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How ever we dig graves too....
Monday, February 27, 2012
USMC Vrs Punk Ass Iran's
Iran has dug the graves for thousands of US marines and soldiers in the Iran-Iraq border, shall Americans dare turn their threats of war against the Islamic Republic into action.
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How ever we dig graves too....
me>
How ever we dig graves too....
How Marines Stay Fit
Most Marines pride themselves on being physically fit, regardless of age, rank, gender or duty. Since all Marines must pass an annual Physical Fitness Test and an annual Combat Fitness Test, most sections or shops will train together to build cohesion. Lifting weights, running, or doing endless repetitions of every imaginable exercise – all so Marines can maintain the reputation as elite fighting warriors.
While exercise is important to any service member maintaining weight and fitness standards, however, Marines in a deployed environment have to balance physical training and difficult work hours in order to stay fit.
“Marines don’t stop, no matter what. When we train, we give it everything we got,” said Sgt. Christopher Bangert, 25, wire chief, RCT-6, from Richmond, Va. “Our training is the hardest! Our boot camp is the longest! We’re the best!”
Physical Training comes in many forms on Forward Operating Base Delaram II. Inside of the newly constructed gym, Marines can push themselves with weight training. They can also run the roads on the inside of the base go on a conditioning run. Another option is martial arts training, which every Marine is required to know the basics.
“The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is arguably the toughest hand to hand combat system in the American militaries,” Staff Sgt. Frederick Mayes said, 36, personnel chief, RCT-6, from Daytona Beach. “We teach the Marines how to be deadly without a rifle, and staying in shape is a big aspect of it.”
Besides martial arts and weight training, team sports are another popular avenue for fitness. When the weather is nice you can find Marines on the basketball court having a good time
“Coming out to the court, trash-talking, having fun, it’s all good natured,” Bangert said. “Rank don’t matter on the court, so you can have some fun with your juniors and seniors and it’s not awkward.”
Training or playing sports also allows different units to come together, compete and meet Marines from other shops and units.
“It’s a way to build camaraderie and to get to know one another in a non-work environment,” Gunnery Sgt. LeMarcus L. Staley, 35, infantry unit leader, Regimental Combat Team 6, from Oklahoma City, Okla. “It’s also a way to relax, we’re in a high stress setting and being able to have fun together is important.”
Task Force Leatherneck transfers to 1st Marine Division
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — The 2nd Marine Division (Forward) transferred authority of Task Force Leatherneck to 1st Marine Division (Forward) during a brief ceremony, here, Feb. 25.
Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (Fwd), relinquished command to Maj. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general of 1st MarDiv (Fwd).
Task Force Leatherneck is the Ground Combat Element of Regional Command (Southwest), covering Helmand and Nimroz provinces.
In the past year, Craparotta, a native of South Windsor, Conn., said his division’s focus was conducting population-centric counterinsurgency, which meant living among the people and spreading out the forces.
In addition, he stressed the importance of partnered operations.
“That’s how we developed the [Afghan National Security Forces], we lived with them, we ate with them and we operated with them everyday,” said Craparotta. “The young Marines set the example to the ANSF and that’s how we got them out there operating among the population. We gave them confidence and that’s how we accelerated their development.”
When Craparotta took command in March 2011, 1st MarDiv (Fwd), then led by Brig. Gen. Joseph Osterman, had developed a plan to dismantle the insurgency and interdict the route from the south, at Bahram Chah, near the Pakistan border.
According to Craparotta, 2nd MarDiv (Fwd) executed the plan, and as a result, the insurgency was unable to launch a spring offensive and only able to project a diminished fighting season, as compared to the one in 2010.
A second element of the campaign involved earning the trust and confidence of the Afghan people and opening up the freedom of movement opportunities for the citizens.
“We spent a great deal of time improving roads,” said Craparotta. “We gave the [Afghan] citizens an opportunity to get to the market; we facilitated their freedom of movement.”
