War is a nasty business. War is demanding more and more focus and mental fortitude than ever before. Long gone are the days of following our leaders blindly into battle. Today's soldiers' are all leaders. Empowered with the authority to make insightful decisions, realistic courses of actions, and the ability to say no.
It is not unusual to see women serving in Afghanistan as an Military Police - some as young as 18. These MPs are making life and death decisions in everything they do. Young men are serving up distasteful fire fights that are reminiscent of the war heros' only seen in movies.
These are the soldiers that protect our country. Why would anyone, especially older, more seasoned veterans serving side by side with these young soldiers choose to use them for thier own personal sex toys? To find more on this thought provoking issue read "In Iraq they say it's safe Inside the Wire... that's a lie."
Soldiers' serving in combat differ from those serving in a war zone, outside the wire. Those who serve in the combat areas and come muzzle to muzzle with the enemy make condescending remarks about those who serve inside the wire. They have special names for these soldiers who provide service and support for the soldiers who come inside the wire for fuel, food, medical treatment and rest - Fobbits. Not a very nice name.
The soldiers' who fight in the dark, cold, rain, heat, already have little respect for those serving inside the wire. They say - Yeah, its' safe inside the wire - why don't you step outside into my world and then see how you feel about the war. The feelings of superiority reign high.
This is only compounded by the antics of some of our forces leadership. Men in positions of authority with the age, rank and position to do great things often misuse their position to make sure they are getting everything they want. that includes stalking, grooming the hand picked members of their inner circles.
To read about this tale of corruption, sex, violence and war turn to Amazon.com and order a copy of "In Iraq they say it's safe inside the wire.. That's a lie" today.
Showing posts with label iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iraq. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
In Response to kego520-------
Lived the life of the book, April 12, 2011
So, yeah. I pretty much lived the story in this book. I knew Sara Minks, and while I wasn't a huge fan of her, I don't necessarily dislike her. We had no issues whenever we had to deal with each other and so everything in this book is about Soldiers other than myself. That's probably why I'm not a character in the book. And that's a good thing.
By reading the publisher's review, you can get an accurate description of what the book is about. However, and I'm sorry to be a bit against you SFC Minks, but I feel like many things were a bit exagerrated. Now, this isn't to say that what she talks about didn't happen. Was there fraternization? Yes. Were there efforts to cover it up? Yes. Were orders from higher ranking Soldiers undermined by even higher ranking individuals? Yes. Its true. But what Sara Minks fails to talk about is the individuals in the unit who did speak up, females and males alike. I know of some of my sergeants who spoke to the commander to advise him of the issues and were shunned. The commander made many mistakes, and he knew it. Our commander was a good guy, but not the best commander. Our first sergeant was a bad guy, and a bad leader. That's that. Unfortunately, Sara Minks makes almost the entire unit look like scumbags. As a Soldier in this National Guard unit for over 10 years, and as a lower level leader myself, I have seen this unit live its ups and downs.
I say good job to Sara Minks for speaking up about her experiences, but next time give credit to the good Soldiers in the unit. And the good Soldiers make up the majority.
RESPONSE
That's a good point. I do appreciate the review, and just to help clarify. This book is about one experience and one experience only. Yes there were good soldiers - good people in or out of uniform. The entire point of this book is to talk about my experience. You know the old adage - there is always more than one side to a story. I have knowledge of only what I experienced. I can not write about the events that occurred that I was not a part of.
I am writing another book - this one chronicles another experience which sheds light on the good soldiers that are in the National Guard. I am not sure if you have ever used facebook, but there is a former member of the same unit who has shared her first hand knowledge of the 1SG's inner circle. It is worth reading. However I must warn you it goes back quite a ways in her postings. I found it best to scroll through about 12 pages of postings and read it forward.
Clearly this woman was affected by the experience in a very hurtful way. She will never be the same, young woman. Her experience has made her wiser, this is a good thing. (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=553408729)
Each person's experience is unique. I personally can only write from my perspective, which is what I did. My intent was to address a problem that has long been ignored. My experience speaks only for me. I acknowledge there were several stellar men and women. What they did or did not do in terms of putting a stop to the event in my book, I will never know. But if it is true that other soldiers' had made the commander aware of the existing situation, and he did nothing, then he lied under oath through his claim that he never knew about the fraternization, pregnancies or affairs. This is the breakdown that I'm talking about. Where does the responsibility lie? Whose job is it to go beyond the chain of command to put a stop to the degradation of human beings? Do we just address it, then ignore it? If a report is made and no action is taken the next step is to get someone involved from outside the chain of command to investigate the claims.
By
Me "kego520" (At home, in California) -
This review is from: In Iraq they say it's safe Inside the Wire: That's a lie. (Paperback)
COMMENT:
By reading the publisher's review, you can get an accurate description of what the book is about. However, and I'm sorry to be a bit against you SFC Minks, but I feel like many things were a bit exagerrated. Now, this isn't to say that what she talks about didn't happen. Was there fraternization? Yes. Were there efforts to cover it up? Yes. Were orders from higher ranking Soldiers undermined by even higher ranking individuals? Yes. Its true. But what Sara Minks fails to talk about is the individuals in the unit who did speak up, females and males alike. I know of some of my sergeants who spoke to the commander to advise him of the issues and were shunned. The commander made many mistakes, and he knew it. Our commander was a good guy, but not the best commander. Our first sergeant was a bad guy, and a bad leader. That's that. Unfortunately, Sara Minks makes almost the entire unit look like scumbags. As a Soldier in this National Guard unit for over 10 years, and as a lower level leader myself, I have seen this unit live its ups and downs.
