Politics

[gbflyer]

The far left is now peddling conspiracy based on a letter written by a character named Stephen Spoonamore. He’s been pushing various election meddling theories since 2004. A very left leaning friend of mine sent me a copy. I replied with “isn’t stolen elections a Trump thing?” Pretty sure her head exploded. Haha.

 

[flatwater bill]

Pretty sure President Trump colluded with Iceland. Or was it Mozambique? What's the newest false flag BS from the party of hate? ...........FWB

 

[Ridge Runner]

They aren't required to, my suggestion would require them to. Suddenly the younger single woman might pay a little more attention to foreign policy and world events other than where the latest influencer is going.

This topic goes back to the 1970's. "We", the military side, took a long look and had many discussions on women in service, being drafted, and serving in combat roles/MOSs.

Fast forward to the Gulf War 1 and 2, Afghanistan 2. Women were actively in combat.

In late1975 or early 1976, prior to my class starting. A female army captain became the first and only female of 3 or 4 to successfully complete Special Forces training.

In 1978 or 1979 the first female soldiers were , assigned to the 82nd Aborne Division, not 82nd DISCOM. Lost track of their duty assignments after their orders came through.

In 1978 or 1979, long humorous story, got my ass reamed, sort of, by the HHC 18th Aborne Corps, G3 Sargeant Major, I was given approval to get 5 female volunteers, had 4, ended up with 3. Of the 3 volunteers, zero wanted to be in a combat unit. Can't understand why. It was only a 30 day, in the field, simulated combat scenario. Command took an instant likely to females in the field, so as not to be too harsh on the females, provided serveral first: 3 hot meals from a mess tent, posted hours 24 hour hot and cold fully functional shower tent/facility, and port-a-johns. The last one is what the G3 SM raised a fuss at me about, didn't like waking up on the first morning, and having to take a modest stroll for relief.

The argument for women in combat roles: Russia, China, and Israelis; have women filling combat roles. So why not the US?
The icing on the cake: the women's lib movement. Seems women wanted to be equal to men, but not that equal to be drafted.

The US mentality! No Joke. US men and women see US women as fragile, lack the fortitude to make life and death decisions on the battlefield. And men are suppose to protect women, not to put women in harm's way.

That was back then. Today as back then I'm all for women filling combat roles. Providing they want and have what it takes to give, and accept the responsibility of their actions, or in actions, during a firefight. Or in a heavy hostile situation.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I agree - but strange allies like the ACLU and Libertarians have opposed one very effectively. The right has tended to support the Libertarian view that it represents a form of government monitoring of citizens (like those dollar bills with metallic strips) , and the left has supported the ACLU in the view it would represent a particular burden for poorer and minority classes and groups. As a result, there has been little traction and nothing likely will be done by the sensible people in the middle.

The only argument is: if the US can spend Billions of taxpayers' dollars giving the money to foreign countries with little or no return or ever getting that money back. The government can spend a few Million dollars providing US citizens with a National ID. Something similar to a military ID.

 

[flatwater bill]

Are we all the same? Or just equal? Women can claim that they may be pregnant. Or have their period. I never had that option. I do not support women in combat. It looks fun on a video game. 24 hours before we can all be brave. But 15 min before? I have seen the bravest of he-men find an excuse. All I could ever do was double check and bite down..........let's end the useless wars............@ Ridge Runner............well said.....FWB

 

[Neophyte]

If women want equality let them bleed and die like the men.
Pregnant? I don’t care. On the rag? Here’s a Tampax. You want equality then do the same job or shut up, sit down, and get to the back of the bus.

 

[mdwest]

Every country in the World has a National ID, so why not here? BTW, pushing for all citizens to register for selective service as others have suggested is a Federal thing as well I think. I don't see how having a National ID would intrude into States' rights.

I support a national ID.

The issue that I don’t think Trump can easily overcome stems from the intent…

If the intent is simply to standardize identification.. no problem..

If the intent is to define or influence how a state conducts an election… when that has historically been defined by the individual states.. I think he’s going to run into problems..

 

[Red Leg]

Are we all the same? Or just equal? Women can claim that they may be pregnant. Or have their period. I never had that option. I do not support women in combat. It looks fun on a video game. 24 hours before we can all be brave. But 15 min before? I have seen the bravest of he-men find an excuse. All I could ever do was double check and bite down..........let's end the useless wars............@ Ridge Runner............well said.....FWB

If women want equality let them bleed and die like the men.
Pregnant? I don’t care. On the rag? Here’s a Tampax. You want equality then do the same job or shut up, sit down, and get to the back of the bus.

