#2nd Battalion 8th Marines

[sgtgrunt0331-3]

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment reaches for more rounds, while a machine gun team returns fire, during an attack at Patrol Base Bracha in the Garmsir district of Helmand province, Afghanistan, on October 9, 2009.

The Marines of 2/8, were deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3, whose mission was to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with Afghan security forces in southern Afghanistan.

(Photo by: Sgt. Pete Thibodeau)

[hosannachicago]

Clarke's military service

The One Chicago writers really did change the details about Jeff Clarke's military service every single time it was mentioned.

In one episode of season 2, Mills tells the rest of the house that Clarke served in the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and was in "one of the bloodiest battles of the war" (presumably the 2nd Battle of Fallujah).

About three episodes later, Clarke himself says he was "1st Recon." That means the Marines 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, which fought in the 1st Battle of Fallujah.

Then by the time Clarke completed his first 3 years of med school in 2 years (or maybe did his 1st year of med school while working 24 hour shifts, studying for and passing the CFD Lieutenant's test [why???], navigating a contentious divorce, and taking a month off to hang out in jail awaiting trial on murder charges?), he was supposedly an Army veteran. (Why would Choi, also a veteran, get that wrong?)

Given all the inconsistencies, for the purposes of my AU, I'm sticking with what Clarke said himself, since he's the one who would know. My "head canon" is that Mills was mistaken because he was a literal child during Fallujah and didn't have the context to understand whatever Clarke told him.

And, of course, I'm fully disregarding the idea that he was in the Army, because that's nonsense... but I have incorporated his friendship with Jeff Manning and the fact that they were in Afghanistan together.

Solely for the purposes of my AU (this isn't canon at all), Clarke changed his MOS from Recon to ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) when he re-enlisted, sometime around 2008. After that, he served in Afghanistan, where he was friends with Jeff Manning.

(Also, wholly in my AU: Jeff married Lisa, who was also from Chicago, around 2006. They lived at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA, until Jeff switched MOS in 2008, at which point he went to training in TX and Lisa moved back to Chicago. They didn't actually live together full-time again until Jeff completed his active duty in the Marines in 2012.)

[captawesomesauce]

Thoughts at 7pm...

I tag my books in Calibre with people and places and things I think will come up again and again across books. 

This can be a slow and agonizing process, but I find that I keep coming back to it over and over again, because I’ll read a book years later that mentions a battle on Hill 488 and think... fuck, what book was it that I read about that from someone else’s perspective?!!?!? 

Tags help with that. 

I don’t tag everything, or everyone... just stuff I have a feeling will come up over and over, and yet for a single book I’ll end up with this:

