Now with a military background, perhaps I'm just a little more familiar with maps than the average bear I'm not afraid of looking at one, but for some reason I remember my father getting us up and down the east and west coast in a car without using something electronic. Now part of that might have had to do with the fact that he was doing it throughout the 1970s...but for crying out loud, have we dumbed ourselves down to the point that we need an electronic gizmo to get us from Point A to Point B?

I'm not going to say that I have never used a GPS receiver and loved the hell out of it, but that was in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert or the most southern parts of Iraq where roads and terrain features are few and far between. Having to rely on it for getting around the US seems to be just a little out of the realm and is causing great pressure on the sides of my head! As Glenn Beck often says...there's not enough duct tape on the planet to keep my head from exploding.

With things like Google Maps, Mapquest, and Yahoo Maps online for free, I find it extremely wasteful to purchase something that costs more than 100 plain old paper maps. I suppose that there are some professions that might benefit from having this sort of technology, but probably not the masses who are Wal-Mart's target market.

Do me a favor folks...learn to read a map!

See you on the high ground...if you can find it.

MajorDad1984

Well, it certainly was a typical Monday a few days back with the Veteran's Administration announcement admission confession that they'd lost my least carefully guarded information along with that of 25,999,999 fellow brothers and sisters in arms. Yes, an organ of the government that some choose to entrust their complete well-being in let the horses out of the barn albeit unintentionally. (MajorGramps used to tell me that the road to hell was paved with good intentions.)

Let's take a look at what happened, what "they" think 26 million vets should do about it for themselves, and finally how I think it should really be handled.

The VA response. On May 21st, VA Secretary, Jim Nicholson, made the announcement of one of the largest losses of personal information EVER. As part of the announcement, Nicholson advised veterans to carefully monitor their credit and that he'd be informing them of the loss of data via mail. He also mentioned that while the loss was massive, it still remained to be seen whether or not this was as catastrophic a loss as might be implied. The decision to make the announcement was a difficult one he said, as by informing a petty criminal of the value of the information on the laptop rather than just the laptop might be somewhat damning.

My response. If I were the VA head honcho, I would have done the following:

Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus. Work out a deal where they would automatically flag the records of veterans with stolen data. Hell, it would have been my fault that this happened...it's my problem to fix.

Meet with the national veterans organizations to help them help their members. Provide comprehensive contacts and systems for monitoring the credit of those that have served.

Negotiated with the major credit monitoring services in order to secure no cost credit monitoring service for all 26 million veterans....or fenced the appropriate amount of money from the VA budget to pay for this service for at least 6 months. Again, my organization failed...perhaps we should cut some of the fluff from our budget to fix the problem.

Immediately review the security procedures used to safeguard the sensitive information about our vets...and make changes as appropriate. This type of screw up should not have an encore anywhere down the line.

As this is a relatively new story...Mr. Nicholson might in fact be doing this. We'll have to keep an eye on things though to make sure that this isn't something that just gets swept under the rug. We owe it as a nation to be more careful with data like this belonging to all citizens. It's just an added swat on the butt when it happens to people that have served the nation the way our veterans do.

See you on the high ground. I might be the one eating macaroni and cheese!

MajorDad1984

Silly man, don't you think?

Probably the only other crazy that could hold a candle to this nutjob is Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The cape he's pulling on is Israel's...and by proxy, ours and most of the Western world.

Here are just a few questions I'd like to ask Hugo:

For some reason, I can't believe that we'd be willing to risk any technology transfer that might give ANYONE an edge (although I doubt we sent them the 180 proof variant of the F-16 in the first place....) How difficult might it be for the US Air Force and/or Navy aviators to splash 20+ aircraft? Not terribly if I think I know nearly as much as I might think I do about our air to air capabilities....and were he to try to "ship" them on a container vessel...where do you think that the transport and planes might wind up at the business end of just one torpedo?

The second question I might have for Mr. Chavez is just how robust are Cuban/Iranian deep water salvage capabilities? As this is a naval oriented question, I might just have to refer to my brother in blue from Canoe U, SMASH over at The Indepundit. He'd probably have a much better idea.

In any event...I'll worry about the bird flu before I'd worry about Venezuela getting those birds into the hands of either Cuba or Iran.

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

So, what do all these numbers, figures, and percentages mean?

As a former ORSA, we used to have a running joke about the way our handlers wanted us to use the data we collected. Quite often we could have asked those employing us, "Well, what do you want the answer to be?" Through some slick, yet "appropriate" data manipulation, any decent statistician can skew data to reflect just about any answer you'd like. Now that's not to say that the data and analysis are valid...just that I can make numbers add up to just about anything my patrons wanted.

Again folks, when you see these polls, you have to ask yourself some questions before you start taking absolute stock in the "answers."