I despise this sort of nonsense.

I have served with women soldiers all my career to include combat. Like men, they came in all levels of competence. As I remember, I have court martialed at least one and have sat with a young Apache pilot at Walter Reed as she struggled to cope with the loss of limbs in combat. The purple Heart was rather small compensation. Below are two who deserve even your respect.

I am pretty confident that the soldiers of the 18th Military Police Brigade and the 82d Airborne Division would have far more confidence in either of these young women than any of us.

US Army Sergeant Leigh Ann Wester is a recipient of the Silver Star for valor. She was a military policeman in Iraq when she earned it in 2005. Maybe you should read her award citation. She was not playing video games.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous achievement during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 20 March 2005, in Iraq. Sergeant Hester’s heroic actions in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq mission. While serving as the Team Leader for RAVEN 42B in the 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), 18th Military Police Brigade, Sergeant Hester led her soldiers on a counterattack of anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF) who were ambushing a convoy with heavy AK-47 assault rifle fire, PRK machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades. Sergeant Hester maneuvered her team through the kill zone into a flanking position where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M-203 rounds. She then cleared two trenches with her Squad Leader where she engaged and eliminated 3 AIF with her M-4 rifle. Her actions saved the lives of numerous convoy members. Sergeant Hester’s bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon herself, the 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), the 18th Military Police Brigade, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant Leigh A. Hester is cited for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with anti Iraq forces (AIF) as a team leader for Raven 42B, 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne) stationed at Camp Liberty, Iraq on 20 March 2005, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The team’s mission was to assist Raven 42 in searching the Eastern Convoy Route for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and provide additional security to sustainment convoys traveling through their area of responsibility. While patrolling Alternate Supply Route (ASR) Detroit, Raven 42B was shadowing a sustainment convoy consisting of 30 third country national (TCN) semi-tractor trailers with a three vehicle squad size escort, call sign Stallion 33, traveling from LSA (logistics support area) Anaconda to CSC (convoy support center) Scania. The weather for this ASR patrol was 75 degrees and sunny with a 10 knot breeze from the southwest. While traveling on ASR Detroit approximately 50 AIF ambushed the convoy with heavy AK47 fire, RPK heavy machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) from the southwest side of the road at 1140 hours. The AIF were utilizing irrigation ditches and an orchard for the well planned complex attack. The AIF had cars combat parked along a road perpendicular to the ASR with all doors and trunks open. The AIF intent was to destroy the convoy, to inflict numerous casualties, and to kidnap several TCN drivers or U.S. Soldiers. The initial ambush disabled and set on fire the lead TCN vehicle, which effectively blocked the southbound lanes of ASR Detroit, stopping the convoy in the kill zone. The squad leader, Staff Sergeant Timothy Nein, directed the squad to move forward, traveling on the right shoulder and passing through the engagement area between the enemy and the convoy. Sergeant Hester directed her gunner to provide heavy volumes of MK 19 and M240B fires into the field where an overwhelming number of insurgents were executing a well coordinated ambush on the convoy. Raven 42 elements were outnumbered five to one. Staff Sergeant Nein ordered the squad to flank the insurgents on their right side. The squad continued to come under heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenade fire when Sergeant Hester stopped her vehicle, the middle vehicle, at a flanking position enfilading the trench line and the orchard field where over a dozen insurgents were engaging the squad and convoy. She then directed her gunner to focus fires in the trench line and the orchard field. Sergeant Hester dismounted and moved to what was thought to be the non-contact side of the vehicle. She ordered her gunner to continue to fire on the orchard field as she and her driver engaged insurgents in the orchard field with small arms. Sergeant Hester began engaging the insurgents with her M203 in order to suppress the heavy AIF fire. Sergeant Hester followed Staff Sergeant Nein to the right side berm and threw two well placed fragmentation grenades into the trench eliminating the AIF threat. Sergeant Hester and Staff Sergeant Nein went over the berm into the trench and began clearing the trench with their M4s. Sergeant Hester engaged and eliminated three AIF to her front with her M4. They then made their way to the front trench and cleared that as well. After clearing the front trench cease fire was called and she began securing the ambush site. The final result of the ambush was 27 AIF KIA (killed in action), 6 AIF WIA (wounded in action), and one AIF captured.