Averell Harriman, Bess Clements Abell, Camp David, Catoctin Mountains MD, CH-34 Choctaw, CH-46 Sea Knight, Chaplain, CIA, CIDG, From LAPL, General Herman Nickerson, General Samuel B. Griffith, General William Westmoreland, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John F. Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr, Maryland, North Korea, Okinawa, Okinawa - Northern Training Area (NTA), Robert McNamara, Soviet FROG-3 Missile, SpecOps, US Capitol Building, USA 3rd Infantry Regiment, USAF Kadena Airbase, USAID John Paul Vann, USMC, USMC 12th Marines, USMC 1st Force Recon Co, USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Brisbane (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Circumstance (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Club Car (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Countersign (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Killer Kane (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Swift Scout (Vietnam War), USMC 1st MarDiv, USMC 1st Marine Air Wing, USMC 1st Marines, USMC 1st Marines - 1/1, USMC 1st Marines - 1/1 - F Co, USMC 1st Marines - 2/1, USMC 1st Marines - 2/1 - E Co, USMC 1st Recon Bn, USMC 1st Recon Bn - E Co, USMC 1st Tank Bn, USMC 26th Marines, USMC 26th Marines - 1/26, USMC 26th Marines - 1/26 - F Co, USMC 2LT Paul Young, USMC 3rd Marines, USMC 3rd Marines - 2/3, USMC 5th Marines, USMC 5th Marines - 2/5, USMC 5th Marines - 2/5 - F Co, USMC 7th Marines, USMC 7th Marines - 1/7, USMC 7th Marines - 2/7, USMC 7th Marines - 2/7 - G Co, USMC 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, USMC Air Observers - Black Coats (Vietnam War), USMC Camp Hansen, USMC Camp Pendleton, USMC Camp Schwab, USMC Col. Andrew Finlayson, USMC Force Recon, USMC LtCol Alex Lee, USMC Marine Barracks Washington (8th and I), USMC Scout Dogs, USMC SgtMaj Maurice J. Jacques, USMC The Basic School, USMC Washington Barracks Guard Co., USN Corpsman, USN LCDR Ray Stubbe (Chaplain), USN USS Pueblo (AGER 2), USNA, VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM A Shau Valley, VNM A Vuong River, VNM An Bang, VNM An Hoa, VNM An Long, VNM An Son, VNM Antenna Valley, VNM Ap Ba, VNM Arizona Territory, VNM Ba Na Mountain, VNM Base Area 112, VNM Battle of Hue City (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of Khe Sanh (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Hansen, VNM Camp Reasoner, VNM Charlie Med, VNM CIA Phung Hoang / Phoenix Program (1965-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Col de Ba Lien, VNM Command and Control North/FOB-1 (Vietnam War), VNM Da Nang, VNM Da Son, VNM Dam Cao Hai Bay, VNM Dong Nhut Mountain, VNM DRV NVA 2nd Division, VNM DRV NVA 320th Reconnaissance Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 368th Artillery (Rocket) Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 3rd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 402nd Sapper Battalion, VNM Elephant Valley, VNM Freedom Hill PX, VNM Happy Valley, VNM Hiep Duc, VNM Hill 170, VNM Hill 199, VNM Hill 203, VNM Hill 224, VNM Hill 324, VNM Hill 327, VNM Hill 35, VNM Hill 372, VNM Hill 381, VNM Hill 387, VNM Hill 406, VNM Hill 417, VNM Hill 441, VNM Hill 452, VNM Hill 454, VNM Hill 478, VNM Hill 498, VNM Hill 502, VNM Hill 537, VNM Hill 575 (Tam Dieo Mountain), VNM Hill 582 (Kon Chay Mountain), VNM Hill 592, VNM Hill 594, VNM Hill 623, VNM Hill 678, VNM Hill 749, VNM Hill 800, VNM Hill 89, VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail, VNM Hoi An Thuong, VNM Hon Cau Mountain, VNM Hue, VNM Khe Dienne River, VNM Khe Gio tributary, VNM Khuong Dai, VNM Loc Tu, VNM LZ Finch, VNM MEDCAP, VNM Mortar Valley, VNM Nam O Bridge, VNM Ninh Dinh, VNM Ninh Khanh, VNM Ninh Long, VNM Nong Son Coal Mine, VNM Nui Ba Hoa, VNM Nui Chom, VNM Nui Nhu, VNM Nui Son Ga (Charlie Ridge), VNM Ong Thu Slope, VNM Operation Arizona (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Calhoun (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Claxon (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Knox (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Pecos (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Snoopy (People Sniffer) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Union I (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Union II (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Wheeler (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Phouc Ly, VNM Phouc Tuong, VNM Phouc Tuong (Dogpatch), VNM Phu Bai, VNM Phu Gia Pass, VNM Phu Loc, VNM Quang Duc Duc, VNM Quang Nam Province, VNM Quang Tri Province, VNM Que Son Mountains, VNM Que Son Valley, VNM Route 1, VNM Route 545, VNM RVN RVNP CSDB PRU Provincial Reconnaissance Units (Vietnam War), VNM Saigon, VNM Song Cu De, VNM Song Ly Ly, VNM Song Thu Bon, VNM Song Tinh Yen, VNM Song Vu Gia, VNM Song Yang, VNM Tam Kho, VNM Tam Talou Tributary, VNM Thach Bich, VNM The Enchanted Forest, VNM The Garden of Eden, VNM Thua Thien Province, VNM Thuan Long, VNM Thuong Duc, VNM Ti Tau Mountain, VNM Trang Bang, VNM Trao Hamlet, VNM Tu Phu, VNM US MACVSOG (1964-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM US MACVSOG Road Runner Teams (Vietnam War), VNM USMC AHCB An Hoa Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM USMC Combined Action Platoon, VNM USMC KSCB Khe Sanh Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Yellow Brick Road, Washington D.C

Thankfully I can easily use calibre’s tag search function to grab what I need!