I say good job to Sara Minks for speaking up about her experiences, but next time give credit to the good Soldiers in the unit. And the good Soldiers make up the majority.
RESPONSE
That's a good point. I do appreciate the review, and just to help clarify. This book is about one experience and one experience only. Yes there were good soldiers - good people in or out of uniform. The entire point of this book is to talk about my experience. You know the old adage - there is always more than one side to a story. I have knowledge of only what I experienced. I can not write about the events that occurred that I was not a part of.
I am writing another book - this one chronicles another experience which sheds light on the good soldiers that are in the National Guard. I am not sure if you have ever used facebook, but there is a former member of the same unit who has shared her first hand knowledge of the 1SG's inner circle. It is worth reading. However I must warn you it goes back quite a ways in her postings. I found it best to scroll through about 12 pages of postings and read it forward.
Clearly this woman was affected by the experience in a very hurtful way. She will never be the same, young woman. Her experience has made her wiser, this is a good thing. (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=553408729)
Each person's experience is unique. I personally can only write from my perspective, which is what I did. My intent was to address a problem that has long been ignored. My experience speaks only for me. I acknowledge there were several stellar men and women. What they did or did not do in terms of putting a stop to the event in my book, I will never know. But if it is true that other soldiers' had made the commander aware of the existing situation, and he did nothing, then he lied under oath through his claim that he never knew about the fraternization, pregnancies or affairs. This is the breakdown that I'm talking about. Where does the responsibility lie? Whose job is it to go beyond the chain of command to put a stop to the degradation of human beings? Do we just address it, then ignore it? If a report is made and no action is taken the next step is to get someone involved from outside the chain of command to investigate the claims.
Monday, May 2, 2011
MEDEVAC
There was a distinction between battle related injuries and non-battle related injury. The distinction lay with the soldiers themselves: an injury related to combat was heroic; an injury related to a non-battle injury was pathetic.
I had been unable to walk for two weeks, and I was not getting better. The decision was made to medevac me to Germany for further care. I left on March 17, 2009. After I left FOB Sykes, I was transferred to Tikrit for a quick helicopter change. The medical personnel took great care of me. It was so cold in the helicopter that I was shivering even under two wool blankets. I had been heavily medicated so I would sleep through the transport, but I was still in that half-asleep, half-awake state. They wrapped me up in these hot blankets and then wrapped me in a large metallic blanket—they called it a burrito wrap! It was the warmest I’d been all night. It was wonderful. They took my vitals and were so caring and warm that I didn’t want to leave!
Sometime the next day, my next helo arrived and in what seemed like a split second, the crew moved me quickly without any effort. Their entire team was awesome. I arrived in Ballad to be greeted by yet another medical team. They were ready for me and had me in-processed in about two seconds! I have never seen such efficiency.
After my assessment, they gave me quite a heavy dose of meds. I had a reaction to one of them and was nauseated, so they gave me the standard medication: Phenegran.
Who knew I was severely allergic to it? Oh my God. I spent the next eight hours trying to crawl out of my skin, interlaced with hallucinations. I lost my ability to talk, and I froze intermittently like a statue. The last thing I remember was the entire medical team surrounding me and telling me not to worry, they were with me, and I was going to be okay. I woke up the next day around 1400 with no further side effects. That was so scary. But it gave all of us a way to joke about it; it was pretty awful, but afterwards, when they were telling me I was asking for oatmeal and talking to people who were not there, it was humorous.
As I came out of the allergic reaction I was able to use a wheelchair to scoot around the medical area. Because of the allergic reaction, I missed the next flight to Germany, and I went instead on the following day.
They bundled me up and placed me in the huge medevac plane on a litter. This plane was so amazing—there were soldiers there with serious issues, freshly amputated limbs, head wounds, chest wounds—and everyone had personal medical teams. It was the most amazing staff I have ever seen. The medical folks were comforting; they kept talking, plumping pillows, giving meds, providing a hand to hold, and they never stopped—there was so much love and care in the air that you couldn’t help but smile and thank God that you were under their care.
I have been in the army since 1980. From the time of my enlistment and up until now, I have traveled around the world. I have served with some amazing men and women. I love the army. There are many soldiers, men and women, who serve with honor and integrity. These are the folks who are given a bad name by soldiers conducting themselves as vigilantes with no regard for the army’s values.
Two of my sons have served in the army. One is currently serving in Baghdad. One has elected to end his affiliation with the army due to his bad experience with poor leadership.
There are those soldiers who misuse their positions. I have seen everything from mockery to downright physical abuse. Now, I am not talking about a good old-fashioned ribbing; I am talking about someone knowingly trying to humiliate and destroy another human being. These people prey on the weak and thrive on the fear they produce. It is important for me to bring light to the seriousness of the misuse of power, trust, and confidence by unethical leaders.
These are the people who I want you to know about.
