankys) then a junior NCO's course
Highest rank acheived :Corporal
most enemy kills:0
real battles fought in :0
tacticall exercise:to many
reason for joining:cheap beer and women
reason for leaving:women with expensive tastes

[John Maragoudakis]

Canadian Infantry reserves. Two summers. 82 & 84. A 17 year old looking to kick some commie butt.

[R Cunningham]

Captain, US Army Active duty 9 years.
Detailed 2 years to infantry, where I was a rifle Platoon Leader B Co 1-17th Infantry
Reverted to Ordnance Corps in 92.
Served as a Battlion S-4 (supply) and Assistant S-3 (plans).
Now Class IX (repair parts) for 1st Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Germany.

Qualified expert on my pistol (M9 peashooter) this morning http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

[BenSp]

Gefreiter in Spiel Ter Rgt 17 - swiss army.
(I'm a drummer in the army band... that doesn't qualify me to play CM I'm afraid... http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

[mikemac]

Hi Patrick, I had no idea there was another Bubblehead on board.

I served in the United States Navy for eight years on board an attack submarine (SSN 646, USS Grayling) out of Charleston, SC.

Electrician Mate, E-Div, Engineering/Nuclear power program.
Instructor, Nuclear Power School, Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was always fun having Officer Students. “Well Sir, do you think you can get the lights back on now.”

[John Pender]

Active duty U.S. Coast Guard E6/BM 11 years staying till twenty. Ship/boat driver, stuck on the beach for now as a search and rescue controller. Shoting .50cal at 55gal drums in the ocean makes for a good time. The M60 is a blast.
Oh yea no puddle pirate jokes from you squids ok ;)

[rune]

{Lurk mode off}

Ex-navy here, served late 70s as an NFO on the F-14a. USS Eisenhower. Got out when eyesight went bad and I lost flight status. I was a Lt. (jg)


(Lurk mode on)

[Bil Hardenberger]

13 years U.S. Army
Military Intelligence Analyst (tactical analysis)
E-6

I got out after they started downsizing after the Gulf War,(i.e. I took the money and ran!)

[Los]

21 years US Army, (Active and Guard)
82d airborne, 1/505th PIR as an infantry scout then REMS specialist
Drill sergeant (2 years)
The rest in SF (5th group and 19th) as a commo guy, then ops and intel sergeant, then a team sergeant. (all team time) Hoping to retire in the next year.

(Been to plenty of places real and training, most you wouldn't wanna take your kids to)

cheers...

Los

[Harold Jones]

Hi, 4 years as a tanker on active duty. Spent a year partying my way out of college and went back in for 4 more fabulous years. Served in the 1st ID during Desert Storm. After I got out I spent 4 years as a Tow/Dragon repairer in the Natl Guard.

[MERC]

[Cloaking Device off ]

Combat Engineer in 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisons from 1989 to 1993. Now a engineer for a general aviation manufacturer.

[Chris Jenkins]

Three years, 10th Mountain Infantry. I was a grunt, but was sent to my batalion's intelligence shop. I also worked as a radioman and as a computer geek at personnel before getting out. I was going to go ROTC, but medical hyperactivity disqualified me. Served as a Peacekeeper in the Sinai during Desert Storm. Also did jungle training in Panama and urban training at Fort Pickett.

------------------
Climb to Glory!

[tdoyon]

(lurk mode off as I am LOL)

I'm an active duty Air Force Major. Nothing spectacular, since I am an attorney. In other words, I'm a JAG...and, no, it's not like the TV series. I don't parachute into Cuba to rescue downed American fighters. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif Although in my major systems procurement law specialty, I do work with some ultra, ultra cool programs (wink, wink) if you know what I mean.
I love what I've been reading about CM and am looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy. I am a wargamer of long standing, having started playing Panzerblitz in junior high in 1975.
All those submariners out there hello from my brother, who served on the Hyman Rickover, John Marshall, and various other attack subs from 1985-95. He was a Machinist's Mate and worked on the Nuclear Reactor. He was proud to say he was a Nuke. He left to make beau coups bucks in the civilian world.

Tom

(Lurk mode back to on)

[Big Time Software]

Well, FINALLY the Airforce comes in and stakes a claim in this thread http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif Now if we could just get a Marine or two in here we could call this thread US complete http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

Steve

P.S. I came as close as having the local Army recruiter over to my house. Figured I wasn't cut out for it as I am too much of a wiseass, yet totally suck at doing pushups. I really didn't see how that was going to work http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

[Hunter]

3 Years Australian ARes, commissioned as Lt and posted briefly to 126 Signal (Special Forces). Quit because I wanted to ride in a Leopard not run everywhere :-Þ

[Gator Russ]

USMC Did 12 years as a CH-53E Avionics Tech 83-95. Got out as a SSgt. Was with HMH-464 in Desert Storm. HMM-263(SOI) in Somalia. HMM-162(SOI) in the Med. Love the job but hated not seeing my faimly to often.

[Bobb]

Did US Army Reserve time starting about 1961. One of those 6mo active service deals that became so popular a few years later when Nam was a watchword. I found a lot of the training less than impressive though some sesions were worked harder than others. An unusually heavy snow fall at Ft. Dix more or less put an end to training and the guys started getting cabin feaver. I remembered another snowy time on the German border in 44 much farther away from warm barracks, 1st classs winter wear, and hot chow. It seemed a terrible waste of traingin opportunity. Basin Unit training seemed a joke anyway, even when the weather was fine. I fortunantly missed a lot of that with an early out for finishing school. What happened to a lot of those RAs that I trained with a few years later - - - I hope they made it through.

