Blue Devils Iraq video

[American Patriot]

http://www.youtube.com/v/nPO04lpIQrg
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aEOO8O4E8tc (http://youtube.com/watch?v=nPO04lpIQrg)

[Scousemouse]

Kewl video....!

So US soldiers do anything but make videos!? The net seems flooded with 'em....how comes u don’t see any Brit ones also?

Not complaining of course, just curious….although the majority do not exactly shout professional and disciplined military….

[AFJROTC55]

idiot, if you're military, i apologize, you know more than i do but from my perspective, it rolls like this, if you can still do the job...right/well, and make videos while doing it, i think that screams proffesional and disciplined.

1*

[Ol' Bob]

at one point in the video there was a bald guy wearing glasses with the american flag patch on his arm facing the wrong direction. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the American flag arm patches supposed to be stars facing chest to symbolize always moving forward?

[Scousemouse]

edit: sorry....disregard

[Ratamacue]

Kewl video....!

So US soldiers do anything but make videos!? The net seems flooded with 'em....how comes u don’t see any Brit ones also?

Not complaining of course, just curious….although the majority do not exactly shout professional and disciplined military….When you're in the military, even in a warzone, there's going to be a helluvalot of downtime and boredom.

[Scousemouse]

idiot, if you're military, i apologize, you know more than i do but from my perspective, it rolls like this, if you can still do the job...right/well, and make videos while doing it, i think that screams proffesional and disciplined.

1*

well i cant see how it screams that at all.....why dont u just do the job and forget about videos? They are their to du a serious job, not make music videos of soldiers cheering and screaming everytime they get to blow something up....its this sort of attiude which can only contirbute to how ****ed up everything is over there...

And no, i am not military, but i do war studies at Kings in london....so i know a lil about things....

[ronin2172]

well i cant see how it screams that at all.....why dont u just do the job and forget about videos? They are their to du a serious job, not make music videos of soldiers cheering and screaming everytime they get to blow something up....its this sort of attiude which can only contirbute to how ****ed up everything is over there...

And no, i am not military, but i do war studies at Kings in london....so i know a lil about things....
So basically that means you know very little. You gained such an insight from a video dedicated to dead comrades and compsed of shots culled from photos of soldiers goofing off in their barracks while off duty, and out on the weapons range. Mind you the pictures and footage of them actually on patrol looked pretty professional to me.

[Ratamacue]

well i cant see how it screams that at all.....why dont u just do the job and forget about videos? They are their to du a serious job, not make music videos of soldiers cheering and screaming everytime they get to blow something up....its this sort of attiude which can only contirbute to how ****ed up everything is over there...

And no, i am not military, but i do war studies at Kings in london....so i know a lil about things....Studying war at a university doesn't really give you much of an idea of what it's like to be a grunt in the sh*t, I don't think. These are people, not robots, and you can't expect them to act like robots just because they're soldiers and in a warzone. If taking a camcorder out on patrol and composing the footage into a music video gives a soldier something to do and maybe gives him a little enjoyment, then I'm all for it.

[Makaveli]

Good video, anyone have a d/l link?

[Scousemouse]

So basically that means you know very little. You gained such an insight from a video dedicated to dead comrades and compsed of shots culled from photos of soldiers goofing off in their barracks while off duty, and out on the weapons range. Mind you the pictures and footage of them actually on patrol looked pretty professional to me.

and what r your extensive credentials then mate? I was talking more generally anyway...not just this video in particular...and don’t make it sound like I’m dissing some dedication video cause clearly that’s not what I’m doing....

[L()Csta]

Do you think these guys are doing the final cut on the front line while under fire, while the captain directs the shots??? These are pics and vids that are compiled to music after they got home, and obviously was also meant to be a tribute to 2 of their fallen.
While some are better than others I think the only type of professionalism you can judge here is that of the ideo editing.

[ronin2172]

and what r your extensive credentials then mate? I was talking more generally anyway...not just this video in particular...and don’t make it sound like I’m dissing some dedication video cause clearly that’s not what I’m doing....
but you are 'dissing' an entire military based off of what u see on music videos...no one has to be a brain surgeon, general, or a rocket scientist to see how stupid that is....
Oh yea i quite enjoyed the music videos put together by british military personell that i downloaded from the MODs website...

[Scousemouse]

[
quote=Ratamacue]Studying war at a university doesn't really give you much of an idea of what it's like to be a grunt in the sh*t, I don't think. These are people, not robots, and you can't expect them to act like robots just because they're soldiers and in a warzone. If taking a camcorder out on patrol and composing the footage into a music video gives a soldier something to do and maybe gives him a little enjoyment, then I'm all for it.[/quote]

never said it did mate...just saying I do know a little about stuff...even if I’m not in the military...which apparently means u aren’t allowed to comment on anything...

...and I have nothing against them making these videos...sure it is fun for them...just think that many of the videos don’t exactly portray the kinda image of the US military that many would want being presented or indeed a very good one...

[Scousemouse]

Guys, come on! I am not dissing an 'entire military' and I don’t think they cut these things in the field either....I’m just saying that SOME of these videos don’t really portray a great picture of US forces...whether that be accurate or not

I'm new here....I guess I just wanted to state an opinion...maybe in the wrong way, I apologise!

