Military FNG

ITS Tactical

2009-07-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

ITS Tactical is one of the latest blogs I've been following. There is so much cool stuff about these guys (and girls?) that I like.

Straight from their "About" page:

ITS Tactical, Inc. is dedicated to showcasing the everyday gear and DIY projects that can help you live better on the tactical side of life. We don’t limit our content to any particular viewpoint, rather our goal is to become an open-source collection of different methods, ideas and knowledge that could one day save your life.

Does that not get you hooked?! Combine the words "Tactical" and "Everyday" and you got a recipe for awesomeness. Also, who doesn't enjoy a good DIY project?

They post regularly with useful information which is key to at least my attention. They seem to talk a little about everything which is good. I've been going back into their older posts to read what I've missed since their beginning.

Also, they are someone you should follow on Twitter. They update that regularly as well with both links to new posts or contests or just replies to comments. Go ahead, tweet them! And say @mikepetrucci sent you.

They are on so many social networks and one thing I love way more than I probably should, is their use of graphics on both their site, their logo, and their uber creative social networking icon set. Check this out:

Really, this is sick! I wish I had that idea! It's graphically just so cool it's making my eyes bleed! But that sounds bad... ok, my eyes are bleeding but not blood, they are bleeding the sweet nectar (which is like Red Bull but for God) of the heavens. Sorry, you may not agree but really, take some time to appreciate those icons.

Overall, they are a no nonsense but lighthearted group that just seeks to better your knowledge of preparation for anything. Worth following? Totally.

ITS Tactical

Into the Abyss

2009-06-18T19:11:00.001-04:00

I recently got the OTB Abyss. If I were to tell you what they were up front, you probably would think I lost my mind.

This should sum it up:

The OTB Abyss Boot is ideal for use in any rocky or muddy situation, the sole unit also works well in dry conditions. With its superior fit and drainage features, this boot works well in any environment.

These boots were "designed & engineered at the request of the U.S. Navy SEALs."

And no, I didn't pay full price for them. I got them for a killer deal and these things seem totally worth it.

I got them to replace my aging Merrell Chameleons. Well not really replace but just to add to them. I'm not sure how the Abyss would handle cold and my Merrell's have that area covered.

Merrells

So I had them for just a few weeks now but around one week after I have been using them I decided to give a review of what I noticed. I'll be posting an updated one and with video but this should be good for now.

1 Week Review

Thoughts:

- Water from puddles get in. But isn't that the point? So maybe on really rainy days I wear goretex merrells (which don't breathe like these at all). ALTHOUGH, on rainy days I've noticed that they repel water like a mother and it's only when I get into real puddles do I notice some wetness.

- When water does "infiltrate" the boot, it tends to leave fairly quick and when I thought my sock would be soaked I was surprised to find it was nearly dry.

- Very comfortable even compared to sneakers.

- Stylish with jeans and other pants.

- Jogging in them is not out of the question, great flex and movement.

- Sometimes they squeak on stone floors at work.

-Feel bulky only when sitting down and crossing legs but only because it's a boot.

- Very lightweight feeling but still feel as if I can kick a few doors down.

Side Note Observations:

- When worn with dress pants I feel like a PMC (private military contractor), not really the look I was going for.

- When the metro rail goes by (Washington, DC), I feel the air rush through the boots and around my feet. That goes to show the breathability.

- I have worn these everyday and have not noticed any discomfort.

Downside:

- They may not work with everyday outfits.

- Water gets in if you step in big puddles.

Disclaimer:

- This review was based on my own findings and observations and is not affiliated with OTB.

- I have not done a full submerge to see how well they drain but since I'm so close to the Potomac maybe I'll try it there.

Major new developments!

2009-02-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

I don't have the time to put details together right now but there are some major updates, I'll post it soon though.

Warrior Challenge

2009-02-11T12:52:00.002-05:00

I saw an ad in GX Magazine for a series on Ripe TV where civilians try and become a part of the National Guard (sort of). The are competing for a behind the scenes hang out session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and to become the "Ultimate Warrior."

First glance review? It looks way fun! I wish I could have been on that show! Why didn't they call me? Oh well, maybe for the sequel...

Anyway, I've only seen two episodes and its good so far but I'll give a more in-depth review when I'm done watching all of them.

You can watch them here: Warrior Challenge via RipeTV

Basic Training

2009-01-27T19:43:00.001-05:00

I found this great video on Vimeo. Just a really great job of shooting and editing. Enjoy!

Army Basic Training - HD from MrGlory on Vimeo.

PT Test

2009-01-23T07:32:00.001-05:00

Obviously, I want to get the best score possible. Well, I've been running and doing pushups mostly. Although the holidays caught me off guard and it got really cold but I still do what I can. I do pushups at work and run the stairs when I don't have time to run before or after work. Here are some unofficial PT tests I gave myself.