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 5 of 2023

Title: Killer Kane Authors: Andrew R. Finlayson ISBN: 9780786477012 Tags: 1968 Washington D.C Riots, Averell Harriman, Bess Clements Abell, Camp David, Catoctin Mountains MD, CH-34 Choctaw, CH-46 Sea Knight, CIA, CIDG, From LAPL, General Herman Nickerson, General Samuel B. Griffith, General William Westmoreland, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John F. Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr, Maryland, North Korea, Okinawa, Okinawa - Northern Training Area (NTA), Robert McNamara, Soviet FROG-3 Missile, SpecOps, US Capitol Building, USA 3rd Infantry Regiment, USAF Kadena Airbase, USAID John Paul Vann, USMC, USMC 12th Marines, USMC 1st Force Recon Co, USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Brisbane (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Circumstance (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Club Car (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Countersign (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Killer Kane (Vietnam War), USMC 1st Force Recon Co - Team Swift Scout (Vietnam War), USMC 1st MarDiv, USMC 1st Marine Air Wing, USMC 1st Marines, USMC 1st Marines - 1/1, USMC 1st Marines - 1/1 - F Co, USMC 1st Marines - 2/1, USMC 1st Marines - 2/1 - E Co, USMC 1st Recon Bn, USMC 1st Recon Bn - E Co, USMC 1st Tank Bn, USMC 26th Marines, USMC 26th Marines - 1/26, USMC 26th Marines - 1/26 - F Co, USMC 3rd Marines, USMC 3rd Marines - 2/3, USMC 5th Marines, USMC 5th Marines - 2/5, USMC 5th Marines - 2/5 - F Co, USMC 7th Marines, USMC 7th Marines - 1/7, USMC 7th Marines - 2/7, USMC 7th Marines - 2/7 - G Co, USMC 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, USMC Air Observers - Black Coats (Vietnam War), USMC Camp Hansen, USMC Camp Pendleton, USMC Camp Schwab, USMC Force Recon, USMC Marine Barracks Washington (8th and I), USMC Scout Dogs, USMC The Basic School, USMC Washington Barracks Guard Co., USN USS Pueblo (AGER 2), USNA, VNM 1968 Tet Offensive (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM A Shau Valley, VNM A Vuong River, VNM An Bang, VNM An Hoa, VNM An Long, VNM An Son, VNM Antenna Valley, VNM Ap Ba, VNM Arizona Territory, VNM Ba Na Mountain, VNM Base Area 112, VNM Battle of Hue City (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Battle of Khe Sanh (1968) (Tet Offensive) (Vietnam War), VNM Camp Hansen, VNM Camp Reasoner, VNM Charlie Med, VNM CIA Phung Hoang / Phoenix Program (1965-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM Col de Ba Lien, VNM Command and Control North/FOB-1 (Vietnam War), VNM Da Nang, VNM Da Son, VNM Dam Cao Hai Bay, VNM Dong Nhut Mountain, VNM DRV NVA 2nd Division, VNM DRV NVA 320th Reconnaissance Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 368th Artillery (Rocket) Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 3rd Regiment, VNM DRV NVA 402nd Sapper Battalion, VNM Elephant Valley, VNM Freedom Hill PX, VNM Happy Valley, VNM Hiep Duc, VNM Hill 170, VNM Hill 199, VNM Hill 203, VNM Hill 224, VNM Hill 324, VNM Hill 327, VNM Hill 35, VNM Hill 372, VNM Hill 381, VNM Hill 387, VNM Hill 406, VNM Hill 417, VNM Hill 441, VNM Hill 452, VNM Hill 454, VNM Hill 478, VNM Hill 498, VNM Hill 502, VNM Hill 537, VNM Hill 575 (Tam Dieo Mountain), VNM Hill 582 (Kon Chay Mountain), VNM Hill 592, VNM Hill 594, VNM Hill 623, VNM Hill 678, VNM Hill 749, VNM Hill 800, VNM Hill 89, VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail, VNM Hoi An Thuong, VNM Hon Cau Mountain, VNM Hue, VNM Khe Dienne River, VNM Khe Gio tributary, VNM Khuong Dai, VNM Loc Tu, VNM LZ Finch, VNM MEDCAP, VNM Mortar Valley, VNM Nam O Bridge, VNM Ninh Dinh, VNM Ninh Khanh, VNM Ninh Long, VNM Nong Son Coal Mine, VNM Nui Ba Hoa, VNM Nui Chom, VNM Nui Nhu, VNM Nui Son Ga (Charlie Ridge), VNM Ong Thu Slope, VNM Operation Arizona (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Calhoun (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Claxon (1968) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Knox (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Pecos (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Snoopy (People Sniffer) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Union I (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Union II (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Wheeler (1967) (Vietnam War), VNM Phouc Ly, VNM Phouc Tuong, VNM Phouc Tuong (Dogpatch), VNM Phu Bai, VNM Phu Gia Pass, VNM Phu Loc, VNM Quang Duc Duc, VNM Quang Nam Province, VNM Quang Tri Province, VNM Que Son Mountains, VNM Que Son Valley, VNM Route 1, VNM Route 545, VNM RVN RVNP CSDB PRU Provincial Reconnaissance Units (Vietnam War), VNM Saigon, VNM Song Cu De, VNM Song Ly Ly, VNM Song Thu Bon, VNM Song Tinh Yen, VNM Song Vu Gia, VNM Song Yang, VNM Tam Kho, VNM Tam Talou Tributary, VNM Thach Bich, VNM The Enchanted Forest, VNM The Garden of Eden, VNM Thua Thien Province, VNM Thuan Long, VNM Thuong Duc, VNM Ti Tau Mountain, VNM Trang Bang, VNM Trao Hamlet, VNM Tu Phu, VNM US MACVSOG (1964-1972) (Vietnam War), VNM US MACVSOG Road Runner Teams (Vietnam War), VNM USMC AHCB An Hoa Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM USMC Combined Action Platoon, VNM USMC KSCB Khe Sanh Combat Base (Vietnam War), VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Yellow Brick Road, Washington D.C Rating: 5 stars Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Specops.Marine Recon