[ronin2172]

Guys, come on! I am not dissing an 'entire military' and I don’t think they cut these things in the field either....I’m just saying that SOME of these videos don’t really portray a great picture of US forces...whether that be accurate or not

I'm new here....I guess I just wanted to state an opinion...maybe in the wrong way, I apologise!

no need to apologise.....it's just that a lot of people like to come on here and make generalized statements from pictures and videos which don't tell you everything going on.

For instance one guy said the Israeli Army is inept and overrated......his proof....pictures of off duty israeli female soldiers goofing off for the camera. Granted the Israeli army isn't the best dressed fighting force around but i think their combat record over the last 30-40+ years speaks for itself

[Scousemouse]

no need to apologise.....it's just that a lot of people like to come on here and make generalized statements from pictures and videos which don't tell you everything going on.

For instance one guy said the Israeli Army is inept and overrated......his proof....pictures of off duty israeli female soldiers goofing off for the camera. Granted the Israeli army isn't the best dressed fighting force around but i think their combat record over the last 30-40+ years speaks for itself

well like to think I am not one of those ppl! Just commenting on videos in general...nothing more...I fully support the US, Brits and allies in what they're doing...and expect to join them in the next few years after uni through way of Her Majesties Air Force

[AFJROTC55]

now i definetely realize that i dont want to go to college, cause obviously it teaches nothing about the real world. im 16 years old and i figured it out before mister college here did. thats somethin.

1*

oh, and ps, blowing stuff up is fun (to a degree), having fun at the range, is fun (to a degree), so cheering about it isnt stupid, it's a human reaction, it happens, its the truth

[Scousemouse]

whats your point?

And you're 16, dont be an idiot...go to college...wht else u gonna do?

sure its alot of fun mate...but when its the real thing...and not a range...one feel there should be a little more respect

[AFJROTC55]

i'm a pretty intelligent person, i dont flaunt it but i do recognize it, i excel in things like history and english, my obsession is military, im enlisting straight out of high school, if there's time for college later, well, yeah, maybe then, but for the time being, i'm a typical hormone driven teenager who is ready to kick a$$ and take names for good ol' uncle sam, and get paid for it. i want to make a difference in this world, be it a small difference, and (maybe this is just my shortsightedness) but me going to college isnt going to help that at all.

1*

[Scousemouse]

i'm a pretty intelligent person, i dont flaunt it but i do recognize it, i excel in things like history and english, my obsession is military, im enlisting straight out of high school, if there's time for college later, well, yeah, maybe then, but for the time being, i'm a typical hormone driven teenager who is ready to kick a$$ and take names for good ol' uncle sam, and get paid for it. i want to make a difference in this world, be it a small difference, and (maybe this is just my shortsightedness) but me going to college isnt going to help that at all.

1*

good for u man....u should do war studies then...sounds like u might like it! ...u should check it out...3 years not to long to wait to go and blow **** up...might just give you a broader perspective on matters...

oh and u make a greater difference if ppl actually listen to u...go to uni or college, become an officer...u're sure to have more success on that front

[AFJROTC55]

i also believe that these videos are a sort of unintentional propaganda for america, this stuff gets on the internet, terrorists see it, insurgents, the like, they see this and they see that we are ready to ride this thing for the long haul, and that we are ok about doing it, we are happy, after being in the desert for 3 some odd years and we're still going at it.

i dont see disrespect in showing this, it lets these guys reflect back on those they have lost, those still with them, times gone by, it lets people know what's goin on over there, and if by disrespect you mean disrespect the the fallen, no, its in most cases the exact opposite, these soldiers would want to be remembered in this sense, not all bloodied up or with pics of a wife holding a tear stained flag, or a child holding his dad's cover silently crying, or rank and file pics of an honor guard carrying his casket out of the church. he would want them to remember the good times

1*

[Scousemouse]

yea ok....propoganda maybe, but not for the US...i dont think mate the Mujahadeen are gonna be too scared of this stuff...with respect

[AFJROTC55]

hey Scouse check your Private Messages, i sent you a PM.

1*

[AFJROTC55]

i read you, its hard to reason with or persuade someone like these guys who have been force fed this American Imperialist, great satan, crap since they were born. thats why a war driven by actual feelings or by an idealistic fundamentalist who really believes in what they're fighting for, alot like Vietnam, even WWII to a degree, but places like Desert Storm I, those guys, half were conscripts anyway, most of them wanted us to be there. Panama, Grenada. stuff like that.

1*

[Scousemouse]

got it dude...check reply!

[Scousemouse]

.....double post..sorries!

[Scousemouse]

i read you, its hard to reason with or persuade someone like these guys who have been force fed this American Imperialist, great satan, crap since they were born. thats why a war driven by actual feelings or by an idealistic fundamentalist who really believes in what they're fighting for, alot like Vietnam, even WWII to a degree, but places like Desert Storm I, those guys, half were conscripts anyway, most of them wanted us to be there. Panama, Grenada. stuff like that.

1*

dude, afarid its impossible to reason with the irational...that why this war is just so damn depressing u know...hard to see a good outcome....whole war on terror maybe coming from a good place but its a war against an enemy that cant be beaten...not in the conventional sence at least...its a sad reality


ok quick edit...not all 'insurgents' are irational....but much of the support and ideologies which drvies it all is

[AFJROTC55]

dude, afarid its impossible to reason with the irational...that why this war is just so damn depressing u know...hard to see a good outcome....whole war on terror maybe coming from a good place but its a war against an enemy that cant be beaten...not in the conventional sence at least...its a sad reality


ok quick edit...not all 'insurgents' are irational....but much of the support and ideologies behind them are...

quoted for the truth

1*

[TehSuig]

Guys, come on! I am not dissing an 'entire military' and I don’t think they cut these things in the field either....I’m just saying that SOME of these videos don’t really portray a great picture of US forces...whether that be accurate or not


So? We don't care what kind of image we potray, our little videos are for us, not for the public. AFJROTC has the right idea, these videos show the good times in Iraq, the times and people we want to remember. This video comes from my battalion, it brings back good memories...