Opening up the roads also allowed the Afghan National Army and coalition forces to connect the citizens with their local government, giving them the opportunity to interact with their provincial government—and the government to outreach to the citizens in their districts.
“We needed to convince the citizens that there was some benefit to them siding with their government,” said Craparotta. “This was critically important, especially for a people who have been… intimidated and lived through the past 35 years of violence.”
The Division also trained and established local police forces that supported ANSF and linked them to elders, district chiefs of police, and district government.
Berger and 1st MarDiv (Fwd) assumed command of TFL during a time of transition, in which the ANSF would assume greater responsibility in the security and stability of Afghanistan and its people. In the next year, the total footprint of coalition forces will be reduced by approximately two thirds and many of the bases throughout Helmand province will be closed or turned over to the ANSF.
“We’re moving from partnered [operations], to the next part in which they’re in the lead,” said Berger. “They’re doing the counterinsurgency—everything that we do is supporting the ANSF.”
Task Force Leatherneck’s mission surrounds encouraging the Afghans to take the lead in all aspects of security and governance. According to Berger, the 1st MarDiv (Fwd) will be focused on ensuring the ANSF have the tools needed to become more independent.
“Whatever they’re planning and whatever they’re executing,” added Berger, “that’s going to be the first on our list.”
The 1st MarDiv (Fwd) is slated for a one year deployment. During the course of the deployment, the division’s forces are scheduled to conduct a time-phased reduction, which will bring troop levels down by two thirds.
Editor’s Note: The 1st MarDiv (Fwd) works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Force and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
By Sgt. Jacob Harrer , 1st Marine Division
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Get Your Grunt T Shirts Today
U.S. Marines are everything to us here at Sgt Grit. You'll find the Marine Corps spirit in all our USMC products, the outstanding stories and photos from the Marines who visit, and in every activity on our site. At Sgt Grit, "Every day's a holiday, Every meal's a feast!"
Join our USMC community! Get in touch with other Marines and family members and post your stories and photos of the Corps! Every Marine who serves is important to the Corps, so we want to hear from you! Find some MOTO USMC gear and always support the Corps! In our Marine Corps store you'll find everything from your basic Marine Corps T-Shirt and headgear to ka-bars, uniform accessories and custom unit items. Remember "If we don't have it, Chesty wouldn't want it!"
Friday, February 24, 2012
Marine Military Academy
Among America's Top
Military Schools
The Marine Military Academy is a private college preparatory military school for young men, 8th through 12th grades, which develops disciplined, morally strong, college ready young men who are prepared for responsible leadership.
While MMA is a College Preparatory school, we do more than prepare our students for college. MMA prepares our students for Life. We emphasize academics, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. We help young men succeed by offering a structured learning environment. Of all the military boarding schools, the Marine Military Academy is the only one in the world based on the traditions, values, and ideals of the United States Marine Corps.
The faculty and staff of Marine Military Academy provide a dynamic curriculum taught from a college preparatory perspective. They provide structured, challenging and innovative instruction that exceeds national norms. All students are expected to give full attention to a demanding program of studies. Expectations for both conduct and achievement are set high.
Small class sizes, specialized curricula, and individual attention from faculty and advisors at the Marine Military Academy gives our students many distinct advantages. Our students acquire abilities that ensure success in college and in life such as the ability to: study hard and apply themselves, manage their time, set goals for themselves, think for themselves, get along with others, accept responsibility, and be active participants - not passive recipients.
Whether it will be in business, education, military service, science or the arts, a young man graduating from MMA has all the tools, physical, mental and spiritual, to meet life head on and succeed. As a result of our program, nearly all of MMA graduates are accepted into post secondary education.
Military schools are often the first choice of both young men and their parents who want superior academics in addition to the best aspects of the military system: responsibility, leadership, and discipline.