I came into my deployment to Iraq with fourteen years of experience. I was a high school teacher for eighteen years. I had taught in some of the roughest inner city schools in the nation. I was educated. I had been highly trained and I was proficient in my Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), including soldiering skills, and I was a respected teacher. I felt that this would be enough to make it through any situation. I found out that my current level of training would not be enough, and my personal courage and moral integrity would be challenged. I was humiliated, degraded, and ostracized by my leadership because I didn’t go along with the status quo. On a personal level, I was outraged at the general lack of resolve and crass mentality presented by my chain of command. Professionally, I lost respect and trust in my chain of command. Not only did this affect me, it affected every soldier I deployed with.
Soldiers rely on their leaders as role models. When leaders abuse this connection, and knowingly manipulate inexperienced soldiers it is reprehensible. The ability for any one person to demoralize an entire company is unconscionable. This abuse is not talked about openly because of fear of retribution. But when junior troops get together behind closed doors, they open up to the horrors they are subjected to by less than proficient leaders. It is up to every soldier to raise their voice and be heard. If we [soldiers] allow this good-old-boy system to go unchecked, then we have failed the soldiers we are training to become the next leaders in this great army of ours.
The TRUE story of a HERO!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lone-Survivor/Marcus-Luttrell/e/9780316067591?r=1&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Category-_-Title-_-9780316067591&mr:referralid=567013ce-74c7-11e0-9770-001b2166becc
Synopsis
Four US Navy SEALS departed one clear night in early July, 2005 for the mountainous Afghanistan-Pakistan border for a reconnaissance mission. Their task was to document the activity of an al Qaeda leader rumored to have a small army in a Taliban stronghold. Five days later, only one of those Navy SEALS made it out alive.
This is the story of the only survivor of Operation Redwing, fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, and the extraordinary firefight that led to the largest loss of life in American Navy SEAL history. His teammates fought valiantly beside him until he was the only one left alive, blasted by an RPG into a place where his pursuers could not find him. Over the next four days, terribly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell crawled for miles through the mountains and was taken in by sympathetic villagers who risked their lives to keep him safe from surrounding Taliban warriors.
A born and raised Texan, Marcus Luttrell takes us from the rigors of SEAL training, where he and his fellow SEALs discovered what it took to join the most elite of the American special forces, to a fight in the desolate hills of Afghanistan for which they never could have been prepared. His account of his squadmates' heroism and mutual support renders an experience for which two of his squadmates were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for combat heroism that is both heartrending and life-affirming. In this rich chronicle of courage and sacrifice, honor and patriotism, Marcus Luttrell delivers a powerful narrative of modern war.
Synopsis
Four US Navy SEALS departed one clear night in early July, 2005 for the mountainous Afghanistan-Pakistan border for a reconnaissance mission. Their task was to document the activity of an al Qaeda leader rumored to have a small army in a Taliban stronghold. Five days later, only one of those Navy SEALS made it out alive.
This is the story of the only survivor of Operation Redwing, fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, and the extraordinary firefight that led to the largest loss of life in American Navy SEAL history. His teammates fought valiantly beside him until he was the only one left alive, blasted by an RPG into a place where his pursuers could not find him. Over the next four days, terribly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell crawled for miles through the mountains and was taken in by sympathetic villagers who risked their lives to keep him safe from surrounding Taliban warriors.
A born and raised Texan, Marcus Luttrell takes us from the rigors of SEAL training, where he and his fellow SEALs discovered what it took to join the most elite of the American special forces, to a fight in the desolate hills of Afghanistan for which they never could have been prepared. His account of his squadmates' heroism and mutual support renders an experience for which two of his squadmates were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for combat heroism that is both heartrending and life-affirming. In this rich chronicle of courage and sacrifice, honor and patriotism, Marcus Luttrell delivers a powerful narrative of modern war.
You never know what you'll Find
Follow this link to a video that shows what went on in the 40th MP quarters when soldiers were supposed to be resting for the next days missions...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDsh_g0JSc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Impressive?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDsh_g0JSc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Impressive?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Success
I think behind every successful man is a woman who knows who she is. She loves her partner unconditionally and does not have a hidden agenda. She lifts her man up enabling him to reach his fullest potential because she is not threatened by his success. She measures her passion by his devotion to her. Her open honesty keeps him trusting her. She focuses her energy into making life as a couple complete. She is forging a life for them even through the hardest of days. She is steadfast and true. He can depend on her for unconditional love.
In this way they both have what they want. Someone who they can shower with love. So in love with each other that the honeymoon never ends. Planning surprises for each other that required personal time to make it happen.
Being enveloped in each others arms, aching to hear the words of endearment. Bringing strength, dedication and commitment into the relationship so that it stands the test of time. Being able to call anytime, night or day to say I love you.
Anything less is tragic. That is why I feel for those who are deployed, lonely and have extramarital affairs. It is shallow. It is without merit. It is a filler for intimacy. It cannot give you depth of relationship. It is a now not later agenda that is self serving and pathetic.
In this way they both have what they want. Someone who they can shower with love. So in love with each other that the honeymoon never ends. Planning surprises for each other that required personal time to make it happen.
Being enveloped in each others arms, aching to hear the words of endearment. Bringing strength, dedication and commitment into the relationship so that it stands the test of time. Being able to call anytime, night or day to say I love you.