13Oct08

- 2 mile run = 18:00

- pushups = 27

- situps = 45

30Oct08

- 2 mile run = 17:23

- pushups = 37

- situps = 25

20Jan09

- 2 mile run = 16:12

- pushups = 55

- situps = 47

It's only 3 tests but you can see a difference for sure. Also, I'm not sure what happened to the situps on the second test. That's really weird. My guess is that I was lax on the first one and let bad situps count. I know that after the first test I started to really make sure my form was good so I wouldn't waste reps.

As long as I keep it up I know I'll be very comfortable (relatively) in Basic. What I really want to focus on is getting that run down! I know I can do better. We'll see.

Where did this interest come from?

2009-01-22T21:07:00.002-05:00

First off, I feel that an interest has turned into a passion. I've been dutifully thinking and praying and talking over the entire process of joining the Army. Seemingly, out of the blue I started thinking about this. But as I try and think back, little things along the way steered me towards this conclusion. Let's take a journey back in time! Ok, that was really cheesy but let me just brainstorm for a minute.

- In High School I was in JROTC, just for two years (I have a funny picture in my uniform, I'll have to dig it up).

- I was in Royal Rangers for almost 10 years (it's like Christian Boy Scouts)

- Random things like video games and paintball interests (sorry if that's cheesy)

- A love for structure, organization, new skills, camaraderie, sense of honor, sense of accomplishment...

I also did some checking of my internet bookmarks (to see when I started doing research online) and I found that in July, I searched for info about the Army National Guard. Then in October I searched for Active Army and possible jobs.

I don't know... I guess that's part of it but I know there's more.

Army Update

2009-01-14T08:21:00.002-05:00

I decided to go the Enlisted route over Officer. At least for the beginning. For a reasons.

- I don't feel that I have any "traditional" leadership traits

- Passing the AFPT for OCS would be difficult

- No signing bonus for OCS applicants

- Having no guaranteed job was a little unsettling with my wife and I

Benefits to Enlisted first?

- Get my feet wet; understand how the Army works

- Gain credibility

- Enlistment bonuses

- Pick my MOS

So I told my recruiter and we started the work on swapping things around, not too hard. I gave him my hospital records and security clearance info and luckily I won't have to go back to MEPS!

Stay tuned for more info.

MEPS Notes

2009-01-11T00:54:00.003-05:00

Well, I came back from MEPS unscathed. I took some notes while I was there and I though I would share them with you. I'm not really going to edit them and I just jotted them down in a bullet point format so I'll keep that the same too. Enjoy.

MEPS Trip 1 Day 1 20081203

- Took the ASVAB in about 1:45

- Got a 71 total and a 114 on GT (needed 110 for OCS)

- Bunked up with Chad (Navy) - ASVAB = 78

- Ate dinner with Chad and Jillian (Army - ASVAB = 95)

- After the ASVAB and while waiting for the hotel shuttle we all sat for about 2 hours watching TV but I was so tired.

- Planned to go to bed around 8:30 or 9 but ended up 10pm. I wanted to hang out but I was tired and it's just MEPS.

- Dinner was lame, Chicken looked great but was incredibly dry. Mean lady, gross dining area: "Chesapeake Room."

MEPS Trip 1 Day 2 20081204

- Bed at 2200, roommate stayed up later.

- Decent sleep

- Woke up and dressed. Ready in a flash, dropped off keycard.

- Breakfast wasn't bad; eggs, bacon, sausage, toast. I had doubles just so I wouldn't go hungry.

- Board bus at 4:45am

- Got through some tests super quick but then had to wait with a bunch of guys.

- Staff is fairly friendly and helpful but some are grumpy, probably because it's still super early.

- 2 guys in line for an exam with the Doc kept falling asleep. One snored and the other kept dropping his folder.

- These lines are some of the most mind numbing waiting I have ever done. Bored and tired.

- Done (almost, well, virtually).

- 1100. Hungry, perfect, free lunch.

- Met a "coastie" but he did NOTHING all day; recruiter didn't put him in the system properly. Has to do it again later.

- Need to get hospital records and all set.

- 12 dudes in underwear tend to smell a little, though I took a shower, did they?

- Waiting to leave, met girl going to OCS.f

- You kinda see a difference in Enlisted route and Officer route candidates; clothing, attitude, speech...

- I was the only one with a clean shave, a high and tight (or even groomed hair), decently dressed, not sitting sloppy, mouth shut... you get the idea.

- Everyone I met got a higher ASVAB score than me! Is that bad?!

2 Day "Vacation"

2008-12-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

More updates coming but tomorrow I'm taking the ASVAB and then stay overnight and on Thursday I go through MEPS, but I'm not swearing in, just testing.

Hopefully I get a qualifying score on my ASVAB for OCS then I'll really be ready to make the jump and finish my OCS packet and tell my parents and put in my two week notice.

Wow. That's sounds so weird to really say it! Leaving my "professional" job for the Army! But I'm excited. I'll keep you updated.