Or how about the Silver Star won by SP4 Monica Lin Brown, a combat medic in the 82d ABN DIV. She earned hers April 25, 2007 in Afghanistan. Perhaps you would like to review her award citation as well.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist [the Private First Class] Monica Lin Brown, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with as a Combat Medic with the 4th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 25 April 2007, during an enemy ambush in Jani Khel, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Specialist Brown displayed great courage in treating two wounded Soldiers while under intense small arms and mortar fire. Specialist Brown’s heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon herself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Private First Class Monica Lin Brown, United States Army, distinguished herself by extraordinary heroism in action on 25 April 2007. On that date, 2d Platoon, Charlie Troop, 4th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, was on a combat patrol moving to Jani Khel, Afghanistan, for a leader engagement with the village elders. The element consisted of five vehicles: four M1151 Uparmored HMMWV’s (UAH) and one Afghan National Army (ANA) Ford Ranger. They were in a column formation moving north along Route VIPER. In the vicinity of 42S VA263021 the trail vehicle, C23, struck a pressure plate IED on the driver’s side rear tire, which ignited the fuel tank and fuel cans mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The explosion of the fuel tank and cans engulfed the vehicle in an intense fireball. This initiated a planned ambush which commenced after the explosion. The patrol began to take small arms fire from the direction of a kholat to the east, approximately 100 meters away. The small arms fire was impacting around the lead vehicle which was 300 meters north of the IED site. The small arms fire began to concentrate on the IED site as the Platoon Medic, Private First Class Brown, moved on foot to evaluate the casualties. She was exposed to the small arms fire until the maneuver element could swing around and begin suppressing the enemy as she treated the wounded Soldiers. After making an initial assessment and treating in order of severity, she moved the casualties with the aid and direction of the Platoon Sergeant, into the wadi the engulfed vehicle was hanging over. The enemy fighters then engaged the patrol with mortar fire. Private First Class Brown threw her own body over the casualties to shield them as the mortars were impacting 75 to 100 meters away. Approximately 15 mortars impacted within close range of the casualties as Private First Class Brown continued treatment. Private First Class Brown continued treatment in the wadi approximately 15 meters from the burning vehicle, at which time the onboard 60-mm. mortar, 5.56-mm. ammunition, and 40-mm. grenade rounds on board began to explode. Again disregarding her own safety, Private First Class Brown shielded the casualties with her own body as large chunks of shrapnel and 5.56-mm. rounds began flying through the air from the burning vehicle. The patrol leader arrived on site and found it incredible she was still alive and treating the casualties amidst the extremely dangerous conditions she was operating under. Given the hazards to Private First Class Brown, the platoon sergeant used the ANA Ranger to move the wounded Soldiers and Private First Class Brown to a more protected position. As the truck began driving down the wadi, a large 60-mm. mortar explosion occurred sending shrapnel flying all around where Private First Class Brown had been treating casualties. The platoon leader was dragged by the ANA truck with the casualties as the explosions became incredibly intense and the platoon sergeant moved Private First Class Brown to a more protected position to continue treatment. Private First Class Brown continued treatment of the two wounded Soldiers at the new site as enemy small arms fire began to impact around the new position. Private First Class Brown continued treatment of the casualties as the platoon returned fire in close vicinity of her. She shielded the wounded from falling brass and enemy fire once again, ensuring the casualties were stabilized and ready for MEDEVAC.

Over one hundred women are flying fighters for the US Air Force. They are doing that for real - not in video games.

 

[ActionBob]

1040? So, now we'd require people to work and file taxes before they can vote? So, no college students etc., should vote now?

Without some kind of need to be a contributing citizen to be able to vote. Or to have some skin in the game. Our democracy is truly doomed. We dodged that bullet for now but more of those bullets are going to be fired.

Once more than half the voting citizens in a democracy decide they would rather live off the labors of the other half.... it is done for.

So yea, Scott's idea is not only a good one but a Patriotic one.

Personally I think a voter should have to own property or pay rent.

Those college kids can pay rent can't they? I think you are in the minority giving them a complete free ride. Bills to pay, responsibilities, work... these things build the type of character that most members on this sight have. These are good things to be desired and cherished. And rewarded.

 

[wesheltonj]

[QUOTE="mdwest, post: I support a national ID. ..[/QUOTE]

I don’t. A bad idea, it maybe great for France, but not the USA.

And I have no clue why tapatalk keeps these GB emojis in my posts.