Anything less is tragic. That is why I feel for those who are deployed, lonely and have extramarital affairs. It is shallow. It is without merit. It is a filler for intimacy. It cannot give you depth of relationship. It is a now not later agenda that is self serving and pathetic.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Military Is a small world indeed.
I hate it when I meet someone or see a face that haunts me until I remember where I knew that or saw that. It happens to me ever so often, I just have to step away from it to remember it.
That's when that AHaaaa moment strikes - when you least expect it. So it was with this memory I keep seeing in my minds eye. What was it? who was it that said that? Then a moment of clarity strikes and I remember. It's not that the memory is that important it's really that I can't remember it that is impotant.
Why is it that our minds protect us like that. I wish I could recall it all in a moments inspiration - but I can't. So I have to wait - patiently - until my minds lets me remember it. I can be riding in a car, drinking at a bar, looking afar - alright I know corny, but the premise is : when I want to remember I can't. When I want to forget I remember.
Certain sights, sounds, noises make me remember - I don't have a choice. It just happens.
That's why when ever someone says; when did this happen, why did this happen, how old where you when this happened? i really choose NOT to remember.
I don't want to remember the pain, the hurt, the struggle, the issues surrounding "the who, what, when or where" it isn't easy for me. I hate the ugliness of life. I always have and I always will. And really no one cares. They really don't. And anyhow why would they? It is mind boggling to me. Just know that "XYZ" happened and let it go.
That's when that AHaaaa moment strikes - when you least expect it. So it was with this memory I keep seeing in my minds eye. What was it? who was it that said that? Then a moment of clarity strikes and I remember. It's not that the memory is that important it's really that I can't remember it that is impotant.
Why is it that our minds protect us like that. I wish I could recall it all in a moments inspiration - but I can't. So I have to wait - patiently - until my minds lets me remember it. I can be riding in a car, drinking at a bar, looking afar - alright I know corny, but the premise is : when I want to remember I can't. When I want to forget I remember.
Certain sights, sounds, noises make me remember - I don't have a choice. It just happens.
That's why when ever someone says; when did this happen, why did this happen, how old where you when this happened? i really choose NOT to remember.
I don't want to remember the pain, the hurt, the struggle, the issues surrounding "the who, what, when or where" it isn't easy for me. I hate the ugliness of life. I always have and I always will. And really no one cares. They really don't. And anyhow why would they? It is mind boggling to me. Just know that "XYZ" happened and let it go.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Buy your copy today!
http://www.amazon.com/Iraq-they-safe-Inside-Wire/dp/1609119738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296870223&sr=1-1
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Barnes and Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-Iraq-They-Say-Its-Safe-Inside-the-Wire/Sara-J-Minks/e/9781609119737/?itm=1&USRI=sara+minks
Monday, January 24, 2011
If you haven't bought a copy - check it out now!
yuou have got to read it to understand it!
"This is the kind of book that makes you skip lunch, and loose sleep because you can't put the darn thing down! LOL.. I love this book because the author had the guts to write about the things that happened to her during a hellish deployment to the grueling sandbox. Most women will continue to live their lives keeping this kind of crap stored, but Sara stepped up to the plate and is willing to let everyone know what kind of scumbags there are out there. this book is full of emotion and unforgettable an unforgettable reading experience. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone! "
-Marky Mark
"Excellent read. I couldn't put it down. Before reading this book, I was only aware of these types of problems through rumor and hearsay. As an Infantry Soldier (who has been deployed to Iraq), interaction with other female Soliders is limited, fleeting, and under a microscope. That a Military Police unit, charged with enforcing our regulations, could create an environment like the one described in the book, is disgusting at best. For Soldiers to allow this to happen is a travesty and I commend the author for having the courage to bring it to light. If you are a female Soldier or an NCO/Officer in charge of female Soldiers, you need to read this book. This should never be allowed to happen again"
"This book is powerful and emotional. Having many female friends that have served this great country of ours, and hearing their personal stories I can completely relate to this book as it's written. At times I have doubted the authenticity of their personal experience. Horror stories about corruption, favoritism, sexual abuse, and out of control leadership just can't be true when speaking about our armed forces. It just can't be. However, as frightening and sad as it may be, this book matches experience shared many of our female service members. I am now sold on the fact that these things do happen, there is abuse, corruption, and something needs to be done to correct the system. It's almost as if having stripes on your shoulder is a get out of jail free card to be a predator, to be unaccountable, and to be a disgusting human being. All I can hope is that these stories will start to surface after being buried for so long. If this had happened to my daughter, I would only hope to find the cowards one day in a dark alley."