My Army Research

2008-11-05T10:52:00.002-05:00

Below is a list questions/answers/info that I've found, and it may not be relevant but take a look, and if you see something wrong, let me know. Oh, and I didn't really edit it, it's just for me really.

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So here are my most recent questions (oh, and all of these apply to FULL TIME ACTIVE Army):

- Becoming an Officer

* If I go "straight" to OCS and I have already signed a 3 year enlistment from the beginning, do I have to do a total of 4 years? Because after my officer commissioning I have to serve three years, correct?

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- How soon can I become an officer? Is there a fast track program? Do I go to BCT then AIT then OCS? Can you explain that more?

- When can I become an Officer?

- Does becoming an officer remove any of the other bonuses?

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- What bonuses do I qualify for? Here are the bonuses that I see available with the ones that I qualify for in bold.

- High School Senior Deferred Enlistment Bonus

- Active Army Seasonal/Quick-ship Bonus (?)

* A seasonal bonus of up to $20,000 is available for qualified recruits in certain MOSs who enlist for at least two years and agree to report for training within 30 days. Seasonal bonus levels are $20,000 and $6,000, depending on the selected MOS.

- Active Army Education Bonus (2 years or more enlistment)

* Bachelors degree - $8,000

- Active Army Bonus for Civilian Skills (ACASP)

- Army Airborne Bonus

- Officer Candidate School (?) (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0OXU/is_2_61/ai_n26776231/pg_2?tag=artBody;col1)

* $8,000 (question, is this amount correct?)

* Must serve 3 years after comissioning

- Army Reserve OCS Bonus

- Warrant Officer Flight Training Bonus

- Middle Eastern Translator Aid Bonus

- Army Ranger Bonus

- The National Call to Service (explain)

- The Montgomery GI Bill (either/or Student Loan Repayment Program)

- The Army College Fund (either/or Student Loan Repayment Program)

- Student Loan Repayment Program (3 years or more enlistment)

* Up to $65,000

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- 2008 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates

I checked the latest info for zip code 22314

DC053 - Washington DC

E4 with dependents - $1718

E4 w/out dependents - $1304

Question: Does this sound correct? You said it was $1555.00.

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Cost of Living (doesn't apply for our location)

- Based on base Zip code

- Ex. Los Angeles, CA w/dependent @ E4 = $138

http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/cost-of-living-allowance#1

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2008 Pay Charts

E4 <2>

E4 >2 - $1848.90 (22,186.80)

O1 <2>

O1 >2 - $2659.80 (31,917.60)

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Basic Allowance of Subsistence (food only for service members)

Enlisted: $294.43

Officers: $202.76

Q. Do you just get a check every month or do you have to submit an expense report?

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- Clothing Allowances: Can you explain that?

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Here are the OFFICER jobs that I am interested in:

[most interested are in bold]

Officer Careers

- Military Intelligence Officer (35)

* Imagery Intelligence Officer

* All-Source Intelligence Officer

* Counterintelligence Officer

* Human Intelligence Officer

* Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Officer

* All Source Intelligence Aviator

- Personnel Systems Management Officer (42B)

* Human Resources

- Quartermaster Officer (92A)

* Equipment, materials, systems... general managing

QUESTION: What info do you have on those jobs, specifically the ones in bold? What do I have to do to attain those jobs; a specific ASVAB score...? QUESTION: Also, are those Military Intelligence usually overseas or here in the states?

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Here are the ENLISTED jobs that I am interested in:

[most interested are in bold]

- UAV Operator (15W)

- Intelligence Analyst (35F)

- Human Resources Specialist (42A)

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- Overall: From what I found out, to get maximum benefits (all that I, personally, qualify for) I only need to enlist for 3 years. Does that make sense?

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Random Questions

- What are the Critical MOS's currently?

- Can I pick my first duty station? (Guaranteed First Duty Assignment)

- According to FSR2, is it possible to see what jobs are available with my ASVAB score of 77? (That's just from the sample test, I have yet to take the full test)

- Sergeant Ly told me to ask you about MOS's and units that haven't or aren't usually mobilized. I understand it's a big possibility but I prefer to stay with my family as much as possible unless absolutely needed.

- I really am interested in becoming a recruiter too, so info on steps to attaining that is greatly appreciated.

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* About the Student Loan Repayment...

- Total, it looks like I have approx. $80,000 in qualifying loans (I'm checking on this)

- Can I give you my loan information and get a written verification saying that my loans indeed to qualify for being repaid?

- From what I understand, I don't get any money for it until my first year is complete (which will then be 33 1/3 or $1500 whichever greater, correct?) is there a way to file for "forbearance" to postpone my paying the loans until the Army starts as well?

- How hard is it to rank up from an E4 to an E5 (is it based on points and/or time?)

