QW - UNTRAINED PERSONNEL

"In no other profession are the penalties for employing untrained personnel so appalling or so irrevocable as in the military”

- General Douglas MacArthur -

BASIC MATH

MILITARY ETIQUETTE

Military Etiquette - Officer & the Soldier:

"Soldier, do you have change for a dollar?"

Soldier: "Sure, buddy."

Officer: "That's no way to address an officer!

Now let's try it again. Do you have change for a dollar?"

Soldier: "No, SIR!"

Revelations 8 – 1

When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about half an hour.

NATIONAL AFGHANISTAN VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY

From the Legion,"Thanks to the troops

As the combat mission in Afghanistan transitions into other military activities, The Royal Canadian Legion would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to those service men and women, and their families, who have served with distinction and sacrificed on behalf of Canadians during these past several years. Their contribution to the well-being and care of another country’s populace is a tremendous reflection of Canada’s efforts toward maintaining global peace and we are proud of the way you have represented us.

(more at the link)

Working with Civilians - Part 1: Understanding Respect

Working with Civilians: Part 1

Understanding Respect

First of all this does not apply to all civilians, and that this does not apply to other branches that provide a service in a way that their lives are placed on the line a majority of the time, such as police, fire and rescue personnel. This is specifically directed to those whom place themselves above those who could potentially die in their daily duties as if that that was their place and their duty to die.

I have worked in several places on different occasions where I have worked with people that have treated me and others as if we were servants or peasants. Since they were more scholastically inclined and formally educated and we were the “grunts” we were treated as lesser beings that did not deserve their respect, which is funny because with just minimal thought, a slight squeeze, and absolutely no guilt one of us could terminate their negative attitude. Of course, this action would then reinforce their interaction with us and that we are brutes.

Instead we try to communicate with them in their own manor and treat them in kind but again we are viewed as rude. Who is rude, the initiator or the individual who confronts the initial culprit? On one such occasion I had this Other Government Department (OGD) person called out to me by my last name at which I responded with a glare. The next time he used my first name, again I glared. From then on, and for other reasons, I gave this person the cold shoulder.

Eventually, he finally asked me what he was to refer to me as, well, I told him that we had only been introduce on a professional level with only my rank and last name, and not on a personal level. His response was that he noticed that We all use last names between each other. I explained that that was between the upper and lower ranks in order to maintain discpline and command but in some cases and after a soldier has earned his respect nick-names may get used. First names were never used going up the chain but if a soldier has earned enough respect the senior person may opt to use the soldier’s first name. This is a very high level of respect. Professionally, a soldier should always be referred to as rank, then last name. The more that is dropped, the rank, then to nick names, then to first name displays the level of respect and experience a soldier has achieved. To call a high ranking NCO by his last name is to go in reverse, therefore disrespecting him.

The second problem, I emphasized on was that we were never introduced on a personal level, only rank and last name. Therefore, that is what he should use until we possibly became friends, because only my friends use my first name.

Finally, I asked if he would call a doctor “Mister”. He only laughed until he noticed that I was only glaring again. I emphasized that a doctor has spent a shit load of time and achieved considerable experience to become what he has become, so his title of Doctor is important, so how different is that of a career soldier who has achieve his level of rank?

So, if you are this type of fucker who cannot understand basic respect than this is for you. Respect goes both was, and is earned and those who have “been there, and gotten the T-shit” have earned it. Therefore, give them the respect they are due….and if you don’t….well….don’t bitch about the repercussions.

"THE FINAL INSPECTION"

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets;
You've done your time in Hell."

PICK A WINNER

RULE 1 - SURVIVAL IN WAR

Survival in War

Rule #1:

"When you can't run, you crawl....

when you can't crawl...well...

you look for someone to carry you"

~Sgt Malcolm Reynolds~
the Starship Serenity

(TV Seris Firefly)

TOUGH MUDDER: Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet

UP FOR A CHALLENGE

Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet

Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit-crushing ‘endurance’ road race. Our 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Forget finish times. Simply completing a Tough Mudder is a badge of honor. Tough Mudder has raised over one million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.

WORST PUNISHMENT

Worse Punishment?

An Air Force cargo plane was preparing for departure from Thule Air Base in Greenland. They were waiting for the truck to arrive to pump out the aircraft's sewage holding tank. The Aircraft Commander was in a hurry, the truck was late in arriving, and the Airman performing the job was extremely slow in getting the tank pumped out.

When the commander berated the Airman for his slowness and promised punishment, the Airman responded: "Sir, I have no stripes, it is 20 below zero, I'm stationed in Greenland, and I am pumping sewage out of airplanes. Just what are you going to do to punish me?"

Revelations 7 – 12

I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

THE DIEPPE RAID - the 69th Anniversary

History

The Raid on Dieppe, France, on August 19, 1942, was a pivotal moment in the Second World War. With virtually all of continental Europe under German occupation, the Allied forces faced a well-entrenched enemy. Some method had to be found to create a foothold on the continent, and the Raid on Dieppe offered invaluable lessons for the successful D-Day invasion in 1944, saving countless lives in that momentous offensive.