http://www.amazon.com/Iraq-they-safe-Inside-Wire/dp/1609119738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295929033&sr=1-1
"This is the kind of book that makes you skip lunch, and loose sleep because you can't put the darn thing down! LOL.. I love this book because the author had the guts to write about the things that happened to her during a hellish deployment to the grueling sandbox. Most women will continue to live their lives keeping this kind of crap stored, but Sara stepped up to the plate and is willing to let everyone know what kind of scumbags there are out there. this book is full of emotion and unforgettable an unforgettable reading experience. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone! "
-Marky Mark
"Excellent read. I couldn't put it down. Before reading this book, I was only aware of these types of problems through rumor and hearsay. As an Infantry Soldier (who has been deployed to Iraq), interaction with other female Soliders is limited, fleeting, and under a microscope. That a Military Police unit, charged with enforcing our regulations, could create an environment like the one described in the book, is disgusting at best. For Soldiers to allow this to happen is a travesty and I commend the author for having the courage to bring it to light. If you are a female Soldier or an NCO/Officer in charge of female Soldiers, you need to read this book. This should never be allowed to happen again"
"This book is powerful and emotional. Having many female friends that have served this great country of ours, and hearing their personal stories I can completely relate to this book as it's written. At times I have doubted the authenticity of their personal experience. Horror stories about corruption, favoritism, sexual abuse, and out of control leadership just can't be true when speaking about our armed forces. It just can't be. However, as frightening and sad as it may be, this book matches experience shared many of our female service members. I am now sold on the fact that these things do happen, there is abuse, corruption, and something needs to be done to correct the system. It's almost as if having stripes on your shoulder is a get out of jail free card to be a predator, to be unaccountable, and to be a disgusting human being. All I can hope is that these stories will start to surface after being buried for so long. If this had happened to my daughter, I would only hope to find the cowards one day in a dark alley."
http://www.amazon.com/Iraq-they-safe-Inside-Wire/dp/1609119738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295929033&sr=1-1
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Living a Myth
For as long as I can remember I have never liked the grey areas. I have a serious issue when the rules say - you may not do this, if you do then this is the consequence AND THEN someone breaks this rule and the consequences don't apply. this goes against all the norms set forth.
Whenever norms on behavior are enforces episodically, even with situational adjustments the value or the impact of that norm is reduced. So let's take this situation for instance; the rules say the fraternization is not allowed. And if this does occur then the result will be any combination of consequences. But this really only applies to soldiers outside of your organization, not to you. Bullshit.
If the rules are broken it is either yes it is broken or no it is not. Of course there is the saying that you are innocent until proven guilty - but really you already know if you are guilty or not, it is just a game to make THEM PROVE you did it.
It has become the norm in some units to know the rules, but not to adhere to the rules. And when they are called to answer for their choices, they immediately look for ways to beat the system. This is a gray area. For not going with the status quo, for asking if this is the rule, why aren't we following it? means risking not being a team player. If being a team player means sticking my head in the sand and ignoring what is occurring and not reporting the inconsistency between what the rule is and what is actually being done, then I am not a team player.
If I am responsible for my team, and my team does something that breaks the norms, breaks the rules or challenges what is morally right I need to step up and say something. So if by looking out for the best interest of my team means I am not a team player, then I can live with that. I do not want to be a team player at the risk of living a myth.
Whenever norms on behavior are enforces episodically, even with situational adjustments the value or the impact of that norm is reduced. So let's take this situation for instance; the rules say the fraternization is not allowed. And if this does occur then the result will be any combination of consequences. But this really only applies to soldiers outside of your organization, not to you. Bullshit.
If the rules are broken it is either yes it is broken or no it is not. Of course there is the saying that you are innocent until proven guilty - but really you already know if you are guilty or not, it is just a game to make THEM PROVE you did it.
It has become the norm in some units to know the rules, but not to adhere to the rules. And when they are called to answer for their choices, they immediately look for ways to beat the system. This is a gray area. For not going with the status quo, for asking if this is the rule, why aren't we following it? means risking not being a team player. If being a team player means sticking my head in the sand and ignoring what is occurring and not reporting the inconsistency between what the rule is and what is actually being done, then I am not a team player.
If I am responsible for my team, and my team does something that breaks the norms, breaks the rules or challenges what is morally right I need to step up and say something. So if by looking out for the best interest of my team means I am not a team player, then I can live with that. I do not want to be a team player at the risk of living a myth.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Who Will Take Responsibility?
It is so important to me that I have to say it...
There were some soldiers who I deployed with who were amazing. What made them amazing was thier heart. They genuinely cared about the mission, other soldiers and they were not into playing games. Take this one soldier - she was a former marine. She was a squared away soldier. She knew her job and she did it. You didn't have to tell her or ask her. It was done.
There was a couple of male NCOs who were loyal to their wives loyal to their families and loyal to the soldiers. One in particular stood out to the point of being everyones friend. He looked after the soldiers even if he talked shit behind their back - don't we all do that to some degree. This talk wasn't out of disrespect it was out of disbelief. He dealt with a lot of idiotic issues. Some he put squarely on the commanders desk and a lot of others he mentored, (toutalidge) There were a couple of male NCOs who kept to themselves, they went to the gym, they went to work and they were doing their best to stay out of the fray.
The problem with all of this good stuff is that these soldiers witnessed what was going on and they didn't do anything to stop it. They were just as responsible for the debaucle as those directly involved in it.
It is the responsibility of every NCO to do the right thing even when no one is watching. It isn't always easy to be the responsible one. But if you are the one wearing the stripes - it is your primary responsibility to keep your troops in line. If you choose to ignore the behavior or turn a blind eye to the behavior then you are a piece of shit. Nothing that you do has any meaning and you cannot be trusted.
Being part of a team doesn't mean you area a patsy. a push over or blind. Being part of a team means you hold the moral compass for your actions as well as the actions of your team. It is NEVER OK to accept immoral behavior for the sake of friends. If not you then who? Who will step in and take responsibility?