Most lasting memory - - a night firing training session in which some faceless Lt. spoke to the troops over the PA system as we waited in the firing pits for darkness and our eyes to accomidate. He spoke in such seriousness and about the possibilities in some not too distant future in a place called Viet Nam as the guys groused and complained about the Mickey Mouse BS we were forced to hear. I felt a little differently. WWII was part my childhood mental environment with numerous relatives involved; Korea saw my brother in a tank Bn (thank the fates stateside). And I was up enough upon current world affairs to have heard of a little trouble in Southeast Asia.

While frequent moves kept my active reserve status less than active as the army's clerks seemed rather slow to cut new orders, I did find a lot of interest in extending my MOS from 111 into other fields. Besides infantry and artillery (105s), I got 2wk tastes of training in armored infantry, and 4.2 in. morters. I suppose the weapon that provided the most thrill in firing was the 3.5 in. bazooka.

Training cadre was mainly of Korean War vintage. They, for the most part, were very laid back and easy going. They had already had their war, and survived. Just keep your nose clean soldier and don't cause trouble. None of the DI stuff, unless you were screwing up. I was assigned 7 out of a possible 15 days extra duty for forgetting to wear my overshoes in the snow. I made it through until the evening chow line when approaching darkness gave me heart that soon no one would notice.

Those with more service and deadlier experiences say a lot less it seems. Apologies. This was close enough for me to be very greatful that the President did not see fit to call us up for service. It was a great mistake, I think, but one whose unlikelyhood made me sweat for a few years.

[Los]

Hey MERC,
Go on over to the combat engineer thread and answer some questions about breaching operations under fire. Cheers...

Los

[JonS]

Current Territorial Bombadier in 16th Field Regt, RNZA. Presently specialising as a forward observer. Joined in a fit of youthful enthusiasim in late '90 when the weird **** was going on in the Gulf (didn't get to go). Have hung around ever since 'cos most of the time it's a blast (hehehe)
Jon


------------------
Quo Fas et Vino du Femme

[RC]

Active Duty - USMC
0369 - "Grunt" 8541 - Scout/Sniper
1/8 83-86. Went to Beirut in 83 as a young PFC infantryman (Dragon Gunner). Was there for the "September War" and lost a lot of buddies in the BLT bombing.
Did a tour as an instructor at the Scout/Sniper School in Quantico 86-89.
3/3 89-91. Went to the Gulf War as a Scout/Sniper.
Back to Quantico 91-92. 8&I 92-97. 2/8 98-99. Just got back from Haiti in April. Currently at 8th Mar Reg as the EKMS Manager. Retire in 3 years. (Can't wait!) Am disappointed that I never participated in a real war. A couple firefights in Beirut and rounding up Iraqi prisoners in the Gulf was the closest I came. The analogy about the football team that practices but never gets to play in a real game fits. I've been practicing for 17 years and never got into a real war. Oh well, there's always computer battles to be fought.
RC

[sage]

).]

[This message has been edited by sage (edited 09-21-99).]

[Mike T]

10 years in the Canadian Navy as a Marine Engineering Technician (Stoker).

Served on various ships on both coasts of Canada. Participated in the naval blockade of Haiti in '94. Most recently helped collect Chinese 'Migrants' off the coast of British Columbia.

Nothing spectacular, the job is 99% boredom and 1% real gut-wrenching excitement. Staying below decks operating the engines keeps you warm and dry http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

Hello to the submariners from a skimmer - from the sounds of it we do the same job only I don't operate nukes, only steam turbines, gas turbines and diesels.

Mike

[Xyphorus]

I served 10 months (mendatory military service) in France, in the "second regiment of Hussards", stationned East of Paris. I was an "AMX 10 RC" driver. I got a chance to drive the new "Leclerc" heavy tank for a day in Carpiegne (South of France). I picked an
armored regiment to serve in, because I did
not want to be in the infantry and walk. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif
It is that simple!

Karl

[TMo]

Lurk mode off:

Major in Florida Air National Guard. 7 yrs Active duty and now 7 in ANG. Chief of Weapons and Tactics for an Air Defense Unit. Spent time in the USAF Aggressors and am a graduate of Fighter Weapons School, along with some courses at Top Gun. What's an air dude doing on a forum like this? Big WWII buff whether air OR ground combat.

T-Mo

Lurk mode back on:

[Sten]

Served 1.5 years in the Swedish Navy as a Tactical Coordinator / Signal Analyst, i. e. I plotted mine-lines, coordinated air & sea forces and listened to radars (much like a sonar-operator). Currently in the Naval reserve as a doctor, specialising in hyperbaric medicine.

Sten

[Stef]

Corporal in the 2nd Chasseurs à Pied ( anti-tank light infantry )in the Belgian army during my military duty in 1991...While on my duty in 1991, my government has voted a law canceling the military duty in Belgium from 1992...alas, one year to late :)

[SGTRock]

To Mike D:

So is our WWII Carrier still in dry dock or are the Liberals using it as garbage barg?

Which destroyer were you on the one that patrols the east or the west coast...How do we fit all the guys in two bathtubs..

Canadian Navy...And most of our other Armed Forces...
Thanks to the Liberals ONE SAD STATE.
Well since you won't here it from any other Canadian...Well done soldier you served your Country well.