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

To me this is something akin to Roosevelt deploying squads of goons to uproot "victory gardens" or giving "fireside chats" that encouraged the American people to waste precious war resources or spend their money on luxury items rather than invest in war bonds.

Is any doubt that we're now trying to close the barn door after the horses are well on their way to our neighbor's pasture...or taking the doors off the hinges....or hell, maybe we're even trying to talk ourselves into the fact that there never was a barn? Horses? What horses?

Let's hope that we don't wind up having to play "The World Turned Upside Down" some day if we wind up surrending this great nation.

See you on the high ground.

MajorDad1984

HISTORICAL NOTE: British General Cornwallis had his band play "The World Turned Upside Down" at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1781. (You'll never miss that trivial pursuit question again...)

I got interested by a story there entitled, "CNN.com - Poll: Clinton Outperformed Bush."

The article goes on to speak to the way Americans feel about the two presidencies, comparing them in a number of different areas. While I'm sure there are areas where Mr. Bush scored higher...you sure don't get any information about which areas those might be, as the CNN report only dwells on the polling items where Mr. Clinton buries the president.

We've heard a bit about "junk science" in the past decade, but I'm still waiting for something to come out about "junk statistics." I can say damned near anything I want, provided I have some off the wall number of respondents at least 500 people more...and get away with calling it a scientific poll.

I find it amazing that in a day and time where the country is at war, that there's much validity or need for this kind of polling except to further divide the country along partisian lines. The numbers stated in this poll might in fact be 100% accurate, BUT is anyone going to give this president any credit for accomplishing anything? I've been saying for the past year that President Bush could write the greatest American novel, find a cure for cancer, AND come up with the plan for a lasting peace in the Middle East and STILL be lambasted on the front pages and leading stories for the majority of our mainstream media on a daily basis.

Get off his back folks, he's not a pony. He's our president.

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

Do something special for those special ladies in your life today, guys. For the ladies, if your man isn't making a motion towards doing something special for you...corporal punishment is authorized!

That is all.

See you on the high ground.

MajorDad1984

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Be sure to post your results as a comment...no HTML please.

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

Sergeant Major...it was a pleasure. To all the battalion, brigade, and division commanders out there, there's a great young sergeant major on his way up the chain. You'll know him when you see him! If I'd stayed in and needed a CSM at my side, he'd be on the very short list!

See you on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

Who else is tired of these spectacles and sensationalized news stories?

Even though there were times where these seemed to be quite possible outcomes, we chose to cling to the hope that we'd prevail. Where's that American spirit gone from the mainstream? There are people today that have that kind of hope and they're the ones that are lending their voices to praise the work our military's currently doing around the world both on the battlefield and in response to natural disasters EVERYTIME they happen. As long as those voices are heard, I won't lose hope in the future...and I'll lend mine to the supporting chorus.

We are Americans. We don't quit. Won't don't lay down and die quietly. When will "they" understand that? The most ingenious and resourceful people on the face of the planet live right here...when backed into a corner we will put our differences aside in order to overcome adversity. Despite the images I'm watching tonight I just can't believe that this will EVER happen in my America.

HOWEVER...if we start to forget that we are in fact one nation under God (take your pick)...things could go that badly. It's time to knock off the bickering, support our elected leaders and add to what's positive about America rather than dwell upon what's bad.

Up to accepting my reason and challenge?

See you on the high ground. That is all.

MajorDad1984

The Monsters and The Weak

The sun beat like a hammer, not a cloud was in the sky.
The mid-day air ran thick with dust, my throat was parched and dry.
With microphone clutched tight in hand and cameraman in tow,
I ducked beneath a fallen roof, surprised to hear "stay low."

My eyes blinked several times before in shadow I could see,
The figure stretched across the rubble, steps away from me.
He wore a cloak of burlap strips, all shades of grey and brown,
That hung in tatters till he seemed to melt into the ground.

He never turned his head or took his eye from off the scope,
But pointed through the broken wall and down the rocky slope.
"About eight hundred yards," he said, his whispered words concise,
"beneath the baggy jacket he is wearing a device."

A thunderclap, a tongue of flame, the still abruptly shattered;
While citizens that walked the street were just as quickly scattered.
Till only one remained, a body crumpled on the ground,
The threat to oh so many ended by a single round.

And yet the sniper had no cheer, no hint of any gloat,
Instead he pulled a logbook out and quietly he wrote.
"Hey, I could put you on TV, that shot was quite a story!"
But he surprised me once again -- "I got no wish for glory."

"Are you for real?" I asked in awe, "You don't want fame or credit?"
He looked at me with saddened eyes and said "you just don't get it."
"You see that shot-up length of wall, the one without a door?
Before a mortar hit, it used to be a grocery store."