There were some soldiers who I deployed with who were amazing. What made them amazing was thier heart. They genuinely cared about the mission, other soldiers and they were not into playing games. Take this one soldier - she was a former marine. She was a squared away soldier. She knew her job and she did it. You didn't have to tell her or ask her. It was done.
There was a couple of male NCOs who were loyal to their wives loyal to their families and loyal to the soldiers. One in particular stood out to the point of being everyones friend. He looked after the soldiers even if he talked shit behind their back - don't we all do that to some degree. This talk wasn't out of disrespect it was out of disbelief. He dealt with a lot of idiotic issues. Some he put squarely on the commanders desk and a lot of others he mentored, (toutalidge) There were a couple of male NCOs who kept to themselves, they went to the gym, they went to work and they were doing their best to stay out of the fray.
The problem with all of this good stuff is that these soldiers witnessed what was going on and they didn't do anything to stop it. They were just as responsible for the debaucle as those directly involved in it.
It is the responsibility of every NCO to do the right thing even when no one is watching. It isn't always easy to be the responsible one. But if you are the one wearing the stripes - it is your primary responsibility to keep your troops in line. If you choose to ignore the behavior or turn a blind eye to the behavior then you are a piece of shit. Nothing that you do has any meaning and you cannot be trusted.
Being part of a team doesn't mean you area a patsy. a push over or blind. Being part of a team means you hold the moral compass for your actions as well as the actions of your team. It is NEVER OK to accept immoral behavior for the sake of friends. If not you then who? Who will step in and take responsibility?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Now This is how serious the MP mission Is
This is the 16th MPs who were our higher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UEgfSqFPdE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UEgfSqFPdE&feature=related
Sunday, January 2, 2011
40th Military Police National Guardsmen at thier best!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lDsh_g0JSc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Idiotic behaviors?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
So Now What?
This issue now begs the question - So Now What?.
If the status quo is to simply go along as we always have because that is easier than dealing with the implication of military stalking and abuse within the Army National Guard, then this type of event will continue to occur and those that speak out against them will continue to be Black Listed.
In an effort to address the behavior of predatory stalking, often ignorantly referred to as "NCO chasing", "the cost of doing business", or "I can't help who I am attracted to"; it is time the leaders in today's military take an aggressive stand and place a zero tolerance on this behavior.
The odd thing is that soldiers on Active Duty take this issue very seriously. They receive annual and semi-annual classes and training on the sensitive subjects of stalking, date rape, excessive drinking, and fraternization. Where does the break down lie? Is the Army National Guard leadership and members left out of this requirement? Are they lacking the training?
Sadly the answer is no. Each component is required to have this training during MUTAs and before deployment. The difference is, the Army National Guard doesn't take it seriously. In the case in point, the females who became pregnant in a war zone were given birth control pills and condoms for no charge. They were briefed on becoming clearing barrels for the men who would use them and then leave them and go home to their spouses. They were told that the mission comes first.
Yet in 9 cases, within the same company females became pregnant in a war zone. These pregnancies resulted in a loss of personnel strength and a weakened battle force. The females were sent home by way of a REFRAD station where they continued to receive a military paycheck until they gave birth to their bastard children.
When an investigation was conducted and sworn statements were signed these girls lied, under oath and nothing was done. The something that could have been done involved a lot of paperwork and the Active Duty Army did not want to deal with it and the Army National Guard unit involved sure as hell didn't want anything to do with it.
The men from within the unit who fathered the children should have been brought up on chrages - conduct unbecoming and adultery. The women should have been charged with lying under oath and conduct unbecoming, but they weren't. No one wanted to go down that long paperwork trail.
When these folks returned home, the men involved (in some cases) moved out of their spouses home and into the new home of the female they impregnated while at war.
My issue with all of this behavior is the implication that it is easier to go with the status quo than it is to do the right thing. The weight of the paperwork outweighed the choice to do nothing. Therefore this behavior continues to occur because history has proven time and time again that nothing will become of your adultery or your conduct unbecoming.
If the status quo is to simply go along as we always have because that is easier than dealing with the implication of military stalking and abuse within the Army National Guard, then this type of event will continue to occur and those that speak out against them will continue to be Black Listed.
In an effort to address the behavior of predatory stalking, often ignorantly referred to as "NCO chasing", "the cost of doing business", or "I can't help who I am attracted to"; it is time the leaders in today's military take an aggressive stand and place a zero tolerance on this behavior.
The odd thing is that soldiers on Active Duty take this issue very seriously. They receive annual and semi-annual classes and training on the sensitive subjects of stalking, date rape, excessive drinking, and fraternization. Where does the break down lie? Is the Army National Guard leadership and members left out of this requirement? Are they lacking the training?
Sadly the answer is no. Each component is required to have this training during MUTAs and before deployment. The difference is, the Army National Guard doesn't take it seriously. In the case in point, the females who became pregnant in a war zone were given birth control pills and condoms for no charge. They were briefed on becoming clearing barrels for the men who would use them and then leave them and go home to their spouses. They were told that the mission comes first.
Yet in 9 cases, within the same company females became pregnant in a war zone. These pregnancies resulted in a loss of personnel strength and a weakened battle force. The females were sent home by way of a REFRAD station where they continued to receive a military paycheck until they gave birth to their bastard children.