Publications

• The 1942 Dieppe Raid



• M.I.9 - Partners in Evasion (from Uncommon Courage)



• The Dieppe Raid Historical Sheet

Historical Information

• Dieppe Raid Regiments



• Map of Dieppe (Opens a New Window)

Photo Gallery

• Dieppe Raid Photo Gallery

Remembrance

By remembering Veterans' service and sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. Those who fought in the Dieppe Raid were everyday citizens who became heroes by standing up for what we as a nation believe in: peace, freedom and justice. The resources found on this page can help ensure that the torch of Remembrance continues to burn brightly in the hearts of all Canadians.

Memorials

• Pourville Memorial


• Puys (Royal Regiment, Black Watch)


• Square du Canada


• UK Memorial The Village Hall, East Dean, East Sussex


• UK Memorial Beach Road, Newhaven, East Sussex

Cemeteries

Content courtesy of Commonwealth War Graves Commision

• Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery


• Saint-Sever Cemetery Extension

Victoria Cross Winners

• Charles Merritt (Opens a New Window)


• John Weir Foote (Opens a New Window)

Books of Remembrance

• Second World War


• Merchant Navy


• Newfoundland

Medals

• Dieppe Bar

Diaries, Letters and Stories

• He Traded Places to Escape


• Ron Beal Story

Additional Resources

• 1992 Poster


• 1994 Poster


• The Dieppe Raid stamp (Opens a New Window)

"THE MILITARY WIFE"

~The Military Wife~

Author - Unknown

The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into His sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"

The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order. She has to be completely independent, possess the qualities of both a father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or forty with an hour's notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she is pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move to a new location ten times in seventeen years. And, oh yes, she must have six pairs of hands!"

The angel shook her head, "Six pairs of hands? No way.

“The Lord continued,” Don’t worry; I will make other military wives to help her. And I will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband's achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it is overworked and tired, and be large enough to say, 'I understand' when she doesn't and say 'I love you', regardless."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his arm gently. "Go to bed and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow."

"I can't stop now," said the Lord. "I am so close to creating something unique. Already this model heals herself when she is sick, can put up six unexpected guests for the weekend, wave good-bye to her husband from a pier, a runway or a depot, and understand why it's important that he leave."

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, "It looks fine, but it's too soft."

"She might look soft," replied the Lord. "But she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure."

Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord's creation. "There's a leak," she announced. "Something is wrong with the construction. I am not surprised that it has cracked. You are trying to put too much into this model."

The Lord appeared offended at the angel's lack of onfidence."What you see is not a leak," He said. "It's a tear." "A tear?" What is it there for?" asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear."

"You are a genius!" exclaimed the angel.

The Lord looked puzzled and replied, "I didn't put it there."

KILLER SQUIRLES

EVERYBODY DIES.....

"Everybody dies...someone is carrying araound a bullet with your name on it and don't even know it. The trick is to die of old age before they find you."

~Sgt Malcolm Reynolds, captain of the space vessel Serenity~

(from the TV series Firefly actor Nathan Fillion)

GOD WORKS IN MISTERIOUS WAYS

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!

A young Canadian soldier was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed 3 tours of duty in Afghanistan one of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA).

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform... I'll give you exactly 15 min."

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting."

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the soldier got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him clean off the platform. The professor was out cold.

The young soldier went back to his seat and sat there, silently.

The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the soldier and asked, "What in the world is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The young soldier stood up and calmly replied,"GOD was too busy today protecting Canada 's
soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an idiot. So He sent me."

The classroom erupted in cheers!

Revelations 6 – 1

Then I when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come. I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow: and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.”And another, a red horse, went out: and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given him. When He the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse: and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.” When the Lamb broke, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

NEW ARTICLES, "WHAT PISSES ME OFF..."

I am beginning a new line of articles that I will be posting that focus on topics that cause some irritation or get under my skin. These articles will be titled as "What pisses me off...". Since, I have been told, that that is what I begin my sentences with when I begin to vent, complain or voice a certain grievance.

These may you may agree with or not. Either way, contemplant on the perspective and arguments I have put foreword before posting your rebuttal or agreement. As well, don’t bother with brazen attacks short posts that contain little substance like you’re “right out of ‘er” because a response will not be wasted on these posts, just deletion. Since, I really don’t care which way you go because that this is my way of distressing about issues that are not quite right – and will probably never change – it is my prerogative. Otherwise, if your rebuttal or agreement merits of worth in respects of content it will remain posted.

Finally, I hope that you get a laugh out of them or that they may spark some new and interesting thoughts on how we carry out business.

Johnny

PRINCES PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY BIRTHDAY

"10th of August Regimental Birthday

The Regiment was born in Ottawa in August 1914 as a result of the offer of Captain Hamilton Gault to provide $100,000 to finance and equip a battalion for overseas service.

On 6 August 1914, Captain Gault's offer was provisionally accepted by the Canadian Government. Authority was granted on 10 August 1914 to raise and equip an infantry battalion with the remainder of the cost being defrayed by the Department of Militia and Defense.

