Common Sense Junction
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Common Sense Junction
Military Blog Headlines

  1. NRA LOD – Frog Dog

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 22 May 2013 | 11:08 am MDT

    This is a great new video from the NRA’s Life of Duty online series. FROG DOG shares the incredible journey of a Navy SEAL and his four-footed war dog from initial selection through their deployments together downrange. Embed Code –

  2. Another blast from 2003...

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 22 May 2013 | 7:09 am MDT

     This piece has an interesting history. It's an early 1900's "Double W" board that shows all the ammunition products Winchester was producing at the time. As it was made at a point when the technology was shifting from black powder to smokeless powder, it's really a priceless asset in documenting the cartridge tech of the era. These are physical cartridges, not just embossed pictures as in the much more modern boards (though some companies still make 'em like this!). This is one of the better ones left - but it could have been one of the best, except...It came from...

  3. A Different View by Blake Powers

    → One Marine's View | 22 May 2013 | 7:00 am MDT

    Gang – Here is a great book that will get you closer to the “front lines” more so than any other book. I’ve had the opportunity to look through it and I can tell you it’s a good one. This...

  4. Food Industry Leader Commits to Hire More Military Veterans

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 22 May 2013 | 3:00 am MDT

    More than 30 current and recently separated soldiers toured the corporate headquarters of Tyson Foods, Inc. on Monday, giving them the opportunity to meet the company’s senior leadership and to be interviewed for various management positions. Tyson Foods is a leading supplier of food to the Defense Commissary Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency’s troop [...]

  5. Steven Spielberg Set To Direct Navy SEAL Biopic

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 22 May 2013 | 2:00 am MDT

    Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s film autobiography about his sniper experience gets a major Hollywood uplift. Acclaimed film director Steven Spielberg is taking directing reins on “American Sniper”, which actor Bradley Cooper will be producing and starring in. The movie is set to be tentpoled by Warner Bros. and Dreamworks, and is targetted for wide release [...]

  6. Benghazi suspects free, FOX News hearing drones

    → BLACKFIVE | 21 May 2013 | 3:33 pm MDT

    Talk about screwed up priorities. The Obama team is so busy targeting journalists, they can't be bothered to scarf up the guys who killed a US Ambassador and three other citizens on their watch. WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has identified five men who might be responsible for the attack on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, last year, and has enough evidence to justify seizing them by military force as suspected terrorists, officials say. But there isn't enough proof to try them in a U.S. civilian court as the Obama administration prefers. Seriously, we have them under surveillance and O doesn't want to capture them because then he would have to either bring then to the US, or horror of horrors, send them to Gitmo. U.S. officials say the FBI has proof that the five men were either at the scene of the first attack or somehow involved because of intercepts of at least one of them bragging about taking part. Some of the men have also been in contact with a network of well-known regional Jihadists, including al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. The bastards are bragging about it, but heaven forbid Barry actually do his damn job and capture them. Maybe he can have the IRS audit al Qaeda's status as an Islamic charity. The U.S. has kept them under surveillance, mostly by electronic means. There was a worry that the men could get spooked and hide, but so far, not even the FBI's release of surveillance video stills has done that. Why should they worry, there was no security when they showed up to the show, none while they were slaughtering and they have no reason to believe they are going anywhere. Plus if Barry does act, it will be a drone strike, so why run? They would just die tired. This administration will go down as one of the least competent and most political ever.

  7. The Legion Stands Forth

    → BLACKFIVE | 21 May 2013 | 9:18 am MDT

    The American Legion has stepped forward in Oklahoma. The Legion is on the ground with Soldier's Wish in Moore right now, and has further allocated $1 million to help help veterans and their families affected by the tornado. "The American Legion is committed to the welfare of all veterans and has been on the front lines with veterans and their families in times like these since 1919," said American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz. Bravo Zulu! LW

  8. Helping Our Heartland

    → BLACKFIVE | 21 May 2013 | 9:05 am MDT

    NOTE: Updated link with direct fundraising page, apologies for the bad URL before. Devastation (not decimation) has hit in the midwest, particularly in Oklahoma. Team Rubicon is on it. Please, share the word and spare what you can to help. Meantime, keep the people effected by it in your thoughts and prayers. LW

  9. Another blast from the past...

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 21 May 2013 | 7:17 am MDT

    This time, November 19, 2003, when I really got into Max the Maxim:


    Alrighty, get ready for an orgiastic celebration of gun ownership. No humans were filmed nude for this feature.

    Those of you, like Gunner and Ghost of a Flea, who have been following me since Beth and I first got started on Blogspot, will vaguely remember having met Max the Maxim before, when I blogged about helping all my lethal implements accessorize.

    Well, via that post, you know Max's history. Let's lift the curtain on the newest Chippendale Dancer! A well-traveled M1910 Maxim Machine Gun... Here he is, peeking from out behind the curtain...


    Now shoo away the faint of heart and come behind the curtain for the rest of the show!  

  10. Oh, life at Castle Argghhh! is kinda laid back...

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 21 May 2013 | 6:31 am MDT

     ...and you meet interesting people and I find I'm still learning things about SWWBO.