Kudos Fellow Countrymen
You too John M.

[Joel]

I served 18 months in the French Army (military service + enlisted 6 extra months) in 85/86. I was a sound engineer in the PR video department (read propaganda!). This position gave me the opportunity to spend some (short) time with many different units, from aicraft carrier Foch to Foreign Legion paras (2eme REP). It was quite an interesting time for me, with some great experiences...
Joël

[MartinM]

Major in the USArmy, 12 years service, first as a fire support team leader in 35th Mech Infantry Div, followed by logistics assignments at Ft. Ord (7ID Light) and Ft. Campbell (101st Abn Div). Spent 6 months in the desert for OPN Desert Shield/Storm.

[Annalist]

18 months as straight leg infantry in the guard. 18 months NBC recon platoon leader in South Korea, 6 months light truck transportation platoon leader. 1 year as maintenance company shop officer. 1 year as installation maintenance officer for Ft. Polk and JRTC.

[Space Thing]

US Coast Guard '74-'80 and US Army Reserves '90-'93 as a medic.

[Michael Dorosh]

Originally posted by SGTRock:
To Mike D:

So is our WWII Carrier still in dry dock or are the Liberals using it as garbage barg?

Which destroyer were you on the one that patrols the east or the west coast...How do we fit all the guys in two bathtubs..

Canadian Navy...And most of our other Armed Forces...
Thanks to the Liberals ONE SAD STATE.
Well since you won't here it from any other Canadian...Well done soldier you served your Country well.

Kudos Fellow Countrymen
You too John M.



How CAN we have a decent Army if people whine and cry about it, and then quit after a couple of years because it is not run to their satisfaction?

I am reminded of Hawkeye's comments to Colonel Flagg - "If we had more men like you, we'd have less men like you."

To answer the question, I'm a 14 year reservist - Calgary Highlanders. No great shakes - was a musician for a few years, then transferred to the orderly room - guess I have something in common with a couple of others here. I've experienced first hand what military drummers are like in Canada - would love to hear about the Swiss side of things.

The Canadian Army today enjoys a wealth of new equipment - the stuff you don't hear about in the news - terrific new uniforms and personal equipment, the LAV III, and incidentally I was under the impression that Canadian frigates were the envy of other NATO naval services and seen as cutting edge when they were commissioned not too long ago. I note we just got our first British sub up and running too.

I don't see the point in having a 100,000 man standing army just to attract the people who will likely gripe about anything they are given to train with anyway. I think everyone has noted from the tone of my posts that I feel a real soldier will soldier with what he is given to work with. The Canadian Army has never been blessed with wealths of great equipment - but they have always done the jobs asked of them, and done it well. That applies to military life now, it applies to Army life then, and it applies to the way we all handle our Combat Mission forces.

End of sermon.

[Old Crow]

20 years U.S. Navy, Chief Electronics Warfare Technician. USS Crommelin, USS Blue Ridge, and USS Belleau Wood..... so far.

[jasoncawley@ameritech.net]

Was in U.S. Army Reserve field artillery, 8 inch self-propelled. Never saw combat and for that I am grateful.

[Jarhead]

I Joined the US army Reserve (2 years-cold weather Infantry scout). Then I transferred to The US Marine Corps, where I had to go through basic, and infantry school again. Because the "Corps" does not except prior service training. I served out my 4 years + 2 mo active duty. I then joined the Army reserve (2 years) again as a member of a LRSU Team. By then my family was well underway. I decided to exit the military for good. I miss it. Had I remained single, I believe I would have made it a career.



------------------
Semper Fi.

[Nathman]

Captain, USAF. Spent six years in the UK and Italy. In the UK I was a GLCM (Ground Launch Cruise Missile) launch control officer (I turned the key that let the nukes fly) at RAF Greenham Common. By the way, any Brits out there who can tell me if the "peace women" are still camped out there? http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

In Italy I was in Aviano as a command post puke and hated every second - not Italy, the job. The higher the rank, the worse the job is, at least that was my experience. Now I'm enjoying life in the Colorado rockies building houses and snowboarding (and playing CM!)

[Bruno Weiss]

U.S. Army Stratcom, (7th Signal Command), 1972-1975

------------------
"Gentlemen, you may be sure that of the three courses
open to the enemy, he will always choose the fourth."

-Field Marshal Count Helmuth von Moltke, (1848-1916)

[Jarhead]

http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/tongue.gif


[This message has been edited by Jarhead (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Slapdragon]

Originally posted by Michael Dorosh:
How CAN we have a decent Army if people whine and cry about it, and then quit after a couple of years because it is not run to their satisfaction?

I am reminded of Hawkeye's comments to Colonel Flagg - "If we had more men like you, we'd have less men like you."

To answer the question, I'm a 14 year reservist - Calgary Highlanders. No great shakes - was a musician for a few years, then transferred to the orderly room - guess I have something in common with a couple of others here. I've experienced first hand what military drummers are like in Canada - would love to hear about the Swiss side of things.

The Canadian Army today enjoys a wealth of new equipment - the stuff you don't hear about in the news - terrific new uniforms and personal equipment, the LAV III, and incidentally I was under the impression that Canadian frigates were the envy of other NATO naval services and seen as cutting edge when they were commissioned not too long ago. I note we just got our first British sub up and running too.

