E6Hotel

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (interstat @ April 01 2003,01:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Have to agree with Badgerboy, fraging and wasting civilians aint gonna win the Iraqi's hearts over is it?<span id='postcolor'> That goes for both sides. Â At least with us it's unintentional. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Cloney @ April 01 2003,00:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I doubt a bunch of well trained, veteran Marines would be going hysterical because one of their APCs took an RPG hit. Christ, its the Marine Corps not JROTC.<span id='postcolor'> They weren't vets before. Â Now they are. EDIT: Â Referring to the kids, of course. Semper Fi

What punishment should be imposed on the Challenger crew that accidentally engaged another Challenger? Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 28 2003,2100)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Nobody said that American-British forces are going to carpet bomb Iraqi cities or start shooting Iraqi women and children in the streets.<span id='postcolor'> Actually, </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,13:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">British troops have been ordered to engage ANY I repeat ANY persons in civillian clothes. No matter if they are actually fighting or not. Basra has been declared a military target wich in the language of war means that any inhabitant, military or not is an enemy and will be shot if possible.<span id='postcolor'> that is exactly what was said. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 28 2003,18:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">What are the minimal physical requirements for the USMC?<span id='postcolor'> Physically speaking, everyone's required to pass a semi-annual physical fitness test (PFT), consisting of three events: 1) Â Dead-hang pullups (no leg motion allowed). Â Each is worth five points, with 20 pullups considered perfect. Â I usually get 14 or 15, although I once managed 17. Â Before dead-hangs were specified, it was easy to get 20 by "kipping" (using leg momentum to jerk over the bar). 2) Â Crunches in a two-minute time limit (replaced sit-ups because too many Marines were injuring their necks by pulling on their heads). Â Each is worth one point, with 100 as a perfect score. Â On a good day I get around 80 (I have a hard time doing anything 100 times in two minutes). 3) Â A three-mile run. Â 18 minutes flat is worth 100 points, and you lose 1 point for every six seconds after that. Â Minimum run time is 28 minutes. Â My best time was 18:47, but I was running 30 miles a week (through Camp Pendleton's hills) when I pulled that off. Â My normal times now average around 20:30. 2) and 3) above are the same for Women Marines, with different scoring standards. Â Instead of dead-hangs, they do a "flexed arm hang" from the pullup bar. Â As long as their arms aren't locked out straight, the clock is running. Â 70 seconds is a 100-point score. The PFT doesn't incorporate swimming (although many think it should). Â We are required to swim qual, with the frequency between re-quals depending on how high the swimmer is rated. Â The ratings start out at 4th class (basically being able to survive contact with water), and get progressively more difficult. Â After 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class comes Water Survival Qualified (WSQ), which is the highest non-instructor rating available. Â Strangely enough, 1st class is actually much harder to pass than WSQ. Â At the 1st class/WSQ levels, the tests involve demonstrating various rescue tows, 500m swims using the survival strokes in boots and utes, the burning oil splash drill, swimming 25m while holding a 10lb brick out of the water, etc. Â Oh yeah, and a 3m jump w/ full combat gear. Recon has much different standards. Â To qualify for Recon (either Division or Force), a Marine has to pass a one-day indoc, consisting of the following events (keep in mind that the events occasionally change): 1) A PFT, with a 225/285 needed for Division and Force, respectively. Â In other words, to pass the 1st event of the Force indoc, a Marine needs to run three miles in 20:30, do 20 dead-hangs, and 100 crunches. 2) Â A formation run to the training pool (at Lejeune it's about three miles). Â The run is led by Recon Marines, and if you fall out, you're done. 3) Â Most Marines wash out at the pool. Â For two hours, they have to swim 25m back and forth underwater, get out and do callisthenics for approximately five minutes, and repeat the process. 4) Â Run back to the starting point. 5) Â The final event seems to change frequently. Â It used to be a timed 5-mile ruck run (w/ a 50lb sandbag in an ALICE pack), but I think that now it's a 10-mile speed hump. Â I'm not positive about the time limits. Assuming the Marine passes the indoc, he's screened by the Recon CO. Â If all goes well, the Marine then goes to the Basic Reconnaissance Course, Army Jump School, Navy Combat Diver School, etc., etc. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (PFC Mongoose @ Mar. 28 2003,10:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">3.) Is it really that important to go to Church even if you don't believe? Â (IMO, I almost consider that lying.. lying to one's self, mainly. Â Also, I think if you don't believe, attending is just wasting one's time. Â )<span id='postcolor'> We weren't required to go to church. Â I preferred having a few quiet hours back in the squad bay. