New Zone Request

[jksmith269]

I wouldn't consider those holes they call bunks a bed but I can't argue against the rest of it.

I would have gone Air Force if I could have found a job in the medical field I liked.

Better than in the back of a tank w\o airconditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.

Or sleeping in the sand with scorpions and having to crap in a hole go 36hrs with out sleep even in Air Ops we still got 12-12 (airwing) said it's not safe to work more than that.

 

[k19]

Navy=Smartest

1000 miles away from anyone shooting at you, 3 cooked (normally good chow) meals a day plus midrats if your up, Bed to sleep in, clean cloths daily, geedunk to buy candy bars books chips, phones, computers with internet access, and since early 90's women on board who are all on BC.....

You obviously werent in the Air Force

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I miss Mildenhall, aka Moldyhole and the "bird in hand"

and the infamous galaxy club

I like Rhein and Spang but I liked Geilenkirchen the most. NAEWF is a great assignment

That's a great picture! I played for the Mauraders (mauroon and Gold); Running back #44! Actually, I Lived in Thetford -- made countless trips to London.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

You obviously werent in the Air Force

Dayam ...that's funny! Good one!

 

[k19]

Dayam ...that's funny! Good one!

Well PT I never thought we'd find common ground but I see we have

That ones not as good as the one that was passed around during the Storm but I cant find that one. Heres one you'll like

There is no doubt at all that, of all the Services, the Air Force has the most intelligent enlisted people. This is not just opinion, it's provable fact:

Take the Army, for instance. When the stuff hits the fan, the young Army private wakes up from a bellow from the First Sergeant. He grabs a set of BDUs out of his foot locker, gets dressed, runs down to the chow-hall for a breakfast on the run, then jumps in his tank. Pretty soon, the Platoon Commander arrives, gives him a big salute, and says, "Give 'em Hell, men."

Now take the Marines. When the stuff hits the fan, the young Marine recruit is kicked out of bed by his First Sergeant, puts on a muddy set of BDUs because he just got back in from the field three hours before. He gets no breakfast, but is told to feel free to chew on his boots. He runs out and forms up with his rifle. Pretty soon, his platoon commander comes out, Gives his Marines a Sharp Salute, and says, "Give 'em Hell, Marines!"

Now take the Navy. When the stuff hits the fan, the young Sailor is eating breakfast in the mess room. He walks 20 feet to his battle station, stuffing extra pastries in his pocket as he goes. There he sits, in the middle of a steel target, with nowhere to run, when the Captain comes on the 1MC and says, "Give 'em Hell, Sailors! I salute you!"

Now the Air Force. When the stuff hits the fan, the Airman receives a phone call in his off-base quarters. He gets up, showers, shaves, and puts on a fresh uniform he had just picked up from the BX cleaners the day before. He jumps in his car, and stops at McDonald's for a McMuffin on his way into work. Once he arrives at work, he signs in on the duty roster and proceeds to his F-16. He spends 30 minutes pre-flighting it, signs off the forms. Pretty soon the Pilot, a young captain, gets out and straps into the Plane. He starts the engines. Our Young Airman stands at attention, gives the Captain a sharp salute, and says, "Give 'em Hell, Sir!"

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Actually Air Force = smart.

In the Army and Marines, the officer dresses you up and sends you off to war.

In the Air Force the you dress the officer up and send him off to war.

You can guess from the above statement which branch of service I grew up in (Didn't serve, back then ** was closing bases left and right and was kicking everyone out so I accepted my calling into the civilian world)....

You're Air Force if you grew up around Air Force. You know what I mean

Here's my story ...
After six grueling weeks of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and another four weeks at the Air Police Academy, I was ready for the thirty days leave back to West-Philly, as an Airman in the Air Force. Thirty days zoomed by, and before long, I was on a jet plane–final destination was the Republic of Korea. Upon my arrival at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, I was assigned sentinal duties, guarding various support and fighter aircraft. Each night after work the new schedule was posted for duties in our next shift. Even though Air Policeman maintained a reputation of being the elite, and hard-core, one of the most feared assignments at that time was a machinegun bunker called "Little Cayote." Cayote was located on the perimeter of the base directly facing the Yellow Sea. In the winter months, it was bitterly cold. In fact, no amount of clothes could prepare you to withstand the eight-hour shift at Little Cayote
For example, equipment/clothes included the following:

​

Standard issue winter socks, Booty liners

(thick woolen inserts for boots) Snow boots

(inflatable rubber boots) Muckle-ups

(canvas sided zipped knee-high boots)

Underwear (standard) Thermal Underwear

Fatigue pants/shirt OD Green pullover Wool

Sweater Flight Jacket

Parka (fur-lined hooded coat) Parka pants

(thick outer pants--same material as the parka)

Fur-lined cap (pulled over the ears and snapped

under the chin) Parka mittens

​

Weapon issue was based on the specific assignment during the shift. For example, at Little

Cayote theStandard weapons assignment included: One M-60 machine gun (heavy weight high-powered weapon); and two cans of 7.62 ammunition; one M-16 rifle (light weight high-powered rifle) several clips of ammunition; Web belt, flash light, Bayonet, Radio (two-way), Helmut, Standard Security Instructions. USAF Air Policemen had a reputation of being tough, no nonsense, warriors that protected the base and resources. But I was tired of getting posted on foot patrol, machine gun bunkers, perimeter and distant support posts. I soon realized that having a drivers license meant vehicle patrols with heaters, and breaks from arduous assignments like Little Cayote.

Most of my military friends started and completed basic training and the Air Police Academy together–we trusted each other. Friends like George–from Gary, Indiana; Thomas (Ace) –from Patterson, New Jersey; and Gregory–from Brooklyn, New York. One mid-night shift some of the guys decided it was time for me to learn how to drive; afterall, I was almost eighteen. That night, I pulled an assignment as patrol member, and was taken out to a very dark, very secluded inactive aircraft runway; perhaps the length of five football fields. The vehicle was an M-131 military jeep. It was a stick-shift; top speed of 60 miles an hour, it had three gears and reverse. Most of the time I drove in first or second gear. After several assignments as patrol member, favors from some of the hardened sergeants, and during coffee breaks, I’d sharpen my skills by driving up and down the runway, parking, and backing-up using only my side view mirrors–I must have driven more that 1,000 miles on that runway. In little more than a month, I was driving a military jeep, mounted with an M-60, an M-16, and a 38 caliber revolver, cruising at 50 mph, to the tune of Credence Clearwater Revival’s "Theirs a Bad Moon Arising." We were ready for anything! Thanks to my comrades in arms, I was prepared for Combat Driving. Soon after, I was able to take the base driving test and obtain my military drivers license–restricted to driving on military reservations only. I became licensed to drive Duce-and a halfs (huge military canvassed truck, weapons carriers (medium sized canvassed truck, sedans, and my favorite, the jeep.

That's just one story in a thousand. Get some ... get some ...(from the movie "Full Metal Jacket)

 

[Juke99]

On the contrary, that's real good information. Thank you. But, a "DMZ" would be dedicated to just military veterans (retired or otherwise). Forgive me for being insistent, but military veterans are a special breed of folks with unique and unblieveable experiences. Perhaps on a trial basis.

Your call.

I was never in the military...yet I think being able to converse with those who were would be a very enlightening experience...

So, I wouldn't restrict it to only those who were in the military...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I was never in the military...yet I think being able to converse with those who were would be a very enlightening experience...

So, I wouldn't restrict it to only those who were in the military...

For sure Juke. One of the guys that work with me was never In the Military. But he and I converse frequently On various type of weapons. He collects weapons as a hobbY. I'am able to relate to some of his wepons because I was an armorer in the Air Force. I took care of all of the private and military weapons. I'm an expert with the M-16 rifle and the 38 caliber revolver. I've shot grenade launchers (M-79, XM - 148, and M203).

Another good thing about what I'm telling you is that if I'm wrong about some detail, whether it's the type of wepon or equipment or even if it doesn't sound right, you'd better believe someone that was In the Military will straighten me out or challenge me for an explanation.

By no means is this thread for Military only -- it's also open to British, Canadian, French, or any other military alliance to the United States.

Thanks for bringing that Out in the open Juke.

 

[BadKarma]

P-T: This is a good topic! Also, glad to see fellow vets chiming in for good conversation. Seems you're beginning to grow on us here, P-T.

On different note - YOU EAGLE FANS STILL SUCK!!! lol...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Well PT I never thought we'd find common ground but I see we have

That ones not as good as the one that was passed around during the Storm but I cant find that one. Heres one you'll like

Like is an understatement! That was absolutely sensational!!!! You nailed it right on the head. More, more, more ...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

On different note - YOU EAGLE FANS STILL SUCK!!! lol...