I don't see the point in having a 100,000 man standing army just to attract the people who will likely gripe about anything they are given to train with anyway. I think everyone has noted from the tone of my posts that I feel a real soldier will soldier with what he is given to work with. The Canadian Army has never been blessed with wealths of great equipment - but they have always done the jobs asked of them, and done it well. That applies to military life now, it applies to Army life then, and it applies to the way we all handle our Combat Mission forces.

End of sermon.

The Canadian army has almost every year won best of category for NATO forces assigned in Europe despite still using the M1919 and some other old stuff. I cannot tell you about their territorials, but Brasey's and Janes both gush over the Canadians.

[GI Tom]

9 Years U.S. Navy. (3 Active 6 Reserve)

Started off in the fleet onboard the USS Caron, DD-970 as an EN (Engineman). Spent 3 years on that tin can. Pulled a Med Cruise and various other smaller ones. Did 4 years of Reserves in the fleet as an EN serving onboard 2 FF's (Fast Frigates), USS Samuel Eliot Morrison and USS Clifton Sprague.

Then I got into the real Navy, 2 years Reserve time with the US Navy Seabees, 23rd Battalion, Fort Pickett, Virginia. My job there was UT (Utilitiesman). Just got out before I moved here to Texas last year. (Didn't want to transfer, new job takes too much time) Had I joined the Seabees when I first enlisted, I would have been a lifer, I'm sure of it.

And that be that. I saw some other person post here from Ft. Pickett earlier. I'll bet I worked on that Urban Training site of yours. We were always tasked with repairing the stuff you guys blew up. Finally, our platoon got a crack at it ourselves one day. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

GI Tom

------------------
Think before you POST, TEST before you cry BUG and take a "Time-Out" break before you counter-flame the guy that just called you a Plutonian ButtMonkey---Madmatt

[Dogface]

Originally posted by Chris Jenkins:
Also did jungle training in Panama.

4 yrs in the army as a combat medic..
some at ft. campbell w/ 2nd batt(NO SLACK!) 327th inf 101 airborne..
did a stint in panama.. ahhh green hell... http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif
then down in columbia..doing my bit for um ah democracy yea thats what it was..
anyway been out for ten yrs..

ps Chris check this link out
Drive on!!
http://www.junglefighter.panamanow.net/html/photo%20gallery.htm


[This message has been edited by Dogface (edited 01-23-2001).]

[Rick614]

One more Bubblehead from 67-71. Last 2 1/2
years on the SSN USS Greenling. My watch station was in the control room. That was the place to be because you knew what was going on.

Out of sub school in New London I got assigned to an old dirty diesel boat, SS 347 Cubera. My best friend got the Scorpion. The Navy was letting non-rated seamen (such as we both were) trade orders. I didn't want to go on that old pig boat but he didn't want to trade. Said he knew the fast attacks were out a lot but it was a nice new boat. I remember going out to help look for it.

I went from the Cubera to the SSBN 618 Thomas Jefferson and made one patrol. So in my short 4 year Navy career I was on a diesel boat, a boomer, and a fast attack.

[kump]

Oh, darn, I have to pitch in.

Seven years US Air Force, five years Nebraska Air Guard. Military turned me completely around. Made me re-evaluate myself and appreciate the team way of doing things. Left the military and went to college full time. Changed me from flipping burgers at Diary Queen and getting in trouble with the law to an Electrical Engineer.

Do I miss it? Hell yea, but I do appreciate the salary which is five times larger than what I was getting in the military. So I'm much better off now, but I owe a heck of a lot of gratitude to the military experience.

From the attitude of a lot of folks I see around now (including those of my old age), mandatory two year service sure looks like it would make a lot of sense!

Garry

[This message has been edited by kump (edited 01-24-2001).]

[Berlichtingen]

Originally posted by Big Time Software:
Well, FINALLY the Airforce comes in and stakes a claim in this thread http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif Now if we could just get a Marine or two in here we could call this thread US complete http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

Steve
Semper Fi Steve http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif
81mm Mortar FO with Kilo Company, 3rd Bn, 3rd Marines (1983-1987)


[This message has been edited by Berlichtingen (edited 01-24-2001).]

[Seahawk-vfa201]

Navy, Technical Corps, Lt., 1986-1988

[Compassion]

I was in the Cub Scouts for about 3 weeks... does that count? http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

[Mark IV]

3 years US Army, tank gunner MOS, later G3 Operations Specialist at HHC 3rd Armored Division in Frankfurt, 1977-80.

No combat except for MPs and Polizei.

Hey, Berli, they got a new bar here called Chesty's. Total jarhead theme with Chesty's medals listed on the wall, marine pix everywhere- all wars. Shot and beer joint, and when I checked it out at noon on Sunday the owner was slamming a shot and a beer. Looked authentic to me.

[Maximus]

Originally posted by Big Time Software:
Well, FINALLY the Airforce comes in and stakes a claim in this thread http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif Now if we could just get a Marine or two in here we could call this thread US complete http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

Steve

P.S. I came as close as having the local Army recruiter over to my house. Figured I wasn't cut out for it as I am too much of a wiseass, yet totally suck at doing pushups. I really didn't see how that was going to work http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/wink.gif

I agree with you there Steve. I had the Army recruiters over a few times during High school and post College. I figured why do I need money for college when I already had a degree. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/rolleyes.gif

Also a relative of mine told me that the Armed Services have a tendency to make idiots out of geniuses and geniuses out of idiots. Being that I am a self-proclaimed genius (gifted education student in my younger days), I didn't want to become an idiot. I even had real-world experience to back up this theory. A new foreman in this core drilling job I had was a recent ex-Navy SEAL. He was great about barking orders, but he didn't have a freakin' clue about core drilling. Core drilling is one of those types of jobs where you never know what you'll run into and he kept putting unrealistic time schedules on the holes.