 

[jeanes]

Read a book a very long time ago set in Australia where votes had to be earned. IIRC everyone got one vote for being a citizen. Served in the military another vote. Served in combat another. Wounded in line of duty another. Decorated another and so on. Civilian service was rewarded similarly. Someone like Audi Murphy would be a swing state on his own.

 

[deewayne2003]

Why not have Trump push to pass a National ID law. Every citizen gets one, problem solved.

Wasn’t that the point of the real ID program, so that everyone getting on a plane had a federally verifiable ID for TSA?

Also as you pointed out passports are best especially for people that move a lot, and there is a passport card that is Available either with or without the book.

It’s a federal ID and costs $30 and good for 10 years….. I recommend everyone getting the card upon your next renewal, once you arrive it’s much easier to carry around than the book.

 

[HankBuck]

This topic goes back to the 1970's. "We", the military side, took a long look and had many discussions on women in service, being drafted, and serving in combat roles/MOSs.

Fast forward to the Gulf War 1 and 2, Afghanistan 2. Women were actively in combat.

In late1975 or early 1976, prior to my class starting. A female army captain became the first and only female of 3 or 4 to successfully complete Special Forces training.

In 1978 or 1979 the first female soldiers were , assigned to the 82nd Aborne Division, not 82nd DISCOM. Lost track of their duty assignments after their orders came through.

In 1978 or 1979, long humorous story, got my ass reamed, sort of, by the HHC 18th Aborne Corps, G3 Sargeant Major, I was given approval to get 5 female volunteers, had 4, ended up with 3. Of the 3 volunteers, zero wanted to be in a combat unit. Can't understand why. It was only a 30 day, in the field, simulated combat scenario. Command took an instant likely to females in the field, so as not to be too harsh on the females, provided serveral first: 3 hot meals from a mess tent, posted hours 24 hour hot and cold fully functional shower tent/facility, and port-a-johns. The last one is what the G3 SM raised a fuss at me about, didn't like waking up on the first morning, and having to take a modest stroll for relief.

The argument for women in combat roles: Russia, China, and Israelis; have women filling combat roles. So why not the US?
The icing on the cake: the women's lib movement. Seems women wanted to be equal to men, but not that equal to be drafted.

The US mentality! No Joke. US men and women see US women as fragile, lack the fortitude to make life and death decisions on the battlefield. And men are suppose to protect women, not to put women in harm's way.

That was back then. Today as back then I'm all for women filling combat roles. Providing they want and have what it takes to give, and accept the responsibility of their actions, or in actions, during a firefight. Or in a heavy hostile situation.

@Ridge Runner - Women in Combat BUT “only” to cook, clean and sew…but more seriously just NOT in Combat roles and certainly Not in our Infantry. Fact is they are NOT as physically capable as Men - No Women in the NFL, NBA, or MLB, No Women fighting men in MMA or Boxing…Women can’t compete against men in any Sport (except equestrian events & shooting) and at some point - Combat can be physical and hand to hand. Some say Women can operate machinery, tanks, aircraft - likely true but Not frontline door-to-door fighting.
I’m all for Women in the Armed forces - for North Korea, Russia, or China but Not in Combat roles for the US….we need to fight to WIN and Not for political correctness.

 

[Scott CWO]

Personally, I feel that a fair proxy of the original intent would be that you have to actually pay income tax to vote. I’m sure that somehow makes me a racist or a bigot.

My point exactly or at least file.

 

[jeanes]

Just curious, are Russian and/or North Korean women in combat in Ukraine? Have Chinese women been used in combat?

 

[Red Leg]

Just curious, are Russian and/or North Korean women in combat in Ukraine? Have Chinese women been used in combat?

Ukrainian women are serving in the front lines in Ukraine. They hold fire support, sniper, and medic positions in the front lines. Many have given their lives.

 

[ActionBob]

Why not have Trump push to pass a National ID law. Every citizen gets one, problem solved.

Seems too Nazi...

 

[Neophyte]

I despise this sort of nonsense.

I have served with women soldiers all my career to include combat. Like men, they came in all levels of competence. As I remember, I have court martialed at least one and have sat with a young Apache pilot at Walter Reed as she struggled to cope with the loss of limbs in combat. The purple Heart was rather small compensation. Below are two who deserve even your respect.

I am pretty confident that the soldiers of the 18th Military Police Brigade and the 82d Airborne Division would have far more confidence in either of these young women than any of us.