Ouch -- Cease fire BK!

Seems you're beginning to grow on us here, P-T.

I couldn't stand you guys getting all mushy on me:

P-T: This is a good topic! Also, glad to see fellow vets chiming in for good conversation. Seems you're beginning to grow on us here, P-T.

Yes, this is a real good opportunity for vets and even non-vets to speak about their experiences (war stories). Non-vets have a chance to express what branch of the service they like/dislike, and everything in between.

For example ...here's some military terminology from the Nam:
Bac Se, Basketball Flares ( Spooky ),
Boot / Cherry ( New Guy ),
Blooper,Brown Bar, Buckle for your dust, Bush, Can Cuoc ( ID ),
Dung Lai,
E - Tool,
Flaky,
Fleshette Round,
Get Some!,
HE,
Honcho,
Khong Biet ( I don't know ),
Kit Carson Scout, (told you about the scouts already)
Bo Doi ( NVA Soldier ),
Papa Sierra ( Plt Sergeant )
The World (back to the US)

One of the reason some military vets don't like to discuss some of the things we've seen is because some non-vets don't believe the stories to be true. Admittedly, sometimes the truth is stretched; but almost always there's truth in gest.

Have any of you tried talking with a civilian that has never been in the military? A friend, neighbor or relative that you may have wanted to share some information with regarding an experience that you could only go through being in the military or even a combat zone. I have co-workers that fit that description; they are good people, but they either don't believe you when tell them a "war-story," or they just don't get it!

This message board is for you. This is a side-bar message board for you to share some interesting, gruesome, unbelieveable military war stories (e.g., assignments in Nam, Korea, the Phillippines, Thailand, or anywhere else).

Here's one that nobody would believe ...

ROK (Republic of Korea) maingate guards used to beat-up their own soldiers when they would come staggering through the main gate after curfew. A pocket unbuttoned, shoelaces untied -- it wouldn't take much. No matter how much the soldiers were hit, they would be disciplined enough to snap back to attention and wait for another kick or punch in the face. On many occasions we were invited to kick or hit the soldiers (you know, like a courtesy hit). I've heard that many of my colleagues did participate in the on-the-spot justice! I never did

Fact or Fiction? You be the judge.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

True or false ...

During the Korea conflict many of the soldiers would either freeze or get frost-bitten due to the extreme cold weather. When I arrived at Kimpo Air Base, Republic of Korea, we were then bused to OSAN Air Base to receive orientation into the country. It was during this orientation that we were told about areas that were off-limits, curfew, and various other limitations
and expectations regarding our behavior as American ambassadors.

During the Air Police orientation, we were told about several Air Policemen that were hung up on meat hooks and tortured inside of a hangar. The bottom Line was that this was not going to be a cake-walk!

Each night after our assigned guard duties, the new schedule for the next day was posted on the bulletin board. I didn't even get a chance to look at the board before someone told me the good news! I was scheduled to pull a machinegun bunker inside of a fuel depot. As such, I at least had a bunker that would block the wind. However, we were expected to randomly walk around in the general vicinity during the course of the eight hour tour of duty.

That night, during the midnight shift, the cold had already creeped-into the hole (bunker). I did My usual check to determine whether and rats or other vermin decided to camp out the night in the bunker, made my radio checks, and read my special security instructions. I checked my M-60, 7.62 mm rounds, and my M-16 rounds .223mm ammo, took a ... well, let's just say I relieved myself of extraneous liquids, and I was ready to go to work.

Since heaters were unauthorized, I lit my hand warmer (a device that looked Like any over-sized cigarette lighter), and placed it inside of my mittens (the warmer was supposed to last for 8 hours, but often only lasted for 4 hours; but it was better than nothing). Every so often (selected intervals) we were required to make security checks. If we did not acknowledge or got no acknowledgement, a patrol would respond to check out the situation.