In fact, it was him that drove me away from that job. And I was not the only one either. Another guy, who had been there for a couple years to my six months, quit a few months after I did for the same reason, I beleive. There's only so much crap you can put with.
------------------
"Live by the sword, live a good LOOONG life!"--Minsc, BGII

"Boo points, I punch."--Minsc, BGII

"Buttkicking for goodness!"--Minsc, BGII

"Aim small, miss small."--Mel Gibson, The Patriot.

[This message has been edited by Maximus (edited 01-24-2001).]

[AbnAirCav]

Originally posted by Dogface:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris Jenkins:
4 yrs in the army as a combat medic..


Also a 91B; 79-82 in the only Airborne, Air Cavalry squadron in the United States Army (1/17th Cav, 82d Abn).

[Doddleson]

I have enjoyed this forum for over a year now and this post compelled me to respond. I always take advantage of opportunities that could possibly reunite me will old friends I met while serving the grand USA.

I enlisted in 1992 as a 19K, M1A1 armor crewman, and was stationed at Ft. Stewart with B/1/64 AR. As a result of the Ranger fiasco in Mogadishu my unit was quickly sent to Mogadishu to restore order and I spent six "wonderful" months in the African paradise of Somalia. I actually enjoyed my time in Africa because it allowed me to see many of the world's militaries. I will keep my opinion of the United Nations to myself though.

I also spent some time with A/1/66 AR at Ft. Hood until my ETS from active duty until '96. While there I was fortunate enough to take part in the relief operations in Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba. There were some 30,000 Cuban refugees encamped there in '95 and I thought they would make great future Americans.

Since my ETS I have been commissioned, 2LT, in the Texas NG as a Military Intelligence Officer with the 649th MI BN, 49th Armored Division. I must admit that tanks will always be my first love though. Nothing compares to a M1A1 roaring down a tank gunnery range inflicting massive damage on an imaginary enemy.

[Trooper]

In my second military now...

Was a Trooper (3-Star), in the 11th Cavalry Squadron, An Forsa Cosanta Aitiuil, Oglaidh na hEireann. (Read, Irish reserve defense forces)

My emigration to the US meant that I couldn't turn up for the weekly training sessions, so I'm now a Specialist assigned to C Coy, 1-149 Armor, CAARNG. Off to Basic in two months, which shows you how useful I am to the unit right now! Signed on for OCS. How little the Army realises what it's let itself in for.

Incidently, I categorise myself as a high-factor wuss..

NTM

------------------
The difference between infantrymen and cavalrymen is that cavalrymen get to die faster, for we ride into battle!

[Panzermayer]

12 years in the German Army. I left the Army as a Sergeant first class (Oberfeldwebel). During my time in the Army I had several functions. In the first line I had been a "Crew-Chief" on a CH-53 Helicopter (BIIIGG transport-helicopter ... we called it "the howling cow"). My second functions had been "Combat-Trainer" for newbies (I'm a specialist in "single combat") and specialist in sweeping "Boobie-Traps".

[Quenaelin]

I was coastal artillery border watchman for 285 days. No training for arms, except basic training and training for fire directing. I was in the island for about 8 months, damn **** job.

[ParaBellum]

Served one year in the german Bundeswehr as a sniper (better, sharpshooter) in a Jaegerbataillon (light infantry)in the german/french brigade.
Biggest fun was blowing up a 9.7 kg TNT tank mine, really big BOOOOM!


------------------
Klotzen, nicht kleckern!

[Sgt Schulz]

Current Air Force Firefighter. On my 8th year and am a E-5 Staff Sargeant. Have done travelling from Italy, to Korea, Spain, and am glad so far,(knock on wood) have not had to deploy to Saudi.

------------------
"D-Day was a nightmare. Even now it brings pain to recall what happened there on June 6, 1944. I have returned many times to honor the valiant men who died on that beach. They should never be forgotten. Nor should those who lived to carry the day by the slimmest of margins. Every man who set foot on Omaha Beach that day was a hero."

General Omar Bradley-

[von Lucke]

13 yrs US Army Medical Corps. Joined up a year before Grenada, got out before things went balistic in Kosovo. Spent a lot of time in warm, muggy, climates (Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Thailand, Kentucky); figured I should take an early out before some tropical desease got me...

[ranger]

Finnish Defence Force, Nothern Command(Lapland),Jaeger Brigade, Recon.
Second Ltn. (Reserve)

p.s. There are 2 very good documents about Finnish Defence Forces in english (pdf-format) in www.mil.fi (http://www.mil.fi)

[Subvet]

It's good to see other bubble heads here. I did six years active in the US Navy, submarines, from '88-'94. I was only on one boat: USS Florida SSBN-728 (gold crew) which is a Trident missile sub. I did seven patrols based out of Bangor, WA. I was an "A-Ganger" which is the nickname for a Machinist Mate (MM) in the Auxiliary division of a boat. We ran all the mechanical systems that the nuke MMs didn't have; like the diesel engine, air purification equipment, oxygen generators and system, hydraulic plants and systems, high and low pressure air compressors and systems, trim and drain, potable water, plumbing, refridgeration, blah blah blah.... We had equipment from bow to stern. It was a lot of work, but I got to know some of the best guys I'll probably ever meet. Being on a Trident had its good points and its bad points. You pretty much knew your schedule far in advance for instance, but you almost never hit any ports and if you did they weren't going to be foriegn. In most cases you were going to stay submerged for the whole patrol.