Description: 

  The leader of one of the most successful U. S. Marine long range reconnaissance teams during the Vietnam War, Andrew Finlayson recounts his team's experiences in the year leading up to the Tet Offensive of 1968. Using primary sources, such as Marine Corps unit histories and his own weekly letters home, he presents a highly personal account of the dangerous missions conducted by this team of young Marines as they searched for North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong units in such dangerous locales as Elephant Valley, the Enchanted Forest, Charlie Ridge, Happy Valley and the Que Son Mountains.   In numerous close contacts with the enemy, the team (code-name Killer Kane) fights for its survival against desperate odds, narrowly escaping death time and again. The book gives vivid descriptions of the life of recon Marines when they are not on patrol, the beauty of the landscape they traverse, and several of the author's Vietnamese friends. It also explains in detail the preparations for, and the conduct of, a successful long range reconnaissance patrol.

Review: 

Finlayson has a very particular point of view on the war, and warfare. Throughout the book, he is constantly made aware that his actions and behaviors are both dangerous and obsessive. Yet, even though he acknowledges it, and says he takes it to heart, he still has the narcissistic bent to ignore them and feel that his way is the right way. 

That’s both a positive and a negative.

His teams brought the war to the enemy and were immensely productive as far as kills and intelligence gathered. At the same time, they were in many ways reckless and dangerous. 

God loves a fool and who dares wins are basically how he operates.

Overall though, the book gives you great insight into HIS way of running recon teams, and how Team Killer Kane/Swift Scout operated, the gear they took, the places they operated in, and who the people were. His writing style is quick paced and gives you a good sense of his thoughts and emotions and allows you to understand where his head was at and what he experienced.

While there were a few errors, especially in regards to keeping track of a persons rank (one page they’re corporal, next they’re a sergeant), and the weapons (carrying my m-14, and had 5 magazines of 5.56mm), the book is well done. 

[militaryleak]

US Marine Corps Conduct Long-range Convoy Throughout Saudi Arabia

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Army Soldiers with 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and members of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, conduct a long-range convoy during exercise Native Fury 24 throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), May 8, 2024. U.S. and partner forces engaging in on-load and off-load operations using commercial maritime shipping, long-distance convoys, urban combat training, and various dynamic training events in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The KSA, the UAE, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (USMARCENT) launched Exercise NATIVE FURY 24 (NF 24) at a Saudi Naval Port on May 5, 2024. In its 8th iteration, NF24 will showcase U.S. and partner forces engaging in on-load and off-load operations using commercial maritime shipping, long-distance convoys, urban combat training, and various dynamic training events in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The constellation of exercises happening in multiple countries at once demonstrates USCENTCOM’s capability to project power abroad and conduct advanced training in cooperation with our partners across the region. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Army Soldiers with 541st Division Sustainment Support Battalion, Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and members of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, conduct a long-range convoy…

[georgemcginn]