    I got to meet some Capuchins yesterday. And learned something new about Beth.

    A colleague of mine has a large man-made koi pond in his back yard. He has a great deck - koi pond, tiki bar, great shade, and privacy even in the middle of a large, long-established development. He's got three-foot long feed-a-family sized carp in there, and the industrial filtration required. And he needs to cull his numbers. And we have a large pond that is pretty healthy, based on the number of frogs and turtles that live in it.

    So yesterday I went to his place to get 6 tubs of koi and goldfish, including three big farm-raised fish, two of them girls ready to be breeders, all of them, from tiny to large, pretty good-looking fish. All in all, about thirty or so.

    That was pretty routine, if sweaty work in that humidity.

    Then I met the Capuchins.


  11. Deployed Navy Pilot Beats all Odds to Earn Master’s Degree

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 21 May 2013 | 4:18 am MDT

    Thomas Saenz isn’t your ordinary guy who takes things one at a time. Proof to that is how he stayed on top of his military duties in Afghanistan while attending classes — transmitted live via the Internet. And last week, he finally earned  his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Southern California. The [...]

  12. Homemade Bombs Still Pose Threat On US Troops

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 21 May 2013 | 2:00 am MDT

    In the wake of the Boston marathon bombing in April, the US Military recognizes the power of homemade bombs and how it has changed the face of warfare and terror worldwide. Former Army lieutenant general Michael Barbero released in a recent news report that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are the number one killer of US [...]

  13. Marine and dog reunited after tour in Afghanistan

    → One Marine's View | 21 May 2013 | 1:38 am MDT

    “It touches your heart,” said Elaine Haugen, 68, the wife of a Vietnam War veteran who attended the event. “We really have no way of knowing what those two experienced. We only surmise that we do.”

  14. MOLON LABE INDUSTRIES NOW SHIPPING ITS PATENT PENDING SCARmag

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 20 May 2013 | 6:08 pm MDT

    I don’t have a SCAR, but if I did I’d definitely want these. Molon Labe Industries, manufacturers of polymer magazines and accessories for the FN SCAR and AR rifle platforms, has begun shipment of its patent pending SCARmag to its […]

  15. An Update to Michael Behenna Case

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 20 May 2013 | 5:42 pm MDT

    I think Michael was railroaded and I’m disappointed at those that sought to make an example out of him instead through political expediency rather than standing for what’s right. His mother, Vicki, sends the following update. To all the thousands […]

  16. ADV: Travels to Al Qa’im and Beyond

    → BLACKFIVE | 20 May 2013 | 12:38 pm MDT

    A preliminary view of the Kindle cover, note final covers will vary I am pleased (and somewhat relieved) to announce that the second volume in the A Different View series is now out in trade paperback and on Kindle. This new volume showcases day-to-day life of Marines at Al Qa'im on the Syrian border while I was with them on the last part of my first embed. It then transitions to Germany and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, where I introduce readers to a very special ceremony for arriving wounded. I'm honored that MaryAnn Phillips of Soldiers' Angels Germany and Michael Z. Williamson agreed to write the foreword and introduction, respectively. Here's a taste of what people who have seen it have to say: “A Different View is a personal and vivid narrative of the author’s experience in a combat zone, showing not combat but the mundanity, humor, and boredom that make up ninety-nine percent of life ‘inside the wire.’ The author’s photos and narrative illustrate how service members cope and adapt to the surreal conditions, and how injury and death are still close by. This is a valuable book, and anyone who cares about America’s troops and the fight in the Middle East will find it worthwhile.” Larry Bond, bestselling author of Shattered Trident “My first thought as I looked at the pictures was”I’ve been there,” “I think I know that guy” and the fine details of multiple deployments come rushing back like they were yesterday. I can smell the pictures. Blake captures a reality through a very narrow opportunity that many will never understand. Those that have been there will look at the pictures, remember their experiences, and if they are viewing with another warrior, they will simply glance at one another as they both will remember the events they lived through and will do so with a smirk on their face. They will do it for those that were there with them, that didn’t come home.” Maj Pain (USMC), http://www.OneMarinesView.com “Lest we forget—Blake Powers helps all of us who were not there witness the everyday lives and achievements of our armed forces in Iraq with gorgeous pictures and thoughtful commentary.” Toni Weisskopf, publisher of Baen Books “None of us really know what it’s like to be ‘on the front lines’ unless we’ve served. Which means most Americans really have ‘no clue’. Blake shows these guys and gals in their environment. Sure, there are fun times, how could there not, you’d go bonkers otherwise. But the real deal is just being ‘in country’. Living it, breathing it, seeing it, being enveloped by it every waking moment (and sleeping too) then getting through it as best one can. He has really put this out there for all of us, those lucky individuals who have been lavished with the most amazing country in the world, to feel safe, made so by the sacrifices of these brave men and women.” David Mecey, former Staff Photographer, Playboy magazine "A Different View is well-titled; it gives the reader an alternative perspective of the fruit yielded by the American effort in Iraq. Most of it is good fruit. The book is well worth your time...and your money." Juliette Ochieng, author of Tale of the Tigers Given feedback from readers, the Kindle version of this new book was created specifically for Kindle in an effort to deal with format and photo issues that were reported with the previous volume. While the print and Kindle covers will be slightly different, it is hoped that the presentation of the photos will give readers the best possible experience. This book builds on A Different View: Travels with Team Easy, Iraq, 2007 (Kindle and trade paperback) You said you wanted more writing, so you got it. I hope it makes you laugh, think, and cry. Also, if you want to read the full reviews, click on over to Laughing Wolf as I will have them posted there. LW