RIP
Sgt Large-3 Oct, 2005
Sgt. Fifer-7 Oct, 2005
Spc Vanderbosch-3 Oct, 2005
PFC. Baez-3 Oct, 2005
PFC Greer-7Oct, 2005

http://www.bragg.army.mil/3%2D504PIR/images/New%20Folder/3.jpg

[Pook2]

Being a soldier is, in my opinion, the most demanding job in the entire world. If you've never been through any military training, then you truly cannot comprehend the difficulty in a military job. I never thought that being a soldier was very complicated until I came to VMI. People who take military history courses in college may understand historic and strategic military issues, but that doesnt qualify one to judge the proffesionalism of any single man of any single army, especially when basing that judgement on a video.

[Bob Lawbla]

Thanks AP.

That is a bada$$ video.

[iflu]

Guys, come on! I am not dissing an 'entire military' and I don’t think they cut these things in the field either....I’m just saying that SOME of these videos don’t really portray a great picture of US forces...whether that be accurate or not

I'm new here....I guess I just wanted to state an opinion...maybe in the wrong way, I apologise!


Ok boy no need to appologize, since u know really little about real stuff. Before there were so many HIGH TECH toys, military men played poker or some other LOW TECH games. If the battle is not in deep ****, you may have to find a way to kill your spare time, I mean even it is more accurately to be called INTERVALS some time.

[tumbler]

I have to join the 'against these vids' group.

There is a massive difference between the way the British operate and the way the US do. Words like magnanimous spring to mind.

[szr]

I have to join the 'against these vids' group.

There is a massive difference between the way the British operate and the way the US do. Words like magnanimous spring to mind.Hey! You're that joker from the Christian Peacemaker Teams (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=76313) thread! Where have you been?! Glad to have your esteemed opinion on this matter, as well. :D

[tumbler]

USA! USA! USA!

u guys never change!

hearts & minds - ever learnt about that?

[szr]

USA! USA! USA!

u guys never change!

hearts & minds - ever learnt about that?**eagerly awaits lesson from never-has-been**

[tumbler]

Go home son

[szr]

So you've got nothing. I was hoping for a lesson in COIN. :(

[tumbler]

.....usually a piece of hard material, generally metal and usually in the shape of a disc, which is issued by a government to be used as a form of money. Along with banknotes coins make up the cash forms of all modern money systems.

[Scousemouse]

Ok boy no need to appologize, since u know really little about real stuff. Before there were so many HIGH TECH toys, military men played poker or some other LOW TECH games. If the battle is not in deep ****, you may have to find a way to kill your spare time, I mean even it is more accurately to be called INTERVALS some time.

**** off...don’t call me boy bitch and what the **** do u know about how much I know or not...I cant be ****ed with this any more so whateva, but why does every discussion here have to descend to ppl just getting personal with others....I guess no choice but to join u all in the mud....this is a discussion forum, even those not in the esteemed military should be able to talk u know...and to the earlier comment of 'we don’t care what image we portray' yea you're probably right, do u think there might be a problem there? Maybe when the US actually starts doing something right in Iraq u guys can go on and on about how great u r but for now, shut the **** up…u guys gotta be able to take some criticism without taking it personally every time…a healthy debate/discussion is great, but this **** is just a waste of time.

Oh, and it’s the people who study this ****, then go into it for real, who are the ones who make a difference and who are important…u name many top guys who did not go to college or study this ****? So **** of…I am 20 and go to college…not much time for me to get in to the ‘real’ stuff yet….hardly my fault….

[tumbler]

the problem with this forum is that if you aren't a gung ho US humveee lover your opinion isn't considered. They assume that if you don't buy into there way of thinking then you have no military experience.

[szr]

The real problem with this forum is people who think they know it all when they don't know ****.

Scousemouse, if you're going to carry on about your college student status and how it adds cred to your arguments, maybe it's time you moved up from 'u' to 'you'.

[tumbler]

I am 41 and have no problem with a guy of 20 on here seeking advise and picking up knowledge from the likes of myself. I would happily answer any questions he has.

What is your problem or like most other things do you just find it hard to show respect?

[szr]

I am 41 and have no problem with a guy of 20 on here seeking advise and picking up knowledge from the likes of myself. I would happily answer any questions he has.

What is your problem or like most other things do you just find it hard to show respect?Seeking advise? He, like you, is making declarations. Surely, at 41, you must must know the difference.

<In moaniest voice possible> Why don't you Yanks tuck-in your shirts like the British army? Why do you call in CAS? The British army would have fixed bayonets and charged, instead. You yanks sure are unprofessional.

^That's really what you clowns sound like.

[Scousemouse]

The real problem with this forum is people who think they know it all when they don't know ****.

Scousemouse, if you're going to carry on about your college student status and how it adds cred to your arguments, maybe it's time you moved up from 'u' to 'you'.

mate i'm not going on about anything, just when ppl ask me or comment about it...i think thats pretty fair...oh and great point on the 'u' thing mate, u really got me there...

