First off for those that do not know me, I am a Minnesota National Guard soldier. I thought that it would be nice to have a section for those that have served/serving to just kick back and share some experiences. One thing to remember should anyone comment or post to double check themselves about the OPSEC of the information you post about. So for the fellow soldiers in/out of uniform. Lets hear some of the good ol' times! Dumbest thing you've done, funnest part of serving, where'd you go to basic, what was some pranks you pulled, who was "that guy" and so on so forth! I'll start off with some short info on myself: I went to basic at "Relaxin" Jackson, South Carolina. My MOS is 88M which is a Motor Transport Operator (Truck driver). I serve out of an Infantry Battalion and currently serving overseas. The best experience I've had so far would be taking our Humvee out on a perimeter patrol, and just doing whatever. We took out golf clubs and shot a few rounds on the dunes. Did something called "Vipers Challenge" (At night, go through a silo and go through to the other side without a flashlight). Took the Humvee up some wicked inclines and raced around the desert.
Navy, 6 years (97-03). Fire Controlman Second Class (fire control means weapons firing, not fighting fires) worked on the CIWS mounts, then went to shore duty doing overhaul of M61A1 20mm gatling guns. Not really sure what the best story is. They usually come out when I'm drunk or reminiscing about something.
MNNG as well. 7.5 years in, just gave them 6 more. 34th Combat Aviation Bridgade, deployed 2007 to 2008 to Iraq. wheeeeeee
MN. Nat. Gaurd and IN nat. Gaurd, 11B, 11C Basic at fort benning. Two tours in Iraq 05-06, late 07 to 08. served 7yrs on a 6 yr contract stoploss suck (extra pay was good). did to much dumd stuff to mention on a forum, for opsec and protecting some poeples dignity
Done! Come work on the car with me, turn a couple wrenches and I'll buy ya a few rounds! I'm dealing with nothing but a sea of 11b's and 11c's all around here right now, gotta say they aren't the brightest crayon in the box....lol
91C (USAR) That would be the red crayon in the box... Then I reclassified to 31F&31U when I was active duty... Pre-Bush so only US dirt on these figures. Also thanks for you service.
Thanks for your service as well, don't feel bad about staying stateside. My current deployment is pretty boring as heck, not doing too much other then the same training as stateside.
Thank you for the support. If you ever choose to do something new in life, becoming a chaplain for the military might be perfect for you. I only mention that as I scrolled through the religious thread earlier this morning (Its 6 a.m here).
^ and it is the best! USMC 95-99 Kingbay, GA for 2 years. Security Forces school, CQB school Camp Lejeune, NC for last 2 years. 2nd LAR (light armored recon) Been to Panama, Chile, Santiago, Vina Del Mar for mostly dog and pony show's. Spent all my $ on alcohol and tattoo's. MNNG 00-02 Albert Lea, MN for 2 years. Sat around with my thumb up my ass the whole time. If the tax payer's only knew.... Got out due to failure to adapt to NG laziness. No offense, just too much of a culture shock for me. Good group of guys but as usual the officer's are F*&KING up the works again!
Just got out after 12 years. Spent 4 on active duty 11b, 3/502INF down at Ft Campbell, KY then a couple with KYNG, then transferred back home to MN and reclassed to 19d. deployments: '01 Kosovo '03 Iraq (got the only qualification badge that means anything here, CIB) '05 Iraq
What about the EIB?!? The entire 11b and 11c series I'm with are training up for the qualification, hopefully soon we will see just how many of the hardheads have passed with what it takes. I also agree that the NG is a bunch of lazies...even though I am one of them...
I got my EIB when I was a Pv2. Not exactly difficult. You train for 2 weeks on all the tasks, then you just have to go through them the third week and do what they taught you to do. The CIB is the only qual badge that counts because you earn it by receiving and returning fire, i.e. the two way range. I've got my CAB, EIB, CIB, Air Assault, purple heart (the "I Forgot To Duck" medal), and only one means much to me. (though the purple heart license plates are pretty handy to get out of speeding tickets )
I mean, it's nothing against Air Force folks, but as my family are all either Army or Marines, we're a bit biased
well I voted air force, just because they take way better care of their people. I am a Army grunt and always will be, But they won'y let me any more say I'm to broken now. Now I just protect Fort Living Room Got my CIB in 06 and would of gotten another in 08 if it wouldn't of been in the same conflict Would be nice to have that little star it means alot to those who know.
I would say no, but in fairness we cant leave the officers out, they are good at coming up with bad plans.......lol
As previously stated by other members in this thread, I also have never served. But i am extremely thankful for all of you that have put forth the effort to protect our country and our freedom!! Much love!! And where is the "all of the above" choice on the poll?
Izzy, your absolutely right, we are currently in operation: Bravo Oscar otherwise known as Operation: Bored Officers...(not opsec info just a inside joke) and we are doing random, retarded, repeatitive training, as our officers want us to do something "Productive" with our time...yea retarded Tangled: Thanks for the support, and we don't do any "all of the above" It's a competition between branches thats as old as the National Guard (THE FIRST ARMY! YEA BUDDY) but its all in jest.
Especially if they carry my lunch! I want to be able to eat it when I get it back, not with it all squished and nasty looking. Lol!