On 10 August 1914 the Charter of the Regiment was signed"Taken from the Regimental Manual of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

QW - THE INFANTRYMAN FROM A GUNNER

~ The Infantryman ~

He was born of the earth, on the day he enlists

He is sentenced to life on the soil,

To march on it, crawl on it, dig in it, sprawl on it,

Sleep in it after his toil.

Bee it sand, rock or ice, gravel, mud or red loam

He will fight on it, and die,

And the crude little cross, telling men of his loss

Will cry mutely to some foreign sky.

He’s the tired looking man in untidy garb

Weather-beaten, footsore with fatigue,

But his spirit is strong, as he marches along

With burdens for league upon league.

He attacks in the face of murderous fire

Crawling forward, attacking through mud.

When he breaks through the line, over wire and mines

On the point of his bayonet is blood.

Should you meet him, untidy, begrimed and fatigued

Don’t indulge in unwarranted mirth.

or the brave infantryman deserves more than your sneer,

He is truly the salt of the earth.

~ A Gunner ~

FIREFIGHT

"MONSTERS IN THE DARK" by MCpl Jeff Walsh

Deceased

9 Aug 2006

~ Monsters in the Dark ~

by MCpl Jeff Walsh

I know that they are out there:
I will not be ignorant anymore:
Pulling the blanket over my head will not keep them
from coming ashore;
Instead I choose to confront them
as afraid as I might be;
Because if I don't stop the monsters
our children can never be free.

LEAFs, TALIBAN & the STANLEY CUP

~ From the Toronto Star ~

Point 1: Forty years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup.

Point 2: Canadian Gen. Rick Hillier took the Stanley Cup to Afghanistan to cheer up the troops.

Conclusion: The Taliban are closer than the Leafs to capturing the Stanley Cup.

DESERT LIONS: Video

DESERT LIONS

Desert Lions delivers a gritty, candid view of Canadian army mentors working to professionalize the Afghan National Army during the summer of 2010.

For more information on the Canadian Army and other videos visit: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca

Four soldiers leave for once-in-a-lifetime trek:

Corporal Lucas Mullens, Corporal Dallas White, Warrant Officer Quinn Beggs and Corporal Mark Fuchko share a laugh before leaving Edmonton on Saturday, August 6.


As the start of an expedition to climb Africa's tallest mountain draws near, a group of Edmonton-based soldiers left on the several thousand kilometre flight to the continent.

The four soldiers have already climbed their own mountains to recovery from debilitating injuries sustained outside the wire.

"It's [going] to be painful for sure," Corporal Lucas Mullens said. "But I think I can do it, no problem."

You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but he's come a long way since an improvised explosive device went off beneath the tank Mullens and his team was in while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2009.

"It detonated and buckled the floor; [it] crushed both my legs and my spine," Mullens said.

Nearly a dozen procedures and months of rigorous therapy later, he took his first steps after the explosion.

"It took eleven operations to put me back together," Mullens said. "I didn't walk for three months."

The other three soldiers joining in the climb have their own stories of beating the odds – Corporal Mark Fuchko encountered an I.E.D. while on duty in Afghanistan in March of 2008, sustaining injuries so serious he lost both of his legs.

Corporal Dallas White was nearby when one of his friends accidentally triggered a hidden explosive while the team was on patrol southwest of Kandahar in May of 2010.

The blast injured many of the soldiers in Corporal White's team, and killed his friend.

Corporal White lost muscle in his left leg, and his left arm was damaged.

It wasn't clear if Warrant Officer Quinn Beggs would walk on his own again after a roof he was standing on in Afghanistan in 2009 gave way, severely breaking his pelvis.

"They weren't sure if I was [going to] walk, [or] how I was [going to] walk again," Warrant Officer Beggs said.

It took several hours of surgery just to repair the break.

"I really smashed mine up, so I had two twelve hour operations [to fix it]."

The group credits the Canadian Forces for helping them prepare for the journey.

"The army has a great mentality of helping those that need help, and also pushing yourself to achieve goals," Corporal Mullens said.

They will be joined by more than thirty other climbers, with the common goal of raising more than $500,000 for the Royal Alexandra Hospital's Orthopedic Surgery Centre.

The group has been training for several months, including climbing and hiking in Jasper.

The four soldiers departed from the Edmonton Area Saturday night, and the team will complete the climb from August 10th to 18th, before returning to the capital region.

More information can be found on the Kilimanjaro Climb 2001 website.

(the Canadian Veterans Advocacy)

Revelations 3 – 11

He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.

"A MILLION MILES AWAY"

~A Million Miles Away~

Author Unknown

*

A Soldier by title ~ A Soldier all day and night.
When will you have time to be a husband to your wife?
You will be there for her in spirit and always in her thoughts.
You try to make her happy, though the Army twists your plans in knots!

*

An Army Wife by title ~ Called a privilege by the few.
She'll Stick by her husband, that's what she will do.
He may be at home or a million miles away, But in her heart he will always stay.

**

ARMY OF ONE - TANK ROLL OVER