  17. Carry The Load: Ruck March/Relay

    → BLACKFIVE | 20 May 2013 | 8:13 am MDT

    Last week, I saw a post on Facebook that caught my attention. It was about a relay coming through the Atlanta area for an organization called Carry The Load. The word was going out for people to sign up and join in to help the charity, remind people of the meaning of Memorial Day, and get in some exercise. Well, that was my take on in when the president of Ranger Coffee (a former ranger) challenged everyone on a particular leg to bring a ruck and make it a ruck march. Liking the concept and needing some exercise, I agreed. The previous relay arriving Carry the Load was co-founded by former SEAL Clint Bruce. I think the words he shares on the site say it best: "I served our country as a Navy SEAL. Every Memorial Day I have a persistent, dull, deep ache. It’s the memory of all of the buddies I’ll never be able to talk to again. I couldn’t express my feelings with words, so I put on my boots, loaded my pack and I started walking. With every step, I thought about those buddies I lost. As I walked, a man stopped me and asked, ‘Son, who are you carrying?’ He understood what I couldn’t say. At that moment I knew that other people felt like me, and Carry The Load was born.” A mother and daughter who walked Nor do they stop with just the military, but also include law enforcement, firefighters, and -- most importantly to me -- their families. A young man who walked with us, signing the march flag It was a very good experience doing the five mile "leg" as the group got to know each other. There were quite a few veterans, some active duty, and the rest were just glad to show some support of those who serve and the meaning of Memorial Day. One group even traveled an hour and a half to take part. Part of the group for my leg, ready to head out It was an honor and a pleasure to take part, and a good reminder of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Check out Carry the Load, and I also want to thank Ranger Coffee for the sample they provided. It's a good brew, better than a certain "fishy" coffee chain by a mile. LW

  18. I was a gun-blogger once, and not quite as grey..

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 20 May 2013 | 7:37 am MDT

     There being a virtually new readership since those early days of 2003, I'm going to yank some of my older stuff up from the archives, where most of you, this being a blog after all, don't go rooting around looking for things.  The archives are for Googlers, really. Some posts have been lost to the mists of time and server crashes, but this is one of the first ones I put up after we moved from blogspot to our current domain and hosting service.Thus spake I, nearly a decade ago, and you can see the display room in the Auld...

  19. Navy Ships Complete Exercise Trident Fury 2013

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 20 May 2013 | 3:00 am MDT

    USS Ford (FFG 54), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and USNS Carl Brashear concluded their participation to this year’s Exercise Trident Fury, a biennial joint and  multinational naval exercise held from May 13-19. Exercise Trident Fury was hosted and organized by Maritime Forces Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Its mission is [...]

  20. Hero defined - Motto Monday

    → One Marine's View | 20 May 2013 | 2:23 am MDT

    After I thanked Taylor for the zillionth time for his service, I hung up the phone and sat in silence recalling our conversation. I was so nervous when we first started chatting but somehow Taylor sets you at ease. He made it ok to ask hard questions about the explosion that nearly killed him and his painful rehab.

  21. Navy SEAL Knife Used In Bin Laden Raid Sold For $35,400 At Auction

    → Navy SEALs Blog by USNavySEALs.com | 20 May 2013 | 2:00 am MDT

    Osama bin Laden may have been dead for two years now, but items involved in his death are still selling like hotcakes. A seemingly basic army knife was sold at an online auction for $35,400. The pocketknife belonged to former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette, who used the knife as part of the elite team that [...]