DOD Featured Photos

Closing the Gap Marines assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and 2nd Battalion, 8th Ma… Photo Details > View All Photos ABOUT NEWS HELP CENTER PRESS PRODUCTS Unsubscribe | Contact Us

[whatisonthemoon]

Oliver North's Counterinsurgency Ideas Shaping the World

Towards the late 80s the United States became deeply involved in supporting the Philippine government's counterinsurgency efforts against communist and Muslim insurgent groups, pushing Corey Aquino toward a militant solution against these alleged terrorist threats. These efforts were meant to foster U.S. officials’ relationships to the Philippine government for the sake of providing military aid, training, and advice to the Philippine military and police forces, on behalf of their own [U.S.] interests. To this day, this remains the case. Oliver North, who was a key figure in the Reagan administration's efforts to combat leftist movements in Latin America, is likely to have been involved in shaping U.S. policy towards the Philippines during this period. Though there is no direct evidence to suggest that North played a significant role in the development of the Philippine government's specific counterinsurgency plan, the influence of his own counterinsurgency plans are undeniable, in the Philippines and even here in the U.S.

North is most notably a key figure in the Iran-Contra affair, in which the U.S. government secretly sold weapons to Iran and used the proceeds to fund the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. The Contras were a right-wing paramilitary group that fought against the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. They also received funding from UC sources. The Iran-Contra led to North later being convicted of charges related to the sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of funds to the Contras. Despite this downfall, he remained a renowned international security expert and became a popular media figure, hosting a show on Fox News for years. 

Why is he still widely respected by the Right, including the Unification Church, who rallied support for North during the Iran-Contra affair? Because his whole career was committed to the senseless extermination of alleged communists through “unconventional tactics.”

North's interest in so-called unconventional tactics and his willingness to circumvent traditional military channels were shaped by his experiences in Vietnam, where he served as a platoon commander. North was heavily involved in the Phoenix Program, a controversial counterinsurgency effort that targeted suspected communist sympathizers in Vietnam. The program involved the creation of a network of informants and paramilitary units, and the use of torture and assassination as tactics. This program is known for for having murdered thousands of suspected Viet Cong members, widely being criticized for its human rights abuses.

North’s experiences in Vietnam led him to see the world as a battleground between the forces of communism and democracy, and believed that the U.S. had a duty to use any means necessary to defeat the communist threat. 

Following the war, he became a instructor at the Marine Basic School from 1969 to 1974; director of the Northern Training Area in Okinawa, Japan (1973–1974); plans and policy analyst with the manpower division at Headquarters Marine Corps from 1975 to 1978; and operations officer (S3) for 3rd Battalion, 8th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune (1978–80). He graduated from the College of Naval Command and Staff at the Navy War College in 1981.

During the Reagan administration, Oliver North's counterinsurgency ideas were implemented in Latin America through a combination of military aid, covert operations, and support for right-wing regimes. One of the main ways that North's ideas were put into practice was through the provision of military aid to right-wing regimes and militias in the region. The Reagan administration provided billions of dollars in military aid to governments in countries such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which were fighting insurgent movements.

The military aid was often used to fund brutal counterinsurgency campaigns, which involved kidnapping, torture, and the use of death squads. These campaigns were carried out by government forces and paramilitary groups, which were often trained and equipped by U.S. military advisors. One example is the U.S. government’s training and support to the Salvadoran Army's Atlacatl Battalion, which was responsible for carrying out countless senseless murders and human rights abuses during the country's civil war.

Oliver North's ideas on counterinsurgency were not limited to Central America and other regions around the world. He also believed that these tactics could be applied in the United States itself, particularly in the event of a communist insurgency or other internal threat to national security.

North argued that the US government should create paramilitary units made up of civilians, which could operate outside of traditional military structures. These units would be trained and equipped by the government, but would be organized and led by civilians. North believed that this approach would allow the US to effectively combat insurgencies without triggering a constitutional crisis.

While there is no evidence that North's plan was ever fully implemented in the US, it is clear that his ideas had an impact on US counterinsurgency doctrine, leading to the development of right-wing militias through the 80s into the 2000s. Many of these groups have been infiltrated by the FBI, including the more “fraternity”-like organizations like the Proud Boys. Many of these groups were even founded by agents and “former” agents. 