Worst part of the job: when the **** pump broke and you had to tear it apart to fix it. Reaching into a pump full of human waste will never be the highlight of your day.

Best part of the job: most of the people I worked with were top notch.

I also had some collateral duties which included being a QA Inspector, and "sound silencing petty officer," which is a guy that makes sure the sound mounts for all the equipment and piping are in good shape so the boat stays quiet. The former job sucked and had a lot of responsibility, the latter was a gravy job for an A-ganger to have while in refit.


------------------
Craig

"Only a madman would consider the possibility of war between the two states (France and Germany), for which, from our point of view, there is no rational or moral ground." - Chancellor Adolf Hitler, Oct. 14, 1933

[JigVictor07]

Eleven months in the Finnish Defence Forces as a commander of a FO's tank BMP-1. Corporal.

JV

[Jarmo]

285 days in the finnish army. A coastal artillery weather observer.

5 months in a small island with 4 other humans,
every couple of hours you'd check out the weather and report it.
Must have fired my rifle a good 20 times. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/rolleyes.gif

[Ksak]

US Army
1 LT Combat Engineer (Airborne)
82nd Airborne, 307th Engr Bn
Attached 1/2 Cavalry, 4th Infantry Div
Blackhawk Firebase (ROV)

[DraGoon]

18 Years in the Royal Armoured Corps, 16 of those in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, from Chieftain Gunner to NCO Troop (platoon) Leader with the Demonstration Squadron at Warminster. Finished off as Staff Instructor with the Ayrshire Yeomanry (Territorial Army (eqiuv. US National Guard))
Took part in two CAT shoots, 83 & 85.

My younger brother was a Chieftain Commander, transferred to Army Air Corps to become an A/T Lynx Pilot, my oldest son is a Challenger II Crewman in The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, my younger son is an Army cadet NCO and is studying for an Army sponsored place at Uni leading to a commission in the RAC. Guess it sort of runs in the family. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

DG

------------------
Remember:
Always end your lay in elevation.

CM Outpost (http://www.afv-uk.net/cmoutpost)

[The_Capt]

12 yrs as a Canadian Combat Engineering Officer Reg Force, One yr in the Reserves.

Many adventures and flying steel.

CHIMO!

[markk]

4 years 84-88 U.S. army infantry.Ft. Lewis and Germany.

[Jäger27]

Finnish Army
Corporal
Guard Battalion
330 days of active duty.

Worked with Pasi IFV's and lots of other cool transportation stuff the whole time.

21 more years in the reserve http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

[Hawkmek]

I was a Duck Hunter(ADA), US Army '91-94, hence my handle - HAWKMechanic(23R), then 6 years Intelligence Analyst(96B)in the Texas National Guard. Got to see more of Fort Hood than I cared for.
PFC as of last October.
Nice to see the global military entries here.
Ain't the Internet great?

[tss]

Jarmo:
Must have fired my rifle a good 20 times.

Militarist.

- A weatherman who didn't even know where his 7.62RK62 was for four months

I thought that I knew, but somebody had moved it without telling. Luckily I remembered its number and could recognize it when I found it. Another weatherman didn't... The staff sergeant was not amused.

[Jarmo]

Originally posted by tss:
Jarmo:
Must have fired my rifle a good 20 times.

Militarist.

- A weatherman who didn't even know where his 7.62RK62 was for four months

Obviously all my shooting was before I was assigned to my post. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

At the station we were issued our rifles, then they were locked in place with a steel bar,
and removed only when our term ended.
They must have learned at some point that weathermen and guns don't mix. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/biggrin.gif

[Ales Dvorak]

Yugoslav army 82 -83 , 82mm mortar.

[Germanboy]

15 months national service in the German Bundesluftwaffe, first 1. LAR3 in Mengen, then JaboG34, Memmingerberg 1988/9. Our job was to guard the Nukes, and I am pretty sure our outfit was the only one in the Bundeswehr to still have the letter combo 'SS' in its badge (for Sicherheitsstaffel 'S'). It was somewhat hidden though by overlaying the two S... I also qualified as a loader/spotter for the 20mm twin AA gun.

Unfortunately a perfect waste of 15 months of my life, only made bareable through taking the mickey out of our NCOs in MASH fashion. Got to run in a platoon leader once for not instructing his NCOs properly WRT orders they could give to drivers. The butt-chewing delivered by our Hauptfeldwebel (Senior Sergeant) to the Lieutenant was a minor classic...

------------------
Andreas
Der Kessel (http://www.derkessel.com)

Home of „Die Sturmgruppe“; Scenario Design Group for Combat Mission.

[mike8g]

German Navy (since 1986) Served on FPBs and frigates as communication officer. Now ashore in a combined staff.

------------------
Alle Maschinen voraus Große, Ruder hart Backbord. Neuer Kurs wird Zwo-Eins-Null.

[BlueFalcon]

US Army 3years. Airborne Infantry TOW Gunner.

Stationed in Vicenza Italy with the 3/325 Airborne Battalion Combat Team attached to SETAF.