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This is what I have discovered as to the steps when enlisting, plese correct me if I am wrong:

Steps to enlisting

- Talk to recruiter

- Have the recruiter pull up FSR2 (and look at bonuses), look at the jobs just to see what it available, don't reserve a job yet

- Take the ASVAB

- Talk to recruiter and see if what I qualify for on FSR2; check enlistment bonuses and ship date

- Reserve/Request MOS and pick first station

- Go to MEPS & once pass all tests, swear in

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My current main concern is being able to "survive." Hah, not physically, but financially as a family. I currently make $65,000 (I don't know if I should tell you that so please keep it between us). My wife works as a nanny currently but she spent almost a year as a teacher before that.

I want to make sure that either we can qualify for living off base and receiving money for that OR that we can live on base and bring our one dog and one cat.

Other than that, we just have car insurance, food (which the Army can help with?), and some other miscellaneous expenses. So if the Army covers: rent, food, and loans we should be ok.

Becoming an officer is a goal of mine for a few reasons; I feel that I already have the ability to lead but with the proper instruction I can really make a difference; I want to put my college degree to good work; getting paid more will help me to provide for my family better.

General Information on me:

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Married but no children

1 dog & 1 cat

Have bachelors degree

Scored 77 on sample ASVAB (taken on GoArmy.com)

Feel free to ask me anything! I'm looking for a recruiter who wants to help me and answer my questions and I promise to be honest with you as well, thanks again!

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http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/ss/armyjoin_3.htm

Recruiters have access to FSR2 - Future Soldier Remote Reservations System

- Just pre-qualify for enlistment

- Pick job off the request system

- Get to MEPS within 7 days, take the physical and sign for the job

* FSR2 also provides the shipping date, enlistment bonus

* Of course the job isn't "guaranteed" at this point. The applicant has to meet the qualifications for the job (ASVAB, physical profile, security clearance requirements, ect.), which will be determined during the MEPS trip

Guaranteed First Duty Assignment. The Army and the Navy are the only active duty services which can offer a guaranteed first duty assignment. However, since the invasion of Iraq, the Army rarely offers this incentive anymore. When authorized, under the Army Program, you can get a written guarantee in your enlistment contract for your first duty assignment following basic training and job training (of course, there must be open positions for your particular job on the base before the Army will give it to you). This option is only available for certain, hard-to-fill Army Jobs. Additionally, the guarantee is only good for 12 months. After that, the Army can move you anywhere it wants.

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Student Loan Repayment Info

$$$$$$$$$$

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Qualifying Loans

The loan must be entered into before going joining the military. The following loans qualify for the College Loan Repayment Program:

* Auxiliary Loan Assistance for Students (ALAS)

* Stafford Student Loan, formerly know as the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL)

* Parents Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Must be incurred for the use of the individual contracting for the program (not others such as relatives)

* Consolidated Loan Program. Only covers the member's education expenses

* Federally Insured Student Loans (FISL)

* Perkins Loan, formerly known as the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL)

* Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS)

Army Eligibility

To be eligible for the Army LRP you must:

* Decline enrollment in the Montgomery GI Bill in writing, using DD Form 2366

* Have LRP guaranteed in writing in the enlistment contract (DA Form 3286-66).

* Be a non-prior service accession.

* Enlist with a high school diploma.

* Have an Armed Forces Qualification Test score of 50, or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

* Enlist in one of the critical military occupational specialties (MOS). These MOS change quarterly. The local Army recruiter will have the current list.

* Possess a loan that was made, insured, or guaranteed under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part B, D, or E prior to entering active duty.

Here is how it works:

After each completed year of active duty your service branch will make a payment of 33-1/3 percent or $1,500, whichever is greater, on the total remaining original unpaid principal balance.

Forbearance:

Forbearance is an arrangement to postpone or reduce your monthly payment amount for a limited and specific period during which you are charged interest.

If you are temporarily unable, but willing to repay the loan(s), you may ask for a forbearance. The interest will accrue during a forbearance and it is the your responsibility. When you reenter repayment at the end of the forbearance period, any unpaid interest is added to the principal balance.

Unlike deferment most servicemembers qualify for forbearance. You must apply and qualify for a forbearance and the U.S. Department of Education must approve the request in order for a forbearance to be in effect. The process is quite simple.

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Hello Mike,

I am from fl. I've been in for 16 yrs. I been an Finance Specialist for

all of my yrs in the service except for the last three yrs. I have

always been state side. Single, no kids.

Becoming an Officer:

You will enlist for 3 yrs. Your time start after you complete Basic

training and Officer Candidate school (OCS). You will submit a packet

and do an interview with my battalion. Once your packet is a approved

you will go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). This

when you will find out when you will depart for Basic Training. While

you are at basic training, you will get paid as an E4. When you go to

OCS you will being to get paid as an E5. Once you graduate from OCS you

will be a 2LT. If you fail out of OCS, the Army will pick your Job

Skill training. Bonus for Officers are dependent on the Area of Concern.