  22. Was There Any Doubt About The Outcome?

    → BLACKFIVE | 19 May 2013 | 7:16 pm MDT

    Well, it appears that TRADOC is now well into the process of attempting to destroy the greatest armed force that the world has ever known. Training and Doctrine Command has launched “two major efforts in support of this full integration of women soldiers.” TRADOC has started a scientific review working with U.S. Army Medical Command, U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine and Army Research Institute to assist in the development of gender-neutral physical standards for all Areas of Concentration for commissioned officers and military occupational specialties for enlisted soldiers. In addition, the “TRADOC Analysis Center is examining the institutional and cultural barriers related to integrating women soldiers into previously all-male specialties and units in order to develop strategies to overcome these barriers,” I am curious how the armed forces, particularly the US Army (and by extension the US Marines) are going to "gender norm" the physical standards. My argument is, the standards are already gender neutral... First, let's have a look at the physical standards. Take a look at the one everyone is talking so much about. For those of you following along at home, that would be: 11A Infantry officer/11B Infantry. Let's have a look at the physical requirements in summary. I know I have mentioned it here before, but let's look at the specifics. I got this from some academic reports on the Land Warrior System. The physical requirement for the infantry do not differ from those for all Army personnel. The physical demands for infantry soldiers include the following: occasionally raise and carry 160-pound persons on their back; frequently perform all other tasks while carrying a minimum of 65 pounds, evenly distributed over entire body; for miles; frequently walk, run, crawl, and climb over varying terrain for a distance of up to 25 miles (while carrying these loads) frequently give oral commands in outside area at distances up to 50 meters; able to hear oral commands in outside area at distances up to 50 meters; occasionally climb a rope a distance of up to 30 feet; frequently throw 1-pound object 40 meters; frequently visually identify vehicles, equipment, and individuals at long distances. The physical profile also refers to functional capacity to perform as determined by medical personnel in six areas: physical capacity, upper extremities, lower extremities, hearing-ears, vision-eyes, and psychiatric. These areas are always presented in the same order. A score of 1 is normal and 4 is diminished performance. The required physical profile for an entry infantry soldier is translated as follows: physical capacity (1)--good muscular development with ability to perform maximum effort for indefinite periods; upper extremities (1)--no loss of digits or limitation of motion; no demonstrable abnormality; able to do hand-to-hand fighting; lower extremities (1)--no loss of digits or limitation of motion; no demonstrable abnormality; be capable of performing long marches, standing very long periods; hearing-ears (2)--audiometer average level of six readings (three per ear) at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz or not more than 30dB, with no individual level greater than 35dB at these frequencies and level not more than 55dB at 4000Hz; or audiometer level of 30dB at 500 Hz, 25dB at 1,000 and 2000 Hz, and 35dB at 4000 Hz in better ear (poorer ear may be deaf); vision-eyes (2)--distant visual acuity correctable to 20/40-20/70, 20/30-20/100, 20/20-20/400; psychiatric (1)--no psychiatric pathology; may have history of a transient personality disorder (well duh, you did pick the Infantry--ed). As I said at the outset of this argument, the standards are normed already. There are already a large group of 18 to 24 year old males who already have the ability to "perform maximum effort for indefinite periods," the ability "to do hand-to-hand fighting," and are capable of performing "long marches" and there are some 18 to 24 year old females who are just as capable, but there are alot less who are capable of these standards. I know that I can take a group of those males and a group of those females from the general population (because that is who we recruit from) in that same group and get an 80 percent success rate on "occasionally raise and carry 160-pound persons on their back" from the men. Anyone want to hazard a guess on what the success rate would be for that same group of women? Does anyone think it would even break into the double digits? What is going to be the injury rate, percentage wise? What do you think the rate of success is going to be if the men start lifting the women? How about if the women start lifting the men? More? Less? So tell me Big Army, is the plan to have the female infantry soldiers only lift their battle buddy and carry them if they are smaller than them; only after stripping them of their 65 pounds of additional equipment? Start making plastic artillery shells? Insist that manufacturers of tanks and fighting vehicles make the component parts from plastic? Only fight wars in countries with temperate climates and low rolling hills? The base plates on mortars, Ma Deuce receivers, Mark 19 ammunition and machine gun barrels are not going to get lighter, so my guess is that Big Army's plan is to make soldiers lift them less, tote them half as far and involve twice as many soldiers to do it. Infantry squads will go from 9 to 15, gun crew size will double and it will take twice as long to get anything done that involves physical work. No matter what part of the equation you look at here, the only part you can change is the part you can't change: The averages and genetics., because ON AVERAGE (which is where the Armed Forces recruits from) the average 5'4" 150 pound female can't run faster, punch harder, run farther or lift more than the average 5'10" 180 pound male. I don't need the the wizards of smart at U.S. Army Medical Command, U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine and Army Research Institute to crunch...

  23. Melancholy

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 19 May 2013 | 3:53 pm MDT

    Two or three times a year some of us older folks get a bit tangled up in memories (or memories of memories). Late April and much of May are my primary dates.


  24. In Memory Bright, Black Knights

    → BLACKFIVE | 19 May 2013 | 8:36 am MDT

    Quoting a friend, who was their LT: Remembering Alex Varella, Travis Haslip, David Behrle, Joeseph Gilmore, Jean Paul Medlin, Christopher Moore, and "Caesar II" today. KIA Ameriyah, Baghdad, Iraq 19 MAY 2007 1 PLT/A CO/1-5 CAV/1 CD Six years ago today. Black Knights Long-time readers may well remember these fine men, and Lt. Hickey. For those that don't go learn more about them, and previous things that showed their character, at this post that was part of Operation Puppy Love. Please join me in remembering and honoring them today. LW

  25. 'Ere Hold Mah Beer

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 18 May 2013 | 7:32 am MDT

    Click "Read More" for the picture that tells the story.
    Boq

  26. I knew we were't looking hard enough...

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 18 May 2013 | 6:36 am MDT

    Ruh-roh.

    971326_10151636093406183_1626768741_n.jpg    I was also sure that someone *was* looking hard.

    Like I said before - what you see depends on where you stand.

    Heck, whether or not you see it at all, depends on where you stand, I suspect. I don't like seeing military personnel being used this way at all, regardless. But it does speak to the power of a photograph, and the context.  Especially when the subject is already a focus of animus.