"But don't go thinking that to bomb a store is all that cruel,
The rubble just across the street -- it used to be a school.
The little kids played soccer in the field out by the road,"
His head hung low, "They never thought a car would just explode."

"As bad as all this is though, it could be a whole lot worse,"
He swallowed hard, the words came from his mouth just like a curse.
"Today the fight's on foreign land, on streets that aren't my own,"
"I'm here today 'cause if I fail, the next fight's back at home."

"And I won't let my Safeway burn, my neighbors dead inside,
Don't wanna get a call from school that says my daughter died;
I pray that not a one of them will know the things I see,
Nor have the work of terrorists etched in their memory."

"So you can keep your trophies and your fleeting bit of fame,
I don't care if I make the news, or if they speak my name."
He glanced toward the camera and his brow began to knot,
"If you're looking for a story, why not give this one a shot."

"Just tell the truth of what you see, without the slant or spin;
That most of us are OK and we're coming home again.
And why not tell our folks back home about the good we've done,
How when they see Americans, the kids come at a run."

You tell 'em what it means to folks here just to speak their mind,
Without the fear that tyranny is just a step behind;
Describe the desert miles they walk in their first chance to vote,
Or ask a soldier if he's proud, I'm sure you'll get a quote."

He turned and slid the rifle in a drag bag thickly padded,
Then looked again with eyes of steel as quietly he added;
"And maybe just remind the few, if ill of us they speak,
That we are all that stands between the monsters and the weak."

Michael Marks

I hadn't had this much fun since I rode the bus from Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta with a bunch of basic trainees heading to Fort Benning. (NOTE: I was returning to the Army's Ranger Department after spending some time with my parents while on convalescent leave following an injury received during Ranger School training. No dear readers, MajorDad sports no Ranger Tab.) On that bus twenty years ago I was treated to the modern day (at least at the time) version of the Matthew Broderick sleeper classic "Biloxi Blues."

When the bus stopped at the Benning reception station and the drills "welcomed" the new recruits to Georgia I about lost it. While I saw numerous elbows and buttholes race past me in response to the drills invitation to "GET THE F*CK OFF MY BUS" I gathered up my stuff and started thinking about getting to the pay phone I could see outside the reception building. I guess I'd been flying under the drill sergeants' radar until I got of the bus at my own pace and headed for that pay phone. After enduring a pretty long barrage of profanity and being called everything but a Christian by one of the more senior drills...I informed him that I was just a lieutenant heading back to the Ranger Department over at Harmony Church. I never saw a black guy get so pale...but he started to launch into his CYA defense in apology. I laughed and told him it wasn't necessary...he was just doing his job. He invited me inside to use "his" phone and to have a cup of coffee while I waited for the cab.

I continued to watch the "young'uns" enjoy their first hour in the Army before they hit the haircuts and uniform issue until the cab came and whisked me back to Ranger Land...where I wound up outprocessing and returning to Fortress Ord on the Left Coast without a Ranger Tab. : ( Eventually I wound up with a really sexy looking scar on my ankle though...didn't leave completely empty handed I suppose.

In any event, listening to the troops talking this morning brought that memory back...and reminded me as much as the Army changes, it remains eerily the same.

See you all on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

I was just telling MajorMom the other day, "You know, dear. I'll really miss burritos." This guy just flat out read my mind!

Some how, some way, I have faith that we'll be able to replace your burritos.

Jonesing for a burrito on the high ground!

MajorDad1984

P.S. Yes, I know that it's probably Photo-shopped, but if it's good enough for Matt Drudge to run, it's good enough for me.

Major,

I was very disturbed to read this article; Gangs claim their turf in Iraq

I can't blog on it, I'm not a veteran, but I'd sure appreciate your take on it.

Thanks,

Dagney

Interesting enough, I'd already read that article this morning...and I was a little upset by what I found in it. Making a long story short, apparently some of our deployed soldiers come from a background that might have moved them from one battlefield to another. That would be from the inner city to the Middle East, both hotbeds of violence. They bring with them all that is good about America...as well as some of the less impressive things. The gang mentality didn't get dropped in the amnesty box before boarding their planes I guess.

It must be a generational thing, but I just couldn't get excited about something that costs on the order of $100 a square inch today...that's going to look like a bruise 40 years from now. If it were up to me...everyone getting a tattoo should have to have a note signed by a nursing home that the tattoo-ee has recently visited to see what Korean/Vietnam war tattoos look like today. I'd be willing to bet the number of those going under the 'ink' would drop considerably.