I never said i think i know it all at all...did u read my first post...it was just an observation...an opionon...u got a problem with that, fine, ask me about it, debate/discuss it but no need for all this mate...

what declarations did i make???

[szr]

although the majority do not exactly shout professional and disciplined military….Declaration.

[szr]

its this sort of attiude which can only contirbute to how ****ed up everything is over there...Declaration.


And no, i am not military, but i do war studies at Kings in london....so i know a lil about things....Declaration.

[tumbler]

Opinions are like arseholes in that we all have one - hence the desire by many to have a open forum. Who are you to decide who can and can not post.

Maybe its you who is the stupid lil kid here. S

hirts should always be tucked in (it looks smart).

CAS should be a last result (Only if infantry cannot overcome an objective or have enough firepower to take a target out.)

We do have a wonderful tradition of charing with bayonets fixed. (remember we've been fighting for many years as a nation)

If you are representitive of the 'yanks' then yes your mob certainly unprofessional

I'm now off to drink a cup of tea and listen to the queen speak on the wireless

[Pook2]

CAS should be a last result (Only if infantry cannot overcome an objective or have enough firepower to take a target out.)


Bull****. If you have it, use it. Why risk the lives of soldiers when you can blow **** up from the air.

[szr]

Maybe its you who is the stupid lil kid here.Going by the composition and content of your posts, I think maybe you're wrong.

[Scousemouse]

hmmm ok....declarations may be a little definitive mate, just 'comments' but hey, take them as u will....as for the 1st, yep, that is my entire point, 2nd, u disagree its ****ed up?, 3rd...Ok this is a declaration of the fact I go to college...not to sure how controversial u can make that one...and yea, I do know a 'little'...look that word up mate, not trying to say I’m an expert...

[Scousemouse]

"Bull****. If you have it, use it. Why risk the lives of soldiers when you can blow **** up from the air."

now that is real wisdom....great

[Pook2]

"Bull****. If you have it, use it. Why risk the lives of soldiers when you can blow **** up from the air."

now that is real wisdom....great


Oh..please...tell me the correct way to do things, oh wise one. Actually, tell me anything about how a patrol is to be conducted.

[tumbler]

Not saying never use it - but if you can get by with out it then do so.

keeping forward momentum up is vital. Getting CAS can delay this at times.

Again different SOP's at play here.

[szr]

hmmm ok....declarations may be a little definitive mate, just 'comments' but hey, take them as u will....as for the 1st, yep, that is my entire point, 2nd, u disagree its ****ed up?, 3rd...Ok this is a declaration of the fact I go to college...not to sure how controversial u can make that one...and yea, I do know a 'little'...look that word up mate, not trying to say I’m an expert...It's fine to have an opinion, just so long as you know you're not an expert. Some people here forget that they're not experts.

Browse through this forum a bit. There a plenty of posters on this forum who share their opinions without getting picked to pieces. How do they accomplish that? They don't try to make themselves sound like they're experts on the subject. They show deference to those they know are closer to the facts. When they state their opinions, that don't state them in a way where it's implied that a differing opinion is a wrong or lesser opinion.

[Scousemouse]

Oh..please...tell me the correct way to do things, oh wise one. Actually, tell me anything about how a patrol is to be conducted.

no ****ing idea how a patrol should be conducted mate...but if you're going for 'hearts and minds' then one thinks an overuse of CAS and the inprescion that comes with that is not going to help much...i'm sure it might help a few US soldiers on the day, but when it turns even more of the population against allied troops then in the long run it does more harm than good....

[Scousemouse]

It's fine to have an opinion, just so long as you know you're not an expert. Some people here, don't know they're not experts.

Browse through this forum a bit. There a plenty of posters on this forum who share their opinions without getting picked to pieces. How do they accomplish that? They don't try to make themselves sound like they're experts on the subject. They show defference to those they know are closer to the facts. When they state their opinions, that don't state them in a way where it's implied that a different opinion is a wrong or lesser opinion.

You’re a ****ing idiot. I'm done with this conversation mate...if u really think your lil above elitist **** is right then fine...go with it....an by the way, what makes u such an expert? I'm sure you've spent many years in the military or whateva but so what? I have plenty of friends who have spent time in Iraq and many a lecturer who are ex-forces and can talk about it objectively...seems a far better place to be coming form than some patriotic zealot who does not have the ability to discuss an issue

oh, and tell me where you have 'picked to pieces' my points

[Pook2]

no ****ing idea how a patrol should be conducted mate...but if you're going for 'hearts and minds' then one thinks an overuse of CAS and the inprescion that comes with that is not going to help much...i'm sure it might help a few US soldiers on the day, but when it turns even more of the population against allied troops then in the long run it does more harm than good....


Well, considering modern weapons, imprecision is out of the picture.

[Scousemouse]

Well, considering modern weapons, imprecision is out of the picture.

oh come on mate...u dont really believe that...modern weapons still **** up, as do pilots...impreicision is very much the picture mate...if not, collateral a thing of the past, yet sadly, this is hardly the case

[tumbler]

Well, considering modern weapons, imprecision is out of the picture.

LOL - where abouts is the 'things america has blown up with out meaning to thread'?

[Pook2]

Sure, but Infantry is even more imprecise.