Participated in the post Desert Storm operation Provide Comfort in N. Iraq.

[nikib]

I was a scout!

[Jaws]

Yep,

Sergeant Major Dutch Army 20 years, Royal Dutch Cavalry

Good Hunting

[BWebb]

US ARMY - Infantry, Ft. Benning GA. 1988-1992. Participated in Desert Storm, but saw limited combat. Most of the time was spent rounding up prisoners.

[ex PFC Wintergreen]

Does being an Army Brat qualify? I was born at Letterman hospital on the Presidio in San Francisco. I used to go out on weekend maneuvers with my father's troops when he commanded a National guard unit. I LOVED C-rations as a 7 year old.

My father was with the 9th Armored (U.S.) in WWII - surrounded at Bastogne and over the bridge at Remagen. He was also with the 38th regiment, 2nd Infantry when they got an all-expense paid trip to Korea in the summer of 1950. He rode in one of the much maligned Shermans over there and thanks God that the Chinese didn't have many anti-tank weapons. He's got amazing stories.

------------------
Read me back my last line!

[Pvt.Tom]

6 years in PAARNG, Infantry, M60A3, and M1s, how about that 3 MOSs, anyone ever been to Fort Indiantown Gap?

Pvt.Tom

P.S. I made it to Spec4 but I like Pvt.Tom better than Spec4.Tom

[Shipmonkey]

One tour in the wonderful US Navy, RM3 on the USS Blueridge,aka Loveboat.

[von Schalburg]

Im a SGT in the royale Danish army.
Serving in a staff company, in Jyske Dragon Regiment.
Did the Bosnia tour, and had fun.



------------------
PanzerLeid

Mit donnernden Motoren,
So schnell wie der Blitz,
Dem Deinde entgegen,
Im Panzer geschützt.
Voraus den Kameraden
Im Kampfe ganz allein,
Steh'n wir allein,
So stossen wir tief
In die feindlichen Reihn.

von Schalburg

[bigmac@work]

Yet another bubblehead! Nuke no less...

US Navy
05MAR85 - 05DEC90 (3 month early out)
ET1(SS) Nuke
Training pipeline (May '85 - Sep '88):
A school (Great Lakes, IL)
Nuke school (Orlando, FL)
prototype (Saratogoa Springs, NY)

Charleston, SC
Lewis & Clark
SSBN644(G) Oct '88 - Oct '90
5 patrols

You may be shaving with the ole girl now-a-days... (Decommed summer '91)

Glad I did it now, but while I was living it, I was in HELL!!!

Funny that we also have several military drummers here! I'm currently in two bands here in CIVLANT, but in the Navy I was the "Service School Command Rock Band" drummer. Talk about tough "duty"... We had none! Other than jammin for two hours a day, with no weekend duty (except for performances) while all my other buds were waxin and moppin floors and scrubbing ****ters... hehe...

** Edit to add drummer quals **

** Edit to add name of pig **


[This message has been edited by bigmac@work (edited 01-24-2001).]

[This message has been edited by bigmac@work (edited 01-24-2001).]

[LarryWR400]

4 Years USMC 79-83 Air Traffic Control

MATCS38

MCAS (H) Tustin
MCAF Camp Pendleton
MCAS El Toro
MCAF Futenma Okinawa

[bigmac@work]

PvtTom, Being from PA, I know where the Fort is, but fortunately, since I was Navy, I just get to see it while traveling between Harrisburg and Allentown from my car window on the Interstate! http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

[Bluesman]

Fifteen years on active duty (and counting) as an Air Force Tech Sergeant.

Came in as airborne Vietnamese linguist. One great, glorious year at the Defense Language Institute, followed by five months of cryptology, one month at survival school, and three of the longest years in my life on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.

During Desert Shield/Storm, I was with the 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. BUFFS, baby! Whoopin' Republican Guard BUTT!

I changed jobs in '91: signals intelligence analyst. Back to "secret squirrel" school at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, then on to Misawa AB, waaaay up in the northern part of Honshu, Japan. GREAT tour!

But without question, what followed will forever remain the best four years I'll ever have: Bad Aibling, Bavaria. Sigh. Heaven. Home.

Currently, I'm stationed at Ft. Meade, Maryland, assigned to the National Security Agency. Last year, I was temporarily assigned to Prince Sultan Royal Saudi Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Which is the MOST grandiose way of saying "inflamed boil on the backside of beyond". But the job was cool.

Both of my parents were AF. My wife was also an AF linguist (Arabic). We met in language school. She got out, but is getting commissioned next year as a Captain. Her dad was AF. My son just joined Civil Air Patrol, the AF's auxiliary.

We're a purty blue family! 8^)

[gibsonm]

20yrs service as at 03FEB01.

Major Commanding a Recon Sqn
Royal Australian Armoured Corps

Dragon,
Do you guys still get on so well with 1 QDG (our allied Regt in the RAC)?

------------------
Regards,

Mark:-{)
Getting in line for a Mercury

[Splinty]

10 years active duty US Army Infantry
Stationed at Ft Bragg 3/68 ADA
Ft Stewart 2/7 INF
Aschaffenburg Germany 4/7 INF
Went to Desert Storm with 4/7 INF
Currently with 156 Signal Michigan National Guard

------------------
Nicht Schiessen!!

[kford]

US Army Intelligence Analyst. 1986-1990. Had a good time and got to do some travel. But hey, being older has its advantages too, I have more $$$ now than I did in the Army.