    I knew that someone was going to find pics like this. The common theme seems to be "speeches in the rain." The answer is - awnings and venue changes for scheduled events.  Impromptus on the airport tarmac....  well, flex and adapt.

    And my own personal attitude (like the Auld Soldier, too) was : Never get assigned to DC so you probably never will get close to having to do something like this.

    Like I said - a quick and dirty Rohrschach Test!



  27. Armed Forces Day and Valour-IT

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 18 May 2013 | 6:05 am MDT

    2013ArmedForcesDayHiRes.jpg

    They are resilient. They are tough. But sometimes, they need a helping hand, too. You're using a computer right now.  Some of these guys and gals can't, or can only do so with difficulty.

    Which is where Soldier's Angels and Project Valour-IT comes in.


    Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Items supplied include:

    Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

    iPads & Personal GPS - Portable computers like iPads and handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTS/PTSD.

    Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities)

    Every penny donated to Project Valour-IT is spent on Valour-IT.  Soldier's Angels does not tax the program to support overhead.  It has different funding streams for that purpose.  Just so you know.

    Click on the picture below to donate.  CJ and I got you started.
    Soldier's Angels Project Valour-IT


  28. This one is for Dusty

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 17 May 2013 | 2:22 pm MDT

    Because Panther01 don't play no Air Force jokes.

    553828_10151455827884150_1212438784_n.jpg

  29. Wow

    → Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys.. | 17 May 2013 | 12:05 pm MDT

    Heh.  Every place I ever lived (or served) in Germany (and France, for that matter) is closed, returned to the Germans or French, and most of it bulldozed, though our quarters in Augsburg and Frankfurt still exist and are privately owned.  I was pleased to see the Germans kept Elmer Fryar's name on the road in Augsburg.

    First the last M1s left.  Now the last Hog has sortied.

    What a difference from when I went over as a Lieutenant, and we had two heavy Corps in Germany, and stored equipment for a third.

    Yay they're no longer needed for the Cold War.. 

    Even more yay they were never used in a hot war in Europe!

    But bittersweet to see your youth just...  erased.



  30. Judge Orders Release of Dashcam Footage

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 16 May 2013 | 10:00 pm MDT

    At 1400 yesterday in the auxiliary courtroom – venue was moved due to a large number of supporters in attendance – visiting judge Neel Richardson ruled on a defense motion in my case to release dashcam footage. The decision came […]

  31. Review Of Drago Double Rifle Case

    → The Captain's Journal | 16 May 2013 | 9:31 pm MDT

    I had been looking for a while for a good range and field bag for more than one Carbine, and I’m very pleased with my new Drago double gun case.   It’s made of a heavy fabric with heavy duty zippers, and it seems to hold up very well.  It has molle straps on the [...]

  32. Army South Best Warrior Competition

    → BLACKFIVE | 16 May 2013 | 3:52 pm MDT

    Bonus: Day two photos below the fold too. Staff Sgt. Jacob Dipietro, 525th Military Police Battalion, Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, fires at his target at with his M4 Carbine Rifle at the Qualification Range. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) U.S. Army South is holding it's Best Warrior Competition, hosted this year at Camp Bullis, Texas. U.S. Army South (ARSOUTH) has responsibility for 31 countries (and 15 areas of special sovreignity) covering the Carribean, Central, and South America. The Warrior Games(corrected) Best Warrior Competition is an Army-wide competition that tests basic skills and knowledge through simulations and drills, demonstrations of basic skills, board reviews, essays, and other activities relevant to modern operations. Here are some photos from day one of the competition, which wraps up tomorrow. Sgt. Andrew French, 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, fires his M4 Carbine Rifle at the Zero Range. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Sgt. Andrew French, 512th Geospacial Engineer Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, walks back to his M4 Carbine Rifle after checking his target at the Zero Range. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Staff Sgt. Jacob Dipietro, 525th Military Police Battalion, Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, fires at his target at with his M4 Carbine Rifle at the Qualification Range. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Down goes the target! (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Austin Hunsaker, 525th Military Police Battalion, Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, fires an M9 pistol. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Capturing the action. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Austin Hunsaker (right), 525th Military Police Battalion, Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, assembles a M249 machine gun as his grader looks on. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Austin Hunsaker (bottom), 525th Military Police Battalion, Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, performs a move during Modern Army Combatives testing. . (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Franciso Padilla (right), 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, performs an armbar during Modern Army Combatives testing. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Franciso Padilla (blue belt), 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, attempts to escape the rear naked choke during Modern Army Combatives. (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Sgt. Andrew French (right), 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, listens to instruction before the Modern Army Combatives tournament. U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Spc. Franciso Padilla (bottom), 512th Geospatial Engineering Detachment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, attempts to maintain the guard position during the Modern Army Combatives tournament. . (U.S. Army Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Doheny, U.S. Army South Public Affairs) Wishing all those taking part well, and looking forward to sharing more with you after the conclusion of the competition. LW