For some reason it just seemed extra dark that evening. It was damp and very windy, and you could hear the wind howl through the opening of the bunker. It was colder than the mole on the tip of a witches nose (you know the real expression); yet we had to remain vigilant, and we did. During one of my routine foot patrols, I thought I saw something moving. I gave a challenge in both English, and then in Korean, but it didn't stop moving.
I called-in the challenge over the radio and I Made one final challenge before using deadly force; still no response. I pulled back on the charging handle of my M-16, hit the bolt release button, aimed, and squeezed the trigger! Nothing happened. After a very quick check, I discovered that the weapon was still on safety. I placed the selector on semi-automatic, took another glance at my target and discovered that it was a sign that had come loose from a revetment building.

I quickly radioed-in that it was all clear, and to call off the patrol. A few minutes later, the patrol arrived (usually the patrol will respond no matter what).

But I Never told anyone that I was on the verge of shooting that sign; and I would have, if the weapon was not on safe!

BTW -- True!

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

True or false ...







Since heaters were unauthorized, I lit my hand warmer (a device that looked Like any over-sized cigarette lighter), and placed it inside of my mittens (the warmer was supposed to last for 8 hours, but often only lasted for 4 hours; but it was better than nothing). Every so often (selected intervals) we were required to make security checks. If we did not acknowledge or got no acknowledgement, a patrol would respond to check out the situation.

Good story.

We never had Hand Warmers and it sucked pulling guard duty at night out in the field.

Was lucky to have cold weather parka, rain gear pants over BDUs (just to cut down on wind) and those great rubber mickey mouse boots.

I remember pulling two shifts of guard duty because a guy was not feeling good and I told him I would take his watch.

It was a very cold night, windy and snowing. Had to walk around the camp to check on vehicles and tents and then I would get down in a fox hole for a smoke now and then.

After all of that and about being froze I was relieved as the next guard came on duty.

So I head to the tent and a SGT was in there writing a letter home, guess he was having trouble sleeping as it was about 3 AM....and since he was up he lit the pot belly stove while writing (we had to have someone awake at all times to keep the stove on in our unit).

So I opened my sleeping bag, took off my boots, put my rifle and protective mask in the sleeping bag, crawled in and got warm and fell asleep.

I guess what would be about 30-40 minutes later someone started yelling to get up and get out of the tent.

I guess that SGT had fell asleep or was not paying attention and the exhaust pipe from the stove had moved and was leaning against the rubber O-Ring where the pipe comes out of the top of the tent.

This caused the tent to start filling with smoke as the pipe was burning the rubber and then was getting to the canvas I guess.

So they are all yelling and scream to get out of the tent and someone comes over to me and says "Get up, Get out of the tent it's burning"

I opened my sleeping bag just enough to reply with the following (this is to the best of my memory)

"Leave me the <blank> alone, I just got off two guard duty shifts, I am sleepy and it is cold as <blank> out there and I am not ready to go back out there yet"

So the guy says Comeon if you stay in here you might burn or get smoke inhalation.

I reply back " If I burn I burn, at least I won't be freezing out there again and If I choke I choke from the smoke...now leave me the <blank> alone before I knock the dog <blank> out of you"

So he left me be and someone just turned the stove off and threw some water on the pipes to cool them down and all was well.

The next day we got a good laugh out of the whole thing but I can tell you this...I was not in a fun mood when they were bugging me that night.

It gets COOOOOLLLLLLDDDDD in Korea in the middle of the winter when you are stuck on guard duty.

 

[k19]

Like is an understatement! That was absolutely sensational!!!! You nailed it right on the head. More, more, more ...

Here ya go

U.S. Air Force Oath of Enlistment
I, Zoomie, swear to sign away 4 years of my useless life to the United States Air Force because I'm too smart for the Army and because the Marines frighten me. I swear to sit behind a desk and take credit for the work done by others more dedicated than me who take their job seriously. I also swear not to do any form of real exercise, but promise to defend the stationary bike as a valid test of fitness.

I promise to walk around calling everyone by their first name because I know I'm not really in the military and I find it amusing to annoy the other services. I will have a better quality of life than all those around me and will at all times be sure to make them aware of that fact.

After completion of my "Basic Training," I will be a lean, mean, donut-eating, lazy-boy sitting, civilian-wearing-blue-clothes, chairborne Ranger. I will believe I am superior to all others and will make an effort to clean the knife before stabbing the next person in the back with it. I will do no work (unless someone is watching me and it makes me look good), will annoy those around me, and will go home early every day.

I consent to never getting promoted (EVER) and understand that all those whom I made fun of yesterday will probably outrank me tomorrow.