As far as the gang conduct, affiliation, or whatever you want to call it, I think that it rests on the shoulders of the commanders of the troops under them. If the chain of command is looking the other way...then they are derelict in their duty. When you raise your right hand, you're swearing an allegience to join a much bigger gang, the US Army. All the shenanigans that go on here on the streets of the US or behind the prison walls have no place when you're a member of the big green machine. We have much less control as people out-process the military, but I'd like to hope that some of the discipline today's soldiers might be picking up during their tours of duty will continue to serve them well when they hang up their ACUs (digital Army Combat Uniforms) in trade for Dockers and Big Dog shirts.

For those "thugs" that have slipped into the military...and choose to continue their "gangsta" ways, they'd better watch their steps. I can't think a juicier target for a JAG (Judge Advocate General = Army lawyer) to sink his teeth into than catching a soldier shipping military equipment home for use in his home "turf." Can you say SCREWED?

So...to answer Dagney, I don't think it's a problem, but probably something that should be coming up on the radar scopes at command levels at the battalion and below level. To let it go, just isn't what we should be condoning.

My two cents from the high ground...

MajorDad1984

Now, without any further ado...dive deep into what makes MajorDad1984 tick...or tock!

57 things you never wanted to know about MajorDad1984…

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds!

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but intend to see Flight 93.

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Sopranos

5. What did you have for breakfast? Coffee

6. What is your middle name? Who needs to know? An identity thief? Not going to give it up that easily. It does mean “strong as a boar” though…

7. What is your favorite food? Smoked Texas Brisket

8. What foods do you dislike? Most vegetables…

9. What kind of potato chips do you like? Salt and Vinegar chips.

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Brooks and Dunn.

11. What kind of car do you drive? 2002 PT Cruiser.

12. Favorite sandwich? Ham and Swiss.

13. What characteristics do you despise? Arrogance definitely, also absence of conviction. When you’re right, you’re right..

14. Favorite item of clothing? BDU-style twill pants by Propper.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Not sure I’d leave the US, done enough traveling…is DisneyWorld an option?

16. What color is your bathroom? White/beige, something neutral.

17. What is your favorite brand of clothing? Big Dog Sportswear.

18. Where would you want to retire? Texas or Arizona.

19. Favorite time of day? Early morning…before sun up.

20. Where were you born? Newark, NJ. What exit?

Fuhgeddabowdit..

21. Favorite sport to watch? International hockey.

22. Who do you least expect to answer this???? My mother.

23. Person you expect to answer first? Hmmm…could be Dagney or Crystal.

24. Coke or Pepsi? Coke! Whoever heard of Jack and Pepsi?

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? Hmmm…0530 to 2300 are pretty much my hours, I’m probably best when I’m away from the office though. :D.

26. What size shoe do you wear? Sending me slippers?

27. Do you have any pets? Yes. Two dogs, two cats, a teen and a toddler.

28. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with everyone? MajorTeen is graduating from high school at the end of the month!.

29. What did you want to be when you were little? A veterinarian. I made it part of the way in becoming a veteran.

30. Is the glass half empty or half full? Compared to most, it’s full…I’m just in pursuit of a larger glass..

31. What is your best childhood memory? Family trips to DisneyWorld and Disneyland.

32. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Paper Boy, Rug Jockey at an Oriental Rug Store, caddy, student, infantry officer, intel officer, defense contractor (very briefly), Dept of the Army civilian analyst..

33. What color underwear are you wearing? Tightie whites, thanks for asking.

34. Nicknames: Moose, Combat (my “given” USAF call sign), PB .

35. Piercings? Are you nuts?.

36. Eye color:Blue.

37. Ever been to Africa? Nope.

38. Ever been toilet papering? Nope.

39. Love someone so much it made you cry? Yup.

40. Been in a car accident? Yes .

41. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon bits.

42. Favorite day of the week? Mondays, believe it or not…I like going in to see who’s called in sick after too much weekend.

43. Favorite flower? Not big on ‘em.

44. Favorite ice cream? Ben and Jerry’s. Hate to admit that I eat their product…but it’s good!.

45. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney.

46. Favorite fast food restaurant? Long John Silvers.

47. What color is your bedroom carpet? Actually, it’s lots of colors, just didn’t start out that way.

48. Failed your drivers test? No, got it right the first time.

49. From whom did you get your last e-mail from? My bride, MajorMom. She needed a little copywriting help.

50. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Best Buy, in spite of my issues with them!.

51. What do you most often do when you are bored? Watch old movies or create an X-Files marathon.

52. Bedtime? 2300 HRS.

53. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? The greeters at the area Walmarts.

54. Last person you went to dinner with? MajorMom.

55. Lake, Ocean or river? Who’s asking the questions? Some Navy guys? I’m more partial to mountains and desert.

56. How many tattoos do you have? Not one, unless you count the ones that MajorBaby and I put on from time to time.

57. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Chicken