US Army Sergeant Leigh Ann Wester is a recipient of the Silver Star for valor. She was a military policeman in Iraq when she earned it in 2005. Maybe you should read her award citation. She was not playing video games.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous achievement during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 20 March 2005, in Iraq. Sergeant Hester’s heroic actions in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq mission. While serving as the Team Leader for RAVEN 42B in the 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), 18th Military Police Brigade, Sergeant Hester led her soldiers on a counterattack of anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF) who were ambushing a convoy with heavy AK-47 assault rifle fire, PRK machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades. Sergeant Hester maneuvered her team through the kill zone into a flanking position where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M-203 rounds. She then cleared two trenches with her Squad Leader where she engaged and eliminated 3 AIF with her M-4 rifle. Her actions saved the lives of numerous convoy members. Sergeant Hester’s bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon herself, the 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), the 18th Military Police Brigade, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant Leigh A. Hester is cited for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with anti Iraq forces (AIF) as a team leader for Raven 42B, 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne) stationed at Camp Liberty, Iraq on 20 March 2005, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The team’s mission was to assist Raven 42 in searching the Eastern Convoy Route for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and provide additional security to sustainment convoys traveling through their area of responsibility. While patrolling Alternate Supply Route (ASR) Detroit, Raven 42B was shadowing a sustainment convoy consisting of 30 third country national (TCN) semi-tractor trailers with a three vehicle squad size escort, call sign Stallion 33, traveling from LSA (logistics support area) Anaconda to CSC (convoy support center) Scania. The weather for this ASR patrol was 75 degrees and sunny with a 10 knot breeze from the southwest. While traveling on ASR Detroit approximately 50 AIF ambushed the convoy with heavy AK47 fire, RPK heavy machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) from the southwest side of the road at 1140 hours. The AIF were utilizing irrigation ditches and an orchard for the well planned complex attack. The AIF had cars combat parked along a road perpendicular to the ASR with all doors and trunks open. The AIF intent was to destroy the convoy, to inflict numerous casualties, and to kidnap several TCN drivers or U.S. Soldiers. The initial ambush disabled and set on fire the lead TCN vehicle, which effectively blocked the southbound lanes of ASR Detroit, stopping the convoy in the kill zone. The squad leader, Staff Sergeant Timothy Nein, directed the squad to move forward, traveling on the right shoulder and passing through the engagement area between the enemy and the convoy. Sergeant Hester directed her gunner to provide heavy volumes of MK 19 and M240B fires into the field where an overwhelming number of insurgents were executing a well coordinated ambush on the convoy. Raven 42 elements were outnumbered five to one. Staff Sergeant Nein ordered the squad to flank the insurgents on their right side. The squad continued to come under heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenade fire when Sergeant Hester stopped her vehicle, the middle vehicle, at a flanking position enfilading the trench line and the orchard field where over a dozen insurgents were engaging the squad and convoy. She then directed her gunner to focus fires in the trench line and the orchard field. Sergeant Hester dismounted and moved to what was thought to be the non-contact side of the vehicle. She ordered her gunner to continue to fire on the orchard field as she and her driver engaged insurgents in the orchard field with small arms. Sergeant Hester began engaging the insurgents with her M203 in order to suppress the heavy AIF fire. Sergeant Hester followed Staff Sergeant Nein to the right side berm and threw two well placed fragmentation grenades into the trench eliminating the AIF threat. Sergeant Hester and Staff Sergeant Nein went over the berm into the trench and began clearing the trench with their M4s. Sergeant Hester engaged and eliminated three AIF to her front with her M4. They then made their way to the front trench and cleared that as well. After clearing the front trench cease fire was called and she began securing the ambush site. The final result of the ambush was 27 AIF KIA (killed in action), 6 AIF WIA (wounded in action), and one AIF captured.