[tumbler]

not when you're 100m away with eyes on a target -

[tumbler]

Scouse I suggest you take your desire to learn else where mate - god knows what you'll end up doing if you learn crap off this site.

good luck - i'm off for a beer

[Scousemouse]

Sure, but Infantry is even more imprecise.

have some faith mate...i think infantry are gonna be a lil more precise than some bigass bomb...'laserguided' or not

[Scousemouse]

Scouse I suggest you take your desire to learn else where mate - god knows what you'll end up doing if you learn crap off this site.

good luck - i'm off for a beer

haha cheers mate...a drink sounds like a good idea!

[tumbler]

what are u going to do with your degree?

[Scousemouse]

what are u going to do with your degree?

well at mo, the plan is to sign up with the RAF...although they are messing around a bit cause I grew up overseas so there are some residency issues...incidentally I am writing my dissertation on Air Power and how important it is in regards to asymmetrical warfare, so its in that kinda area where my interests defiantly lie...but who knows what will happen!

[tumbler]

If you have time for the TA there is a great TA unit in London who specialise in calling in air strikes - do a search for the HAC (Honourable Artillery Company). There role in Nato is as a dedicated surveillance and target acquisition patrol.

[Scousemouse]

If you have time for the TA there is a great TA unit in London who specialise in calling in air strikes - do a search for the HAC (Honourable Artillery Company). There role in Nato is as a dedicated surveillance and target acquisition patrol.

afarid i already tried that mate...they wont even let me in my uni air squadron...i have to wait at least 3 years...!!

but thanks for the advice, i will have a look at that company, sounds intresting!

[tumbler]

where are you from in terms of nationality?

[Scousemouse]

where are you from in terms of nationality?

i'm british...but i lived in Thailand for like 12 years before coming to Uni which is apprently a huge problem! I had the brit embassy in BKK checkin it out but they couldn't do anything...i guess i'll just wait it out...i'm sure they have there reasons as well....

[tumbler]

Tough one - I lived in the US before joining up and that caused me problems - but I won in the end!

[Marvin!!]

i'm british...but i lived in Thailand for like 12 years before coming to Uni which is apprently a huge problem! I had the brit embassy in BKK checkin it out but they couldn't do anything...i guess i'll just wait it out...i'm sure they have there reasons as well....

Well I have dual Italian/British nationality and was born and lived in Belgium up until the year I went to uni in Manchester, where I joined the Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron. No mention was made of my overseas upbringing, even though I was turned down numerous times while still living in Belgium. Go figure :|

Speaking of UAS; I wouldn't bother mate. They're basically glorified scouts now, seeing as all flying training was stopped. RAF Woodvale where I was based is no more (Still used as Merseyside Police Air Support Unit base though) and this was only last year.

Also (obviously this doesn't apply if you chose your dissertation because of YOUR interest in military aviation), a degree related to the forces or aviation is not actually necessary. There were guys in my squadron with degrees in Zoology, Business Systems, Media. Just as long as you have a degree it doesn't matter what the subject is (obviously helps though)

[iflu]

Scousemouse

I dont really understand why you come up with this attitude. I guessed you dont know something and tried to share something and it is normal because noboby is the god. If you are an infantry man, it is highly possible that you know nothing about fighter planes. But if you dont change your attitude, hardly is there any possibility that you will be shared with anything. You know, from your words, I simply know your age.

my last words here.

[tumbler]

Zoology - well there is plenty of monkeys in the the RAF!!!!!!!

[Scousemouse]

Tough one - I lived in the US before joining up and that caused me problems - but I won in the end!

i think its because they can't do security/background checks for Thailand...neva mind! Although on monday i am to go to RAF Coninsby to check out the Typhoon and how its being introduced into service and they have no probs with that...oh well...!!

[Scousemouse]

Scousemouse

I dont really understand why you come up with this attitude. I guessed you dont know something and tried to share something and it is normal because noboby is the god. If you are an infantry man, it is highly possible that you know nothing about fighter planes. But if you dont change your attitude, hardly is there any possibility that you will be shared with anything. You know, from your words, I simply know your age.

my last words here.

well we have something in common mate, i dont understand you either....

[Scousemouse]

Well I have dual Italian/British nationality and was born and lived in Belgium up until the year I went to uni in Manchester, where I joined the Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron. No mention was made of my overseas upbringing, even though I was turned down numerous times while still living in Belgium. Go figure :|

Speaking of UAS; I wouldn't bother mate. They're basically glorified scouts now, seeing as all flying training was stopped. RAF Woodvale where I was based is no more (Still used as Merseyside Police Air Support Unit base though) and this was only last year.

Also (obviously this doesn't apply if you chose your dissertation because of YOUR interest in military aviation), a degree related to the forces or aviation is not actually necessary. There were guys in my squadron with degrees in Zoology, Business Systems, Media. Just as long as you have a degree it doesn't matter what the subject is (obviously helps though)

they've stopped all flying training? Wow, didn't know that....is that for all UAS's or just some?

And yea, I know the kidna degree not to important, but it was important to me that I actually found what I was doing interesting!:)…however, do u think it will play some part though in selection interview…I mean they will probably quite like the fact that I did a related degree and such things….hopefully!!

[Marvin!!]

Yup, I read about it in an issue of Airforces Monthly, can't remember which one, but it gave a list of bases ceasing UAS activities, and it was in effect, every UAS base :-(

Obviously having done all the research necessary for this dissertation of yours, you'll know more than your average candidate and they'll definitely take that into consideration, but in my interviews, my degree choice was hardly discussed. They were more interested in my reasons for wanting to join the RAF and what I was hoping to achieve,etc and a bit of background info on me.