When an investigation was conducted and sworn statements were signed these girls lied, under oath and nothing was done. The something that could have been done involved a lot of paperwork and the Active Duty Army did not want to deal with it and the Army National Guard unit involved sure as hell didn't want anything to do with it.
The men from within the unit who fathered the children should have been brought up on chrages - conduct unbecoming and adultery. The women should have been charged with lying under oath and conduct unbecoming, but they weren't. No one wanted to go down that long paperwork trail.
When these folks returned home, the men involved (in some cases) moved out of their spouses home and into the new home of the female they impregnated while at war.
My issue with all of this behavior is the implication that it is easier to go with the status quo than it is to do the right thing. The weight of the paperwork outweighed the choice to do nothing. Therefore this behavior continues to occur because history has proven time and time again that nothing will become of your adultery or your conduct unbecoming.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
It was bound to happen
It should be noted that I baffled by the need to create so much drama over non-existent issues. Well, they would be non existent issues if they were not started in the first place.
In the Army, the average age of most soldiers serving in combat is approximately 19-27. Most have never traveled the world and many have never left their home state. In a lot of the cases, this is the first money they have ever made that is theirs and is substantial.
This is very interesting because it is these very soldiers who we train to lead, serve, and protect our nation. We provide training in leadership. We give them the skills to do their MOS, we provide training in leadership, then we give them upwards of $2.5 million dollars of equipment to watch over, take care of and they do it.
They do it because it makes them proud to be so young and to be seen as such a worthy professional. Yet, these kids, can not manage their own lives.
These young men and women, who learn about life from their friends and experience love from someone who needs a way out. (These soldier's have already found their way out - the potential new spouses they meet in the local area they grew up in, are looking for a kind heart, a kind word, a way out)
So they end up getting married. And they immediately begin having kids. Then they deploy. And for what it's worth, there are many experienced soldiers who have been around this environment for 15- 20 years. They can smell desperation a mile away.
This mixture of desperation, deployment and being separated from their new spouses sets in motion a series of events that will only end in crisis. There will come a time when values are laid to rest along side the wedding rings tossed on a table while the lust they have for affection, attention and recognition is fullfilled.
Once this action is complete. The guilt sets in, they rationalize the feelings of guilt by making excuses for thier behavior. All the while being wooed by a more experienced person. They say it will be No Strings Attached - but the heart becomes involved without reservation and then there is a double whammy. Heartbreak.
When they go home on leave to see the family, the excitement of the reunion with spouse and children dim the event into a far away memory. But they will always be haunted by the infidelity they choose.
In the Army, the average age of most soldiers serving in combat is approximately 19-27. Most have never traveled the world and many have never left their home state. In a lot of the cases, this is the first money they have ever made that is theirs and is substantial.
This is very interesting because it is these very soldiers who we train to lead, serve, and protect our nation. We provide training in leadership. We give them the skills to do their MOS, we provide training in leadership, then we give them upwards of $2.5 million dollars of equipment to watch over, take care of and they do it.
They do it because it makes them proud to be so young and to be seen as such a worthy professional. Yet, these kids, can not manage their own lives.
These young men and women, who learn about life from their friends and experience love from someone who needs a way out. (These soldier's have already found their way out - the potential new spouses they meet in the local area they grew up in, are looking for a kind heart, a kind word, a way out)
So they end up getting married. And they immediately begin having kids. Then they deploy. And for what it's worth, there are many experienced soldiers who have been around this environment for 15- 20 years. They can smell desperation a mile away.
This mixture of desperation, deployment and being separated from their new spouses sets in motion a series of events that will only end in crisis. There will come a time when values are laid to rest along side the wedding rings tossed on a table while the lust they have for affection, attention and recognition is fullfilled.
Once this action is complete. The guilt sets in, they rationalize the feelings of guilt by making excuses for thier behavior. All the while being wooed by a more experienced person. They say it will be No Strings Attached - but the heart becomes involved without reservation and then there is a double whammy. Heartbreak.
When they go home on leave to see the family, the excitement of the reunion with spouse and children dim the event into a far away memory. But they will always be haunted by the infidelity they choose.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
how do men rationalize the sentement
What happens in Iraq stays in Iraq.
Well not exactly.
There always comes a time when the stories start. You're sitting in a bar having a few drinks, laughing and telling stories. That's when someone lets their guard down. Someone forgets that, "THAT" story was not supposed to be retold.
All ears perk up, the laughter stops and everyone concentrates on the tale that is now unfolding. You listen, subliminally comparing the tale with what you knew. You compare the story with the rumors and that's when you realize, this story is true.
Then someone realizes that the story has not been told before. They listen to themselves telling the story, but they can't stop telling it because everyone is so into it. When the tale is told everyone goes back to drinking and laughing and pretty soon the mood returns to the group, but no one forgets the story.
The next day they are retelling the story with their friends. Everyone says,"I can't believe that" only to eagerly taking mental notes so they can retell the story - only they add a twist. The story they re-tell is mostly wrong, additionally it now has a few more flourishes and a little extra zip.
By this time the story makes it back to the person the story is about and they get pissed. "That's not what happened!" they proclaim. But it's too late. What happened in Iraq did not stay in Iraq.
The moral of this little tale?