  33. Photo Essay: Going for the Gold at the Warrior Games

    → BLACKFIVE | 16 May 2013 | 8:17 am MDT

    Army Spc. Elizabeth Wasil wins gold in the 1500-meter wheelchair race during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom The Marine Corps sitting volleyball team celebrates a point and went on to defeat Army, earning the number one seed during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 13, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Reid wins the men's 200-meters open race during the 2013 Warrior Games track and field competition in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games, which run through May 16. The military service with the most medals will win the Chairman's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Castaneda throws the shot put during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14, 2013. More than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans will compete in the games. The military service with the most medals will win the Commander's Cup. DOD photo by EJ Hersom

  34. Navy Launches First Ever Drone From Carrier

    → One Marine's View | 16 May 2013 | 7:55 am MDT

    The batwing-shaped craft, known as the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System, or UCAS, on May 14 was catapulted 11:18 a.m. local time from the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia Beach, Va., according to the service.

  35. Book Review: John Sanford's Silken Prey

    → BLACKFIVE | 15 May 2013 | 9:11 am MDT

    The following book review and exclusive interview with John Sanford is provided as a special by Elise Cooper for BlackFive readers. You can read all of our book reviews by clicking on the Books category on the far right sidebar. John Sandford’s latest book, Silken Prey, is a fascinating insight into the world of politics. He has the ability to blend strong characterizations with a very powerful plot. His dialogue is very realistic and often times funny. For anyone who is disgusted with politics as usual this is a must read book. The story begins when Lucas Davenport, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent (BAC) is asked by the state’s Governor to investigate a campaign scandal. Senator Porter Smalls is running for re-election and is accused of having child pornography on his office computer. The trail leads to the disappearance of a political fixer, the involvement of the Minneapolis police department, and more troublingly, to the dirty tricks of his opponent, Taryn Grant. She has hired as bodyguards two trained killers who will protect her at any cost. This book is not a “who done it,” but more in the tradition of Colombo, a “how they done it.” Sandford told blackfive.net that he wrote it because, “In a nut shell I was fed up with both sides, Republican and Democrat. The problem with politicians is that they are stuck with an ideology and can’t get around it, which explains why nothing ever gets done. They can’t seem to compromise for the better good. There is no longer any grey, only black and white. There is a take no prisoner attitude surrounding politics, that it is no longer congenial, with the fighting both political and personal. They have no respect for each other on the other side of the aisle. People are spending a large amount of money and there are no limitations on what they will do to get elected, so I just pushed that to its natural conclusion.” He wrote the book to entertain but also to get his readers to think about politicians, how they have blind spots and are out of touch with the average working person as they live in their own Washington DC world. This message is emphasized with his powerful character development. Taryn Grant could give Machiavelli lessons with her ideas about the way the world should work through her use of money, ruthlessness, and desire. Grant has a narcissistic personality with an oversized ego, extravagant plans for her political future, and someone who wants one day to be the first woman elected President. She is a new type of politician: smart, attractive, ambitious, and very wealthy. Sandford is hoping that readers will find “Taryn likeable. I gave her qualities you would want in a politician: tough, independent, and smart; but she is also a killer. I tried to balance readers going from admiring to hating her.” Her opponent, Senator Porter Smalls is an old-school politician who has a clear agenda. He is more of a supporting character with the main characters being the hero, Lucas Davenport and the antagonist, Grant. Davenport is a cool headed investigative officer that is intelligent, sexy, a family man, someone who takes things to its limits and can connect the dots. Sandford commented that he is pondering Davenport’s future since he is very dependent on the good graces of Minnesota Governor Elmer Henderson. “I thought about what Davenport might do after he leaves the BAC. Maybe the current Governor will become Vice-President and the new Governor makes Lucas feel uncomfortable so he leaves his position. Thanks to the Vice-President he becomes a free lance US Marshall and is able to just take cases of his choice. He tracks down unsolved cases and can travel anywhere in the world.” Another character in the book who makes a cameo appearance is Virgil Flowers. Sandford intentionally puts him in the story to remind people of the Flowers series, with a new book due out in the fall. Blackfive.net was given a heads up about the plot. It will be a comedic satire surrounding a Minnesota minister who steals a stone while on an archeological dig in Israel. A number of groups are trying to buy it from the Turkish Government to Hezbollah as Israel attempts to get it back. Lucas Davenport will also have a small role in this next book. Since Silken Prey is his 23rd thriller featuring Lucas Davenport, how does he continually come up with such fascinating plots? Sandford responded, “Pay attention to the news. For example, the three girls kidnapped in Cleveland allows for a great crime scenario. I enjoy playing off of a story by taking an idea from the news and using it as an inspiration for a plot. Of course, it should not to be too specific so that it interferes with real peoples lives. You don’t want them to think you are writing an entertainment book out of their misery. You put a riff on it which allows for the feeling of the plot being real without really being real.” Silken Prey is one of those plots that appear realistic. It is a very suspenseful book that combines murder and politicians. A riveting story that anyone, regardless of party affiliation, will want to read if they are disgusted with todays politics and want a thriller with many twists and turns.

  36. One Marine asking for help and making a difference

    → One Marine's View | 15 May 2013 | 1:28 am MDT

    PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THAT LAST SENTENCE, it is the American dream to Own a home and have an education. Here is where we F**k up as a country.

