I've got a lot of stuff Ive been wanting to share with everyone lately, and thought it makes sense to consolidate it in one thread! First, I really miss MN, but thats not saying the desert has grown on me. I dont like it, but I am learning to appreciate certain things about it. Wish I was home for fall, and the suby fun runs, etc, but oh well. Second, and Im not sure of who all of you have heard about this. The Marine Corps will no longer be deploying to Iraq, according to president Bush. All returning units will be in their recovery and rebuild phases, and we are starting a full scale cycle into Afghanistan. I honestly have no idea about where the Army is headed, but I do know an entire brigade is being pulled from Iraq and will not be replaced. My unit's current deployment date is April of next year. We SHOULD be on the deck in afghanistan by May. Third, I am currently in a program to become a Combat Marksmanship Instructor, which is a pretty much unheard of opportunity for junior Marines like myself. I was chosen because I was the current company high shooter, and so I've been under a lot of pressure to perform (hence the lack of presence around here.) I qualified expert on the M9 service pistol today, which was a huge stepping stone to get past. I have another 3 weeks of classes, and will be shooting several ranges with my own M16a4. I also have to coach another student through, and he has to achieve a solid score in able to pass. In addition to that we are hit by pretty steep physical demands, learning to stalk enemies in the prone, etc. The temps have cooled down a little out here, so the 105-110 degree days have been much better than 125-130. Anyways, if anyone can pray for strength and composure to just get through this, I would really appreciate it. Last item of business. I'll be home Oct. 21st-28th as I've mentioned elsewhere on mnsubaru. I am trying to set up a big BBQ in excelsior commons, and I'm sure we can figure out a way to get MNsubaru involved depending on the day, etc. Ill keep everyone posted, and hope to see you all while I'm back! -Jack
keep it strong. To bad the war in Afghanistan is picking up again. When are you going to be done and can completely come back home?
Thanks for taking the time to write out an update. I was reading one of your posts about qualifying on weapons earlier and I'm so fascinated. I don't even know you, but thanks for serving our country. Good luck with becoming a CMI. I'd love to shoot some guns with you someday.
sounds good nate! We could just do a "completely MNsubaru" one somewhere more central to everyone, but again, we can figure that out at a closer date! And yeah taras, its getting real hairy over there. My buddy is a machine gunner and just got back and said that mortar attacks, as well as ambushes on convoys has become very regular. Just my guess, lol, but thats probably why the Corps is finally getting our wish, to be sent in full force. It may not be what everyone wants (nationally, etc), but to us its about all of the brothers we've got over there and how small of numbers they are in. My EAS (end of active service) is October 14th, 2011.
you got some time there still. Afghanistan sure needs some help. If only damn Pakistanies would keep the Al Kaida(sp) out of Afghanistan.
hey, hope we can set up a shooting time over in burnsville! waiting for brian to chime in! I know martin is down! -Jack
congrats on your future promotion. I know you will get it. I will for sure be at the BBQ and if that falls through or in addition to it we can always get the mnsubaru troops to chipotle for you!!! God bless, and our prayers are with you and your company!!
I will be more than happy to send a few downrange with you If this job that I'm waiting on pans out then there might even be a new toy or two to play with. It'll be chambered in either 6.5mm or .223, I haven't decided yet. Keep your head down and come back to us, and kick ass and take names while you're there. A fair fight to me means you guys come back, screw the rest. Semper Fi Jack.
I knew you'd be game brian! The .223 is a great round, just remember that any range closer than 25 meters and it has a high tendency to shatter due to the overwhelming kinetic energy behind it with that much powder (at least with our rounds).