If you don't want to hear about your own exploits through a third source, then check your integrity and make the moral decision that you can live with. If that means you can cheat on your husband, cheat on your wife, use women as clearing barrels, misuse your position for power and control, mistreat your soldiers, use your friends, make secret pacts, cover up for misguided acts, shoot defenseless animals, tell stories that are outright lies, steal money, or do what ever unethical immoral action you choose then by all means follow through.
Just know that everyone will eventually find out.
Well not exactly.
There always comes a time when the stories start. You're sitting in a bar having a few drinks, laughing and telling stories. That's when someone lets their guard down. Someone forgets that, "THAT" story was not supposed to be retold.
All ears perk up, the laughter stops and everyone concentrates on the tale that is now unfolding. You listen, subliminally comparing the tale with what you knew. You compare the story with the rumors and that's when you realize, this story is true.
Then someone realizes that the story has not been told before. They listen to themselves telling the story, but they can't stop telling it because everyone is so into it. When the tale is told everyone goes back to drinking and laughing and pretty soon the mood returns to the group, but no one forgets the story.
The next day they are retelling the story with their friends. Everyone says,"I can't believe that" only to eagerly taking mental notes so they can retell the story - only they add a twist. The story they re-tell is mostly wrong, additionally it now has a few more flourishes and a little extra zip.
By this time the story makes it back to the person the story is about and they get pissed. "That's not what happened!" they proclaim. But it's too late. What happened in Iraq did not stay in Iraq.
The moral of this little tale?
If you don't want to hear about your own exploits through a third source, then check your integrity and make the moral decision that you can live with. If that means you can cheat on your husband, cheat on your wife, use women as clearing barrels, misuse your position for power and control, mistreat your soldiers, use your friends, make secret pacts, cover up for misguided acts, shoot defenseless animals, tell stories that are outright lies, steal money, or do what ever unethical immoral action you choose then by all means follow through.
Just know that everyone will eventually find out.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The effects of isolation
When I was deployed, I felt the harsh reality of isolation from a friendly face. More than a friendly face, someone who had a sincere interest in my day, my worries my lonliness. The effects of this type of isolation creates a very isolated environment.
During the times of my deployent I kept busy. I worked hard, I went to the gym, I slept. I self medicated with tylenol PM. I was taking 4-6 tylenol PM every night in order to sleep. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. I looked forward to escaping this prison of isolation by sleep. When sleep refused to come I was miserable.
I had no one to talk to. Every one had a ulterior motive for being friendly. I was ordered not to talk to anyone in the Company. I did just that. I was so miserable that I would sit for hours late at night and write my feelings down on paper then carefully tear the paper up. I would tear it into little shreds of paper smaller and smaller until it looked like snow. Then I would do it again and again.
I went to work myself, I went to the gym by myself, I went to chow by myself, I was in a daze. I forgot what day it was, I rarely looked at the time as it clicked by. I would not count down the days, I didn't want to know how much time I had left I didn't want to think of it. I just did my time and hoped for it to end.
During the times of my deployent I kept busy. I worked hard, I went to the gym, I slept. I self medicated with tylenol PM. I was taking 4-6 tylenol PM every night in order to sleep. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. I looked forward to escaping this prison of isolation by sleep. When sleep refused to come I was miserable.
I had no one to talk to. Every one had a ulterior motive for being friendly. I was ordered not to talk to anyone in the Company. I did just that. I was so miserable that I would sit for hours late at night and write my feelings down on paper then carefully tear the paper up. I would tear it into little shreds of paper smaller and smaller until it looked like snow. Then I would do it again and again.
I went to work myself, I went to the gym by myself, I went to chow by myself, I was in a daze. I forgot what day it was, I rarely looked at the time as it clicked by. I would not count down the days, I didn't want to know how much time I had left I didn't want to think of it. I just did my time and hoped for it to end.
Friday, December 24, 2010
In Response to The Critics
I had sent out a notice via my personal e-mail that I had a book being published. There were a lot of mixed responses to this book. One person in particular had a response that stood out to me Please take me off your mailing list. I am sorry your deployment wasn't what you wanted, good luck to you.
I did remove this person from my list. now this person just happened to be a captain in the united states army national guard from California.At first I didn't think I knew this person, but I realized I did know him in a round about way. I had put my name on a list to fill vacancies going to Afghanistan. He refused my application.
He was sorry that my deployment didn't go the way I wanted it. How would he know how i wanted it to go? Unless he read my book. Which I knew he hadn't because then he would have known.
It wasn't that I wanted the deployment to go any certain way. But I did know that I wanted it going in accordance to standards. Take you off my mailing list with pleasure. I question what knowledge he has of me.It must be only hearsay - but it is bad enough to prevent being picked up for a mission.
As a captain he should have read the book. He could have saved himself much heartache.
I did remove this person from my list. now this person just happened to be a captain in the united states army national guard from California.At first I didn't think I knew this person, but I realized I did know him in a round about way. I had put my name on a list to fill vacancies going to Afghanistan. He refused my application.
He was sorry that my deployment didn't go the way I wanted it. How would he know how i wanted it to go? Unless he read my book. Which I knew he hadn't because then he would have known.
It wasn't that I wanted the deployment to go any certain way. But I did know that I wanted it going in accordance to standards. Take you off my mailing list with pleasure. I question what knowledge he has of me.It must be only hearsay - but it is bad enough to prevent being picked up for a mission.
As a captain he should have read the book. He could have saved himself much heartache.
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