This is essentially an international military blog but most of the time, but there will be personal content.
Shipping out in June 24.
Follow at your own discretion!
Had to make a new one because I think some things I said in the past was prolly double. (and will kick me in the butt later on).
“George “Old Blood and Guts” Patton was a four star generally who ably led American troops during World War II. In his 36 years of distinguished service to the military, he earned the Purple Heart, 2 Distinguished Service Crosses, 3 Distinguished Service Medals, 2 Silver Stars, and several other decorations as well. Patton was as famous for his efficiency on the battlefield as his colorful personality off of it. He was a sight to behold, with his medals emblazoned on his chest, a shiny helmet upon his head, and two ivory-handled pistols around his waist. The men who served under him groused about his demand for absolute discipline, yet they knew that his strict leadership upped their chances for survival.
Patton, like every single man from history, was far from perfect. His love of war bordered on the crazy, and his behavior and outspoken nature often got him in trouble. His most famous controversial incident occurred when he slapped a man suffering from “battle fatigue” in a hospital and called him a coward.
But he was decidedly good at his job. He was born to lead men in battle. And while one can certainly disagree with his philosophy, he was undeniably a compelling leader and master motivator of men. His words will give any man a needed kick in the pants.”
Part 2
Last words before he died.
Patton died in 1945, right before leaving Europe. He was in a car accidenten route to a hunting excursion that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He lingered in a hospital in spinal traction for 12 days; twas not the kind of glorious death the lifetime soldier had imagined for himself.
I - The nine classic princples as explained and demonstrated by Clausewitz definitely apply in this type of conflict. One principle should be added and that would be the principle of cultural understanding or familiarization.
II - Operations should be guided by good intelligence now, as opposed to refined intelligence, for example, two hours from now.
III - Fully understand the form of warfare in a Vietnam type of conflict — call it counterinsurgency, or whatever term is being used to characterize the so-called meeting engagement. Go within the training base, and develop doctrine at all levels which supports this form of combat.
IV - When contact with an enemy unit is either present or expected, the commander must always hold a unit close in hand and in reserve to commit upon hostile contact. This reinforcement capability is absolutely critical in guerrilla warfare.
V - A commander may talk all day and most of the night on the subject of preventative maintenance in the field. However, it simply is not well done on the battlefield as there are far too many distractions, interruptions and poor facilities. As a result of my experience, I believe the best procedure is periodic withdrawal of armored nits to a safe rear area where higher-echelon maintenance personnel can provide valid assistance. Although those who oppose that procedure would contest it all the way, I found that armored vehicle availability, especially tanks, increased in the long term.
For people that are shipping off in January through September, there are what companies you’d be in and when you’ll graduate.
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I WILL…
My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. WE WILL HIT…
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. WE WILL…
Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. WE ARE THE SAVIORS OF MY LIFE.
So be it, until victory is America’s and there is no enemy, but peace!
The Rifleman’s Creed