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 28 2003,11:27)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">One thing that I havn't seen are tips to start swimming and diving. Amfibiesoldater - the Swedish equivalent of US Marines have high requirements on swimming abilities and we kustjägare had even much higher then that. I'd assume that the US Marines do have water training as a part of the regular excercise.<span id='postcolor'> I did consider mentioning it, but our minimum swimming standards are depressingly easy.  (The higher classifications, though...)  Basically, only a total hydrophobe would need to worry about swimming. Of course, anyone planning to try Recon should go ahead and grow a blowhole on the back of your head.  You're gonna need it. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (PFC Mongoose @ Mar. 28 2003,1109)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Code Sample </td></tr><tr><td id="CODE">W.A.A.G.<span id='postcolor'>?<span id='postcolor'> Wild Approximations and Arcane Guesswork Semper Fi

1)  A term near and dear to any junior Marine’s heart -- “Field Day.† This is the weekly cleaning of a unit’s barracks.  In typical USMC logic, it is called “field day†because it takes place in the rear, not the field, and is held at night, not during the day. They are usually conducted every Thursday evening, although if you have an alcoholic Platoon Sergeant, or one with a bad home life, or one who just gets bored easily, you may be awakened by surprise field days on Saturday mornings.  If the Platoon Sergeant or other supervisor feels especially playful, you may be required to remove all the furniture from your room before cleaning it. 2)  Although not technically terms, in a variation of the classic “snipe hunt,†there are certain items that a “boot†Marine may be ordered to find or draw from supply, the armory, or the motor pool as applicable.  Examples include: -- Chem-lite batteries. -- Keys for the HUMVEE. -- The pistol grip for the MK-19. -- A gallon of bulkhead remover (useful for particularly stubborn field day stains). -- 10 yards of flight line. -- (Ever-popular among administrators) The ID-10T form. My personal favorite is slightly more complex, and a little military knowledge is required to appreciate the humor.  This scenario can be played out during any comm gear training session.  (A little background: Our squad radios carry the “AN/PRC†designation.  The old models, for example, were the AN/PRC 77’s (pronounced “Prick 77’sâ€). While playing with the radio, inform the “boot†that there’s a technical problem.  Instruct him to go to the Corporal or the Sergeant and tell him that “we’ve got a fucked-up Prick E4 (or Prick E5, as applicable) and that we need a new one.  “Prick E4†or “Prick E5†will sound credible to the hapless boot, who then proceeds to (unintentionally) launch a personal attack against the NCO.  Cruel, but entertaining.    Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (xmurderx @ Mar. 27 2003,19:17)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">any more advice? (other than dont smoke )<span id='postcolor'> 1) Â Join Navy Federal Credit Union at your first opportunity. Â In a similar vein, consider USAA for your insurance. 2) Â There is a strip club outside Camp Lejeune called "Toby's." Â Avoid it at all costs, as the dancers are gruesome. 3) Â Buy Creighton khaki shirts after you graduate boot camp. Â The issued stuff is garbage. 4) Â Don't go out and buy a honkin' huge combat knife. Â The Corps will issue you one if needed. Â A Leatherman or Gerber tool, however, is invaluable. Â Spydercos are nice, too. 5) Â In the field, beef jerky and sunflower seeds are your friends. 6) Â Think long and hard before you get a big ol' bulldog tattooed across your chest. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RalphWiggum @ Mar. 27 2003,18:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">if you don't know how to handle a gun, goto near by shooting range and get some lessons. might save ya some little problem if any.<span id='postcolor'> Ummm, I'd strongly suggest not doing that. Â Too many kids join the Corps thinking they know how to shoot. 1) Â Forget anything you think you might know about shooting. 2) Â Apply what the Primary Marksmanship Instructors tell you and you will shoot expert. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (bn880 @ Mar. 27 2003,18:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Othin and E6Hotel, your sources ARE from the coalition, therefore they ARE probably propaganda. Â Denoirs and Bals sources are not from Iraq nor the coalition, so I trust them to be accurate.<span id='postcolor'> Actually, my source is a one-on-one communication from a friendship going back twelve years from a person actually involved in processing Marine KIA's. Yesterday, B & D's military intel network was reporting that Royal Marines had been ordered to murder noncombatants in the town of Basra. Trust whoever you like. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 27 2003,18:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Their confidential coalition sources, yes. Anybody of them in military intel?<span id='postcolor'> Ah yes, military intel. Umm, when can we expect that 1,000 vehicle armored convoy that left from Baghdad yesterday? Â When it comes to casualty figures, I'll stick with the guys and gals that have to tag and bag the bodies, thx. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">There were no reports of casualties on either side during the 30 minute firefight. Now does anybody with any slight form of military experience find this credible? 30 minutes of fire exchange up close ("The bullets were hitting real close, within inches of us") without any casualties?