Or how about the Silver Star won by SP4 Monica Lin Brown, a combat medic in the 82d ABN DIV. She earned hers April 25, 2007 in Afghanistan. Perhaps you would like to review her award citation as well.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist [the Private First Class] Monica Lin Brown, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with as a Combat Medic with the 4th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 25 April 2007, during an enemy ambush in Jani Khel, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Specialist Brown displayed great courage in treating two wounded Soldiers while under intense small arms and mortar fire. Specialist Brown’s heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon herself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Private First Class Monica Lin Brown, United States Army, distinguished herself by extraordinary heroism in action on 25 April 2007. On that date, 2d Platoon, Charlie Troop, 4th Squadron, 73d Cavalry Regiment, was on a combat patrol moving to Jani Khel, Afghanistan, for a leader engagement with the village elders. The element consisted of five vehicles: four M1151 Uparmored HMMWV’s (UAH) and one Afghan National Army (ANA) Ford Ranger. They were in a column formation moving north along Route VIPER. In the vicinity of 42S VA263021 the trail vehicle, C23, struck a pressure plate IED on the driver’s side rear tire, which ignited the fuel tank and fuel cans mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The explosion of the fuel tank and cans engulfed the vehicle in an intense fireball. This initiated a planned ambush which commenced after the explosion. The patrol began to take small arms fire from the direction of a kholat to the east, approximately 100 meters away. The small arms fire was impacting around the lead vehicle which was 300 meters north of the IED site. The small arms fire began to concentrate on the IED site as the Platoon Medic, Private First Class Brown, moved on foot to evaluate the casualties. She was exposed to the small arms fire until the maneuver element could swing around and begin suppressing the enemy as she treated the wounded Soldiers. After making an initial assessment and treating in order of severity, she moved the casualties with the aid and direction of the Platoon Sergeant, into the wadi the engulfed vehicle was hanging over. The enemy fighters then engaged the patrol with mortar fire. Private First Class Brown threw her own body over the casualties to shield them as the mortars were impacting 75 to 100 meters away. Approximately 15 mortars impacted within close range of the casualties as Private First Class Brown continued treatment. Private First Class Brown continued treatment in the wadi approximately 15 meters from the burning vehicle, at which time the onboard 60-mm. mortar, 5.56-mm. ammunition, and 40-mm. grenade rounds on board began to explode. Again disregarding her own safety, Private First Class Brown shielded the casualties with her own body as large chunks of shrapnel and 5.56-mm. rounds began flying through the air from the burning vehicle. The patrol leader arrived on site and found it incredible she was still alive and treating the casualties amidst the extremely dangerous conditions she was operating under. Given the hazards to Private First Class Brown, the platoon sergeant used the ANA Ranger to move the wounded Soldiers and Private First Class Brown to a more protected position. As the truck began driving down the wadi, a large 60-mm. mortar explosion occurred sending shrapnel flying all around where Private First Class Brown had been treating casualties. The platoon leader was dragged by the ANA truck with the casualties as the explosions became incredibly intense and the platoon sergeant moved Private First Class Brown to a more protected position to continue treatment. Private First Class Brown continued treatment of the two wounded Soldiers at the new site as enemy small arms fire began to impact around the new position. Private First Class Brown continued treatment of the casualties as the platoon returned fire in close vicinity of her. She shielded the wounded from falling brass and enemy fire once again, ensuring the casualties were stabilized and ready for MEDEVAC.

Over one hundred women are flying fighters for the US Air Force. They are doing that for real - not in video games.

What you despise I couldn’t care less.

I’ve gone through doors with men and women. Some good some bad. All I’m saying is if they do the same job they will get treated the same. If they use some excuse, and let’s face it, women have a couple of built in excuses that guys don’t have that too many have used to their advantage to not be suspicious.
Funny how a lot of female personnel turn up pregnant come deployment time. If Daddies could also be excused from combat if they got a female pregnant I might be a little more agreeable.
There is no doubt that women, like men, can display bravery in a time of need. I just despise the double standard that they get to use to their advantage when they want to. Being the recipient of a sexual harassment claim that the accuser later admitted to someone was totally false, and I was exonerated, I don’t have much respect for the gender as a whole.

 

[ActionBob]

Every country in the World has a National ID, so why not here? BTW, pushing for all citizens to register for selective service as others have suggested is a Federal thing as well I think. I don't see how having a National ID would intrude into States' rights.

Why do I see the Gestapo agent in Hogan's Hero's demanding to see papers?

 

[Scott CWO]

I agree - but strange allies like the ACLU and Libertarians have opposed one very effectively. The right has tended to support the Libertarian view that it represents a form of government monitoring of citizens (like those dollar bills with metallic strips) , and the left has supported the ACLU in the view it would represent a particular burden for poorer and minority classes and groups. As a result, there has been little traction and nothing likely will be done by the sensible people in the middle.

China has a national ID card and it is required to pass through all kinds of gates and turnstiles throughout the country. It leads to no privacy. I can just hear the calls by Whitmer, Newsome, Ferguson, Walz, etc… implementing similar requirements in their states in the name of “safety.” No thanks!