[Scousemouse]

Yup, I read about it in an issue of Airforces Monthly, can't remember which one, but it gave a list of bases ceasing UAS activities, and it was in effect, every UAS base :-(

Obviously having done all the research necessary for this dissertation of yours, you'll know more than your average candidate and they'll definitely take that into consideration, but in my interviews, my degree choice was hardly discussed. They were more interested in my reasons for wanting to join the RAF and what I was hoping to achieve,etc and a bit of background info on me.

well that sucks about the UAS thing! How similiar would selection interviews be to the UAS ones? Cause i went for a UAS one, and got in, and then 2 days before Cranwell they phoned me and gave me the bad news but they said the interview was good! R u still in the RAF?

[Marvin!!]

well that sucks about the UAS thing! How similiar would selection interviews be to the UAS ones? Cause i went for a UAS one, and got in, and then 2 days before Cranwell they phoned me and gave me the bad news but they said the interview was good! R u still in the RAF?

Hmmm that sounds odd.... You got relatives on MI6's most wanted list or something? :| :p

Unfortunately I had to choose between allocating more time and effort either to my flying training, or my studies, and I decided that for the time being, at least, the latter seemed the better option, so no, I am no longer in the RAF, but it's an option still open for me, and my time in the RAFVR should help in any future application :)

[ronin2172]

the problem with this forum is that if you aren't a gung ho US humveee lover your opinion isn't considered. They assume that if you don't buy into there way of thinking then you have no military experience.
I disagree with that.....

Most mature people on this forum listen to all points, those you find being all US is better than anyone else are probably 16 years old....all you have to do is see how much respect Royal and Argyll get when they drop pearls of knowledge. They get their point across without coming over as yea we are better than you, and most if not all americans on this board respect and actually ask their opinions on topics, and those that don't get quickly sorted out usually by their fellow americans. In fact most if not all americans who post here who have actually served are extemely respectful and have nothing but praise for their foreign counterparts

However a lot of foreigners who post here dont act the same way....they are all the US is ignorant, incompetent, and we *insert your nationality here* are so better than you all you have is a bigger budget and better toys etc etc, then when they get a nice helping of STFU they have the audacity to wonder why...

[Scousemouse]

Hmmm that sounds odd.... You got relatives on MI6's most wanted list or something? :| :p

Unfortunately I had to choose between allocating more time and effort either to my flying training, or my studies, and I decided that for the time being, at least, the latter seemed the better option, so no, I am no longer in the RAF, but it's an option still open for me, and my time in the RAFVR should help in any future application :)

apprently Thailand is considered some kinda high risk state of something! Its certainly strange...everyone i tlked to agrees but then as soon as it gets to the OASC they say the same thing...oh well, 3 years almost up so i shall try again when i grad...

[TehSuig]

Let me throw some words down real quick, considering I was there.


and to the earlier comment of 'we don’t care what image we portray' yea you're probably right, do u think there might be a problem there? Maybe when the US actually starts doing something right in Iraq u guys can go on and on about how great u r

No, we shouldn't care. It's not our job as joe infantryman on the street to care about the way the US looks to some other country. All we care about is doing our job, living, and getting home to our families. I hate to quote Blackhack Down but damn, it fits in perfectly. Remember when the Delta guy said "As soon as that first bullet flies past your head politics and all that **** go right out the window." (or something to that effect) That's exactly how it is.


it’s the people who study this ****, then go into it for real, who are the ones who make a difference and who are important…

No, sorry bud. Those are the jackasses that get people killed because they're more worried about offending the people than searching houses for weapons and caches. We lived by one rule "F*ck Haji." Because as soon as you turn your back they're trying to blow you up.


hirts should always be tucked in (it looks smart).

Oh dang! I forgot to "look smart" while I'm out walking through human sh*t and random trash in the middle of this F*ucked up country. I forgot, I'm a fashion conscious unit, not a front line combat unit.


CAS should be a last result (Only if infantry cannot overcome an objective or have enough firepower to take a target out.) We do have a wonderful tradition of charing with bayonets fixed. (remember we've been fighting for many years as a nation)


Yeah, I want to see your old ass charge into a house full of insurgents with a bayonet. You'll be thinking twice when it's your life on the line and not some nameless 19 year old American. If CAS can hit it and I get to go home, who cares about the collateral damage. We have CA guys go out and pay Haji for anything we destroy.


impreicision is very much the picture mate

Dang I could have sworn I saw an AC-130 blow up an IED on the side of the road with it's 105mm canon. That seems pretty precise to me. As a matter of fact, I think that same AC130 is featured in the video...


have some faith mate...i think infantry are gonna be a lil more precise than some bigass bomb...'laserguided' or not

Holy crap, that's the most ignorant thing I've heard in a long time. 1 Iraqi with a AK + 36 18-24 year olds with automatic weapons, grenades, and rocket launchers who just saw their buddy get shot = the target house and the entire block around the house completely demolished or full of holes. I'm bashing my own kind here, we are horribly inaccurate. Not because we are bad marksman, but because when you don't know where the bullets are coming from, you just shoot anything that looks suspicious. "Don't hide behind anything out of the ordinary, it'll attract fire"

You will never understand until you've walked the streets yourself. Sorry.

[Marvin!!]