We do not know what the area of concern is. You will not find that out

until you find out what type of officer you are going to be.

Enlisted:

You can enlist for 2,3,4,5,6 yrs...It is dependent on the job you

choose. Some jobs take a long time to train which means you enlistment

obiligation will increase. You will go to Basic Training and Advance

Individual Training (AIT). You will enlist as an E4. Bonus are dependent

on the Job you select at the time. The most you can get is a total of

40,000.

Basic Housing Allowance is dependent on the area that you get station

at. While you are in training you will receive the following:

E4 E5

Base Pay 1758.90 1918.80 taxable

BAH 1718 1855 non-taxable

Family Sep 250 250 (after 30 days) taxable

After training:

E4 O1

Base Pay: 1758.90 2,555.70 taxable

BAH 1718 1855 (If in this area...) non-taxable

BAS 294.43 202.76 non-taxable

As long as there is room for you and your family, housing will be

provided to you whether you are an officer or enlisted. If there is no

room for you then we will give you BAH to off set the cost.

Clothing allowance is give to enlisted members annually to pay for new

uniforms as needed. Officers do not get clothing allowance.

Steps for enlisting:

Speak with a recruiter

Take the ASVAB

See what jobs you qualify for

Pick a job

Go to meps to complete the process.

OCS or Enlisted the most you will get for Loan Repayment is 65,000. You

will need to provide all of your promissory notes.

To be a Recruiter:

You have be in for two years. This option is only available to

Enlisted.

Critical MOS changes every month.... The MOS that you listed none of

them came in bold so I don't know which one you are actually interested

in.

All of these answers are for Regular Army. I hope this helps..... Let

me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

US Army Reserve Recruiter.

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Army Thoughts

2008-11-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

Below are my thoughts on joining the Army, I've just been adding bits here and there and I haven't looked over it, so it may not be 100% coherent.

Ok, so I'm thinking about joining the military full time. Yeah, full time Active duty Army. I was initial considering the Reserve or the National Guard.

I've changed my mind, well, exploring all options because the main thing that kept me from signing up right away for the Reserve or ANG was the possibility of losing my job. My work said they would hold it, but I really don't know if that's 100% true. There are only two of us that truly know how to run the website and if one's gone, then it makes things very very hard. They would have to at least find a temporary replacement, if I were even that lucky.

So I though, why risk my job (and decent pay) for only a few extra hundred a month? Ok, I'm not comparing job coolness factors or the fact that I would be making a difference (in one way or another). But just on the level of money, there would be a difference. If I'm going to join, I might as well get all I can.

That said, the differences are like this, in the Reserve, you get up to $20,000 signing bonus and up to $24,000 student loan repayment. Full time you get up to $40,000 signing bonus and up to $65,000 student loan repayment. There are other benefits but those are the main ones that apply to me.

Also, I would be coming in at an E4, Specialist. That's not too bad. Thanks to my degree. I should become an Officer though, I would make almost $10,000 more in my base pay if I do that.

I don't know how this whole thing about the military even started. My wife and I have been trying to remember and I just can't. I think what made it real for me was when my old roommate came to visit after getting out of Office Candidate School in the Air Force. But that's all I can remember that set me off, more or less.

I don't know... I just see it as a way to get a cool and different job, learn some new skills and pay off some student loans!

I don't think that that anyone has done as much research as I have. I've been reading over EVERYTHING!

By the way, I keep coming back to this so I may be saying the same thing over and over and I apologize.

Like I said in the beginning, I wanted to find a way and serve but I didn't want it to interfere with my job. I wanted to keep my job but still serve and the problem is that they would have to hire at least someone while I was gone because one person can not do it by themselves. It really takes two people to do it all, unless its for a few days, but then things do end up lacking due to being spread too thin.

The other thing is, I was trying to hard to keep my job when I don't even know if I really like it in the first place. Well that's not true. I do like my job I just don't love it. Co-workers are all normal, no one gets on my nerves and things work out. But there just isn't anything that really is keeping me there. I also don't feel like I'm learning anything new that I can bring to a new job, though I am learning some new things and a little bit about content managing, but that's about it.

Also, the company is fine, no major managing issues but at times there is a lot of unnecessary stress. I don't mind stressful situations and I handle them extremely well I believe but it's just not cool when it not necessary.

So why protect this job that I don't like very much? Yeah, that's what I started thinking too! Look, I'm 23, I have a lot of life ahead of me, so what if I take a break and change directions for 2, 4, or even 6 years? That still gives me a lot of time to do what I want. Oh, that's also my other reason for wanting to join... I don't know what I want to do!

I used to want to do just video editing and video production, but then I've moved into more of an internet environment. I also thought it would be fun to be a producer for a video game company or work on a web apps in New York City or San Francisco. As you can see, I'm not really decided on anything.

