Middle East Conflict

[Richard S]

Tonight, in my 69th year, I'm watching the news on the conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, remembering the past (1963-94), and regretting that there appears to be small use for old "fossils" -- even those who have learned the arts of "old age and treachery."

(This type of "navel gazing" is what happens when your mind attempts to convince you that you are still in your third decade of life while your body attempts to remind you that you are about to complete your seventh.)  

[R9SCarry]

Richard - I am substantially into my 6th - and will take a rain check on active duty - even tho we both perhaps share considerable treachery and guile.

I have to realize that it is those with young blood and determination who must take point.  We could however perhaps find ''work'' behind combat zones, and apply our treachery in a remote sense

[tracker]

Those intense experiences in our impressionable youth
will go with us to our graves but we just have to let it
go. We can never replace our good friends who were not
as lucky as we were to survive some situations.

The military takes care of old egos; they don't want us
anymore, but no doubt about it, the older I get the better
I used to be.

[R9SCarry]

[size=13]the older I get the better
I used to be. [/size]

Just love that - so true

[Michigunner]

Well said, tracker.

[Richard S]

. . . the older I get the better
I used to be.

Tracker:

There has to be a country song in that line.  

[erh]

  War is only Cool on TV...
  "For Real"; It's Really, Really not..!  
  My "Tours of Peace..." - (1980 - 1996; Various Branch & Service Duty(ies)  Tell some of us of that era; that that was the "Peace Time" Military..!"; you'll likely get a "Sideways look & no answer at all..."  
  My "Lil Brother is about to Deploy to God only knows where, as an Army Reservist (He just wants a college education; not the one I fear he's about to get instead..!) & I wish I could do it FOR HIM, and would in a "Heartbeat!"  
  My Dad; a former UDT Man (And among litterally the very 1st of the instructors for the "1st Seal Team(s)", says the same thing; he'll be 67 this year...  I'm living my 4th decade now..; don't want my Brother to see things many of us have (He is 18 years my "Junior..!); But I'm proud of him just the same..!  Keep Proud of our Men & Women in Service regardless of Branch regardless of your personal politics...

  Just a few thoughts OUT LOUD.., Hope no one minds...  I feel at home here, & needed to "Vent a Little..!"

Eric     :-/

[BillinPittsburgh]

I think many of you will enjoy this thread.  You will need to register to read it.

http://www.totalprotectioninteractive.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4073

[tracker]

For what ever it is worth, the Gray Panthers in this country
will make a substantial rear guard in a conventional conflict
on these shores. Our weapons, ammo, optics, and experience,
if properly organized, can probably handle the first wave.

[tracker]

Eric,
Your dad and all like him have my utmost respect and
admiration; few know the rigors of his training and active
duty regimen.
I was close to graduating from OCS in Newport in 1961, and
during one of my rare free spells, was sitting on the banks of
Narragansett Bay in late October. The wind was blowing 30-
40 knots and a DD was at anchor but pitching and rolling
at a great rate. At that moment I decided that I did not want
to be a Destroyer Officer,
There were only two ways out: UDT and Naval Air. I attended
a UDT briefing but decided against it when a wedge shaped
Lt. told us that it would be the most difficult physical training
in the world; I didn't even like to swim and was six feet, 145 lbs., hardly a physical juggernaut.
I chose aviation, thinking it would be fun and more glamorous; that was partially true but I didn't have a clue. After many
difficult training sessions it turned out that I had somewhat
of an inclination for it and I absolutely loved carrier flying;
funny how some things work out.    

[erh]

Those intense experiences in our impressionable youth
will go with us to our graves but we just have to let it
go. We can never replace our good friends who were not
as lucky as we were to survive some situations.

The military takes care of old egos; they don't want us
anymore, but no doubt about it, the older I get the better
I used to be.

  That is so "Profound", it Nearly brought a tear to my eye..!  "But then I Killed it in a ghastly & gruesome manner..!"  Oh yah; "Flashback Over..."
  Thank you for that..!  Between your comment, and a wonderful surprise from my pal "los" today; I honestly feel reasonably good this evening..!

Thanks guys (All..!) for being here for us, and others NOT so fortunate..!

Eric    

[Richard S]

Bill:

Thanks for that link.  Some of those stories helped me to get out of the doldrums.  

[erh]

Eric,
Your dad and all like him have my utmost respect and
admiration; few know the rigors of his training and active
duty regimen.
I was close to graduating from OCS in Newport in 1961, and
during one of my rare free spells, was sitting on the banks of
Narragansett Bay in late October. The wind was blowing 30-
40 knots and a DD was at anchor but pitching and rolling
at a great rate. At that moment I decided that I did not want
to be a Destroyer Officer,
There were only two ways out: UDT and Naval Air. I attended
a UDT briefing but decided against it when a wedge shaped
Lt. told us that it would be the most difficult physical training
in the world; I didn't even like to swim and was six feet, 145 lbs., hardly a physical juggernaut.
I chose aviation, thinking it would be fun and more glamorous; that was partially true but I didn't have a clue. After many
difficult training sessions it turned out that I had somewhat
of an inclination for it and I absolutely loved carrier flying;
funny how some things work out.    

tracker - ...Thank you for that...    

Eric

[Richard S]

   My Dad; a former UDT Man (And among litterally the very 1st of the instructors for the "1st Seal Team(s)", says the same thing; he'll be 67 this year...  

Eric     :-/

Eric:

Your father has my profound admiration.  The UDT/Seals training is as tough as it ever gets.

[Michigunner]

Eric,

Your father's service to the country is much appreciated.  We owe all military folks a debt of gratitude.

Bill