North's ideas on counterinsurgency are likely to have influenced the post-Marcos Philippine government as they developed their own counterinsurgency plan. After the People Power Revolution of 1986, the new Philippine government continued to wage war against communist and Moro organizations. Initially the new president Corazon (Cory) Aquino sought peace talks with the Communists, but due to the pressure of Moonie and CIA-supported figures, Aquino became convinced of a militarized approach to getting rid of the insurgent threat. The Philippine government developed a counterinsurgency plan that emphasized unconventional tactics and the use of paramilitary forces. The plan was developed in consultation with the International Security Council, a private security firm founded by former CIA agents, with support from various Moonie front organizations. The plan drew heavily on the ideas of Oliver North and other U.S. officials who had advocated for unconventional means of combatting insurgencies. It emphasized the use of paramilitary forces, covert operations, and other non-traditional tactics. As mentioned earlier, these plans remain in effect and have only become more violent. 

[unclesamsmisguidedclub]

The Pandemic, The Ghosts of War, and a Brother Lost

The Pandemic, The Ghosts of War, and a Brother Lost

Officials knew of the danger in this pandemic. They even wrote about it as the “social distancing” requirements were pushed out. As businesses closed, and unemployment skyrocketed, they mentioneda possible rise in suicides. The incessant fear mongering of the media,  the loneliness of being “socially distanced” from friends, of being locked in the home…it takes a toll, especially on veterans with…

[servopedes]

Stolen from the IG page:

Assault Up [ @ass______up ]

[dominickuiper]

( michiel huisman + cis male ) — have you seen dominic kuiper? this forty two year old is an emergency room surgeon who resides in manhattan. he has been living in nyc for four years, and is known to be observant and driven, but can also be disconnected and cold, if you cross them. people tend to associate them with dog tags and an adrenaline rush. @codstarters​

triggers for military, car accident

general information.

full name: dominic joël kuiper. handle: dom, doc, coop. title: doctor. age: 42. date of birth: july 8th, 1978. place of birth: manhattan, new york. zodiac: cancer. gender: cis male. nationality: dutch-american. religion: agnostic. orientation: heteroromantic heterosexual. relationship status: single.

physical attributes.

face claim: michiel huisman. height: 6'0.5″. weight: 180 lbs. hair color: brown. eye color: hazel. tattoos: a tattoo of his marine battalion (2nd battalion, 1st marines) on his upper right forearm. distinguishing marks: various scars and marks from his years of service. outfit/clothing style: mostly scrubs because of work, otherwise casual attire - jeans, t-shirts and loose button-down shirts over them with boots.

background information.

hometown: manhattan, new york. current residence: manhattan, new york. past residences: various, as he was deployed for most of his military career. spoken languages: dutch, english, french. financial status: lower-upper class. education level: high school diploma, then military education. coop got his doctorates through the us navy. organization: navy hospital corpsman (formerly), marine combat medic (retired), manhattan general emergency room surgeon (present).

familial information.

mother: annmarie kuiper. father: richard kuiper. siblings: nora kuiper (deceased). children: none.

personality.

moral alignment: lawful neutral. mbti: estj-t - the executive. enneagram: type 1: the perfectionist. temperament: choleric.

short biography.

born in manhattan, new york to two lower-upper class parents. dominic was never one for wanting in his life, never went needing, and was always well-cared for. attended public school and graduated high school in the top three of his class.

small family - just mom, dad, himself and his younger sister nora - six years his junior. dom has always gotten along with his family and always felt protective over nora, but not overbearing.

enlisted in the navy right out of high school. rolled through basic, then transferred to san antonio, texas where he went through his training as a hospital corpsman. dom excelled in high-stress situations and quickly became a combat medic, following his interests into the marines where he found he could be of a better use than a submarine.

served in the marines 2nd battalion for most of his life. has been deployed a handful of times throughout his career and retired from active duty 6 years ago. (he is still reserves, though, and can be called back any time they need him).

became a member of doctors without borders (médicins sans frontéres) between deployments. served time in a handful of countries helping wherever he could. upon his official retirement from active duty, dom spent two years in europe with doctors without borders before returning home, to the states.

lost his sister in a car accident 4 years ago. he was completely heartbroken an still refuses to acknowledge her loss appropriately.

received his doctorates through the military, took a job at manhattan general in the emergency room as a surgeon upon coming back home.

last name is pronounced cooper - it’s dutch. his first language was dutch, he learned english in school.

will respond to: dom, doc, coop.

potential connections.

best friend: someone he connected with (be it from when he lived in ny in his life or not and kept connections to throughout his time in the service or someone he met when he came home) and spends a good portion of his time with when he’s not working or on-call.

coworkers: hospitals have a vast staff of doctors, nurses, etc. people he sees every day.

flings: 30+ please. not serious romantic connections. a man has needs. these would likely be one-off’s ---one night stands.

neighbors: he lives in a nice apartment in manhattan. big $$$ from working where he does, and having money from his family.

i’m open to various other connections, these are just some ideas!