What I'm worried about is that if I don't join, I'm going to regret this the rest of my life. I'm going to working at corporation after corporation just chugging away, then coming home and eating junk food and watching TV when I could have been making a difference as a soldier in the Army.

My policy on the military is that anyone who signs up, anyone with any job in the military is serving their country. So no matter what I would do it would give me a sense of accomplishment and I get excited just thinking about that!

That brings me to all the homework and research I've been doing. Oh my gosh, I think I'm doing more than anyone has ever done! But I like to be prepared, and especially don't like being ripped off. I want all the bonuses, all the student loan repayment, I want to work out so that Basic Training is a breeze (as much of a breeze as possible!), I want to move up the ranks as fast as possible... I want to show the Army that I care and I am excited and I am an outstanding soldier.

My plan of attack?

- Practice, practice, practice my ASVAB

- Exercise: run/pushups/situps so that I can maximum points on my PT test

- Meet with an old friend who has an AR15 and become proficient enough to get "Expert" during M16 qualifying.

- Attend Officer Candidate School (let that degree work for me!)

Sound good?

I've already started working out, and I got a book on how to prepare me for basic training, The Ultimate Basic Training guide, and I took one sample ASVAB and got a 77, so I'm feeling semi prepared already.

The only thing I'm torn with is leaving my job in the professional world to join the Army. Doesn't it sound strange? Don't worry, that's not really holding me back but that's one of the last things that I'm thinking about. Not many people leave a job where they make X amount of money and join the Army full time, or do they? I guess that's what the Reserves are for but I want it full time.

I'm going to make a decision soon, and I don't see why I shouldn't do it. I know that the second I do it though, I'll say "What am I doing!?" but I know that I really won't mean it. It's like the butterflies you get before a race but just a few seconds into the race you feel fine.

It's really just the nervousness of a career change. But I can always go back into my past line of work if I want to, I'm just trying out a different path and seeing if I enjoy it.

Ok, I'm getting a lot closer now. I've slowed down on research because I think I may have done all I that I could for now. I need to take the ASVAB and get a medical physical next.

My recruiter says those are the next steps so I may do that in a few weeks. I'm currently taking the practice ASVAB's on Military.com so I can get some practice and an feel for what my score may be.

Also, I know that the physical is just a medical one and not a PT test, but I am doing tons of pushups and starting to run a lot too, because I want to make sure I am really ready.

I guess that's all for now.

Latest thoughts...

2008-10-22T15:47:00.001-04:00

Army: Enlisted or Officer?

I know the merits of both, I just don't know which one I should go for.

I have a college degree so I can enlist as an E4. I'm all for paying your dues before reaping the rewards too.

But I worked hard for that degree and I feel that I have the ability inside of me to be a leader if I let the Army teach me.

Your thoughts?

Preparation

2008-10-22T09:32:00.000-04:00

This soldier looks ready to go. Just one last prayer before really taking off. I've seen this picture a few places, but don't know where it originally came from. Does anyone know the story behind it?

AK 47 vs M16

2008-10-22T09:31:00.001-04:00

This video clearly shows some interesting things about each weapon. It looks a lot like the AK is more of a machine gun than a rifle, being semi-spray and pray and the M16 is a surgeons rifle, but I have seen some AK's pull some really tight groupings. I guess it depends on how well you keep it clean, your own accuracy, and proper sights. But still a very interesting video.

Confronting Afghanistan's 'Valley of Death'

2008-10-22T09:14:00.000-04:00

Some think the war on terror is over but it looks to me that the enemy is still putting up a fight. I pray that the men defending what's right are protected.

2008-10-16T12:05:00.000-04:00

Im thinking about being a UAV Operator (15W).

[predator uav]

Does anyone have any experience doing that? I hear a few things, some bad some good:

- You can be stationed anywhere

- Some UAV's are fly-by-mouse and some are practically the real thing

- UAV Operators are in high demand

- UAV Operators are being overworked and some getting PTSD

This is really an interest to me and not to trivialize it or anything, but I think this game is fun: www.dosomethingamazing.com/?v=features/uav/

So, has anyone out there been a 15W in the Army? I would love to hear your thoughts.

The Army Experience

2008-10-12T17:33:00.000-04:00

[Tactical Operations Center at The Army Experience]

The Army Experience Center in the Franklin Mills Mall just opened a week ago I think, and it looks incredible! There are 3 simulators (two helicopters and humvee), a gaming arena with with 60 computers and 19 XBOX 360's, a "Tactical Ops Center" a lounge, and various events that you can sign up to do.

Some of the events they have are fitness challenges, Madden/America's Army/ COD4 tournaments, future soldier training and more. Really, they offer a lot so that possible recruits can relax and learn about the Army.

Personally, the simulators sound awesome. I live in the Washington DC area but I think it's worth it for me to head up there one weekend and give it a shot.

Check it out and here are some "specs."

