By way of the great Mike Fay, here is part 6 in a series of combat art pieces by free-lance artist and former Marine Rob Bates in Afghanistan. A sample:
From the WSJ: “When the Fighting Stops”
MDL tossed this our way, and we are glad he did. For many of you, this will undoubtedly sound a familiar note. For over a decade now, operations overseas offered tens of thousands of young American men a good opportunity to go and do what young men have done for centuries. One need neither to love the cause nor hate it– nor, indeed, to embrace the idea– to recognize the allure of the promise of a good hard fight against a capable adversary in a far-off and storied land. So, when the fighting stops, what then? For many of them, [...]
Recommended Reading
STRONGLY recommended reading, and an unlikely selection too. Alcoholics Anonymous. Full disclosure– I am not an alcoholic (some of you might cordially disagree), nor am I member of AA, nor do I have a close family member who is (that I know of). I have simply been privileged to make the acquaintance of someone who is, and who has gotten through it. This is a book about fixing broken people; a remarkable book, and I strongly commend it to officers, especially lieutenants and captains. It is a near-certainty that company-grade officers are going to run across Marines and soldiers and [...]
“Abdominal Aortic Tourniquet”
VERY INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT in combat casualty care. A new kind of inflatable tourniquet created by Dr. John Croushorn and materials experts will soon be in the hands of U.S. Army combat medics. … Amazing.
Suicide in the Military
I saw this today. Is the General right or wrong? What say you?
Let’s Latinize That
Attention all Latin scholars. In recognition of the recent bladder voiding in Afghanistan (gasp!) who can come up with the catchiest new Latin motto, either for that battalion or– in extremis– Our Beloved Corps itself, in case it is forced to prostrate itself before the false gods of political correctness? My entry: “Micturimus Inimicis” or loosely, “We Piss On Our Foes.” I’m about 95% sure that I got the declension of “inimicus” right, but I’m somewhat less bold on the conjugation of “micturire.” Feel free to chime in. Fellow Marine “Wang” goes the other way and makes an attractive offering [...]
The Last Action of OIF
MMM has the details. Keep your fingers crossed.
Christmas 2011
A very Merry Christmas (and belated Happy Hanukkah to Op-Forians of the ancient faith) to all, especially the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines overseas. May next Christmas see them all home safe and sound, wreathed with the laurels of victory.
Meyer v. BAE
Have you seen THIS? Our good friend fellow Marine, Phat Joe, sent it in: In legal papers filed Monday, the [Sgt Meyer] claims that BAE Systems, where he worked earlier this year, retaliated against him after he raised objections about BAE’s alleged decision to sell high-tech sniper scopes to the Pakistani military. He says his supervisor at BAE effectively blocked his hiring by another defense contractor by making the claims about drinking and his mental condition. BAE might have a bit of damage control to do.
Thanksgiving, 1942
From the WSJ, a fine article on America’s first Thanksgiving of World War II. Best wishes to all on this most American of holidays, especially to those fighting the good fight overseas. May next year see them home, safe and sound and wreathed with the laurels of victory.