Thanks,

Kevin

[TownsendVol]

Yep, spent 3 years in the United States Army. Basic at Fort Leonard Wood, AIT Fort Lee, ASI Fort Dix.

Stationed Camp Page South Korea about 16 months. Fort Eustis Va. about 1 year.

Was a Petroleum Supply Spcialists (Fuel Handler) and a truck driver (977 Hemitt)

Got out as a Specialists.

[Jackal]

1990-1994 active service U.S. Army Scout: 2 yrs with 3-4 CAV, 3rd ID in Schweinfurt, GE (great place) remaining two years with 2-16 Infantry Bn, 1st ID at Ft Riley, KS. Rank of Corporal.

1994-present Tenn. Army National Guard, Full-time Supply SGT for a Military Intelligence Company supporting the 278th ACR. Gotta Love the CAV! HUA! (Everyone knows the meaning here i suppose)

Air Assault qualified as well. . .of all of the aspects of military training I miss the Air Assualt missions the most. Especially when it allowed for air insertions for the purpose of reconnaissance! Stay alert, Stay Alive!!!

[gunnergoz]

Better late than never (I just joined the forum)

6 Years USN, Aviation Maintenance Officer (Lieutenant), mainly P-3's and SH-60's.

Shoulda been a tanker but I was too old for them (try joining the military at 35!)

Back to being a probation officer. Go figure.

[Cavguy]

CPT, US Army, Armor

Scout PL, HHT XO and HHC XO - 3-4 CAV/AVN BDE 25th ID(L), Hawaii 1997-2000

currently at Ft. Knox in AC3 prepping to go to 1AD in Germany.

[Warmaker]

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, KC-130F/R/T & F/A-18 Electrician(tweakers) and Marksmanship Instructor. 6.5 years active service and going. Duty stations? MCB Camp Pendleton, NAS Millington/Memphis, MCAS Cherry Point(the armpit of the Marine Corps... along with MCB Camp Lejeune), MCAS El Toro(spoiled me real bad...I'm from California after all), MCAF Futenma and Camps Hansen & Foster over in Okinawa, JRBNAS Fort Worth TX, and now over in MCAS Miramar... *whew* I've had to PCS too much and hope I'm settling a little. PCS'd more times than many Staff NCO's that I've met who've been in like 10-14 years. I don't know if that's a good thing to brag about...

------------------
"Uncommon valor was a common virtue"-Adm.Chester Nimitz of the Marines on Iwo Jima

[This message has been edited by Warmaker (edited 01-28-2001).]

[sturmtiger101]

Evening all,
I served 5 years US Army National Guard as a 91Bravo / Charlie in a M-48A5 equipped armoured battalion, the 1/163 of the S.C. National Guard. It was alot of fun most of the time and helped pay my way through school. After college I enlisted in the regular USAF for 4 yrs as a med tech. Made E-5 SSgt. Still in nursing/medical field today, but my first love has always been for
AFVs. Cheers,
Eric Tuggle



------------------
" They're acting as if they have already won the war! " B. Woll
" We will prove them wrong. " M. Whitman

[Radar]

Enlisted USMC FDC/SURVEY, also worked on the gun line with 155 and 105 crews.* Spent three years active duty with a firing battery and 2 years with a reserve HQ unit.
Been to Okinawa, Japan and the Philipines along as paricipating in various floats and flyaways. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/cool.gif

_____________________________________________
* 'If you can't TRUCK IT, F&%K IT!'

------------------
Sometimes your the Dog, and sometimes your the Hydrant.

[Radar]

Sorry I double posted.


[This message has been edited by Radar (edited 01-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Radar (edited 01-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Radar (edited 01-28-2001).]

[Gregory Gold]

US Army '82-'83. 11B in B-2-16, 1st ID.

USAR '85-'90 95B E-5
Germany, Honduras, lost o'fun

Active USAR '90-'91
Absolutely nothing to do with the real war effort. Port security for all the goodies going, and war booty returning. Biggest challenges buring that mission:

1-Keeping hookers off the ships.
2-Keeping other reservists from breaking into the mobile PX, to be told that was NOT my mission.
3-Making sure that crew chiefs and other maintenance personnel didn't strip other units equipment to replace their 'non combat losses'.

Got out to avoid the 'new world order' crap. I was a soldier, not a social worker.

------------------
To train a man in mind and not in morals, it to train a menace to society.

[DraGoon]

Originally posted by gibsonm:
20yrs service as at 03FEB01.
....Dragon,
Do you guys still get on so well with 1 QDG (our allied Regt in the RAC)?

Sorry gibsonm, didn't see your post earlier.

Yes many a good time was had at games nights in the mess of the QDG or them in ours, if you've visited you'll know what I mean. A cavalry cup weekend with both regiments in the final was something to behold. A fine regiment.

IIRC We have an affiliation with the RAAC Hunter River Lancers and the RCAC Windsor Regiment. In 1987 we conducted a cross training exercise with The Hunter River Lancers and swapped troops, My Troop Corporal was one of the lucky ones. I got a Cpl called Bruce Rademacher (sp?) in his place, he was a good soldier and converted to our equipment and procedures quickly. He seemed to have a good time although he did not particularly enjoy the Winter weather in Germany. http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/smile.gif

DG


------------------

CM Outpost (http://www.afv-uk.net/cmoutpost)