<span id='postcolor'> I'd need more detailed info before making an estimate.  Here are my S.W.A.G.s, based on W.A.A.G.: </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">NORTH OF NASSIRIYA, Iraq (Reuters) - Convoys of trucks hauling food and ammunition to troops spearheading the U.S.-led thrust into Iraq are looking increasingly like a chink in the invasion force's armor. In a surprise attack witnessed by Reuters on Wednesday, a small group of Iraqis using guerrilla tactics pinned down a column of some 80 vehicles supporting U.S. Marine combat units.<span id='postcolor'> How small was this group?  If we're talking a squad for example, they wouldn't be able to do much against an 80-vehicle convoy.  How close were the ambushers to the convoy?  50m?  250m?  500m?  I have no idea. </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Gunfire crackling from mist-shrouded trees by the roadside sent Marines dashing for cover behind vehicles, before tanks smashed through the undergrowth to hunt down the attackers.<span id='postcolor'> When it comes to concealment, "mist-shrouded trees" work both ways.  </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">"We couldn't see who was shooting at us," said Lance-Corporal John Grimes, 19, who dived back into his truck without firing a shot at the hidden assailants, his combat fatigues splattered with mud.<span id='postcolor'> If you can't see them, they usually can't see you.  It sounds to me like a group of truck drivers got bounced and had the common sense to take cover.  In addition, this guy didn't return any shots.  If that's typical, it would be difficult to inflict any casualties. </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">"The bullets were hitting real close, within inches of us," he told Reuters after the raid, north of the town of Nassiriya.<span id='postcolor'> I'm sure they felt close, especially to a motor-T bubba that's never been in combat... whether they were or not, I wasn't there.  </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The attack, the first against this U.S. Marine truck platoon since the war began last Thursday, showed that a group of perhaps 10 men with assault rifles could temporarily disrupt a convoy backed by tanks, helicopters and armored personnel carriers. There were no reports of casualties on either side during the 30 minute firefight, but the battle strained nerves among Marine drivers, many of whom had never been in combat before. <span id='postcolor'> EDIT:  OOPS! Semper Fi  (hangs head in shame)

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 27 2003,1700)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (E6Hotel @ Mar. 27 2003,16:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">1) Â If you're not on a regular running program, start one. Â The better condition you're in when you go to boot camp, the easier it will be. 2) Â If you smoke, stop.<span id='postcolor'> I'd like to dispute number two. Smoking while in training is one of the better ways of building up a stamina. Â The nicotine binds to the oxygen molecules (actually it binds to the hemoglobine molecules that would bind O2, but never mind) forcing your system to work with less O2. It's the same principle that pro runners and skiiers use when they train at high altitudes. So my advice is to smoke before running. It will be tough as hell in the begnining, but you'll build up an excellent stamina.<span id='postcolor'> Tobacco is forbidden in boot camp. Quitting before going => No "jonesing" => One less distraction. For a more challenging workout, run uphill or on loose sand. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 27 2003,15:42)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (theavonlady @ Mar. 27 2003,15:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 27 2003,16:34)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">As for American and British KIA, I'd put the number between 300-500 based on scraps of information that I have.<span id='postcolor'> Care to substantiate such claims beyond "could have"?<span id='postcolor'> No. While I can present some of the information, I can't give you the sources since they are still mostly classified. And without the sources the information is irrelevant.<span id='postcolor'> My back-channel with 1st FSSG mortuary affairs platoon puts the USMC KIA as reported. I'll attempt to confirm with "The Smoking Man" when he returns from planting WMD's in Baghdad. Semper Fi

This is the best online guide I've seen. Â In addition: 1) Â If you're not on a regular running program, start one. Â The better condition you're in when you go to boot camp, the easier it will be. 2) Â If you smoke, stop. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Good luck, and Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,19:52)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Basra has been declared as a military target by coaltion forces. The whole town. This should be public now.<span id='postcolor'> [sarcasm] I suppose that the Brits will be greatly relieved that we can now level Basra from the air. [/sarcasm]  I am not disputing that Royal Marines are entering Basra.  I am disputing the claim that they have been ordered to gun down noncombatants.  Frankly, I find it amazing that you lend that statement credibility. </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,19:52)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I remember 3 or 4 days ago Rumsfeld saying during a press conference that the weapons used on Bagdad or elsewhere in Iraq are that accurate that noone ever has seen such accuracy before. Even during the last seconds before impact the missiles are able to decide if they hit the right targets or not. It was not me saying that, but Rumsfeld. I wonder how the market place or the civillian houses could match the prefed imges in the missile´s guidance comp. You see ?