______________________________
Signature, Date

U.S. Army Oath of Enlistment
I, Rambo, swear to sign away 4 years of my mediocre life to the United States Army because I couldn't score high enough on the ASVAB to get into the Air Force, because I'm not tough enough for the Marines, and the Navy won't take me because I can't swim.

I will wear camouflage every day and tuck my trousers in my boots because I can't figure out how to use blousing straps. I promise to wear my uniform 24 hours a day even when I have a date. I will continue to tell myself that I am a fierce killing machine because my Drill Sergeant told me I am, despite the fact that the only action I will ever see is a court-martial for sexual harassment.

I acknowledge the fact that I will make E-8 in my first year of service, and vow to maintain that it is because I scored perfect on my PT test. After completion of my sexual...er...I mean Boot Camp, I will attend a different Army school once every other month and return knowing less than I did when I left. On my first trip home after Boot Camp, I will walk around like I am cool and propose to my 9th grade sweetheart.I will make my wife stay home because if I let her out she might leave me for a smarter Air Force guy or a better looking Marine. Should she leave me twelve times, I will continue to take her back. While at work, I will maintain a look of knowledge while getting absolutely nothing accomplished. I will arrive at work every day at 1000 hrs because of morning PT and leave every day at 1300 to report back to the "company."

I understand that I will undergo no training whatsoever that will help me get a job upon separation, and will end up working in construction with my friends from high school. I will brag to everyone about the Army giving me $30,000 for college, but will be unable to use it because I can't pass a placement exam.

_____________
Signature, Date

U.S. Navy Oath of Enlistment
I, Top Gun, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the United States Navy because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to BE one of them, because I thought the Air Force was too "corporate," and because I thought, "hey, I like to swim...why not?" I promise to wear clothing that went out of style in 1976 and to have my name stenciled on the butt of every pair of pants I own. I understand that I will be mistaken for the Good Humor man during the summer, and for Waffen SS during the winter.

I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using worlds like "deck, bulkhead, cover, and head" instead of "floor, wall, hat, and toilet." I will take great pride in the fact that all Navy acronyms, rank and insignia, and everything else for that matter, are completely different from the other services and make absolutely no sense whatsoever. I will muster (whatever that is) at 0700 hrs every morning unless I am buddy-buddy with the Chief, in which case I will show up around 0930 hours.

I vow to hone my coffee cup handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a kayak being tossed around in a typhoon, and still not spill a drop. I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year. I realize that, once selected for Chief, I am required to submit myself to the sick, and quite possibly illegal, whims of my new-found "colleagues."

_________________________
Signature, Date

U.S. Marine Corps Oath of Enlistment
I, state your name, swear... uuhhhh... high-and-tight...cammies... uhh... ugh... Air Force women... OORAH! So help me Corps.

______________________________
Thumb Print, Date (Y/N)

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

It gets COOOOOLLLLLLDDDDD in Korea in the middle of the winter when you are stuck on guard duty.

I knew you were in Korea before, but you described it to a "T." You've been there alright! I used to stay in those tents with the pot belly heaters. You had to crank the sides of the heater to generate heat -- even then you had to be right Up close to it to feel the heat.

The best thing about Korea (both times I was there), for me ...well, the second best thing... was that I learned the martial arts.

Much too cooooolllllldddddddd to be standing outside for 8 - 9 hours!

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Here ya go

You've got skills!

That was sooooooo funny! Thanks. Where do you find those things? Keep them coming from time-to-time.

Thanks.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

When I get some time later...I will share a bunch of good stories from Korea that I am sure many will find amusing.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

When I get some time later...I will share a bunch of good stories from Korea that I am sure many will find amusing.

Can't wait! May have one or two myself.

 

[trickblue]

When I get some time later...I will share a bunch of good stories from Korea that I am sure many will find amusing.

yep... love your stories of your service during the Korean Conflict you old timer...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

I wouldn't consider those holes they call bunks a bed but I can't argue against the rest of it.

I would have gone Air Force if I could have found a job in the medical field I liked.

My brother was in the Air Force also. He worked in the medical field; Aviation Technology - physiological training. He would teach pilots and navigators how to assimilate the altitude chamber (hypoxia in higher altitudes, etc). I watched students go in to the altitude chamber and couldn't even tell you what there name was when asked.

It was incredible. That was at Mather Air Force Base in Sacremento California.