- The Army Experience Center in Franklin Mills Mall

* 3 Simulators, Black Hawk, HMMWV, Apache

* Gaming Arena: 60 Alienware AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core, 6400+ 3.2ghz, 4GB RAM, high speed network. ALSO 19 Xbox 360's

* Tactical Ops Center (UAV's...Presentations...)

* Lounge (snacks and couches)

* Events (Fitness, Army myth busting, Madden/Americas Army/COD4 tourneys, future soldier training...)

New developments!

2008-10-08T14:56:00.001-04:00

I'll explain later, but I'm thinking about joining the Army. Full time. Your thoughts?

New Army Rifle

2008-10-06T10:43:00.001-04:00

Behold, the M18. Yeah, it's overkill. Read more.

A tank or just a giant shotgun?

2008-10-05T13:41:00.000-04:00

One word comes to mind when I watch this, devastating. I love at the end you finally get to see what it can do, by hitting all those targets.

Although, as amazing as this is, it does make me think of how our military can use it. Like, we spent all this money on the F-22 and we are fighting cowards that hide in closets and place hidden explosives in random places I hope we can find a way to use this more.

M4... Yah Fuired.

2008-09-26T11:44:00.001-04:00

[photo by swearrr]

[the title was my Donald Trump impression... lame, I know...]

The military is looking for an M4 replacement. Many of you probably already know about this though. So, many companies are presenting what they think would be the next great carbine.

I've been seeing many different options and my general opinion on the ones that I saw is that they all feel very "Starship Troopery." They look more like Nerf guns than a legit battle rifle. Now, that's just based on the design and I have never held, fired, or even seen one of them in person. But they do all look bulky.

I wonder what it was like to see the transition to the M16... Did people think it looked too modern?

Something about the M4 makes me really, really like it. It feels solid, but not heavy, it's black, which is beautiful, and it just looks tough, edgy almost.

You can read one mans recommendation on Kit Up here: [Kit Up!]

To read more about the Military M4 replacement: [Military.com]

Generation Kill

2008-09-07T18:12:00.000-04:00

The five second, 192 character review (inspired by Justin Blanton)

Generation Kill = Amazing. Acting was transparent and real. You will get so involved with this show and will wish there was more. I felt connected; like one of the guys. I need the DVD’s.

The Details

Produced by HBO and aired in 1 hourly shows; 7 total. The miniseries is based on the book by the same name. A reporter was embedded with the Marines during the initial US invasion into Iraq.

Interesting

Some things I found really interesting was how they found actors that physically resembled the real life Marines. That seemed to really make a difference for me because it made the acting seem very transparent.

The acting was amazing and always seemed believable and with me knowing that there was a real person that they were representing made all the difference. They couldn't use the real guys because I'm sure they aren't the best actors! Though two Marines that were really there were actors and they did really well.

From the Beginning

This show had my attention from the very beginning. I can't even remember where I heard of it, I don't remember seeing any ads... I really can't remember!

It starts off really well introducing the characters. You start to see who everyone is and it only gets really deep and you get so involved with the characters that you feel as if you are their friends.

I got so involved in the show that I even found myself listening to all the radio chatter during the credits! "Hitman Two One Alpha this is Hitman Two..." To get my fix now, I logon to the site and and listening to the exchange of gun fire. It makes me feel like I'm back there.

A Rollercoaster of Excitement

This show has it all. I got nervous and anxious with my heart racing during the firefights, excited as they all cheered after blowing up an enemy gun, and downright emotional near the end, like summer camp was ending and all my new friends were leaving.

Conclusion

This serious was simply incredible. It has drawn me to read the book which can only be more amazing because I get to relive the experience but with more details. I'm only waiting on ordering the DVD's until I get some spare change but when I do, It's going to be watched over and over till the discs explode!

If you have any interest in the military or have someone in the Marines or serving in Iraq I bet you'll like this series. It's not the typical "war film" and feels like nothing I've ever seen. Most likely due to the fact that it's based so closely on the book which was written as Wright (author) saw it. Not sugar coating here.

[Generation Kill]

Coke is It

2008-09-02T10:20:00.001-04:00

coke is it
Originally uploaded by whirlingmcdervish

Just a neat photo I found on Flickr.

Love the monkey.

2008-09-02T09:47:00.001-04:00

You gotta love MilSpec Monkey. He's got some great info on tons of stuff. My favorites this week?

- Nerf Warfare

- Ladies with guns

- County Com Spy Monocular

Canyon Flight

2008-09-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

That's some pretty fancy flyin. I bet Sam would love this, it looks just like pod racing!

Joining the military.

2008-08-28T13:50:00.000-04:00

So I'm thinking about joining the military. Not sure which branch though. I'm between the Army Reserve or National Guard and the Air Force Reserve or National Guard. I have a friend that is in the Air Force, getting them to pay for his med school and he is talking me into joining (not forcefully though) and I met a guy at my new church who is in the Air Force and he is trying to talk me into it too. But I have a coworker that is an ex Army Ranger who is leaning me towards the Army.