Dang I could have sworn I saw an AC-130 blow up an IED on the side of the road with it's 105mm canon. That seems pretty precise to me. As a matter of fact, I think that same AC130 is featured in the video...


In the height of your knowledge-high, you forgot that the AC-130 isn't armed with a 105 anymore

[ronin2172]

In the height of your knowledge-high, you forgot that the AC-130 isn't armed with a 105 anymore
Actually they are....however they are looking into replacing the 105...


General Characteristics
Primary Function: Close air support, air interdiction and force protection
Builder: Lockheed/Boeing Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Speed: 300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling.
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,576 meters
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Armament: AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon; AC-130U: 25mm gun
Crew: AC-130U - Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer) and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners)
Deployment Date: AC-130H, 1972; AC-130U, 1995
Unit Cost: AC-130H, $132.4 million; AC-130U, $190 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active duty: AC-130H, 8; AC-130U, 13; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=71

[Marvin!!]

I correct myself :


The AC-130U fleet is being upgraded to carry the 105mm howitzer plus two Mk44 30mm cannons, an armament suite which will later probably be adopted by the AC-130Hs as well.
Source : Airforces Monthly (Dec. 2005)

[Scousemouse]

Let me throw some words down real quick, considering I was there.

No, we shouldn't care. It's not our job as joe infantryman on the street to care about the way the US looks to some other country. All we care about is doing our job, living, and getting home to our families. I hate to quote Blackhack Down but damn, it fits in perfectly. Remember when the Delta guy said "As soon as that first bullet flies past your head politics and all that **** go right out the window." (or something to that effect) That's exactly how it is.


You will never understand until you've walked the streets yourself. Sorry.


of course its your job to care what the US looks like...not to other countries but to Iraqi civilians who depend on you....whether they like it or not...when u guys look bad, or are to gun-ho, all u do is help fuel the insurgency...now who the **** does that help? U might have been 'on the streets' but that does **** all to impress me...perhaps it’s the ppl on the outside who can cast slightly more objective views of the situation (ok not necessarily me but in general)...

And for my comment about infantry being more precise than bombs...I stand by that fully…if it’s not the case for the US military, then ****, that is pretty damn depressing

[Ratamacue]

U might have been 'on the streets' but that does **** all to impress me.As he said, I believe, he's not looking to impress you.

[szr]

seems a far better place to be coming form than some patriotic zealot who does not have the ability to discuss an issueAre you calling me the "patriotic zealot"? Is that what you call every American? Or just the ones who call you on your bull****, you ingorant hack? You like to wear your ignorance and immaturity like a badge, don't you? I look forward to your spazzy 'lil' reply.

[Scousemouse]

Was I calling u that, yes, I thought that was pretty ****ing clear actually....and do I think u stand for every American, no mate, don’t delude yourself over that one...now **** off.

[Marvin!!]

Was I calling u that, yes, I thought that was pretty ****ing clear actually....and do I think u stand for every American, no mate, don’t delude yourself over that one...now **** off.

Fancy a nice pint'a Boddies? p-)

[Scousemouse]

Fancy a nice pint'a Boddies? p-)

dude...i've been dissed so much in this thread i might be getting paranoid but what does that mean!!??

[Marvin!!]

Bahaha...As a fellow n00b, trust me I knows whats you mean :)

"Boddies" -> Boddingtons

Finest beverage on earth

http://www.lion-nathan.com.au/our+brands/beer/australia/imports/boddington.jpg

[Scousemouse]

haha ok! Althoug mate, i gotta go with strongbow all the way....its just tastes a little deeper u know...!

[szr]

dude...i've been dissed so much in this thread i might be getting paranoid but what does that mean!!??Relax, spazz. :lol:

[Marvin!!]

haha ok! Althoug mate, i gotta go with strongbow all the way....its just tastes a little deeper u know...!
You disappoint me :slap:

You do know that Strongpi55 is made from the 5hit supermarkets cut off the apples they use in their ready-made puddings right? :p

[Scousemouse]

haha i did not....but when i drink i'm not really on one of my health trips so i think i'll just go with it anyway!

[Scousemouse]

Relax, spazz. :lol:

right back at ya mate

[tumbler]

Oh dang! I forgot to "look smart" while I'm out walking through human sh*t and random trash in the middle of this F*ucked up country. I forgot, I'm a fashion conscious unit, not a front line combat unit.



Yeah, I want to see your old ass charge into a house full of insurgents with a bayonet. You'll be thinking twice when it's your life on the line and not some nameless 19 year old American. If CAS can hit it and I get to go home, who cares about the collateral damage. We have CA guys go out and pay Haji for anything we destroy.



You will never understand until you've walked the streets yourself. Sorry.

take a second - just one and think about what the **** you just said SON.

Walk the streets - i got not just the tshirt but the whole god damn wardrobe. I have stormed houses to take out enemy. Its what soliders do. As for looking that part that comes as part of being a solider.

Dont you dare talk to me about 'walking the streets' you piece of ****. **** off and talk to your mother.

[Marvin!!]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/images/christmas/gallery/nov04_zoe_sharon.jpg

[tumbler]

guessing thats out of the family album - no doubt its your sisters fighting over who is going to marry you

[Marvin!!]

guessing thats out of the family album - no doubt its your sisters fighting over who is going to marry you
I ate the blonde's liver and I am currently wearing the brunette's scalp as a crudely yet effectively fashioned kuffiyeh

Have fun wanking to that :)

[tumbler]

says it all sunshine - WIERDO!