US Marine Corps Combat Boots
The Temperate Weather (TW) and Hot Weather (HW) Marine Corps Combat Boots (MCCBs) are the latest developments in an ongoing process to improve Marine combat footwear. The intent is to bring Marines standard temperate and hot-weather boots of a quality comparable or better to many popular commercial brands.
Both boots have been standardized to provide uniformity of appearance. The boots are dyed 'coyote brown' and either pair may be worn with either the desert or woodland combat utility uniforms.
Both boots have been standardized to provide uniformity of appearance. The boots are dyed 'coyote brown' and either pair may be worn with either the desert or woodland combat utility uniforms. Marines are allowed to wear either the current combat black boots or new MCCBs with either new or old utility uniform until 1 March 2004. On that date, MCCBs may continue to be worn with either the camouflage or combat utility uniforms, but black combat boots will be worn with the old camouflage utility uniform only. On 1 October 2004, black combat boots will be unauthorized for all utility uniforms. Black organizational boots, such as safety boots or flight boots will continue to be worn as the commander prescribes (work environment only).
The new MCCBs are intentionally designed to be low maintenance. The only authorized manner of cleaning them is with a scrub brush and plain water. Marines are not allowed to use forced air (radiators, hair blowers, etc) to dry them after cleaning because it will cause the leather to crack. Spit polishing is not allowed as it blocks the pores of the leather and prevents the boot from breathing as it should. Leather conditioner is not allowed, either, as it will darken the shade of the boot. When the leather gets "hot spots", or smooth areas, Marines may use sandpaper or a wire brush to rough out the leather to where it looks like the rest of the leather. Although these guidelines may seem very restrictive, they are intended to make sure the leather is not damaged and to emphasize that the boot is designed for combat functionality instead of garrison appearance. The boots should taken care of and kept clean, not "dressed up."
Marine Corps Birthday, November 10th
All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.
Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.
Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.
The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.
Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.
Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.
Soldier City US Marine T-shirts , Hats and Much More
SoldierCity is your online US Marine Corps store, with a large variety of US Marine Corps clothing, gear, and memorabilia. Our Marine surplus clothing, Marine patches, Marine medals and other Marine Corps products can't be beat! Also check out our personalized dog tags & custom embroidery. Reward yourself or the service of a loved one with something you can treasure for years to come. We're here to serve you.
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Saturday, February 18, 2012
VA Home Loans
Lower Payments
Competitive rates and no private mortgage insurance requirement mean low monthly payments.
0% Down
VA loans don't require any money down at closing - a benefit that almost no other loan can offer.
Easier to Qualify
The VA Loan is designed to make approval easier for the unique situations military families face.
First-Time Buyers
VA Loans are a great option for first-time homebuyers. More information
A Rich History
Since its inception in 1944, the VA Loan has been used by over 18 million families. For nearly 70 years, this program has made it possible for families just like yours to experience the pride of homeownership. In today's tough economy, the VA Loan program continues to shine brightly and forge ahead on its mission of making homeownership possible for the brave men and women who serve our country.
$65B
Total amount of VA Loans
issued in FY2010
issued in FY2010
52%
Percentage of FY2010 VA Loans
made to first-time buyers
made to first-time buyers
89%
Percentage of VA Loans in
FY2010 closed with $0 down
FY2010 closed with $0 down
314k
Total VA Loans guaranteed
in FY2010
in FY2010
Millions Qualify
In general, a service member is eligible for a VA Loan if he or she meets any one of these requirements:
• Served 181 days during peacetime (Active Duty)
• Served 90 days during war time (Active Duty)
• Served 6 years in the Reserves or National Guard
• You are the spouse of a service member who died while in service or from a service-connected disability.
Get Started Now
Getting started on your VA Loan is quick and easy. To begin, simply complete our brief no-obligation questionnaire or give us a call at . Our team of VA Loan specialists is focused on providing you with top-quality service, making the entire process as easy as possible. We'll discuss your situation with you and provide helpful guidance on what to do next.
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