I'm really 50/50, well maybe 51 (Army)/49 (Air Force).

Why I want to join:

- Serve my country

* Something I think that everyone should do in one way or another and doesn't necessarily have to be the military

- Learn new skills

- Get into shape

- Make some extra money

* Also get some college loans paid off

- Make some new friends

* I'm new to the area

I have a great job right now that pays really well and I talked to them and their stance on it is this.

- Training comes out of vacation time and if I don't have enough of that, then it's unpaid days off

* Should be fine because I get paid during training right?

- If I get deployed, my job will be here whenever I get back

So everything looks good there.

I'm in Phase 2 now.

Ok, my journey to the ultimate decision has been broken up into 3 phases.

Phase 1:

- Learn basics about each branches (very basic info) and benefits

- Research online possible MOS's

- Start changing eating and exercise habits

Intermission

- Let everything cool off and take time to really think about it. Let emotions fade (if they will)

- Let the "world" cool off and see what direction the war is going

Phase 2:

- Meet with recruiters to discuss jobs and specific bonuses

- Take ASVAB

Phase 3:

- Talk to parents

- Talk to work

- Swear in

What I'm doing in the mean time:

- Running

- Push ups

- Talking with friends and getting input

What I really want to find is someone I can trust who will say, "now is (or isn't) the perfect time to join!" I have a friend that was in the Marines and he says for me to go Air Force because its the most cushy. I just don't know!

Some things that I think are really in my favor is my job being ok with it and my wife being 100% supportive. I would have thought that one of those wouldn't have worked out as well as they have but it's been great.

I'm 23 so I'm still fairly young. I don't want to wait very long to decide though, I'm thinking in a year or less. I also don't want to drag it out. Kids are years off, don't worry, we both agree on that.

I try to think of what the root reason is that gives me the desire to serve and until I figure that out then I can't make a decision. Some of the reasons I think that help build that desire are:

- I've always loved playing "guns" when younger

- I enjoy all war movies from Apocalypse Now to Black Hawk Down

- Paintball is a blast

- I think ACU's are awesome

- I was in JROTC in high school

- Wanting to prove to myself that I can "make it"

- Tell people that I was in the military

- Make a difference

- Be of service to others

See how many things there are that could be just emotional? I can't join just because I really like Call of Duty 4 and Battlefield Bad Company! I need to make sure that this isn't just a fad.

My wife thinks it's a real passion that I need to pursue. I think she's right, maybe it's not that I like these video games and paintball and that makes we want to serve but it's me deep desire to serve that makes me enjoy these things. Hmmm interesting....

I don't think that if I don't join I won't still feel accomplished, I just think that by serving you either get that sense of accomplishment in a different way.

I guess that's it for now. Let me know what you think. I could use your help.

NLOS Cannon

2008-08-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

First, NLOS stands for "Non-Line-of-Sight." Meaning that this thing can fire fairly accurately without even having to see the target like a traditional tank. This thing is a fully automated tank of sorts. It fires a 38 caliber round and can operate in tons of conditions.

Anyway, check out all of the details on their site: [NLOS from FCS]

You can either play the game online here: [jump] or download the app on your iPhone or iPod touch.

[pics from iPod game]

This game is pretty cool. Lots of fun and not hard at all if you have played any kind of tank games. How far did you get?

Land Rover vs. Tank

2008-08-27T15:51:00.000-04:00

Humvee gots skills

2008-08-22T11:28:00.000-04:00

Tactical Assault Group East

2008-08-22T09:04:00.000-04:00

Very cool video, something I'm sure Adam would love!

Army Reserves

2008-08-21T22:58:00.000-04:00

Great article on how the Army Reserves is an operational reserve instead of a strategic reserve. Check it out! [source]

And here is a list of Operations, there are some cool names in there! [wiki]

Great game!

2008-08-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

I love this game!

VW Military Toureg?

2008-08-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

I'll post more on this later but check this out!

NLOS Canon

2008-08-18T13:57:00.000-04:00

Motivational Poster

2008-08-15T12:24:00.000-04:00

[source]

Fall in!

2008-08-14T23:20:00.000-04:00

I'm new to the military. I'm not actually in the military either. What is the allure the armed forces have over me? I don't know. But I do know this, there seems to be a sense of honor and pride in serving. So I'm thinking about joining. The only branch that makes sense to me for my specific situation is the reserves orbthe national guard.

So right now, I'm on the track to learning more and seeing if it's right for me.

But there a few things I need to check to make sure this isn't just a fad. The military also looks interesting toe for these reasons:

- Call of Duty 4
- Battlefield Bad Company
- Generation Kill
- Paintball

See? Those are your typical recruiting tools. Not to mention the countless movies.

That's why I have to be sure I'm joining for the right reasons.

Well, follow me along as make my decision. I hope to post helpful links, articles, photos, videos, my progress... Just stick around!