  37. Sniper Rifle Found In L.A.

    → The Captain's Journal | 14 May 2013 | 9:17 pm MDT

    I predicted it.  Now, the L.A. Police have found a sniper rifle in the city. Thanks to a push from local faith-based organizations and an assist from the Pasadena Police Department, 135 guns were taken off the streets Saturday at the Pasadena Area Gun Buyback and Peace-source Fair. More than a hundred gun owners drove [...]

  38. The Marines helping out an Army hero

    → One Marine's View | 14 May 2013 | 6:58 am MDT

    Marine Commandant Helps Soldier Receive Arm Transplants - You may have read it here on One Marine's View when it happend. Here is a video of an update. Time for a C-Gar!

  39. 3 Fired Over Fatal Mortar Training Explosion

    → One Marine's View | 14 May 2013 | 6:50 am MDT

    by Bryant Jordan on May 9, 2013 Seven weeks after a night time training program in Nevada turned deadly for seven Marines, three officers with command responsibility, or oversight of the training mission, have been fired. The Marine battalion commander,...

  40. The Secure Firearms Act is a Trojan Horse Registration Bill

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 13 May 2013 | 11:21 pm MDT

    I got an email from my Congressman, Representative John Carter (R-TX31) the other day touting the introduction of the Secure Firearms Act in the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. The act is co-sponsored by Democrat Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The most […]

  41. Today’s Reading

    → The Captain's Journal | 13 May 2013 | 9:04 pm MDT

    David Codrea: “Apparently Square is joining several other payment processors and financial institutions and are now refusing to do business with anyone who has anything to do with guns, ammo or other weapons,” the Guns Save Lives blog observed, adding “Paypal has long had a standing policy of refusing to business with any gun related [...]

  42. Monday? No it's Motto Monday

    → One Marine's View | 13 May 2013 | 6:01 am MDT

    If you are watching this and are home or at most at work, remember, your Monday isn't really that bad. You are not dealing with extreme weather, crappy environment or even more so, people trying to kill you. Kinda puts the "bad Monday" in perspective now doesnt it? Remember those fighting, many have forgot we are here.

  43. The Hazards Of A Militarized Police Force

    → The Captain's Journal | 12 May 2013 | 10:05 pm MDT

    At PoliceOne.com, one genius SWAT team member makes this remarkable argument. Tactical teams seeking their terrorist prey in the greater Boston area did so in great numbers — numbers that would make military commanders in Afghanistan envious. Video footage showed the American law enforcement warrior looking for a fight. Citizens cheered as the second terrorist [...]

  44. Accountability in Government

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 12 May 2013 | 6:50 pm MDT

    If you were offered money to be falsely arrested and thrown in jail, how much would it take? How much would someone have to pay you to allow them to assault you and steal your property? What would it cost […]

  45. Make sure you call her - Mothers Day

    → One Marine's View | 12 May 2013 | 1:57 am MDT

    5 Things You Wish You Could Give Your Mom For Mother’s Day May. 10, 2013 By Brian Donovan I used to be adventurous with Mother’s Day gifts. One year I gave my mom a few strawberry bushes that she could...

  46. Somthing to get your weekend started right

    → One Marine's View | 10 May 2013 | 2:04 am MDT

    See how warriors feel in the flight - Semper Fi

  47. 3D Printed Guns? Not If The U.S. Government Has Anything To Do With It

    → The Captain's Journal | 9 May 2013 | 8:52 pm MDT

    David Codrea: The Department of Defense Trade Controls has “requested” Defense Distributed to remove files associated with its Wiki Weapon Project, an announcement posted on the DEFCAD website today announced … This development is occurring mere days after the announcement that a complete working 3-D printed firearm, the Liberator, had successfully been built, and follows [...]

  48. Gun Control: Sleeping With The Enemy

    → The Captain's Journal | 9 May 2013 | 8:26 pm MDT

    Senator Tom Coburn cooperated with Senator Manchin (and Schumer) for a while on “expanded” (universal) background checks before he pulled out of the negotiations for whatever reason.  He was simply indignant when Senator Reid later pushed him around. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) on Thursday blasted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) as a “failure” and [...]

  49. Chris Murphy On Guns And God

    → The Captain's Journal | 8 May 2013 | 10:13 pm MDT

    Real Clear Politics: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) on states nullifying federal gun laws: I mean, let’s look at the context of nullification. Nullification was last used by Southern states to try to eviscerate Civil Rights legislation, to try to prevent states from basically enforcing desegregation and frankly, I think history will look back on this [...]