<span id='postcolor'> Again, I am not disputing that Tomahawks and JDAM's are accurate, they are undoubtedly the most accurate munitions ever used.  I am disputing the claim that "since they're perfect, any civilian deaths must be intentional."  For the sake of argument, let's project a 1% error rate (which BTW is about 700% lower than the usual rate quoted) -- with at least 1,500 weapons used so far (this number is probably low, but it's the most recent number that I can definitely recall hearing), that leaves 15 off-target.  No technology is "perfect" -- you know that. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,17:49)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Yes but we have a huge variety of military networks to chose from.<span id='postcolor'> With all due respect for your ten years of service (only have nine myself), a couple of things: 1) Â I'd suggest re-evaluating the reliability of the network that provided this gem: </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,13:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">British troops have been ordered to engage ANY I repeat ANY persons in civillian clothes. No matter if they are actually fighting or not. Basra has been declared a military target wich in the language of war means that any inhabitant, military or not is an enemy and will be shot if possible.<span id='postcolor'> This network seems to be staffed by complete retards. Â I just thought you'd like to know. 2) Â </span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Balschoiw @ Mar. 26 2003,13:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I doubt that the missiles were actually mislead. I think they are fired with purpose into civillian areas to put pressure on the people and in the end on the regime itself. The strikes will be mentioned in comparison with the accuracy of the rest of the missiles on Bagdad and the US officials will claim the percentage of the "mislead" missiles is low overall.<span id='postcolor'> At least you qualified this as a personal opinion. Â Needless to say, I think you're wrong. Â It should be pretty simple to prove your case, though -- a simple link with Rumsfield claiming that Tomahawks and JDAM's are infallible should suffice. Â Happy huntin'. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Jinef @ Mar. 25 2003,1703)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The Americans have run away from Basra fearing casualties, they are leaving it to the Brits.<span id='postcolor'> This fear of casualties is, of course, why we are driving straight to Baghdad by way of Nasiriyah. I assume that the RAF does not conduct any sort of urinalysis screening? For the second time, I point out that the original order of battle called for the Brits to secure Basra. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Tovarish @ Mar. 25 2003,02:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">This is going to create a hell of a shitstorm for Muslims in the US military<span id='postcolor'> That was my initial concern, too, but apparently he was a dirtbag that just happened to be Muslim. Â Although he's probably planted a seed of doubt in some minds, I'll bet most servicemen understand that his religion was not the cause of his actions. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 25 2003,00:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">She said that the Baghdad citizens were neither shocked nor awed, but have gotten used to the bombings and are actually going out at night watching the fireworks. The buildings hit are military and political targets that had been evacuated weeks before the invasion started.<span id='postcolor'> The "shock and awe" was not intended for the general population. Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Mar. 25 2003,0005)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Switching back to the actual war, does anybody have any ideas of how Baghdad could be taken?<span id='postcolor'> [booger] I say we blow the fuckers up. [/booger] Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (interstat @ Mar. 24 2003,12:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">4) As we can see from Um Qasr this morning, the Americans have given up, and having to get the Paras and Royal Marines to do the real work in successfully clearing out towns of resistance.<span id='postcolor'> *turns civility regulator to maximum power* 1) Â The plan all along was to capture objectives and leave Royal Marines behind to hold them. Â Leaving a MEU(SOC) in Umm Qasr to mop up a handful of die-hards is like swatting flies with a Buick. 2) Â When we leave an objective it's because the fight's over, or we're needed somewhere else. Â If you think 10 KIA makes a difference to us, all I can say is that you have a poor grasp of our history and absolutely no understanding of the Marine mindset (whether that's a good thing or not I'll leave to you). Â We lose that many a month in peacetime to traffic accidents. Â Semper Fi

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Schoeler @ Mar. 23 2003,05:32)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">E6Hotel, no offense about the jarhead crack, just a little, friendly interservice rivalry!<span id='postcolor'> Fuggedaboutit. Â For some reason, though, I was under the impression you were Army... No offense, of course. Â Semper Fi