[Marvin!!]

says it all sunshine - WIERDO!

But does it reaaaally??? rofl

[Scousemouse]

ok, this conversatin has really gone downhill!! I did not think tha was possible but hey....here i am, watching an episode of Lost and i come back to this...!! I think maybe time to put her to rest...its been fun though!

[Marvin!!]

Would have been better if you'd taken that Boddies I offered you :roll: :p

[Scousemouse]

ah very possibly!! BUt please excuse me, i gotta watch that Lost episode again, it was a good one!

[TehSuig]

of course its your job to care what the US looks like...not to other countries but to Iraqi civilians who depend on you....whether they like it or not...when u guys look bad, or are to gun-ho, all u do is help fuel the insurgency...now who the **** does that help? U might have been 'on the streets' but that does **** all to impress me...perhaps it’s the ppl on the outside who can cast slightly more objective views of the situation (ok not necessarily me but in general)...

And for my comment about infantry being more precise than bombs...I stand by that fully…if it’s not the case for the US military, then ****, that is pretty damn depressing

What I meant was that we don't care if someone back home and especially if someone from another country sees our little morale videos and gets pissed off. We spent alot of time building relations with the people, the one's who'd give you information or the ones who are visibly happy that we are there. We'd go out on patrol with things to give out to the Iraqi children, because that's who really matters 10 years from now. If we got in a fight and someones car got shot up, we went back out and paid that person for his car, in American money. That goes a long way over there. We never bothered anyone unless they were suspicious or blatantly bad. But making a video of us handing out Iraqi flags or candy would be boring, so you'll see the one where we blow up insurgents vehicles or equipment. Although, we do have plenty of film of us making friends....

A bomb is much more destructive than an infantry platoon, but I can guarantee you that if we have to light up an area trying to hit an unknown shooter, there will be M203 rounds through every window and 2 M240s raking anything that looks suspicious.

God forbid a US bomb hits a target house and sends shrapnel into the surrounding houses, but when the Insurgents bomb their own sacred mosques killing 150+ plus people no one seems to care as much. Don't you think the Iraqi people hate the insurgency just as much as we do? Their own countrymen are killing more Iraqis than we are.


take a second - just one and think about what the **** you just said SON.

Walk the streets - i got not just the tshirt but the whole god damn wardrobe. I have stormed houses to take out enemy. Its what soliders do. As for looking that part that comes as part of being a solider.

Dont you dare talk to me about 'walking the streets' you piece of ****. **** off and talk to your mother.

If you truly have been there and done that then you have my respect. That comment about actually being there was directed at our military college friend. Though, I really don't see how you could go there and really care about whether your shirt is tucked in, or in your case whether your beret is cocked at the right angle. But, whatever.

[Scousemouse]

What I meant was that we don't care if someone back home and especially if someone from another country sees our little morale videos and gets pissed off. We spent alot of time building relations with the people, the one's who'd give you information or the ones who are visibly happy that we are there. We'd go out on patrol with things to give out to the Iraqi children, because that's who really matters 10 years from now. If we got in a fight and someones car got shot up, we went back out and paid that person for his car, in American money. That goes a long way over there. We never bothered anyone unless they were suspicious or blatantly bad. But making a video of us handing out Iraqi flags or candy would be boring, so you'll see the one where we blow up insurgents vehicles or equipment. Although, we do have plenty of film of us making friends....

A bomb is much more destructive than an infantry platoon, but I can guarantee you that if we have to light up an area trying to hit an unknown shooter, there will be M203 rounds through every window and 2 M240s raking anything that looks suspicious.

God forbid a US bomb hits a target house and sends shrapnel into the surrounding houses, but when the Insurgents bomb their own sacred mosques killing 150+ plus people no one seems to care as much. Don't you think the Iraqi people hate the insurgency just as much as we do? Their own countrymen are killing more Iraqis than we are.


ok, i agree. Look mate u cleary no more about it than I do, was just making an obersvation, whether u guys care or not...but if u dont, then just ignore my point, was just an opinon to be made on an open forum...it wasn't anti US, just a comment on videos in particular....and lay of about the whole 'college' thing ok, give me a year mate and i am signing up and ok, as a pilot, but still, i will see what its really like also, but at the mo, i am to young, but in the mean time, i think i still have some right to comment....anyway....that was an intresting read, good to hear u guys would go back and pay some dude who's car got shot up, did not know u did that stuff....is that policy or just happens every so often?

[TehSuig]

I don't know if it's policy for every unit, but it was ours. The Iraqi's would often come to our CP and tell our terps that something they owned had been destroyed by us, or even destroyed by the insurgents. We'd go out with a Civil Affairs team and pay them for their claim, as long as it was legit. We'd often borrow trucks from people to go get our re-supply of MREs and water, and we'd pay them for that. We had to live in people's houses while we were out, we didn't do regular Iraq missions, and we'd pay them for that as well.

[tumbler]

If you truly have been there and done that then you have my respect. That comment about actually being there was directed at our military college friend. Though, I really don't see how you could go there and really care about whether your shirt is tucked in, or in your case whether your beret is cocked at the right angle. But, whatever.

The beret is the most important piece of kit - i remember spending years to perfect mine. I never ever patrolled either Iraq, NI or even Afgan with a shirt out. Build and they will come - u need to be taken seriously. Look at all pics of the brits in a Czone.

[Hemaworstje]

spending years to get the beret perfect?
one of the many reason I could never join the army..