  50. The NRA is on the Frontlines of Defending the Second Amendment

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 8 May 2013 | 2:06 pm MDT

    I try to keep up with any discussion on gun control, the Second Amendment (2A), and bills being considered that affect our right to keep and bear arms (RKBA). So, it’s only logical that I would find the following statements […]

  51. UPDATE: Anti-Second Amendment Bills Flooding Into Congress

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 8 May 2013 | 11:00 am MDT

    UPDATE 6 FEB 2013 – Added new sponsors to some bills. UPDATE 26 FEB 2013 – Added new sponsors to some bills. UPDATE 5 MAR 2013 – Added new sponsors to some bills. UPDATE 13 MAR 2013 – Added new […]

  52. NRA LOD – From the Frontlines of Boston

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 7 May 2013 | 11:22 pm MDT

    NRA Life of Duty presented by Brownells, Inc. and FNH USA have teamed to bring you a special report straight from the Frontlines of the Boston Marathon. For those present, it was the most horrific experience of their lives. But […]

  53. The Slippery Slope Argument On Guns

    → The Captain's Journal | 7 May 2013 | 9:13 pm MDT

    There is an increasing number of charges that the recent gun control legislation was rejected because of slippery slope arguments.  One such charge was leveled by the loser himself, Joe Manchin. Think gun control failed in the Senate because of gun-clutching extremists? Or because of fanatical radicals who want to abolish the Second Amendment? Senator [...]

  54. Opposition To Ohio Gun Shop

    → The Captain's Journal | 7 May 2013 | 8:47 pm MDT

    David Codrea discusses the opposition to the opening of a gun shop in Twinsburg, Ohio. That none of the complainers need prove they know the first thing about guns, gun shops, gun shop clientele and the statistical significance of nearby hoagie shops, bars, day care centers, school drop-offs and houses to create any kind of [...]

  55. Facebook Bans Star Spangled Banner

    → A Soldier's Perspective | 7 May 2013 | 2:30 pm MDT

    I know that sounds too weird to be true, but it happened. Best selling patriotic rock band, Madison Rising woke up this morning to hundreds of complaints from angry fans complaining that their postings of the band’s best selling rendition […]

  56. Holder To Kansas: We Will Ignore Your State Firearm Laws

    → The Captain's Journal | 6 May 2013 | 10:02 pm MDT

    Examiner: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told Kansas Governor Sam Brownback that the legislation he signed titled the Second Amendment Protection Act, SB 102 will be ignored by the federal government and the Obama administration will enforce firearm confiscation regardless of state laws, the New American reported yesterday. The Kansas governor signed the Second Amendment [...]

  57. A great ride….

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 30 Apr 2013 | 9:00 pm MDT

    TweetAs I announced a couple of weeks ago, we are stopping the blogging here at You Served. I hope it stays up because I think we have a ton of good material here, but that will be up to VUHL … Continue reading →

  58. Manning was almost the Grand Marshall

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 30 Apr 2013 | 2:08 pm MDT

    TweetCharged with one of the largest leaks of classified documents in history, U.S. Army private Bradley Manning, is set to be acknowledged at San Francisco’s annual gay rights parade. Naming Manning as a Grand Marshall of the parade, a role … Continue reading →

  59. Keep What You’ve Earned

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 30 Apr 2013 | 11:30 am MDT

    TweetAlcohol use, and more importantly, alcohol abuse, are issues that each branch of the military faces. Posing a threat to the health and safety of both enlisted and officer alike, as well as the overall readiness and functioning ability of … Continue reading →

  60. Integrated Training, Part 2

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 30 Apr 2013 | 6:43 am MDT

    TweetWhile the Integrated Training Environment helps soldiers prepare for combat by honing the communication skills between the units that represent the various legs of an operation, its utility to our nation’s military extends further in a time of budget cuts … Continue reading →

  61. Pill farms preying on Veterans

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 29 Apr 2013 | 6:23 pm MDT

    TweetIt is no secret that substance abuse is an issue that plagues many in both our society and the military. The abuse of prescription drugs, especially painkillers, anxiety and anti-depressant’s, is on the rise and the influx of PTSD and … Continue reading →

  62. Integrated Training, Part 1

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 29 Apr 2013 | 1:37 pm MDT

    TweetLiving in the increasingly wired and connected age that we do, it should come to no surprise that the way our military trains and prepares for combat has also changed.  Weapons systems that resemble and operate like that of laser … Continue reading →

  63. PTSD? There is an app for that!

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 29 Apr 2013 | 7:23 am MDT

    TweetReturning home with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and adjusting back to normal life is no easy task. Handling and living with the invisible wound is incredibly difficult and seeking help is no easy task either. But now the Office of … Continue reading →

  64. Caffeine is the least of a deployed soldier’s worries

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 28 Apr 2013 | 5:21 pm MDT

    TweetTo the average Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine energy drinks and supplements like Red Bull, Monster and 5-hour energy are seen as no different than the morning cup of coffee; a little pick-me-up to help you stay awake, alert, and … Continue reading →

  65. Air Force Academy Cadet contributes

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 28 Apr 2013 | 8:00 am MDT

    TweetAfter the introduction of synthetic drugs and increase in use by both civilians and service members over the past several years, there has been some difficulty in testing for these now banned substances. But now at the US Air Force … Continue reading →

  66. Killer Gains, Shocking Results- Part III

    → You Served® - Veteran and Military Blog and Military Podcast | 27 Apr 2013 | 6:00 am MDT

    TweetThis problem is very similar to the issues that both the military and society have faced over the past year in regards to the controversy about the sale and use of synthetic drugs known as Bath Salts. If an individual … Continue reading →



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