[sgtgrunt0331-3]

U.S.Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, come under Taliban fire at Mian Poshte on July 3, 2009, during Operation Khanjar, intended to clear the Helmand Valley in preparation for the Afghan presidential election.

(Photo by David Furst/AFP)

[ourforgottenwars-blog]

Korean War Tag List

Here is the tag list for the Korean War as it currently stands:

                                                 General Tags

Korean War

Cold War

                                                     Battles

Battle of Chosin Reservoir

Battle of the Imjin River

Battle Of Incheon

Battle of Old Baldy

Second Battle of Seoul

Second Battle of Naktong Bulge

Second Battle of the Hook

Fourth Battle of the Hook

Battle of Taejon

Battle of Miudong

Battle of Yultong

                                                   Locations

Chorwon

Daejeon

Hong Kong

Kimpo Air Base

Heartbreak Ridge

Hagaru-ri

Han River

Hyesan

Inje County

Iwakuni

Singapore

Seoul

Suncheon

Suwon 

Miryang

Osan Air Base

Pyongyang

Waegwan

Yalu River

                                                 United States

                                                         Army

US Army

8th Army

1st Cavalry Division

2nd Infantry Division

2nd Engineer Battalion

7th Cavalry Regiment

7th Infantry Division

17th Infantry Regiment

24th Infantry Division

25th Infantry Division

27th Infantry Regiment

40th Infantry Division

45th Infantry Division

51st Signal Battalion

65th Infantry Regiment

77th Engineer Combat Company

89th Medium Tank Battalion

196th Field Artillery Battalion

388th Engineer Pipeline Company

398th Anti-Aircraft Artillery AW Battalion

937th Field Artillery Battalion 

                                                      Marines

1st Marine Division

1st Provisional Marine Brigade

7th Marines

11th Marine Regiment

US Marines

                                                         Navy

US Navy

VMJ-1

VF-24

VF-51

VMF-212

USS Badoeng Strait

                                                      Air Force

US Air Force

3rd Bombardment Wing

17th Bombardment Group

51st Fighter Interceptor Wing

67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

452nd Bombardment Wing

731st Bombardment Squadron

                                                        Britain

                                                         Army

British Army

Royal Artillery

Royal Army Service Corps

royal engineers

5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards

7th Royal Tank Regiment

8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars

27th Infantry Brigade

29th Infantry Brigade

King's Own Scottish Borderers

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

The Gloucestershire Regiment

Essex Regiment

Middlesex Regiment

Royal Norfolk Regiment

Royal Leicestershire Regiment

Royal Ulster Rifles

Black Watch

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Duke of Wellington's Regiment

                                                      Air Force

Royal Air Force

                                                         Navy

Royal Navy

800 Naval Air Squadron

802 Naval Air Squadron

                                                       Australia

                                                       Army

Australian Army

1RAR

2RAR

3RAR

                                                     Air Force

Royal Australian Air Force

No.77 Squadron

No.491 Squadron

                                                United Nations

United Nations

                                                    Philippines

PEFTOK

2nd Battalion Combat Team

10th Battalion Combat Team

14th Battalion Combat Team

19th Battalion Combat Team

20th Battalion Combat Team

                                                Commonwealth

1st Commonwealth Division

                                                      Colombia

Colombian Army

Colombian Navy

                                                        Canada

Canadian Army

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)

The Royal Canadian Regiment

Royal 22nd Regiment

25th Canadian Infantry Brigade

                                                       Ethiopia

Ethiopian Army

                                                         Turkey

turkish army

                                                         Greece

greek army

                                                  South Korea

1st Infantry Division

8th Infantry Division

South Korean Army

South Korean Marines

Korean Service Corps

                                                   North Korea

North Korean Army

                                                          China

People's Liberation Army

[whatelsev-blog]

OCS Test Prep

As you probably know by now, Academics play a HUGE role at OSC. From what I've been told there is much time to review material and it can be challenging to stay alert during lectures. At the end of Mini-OCS my Captain created a mock exam for the candidates  to get a feel for the real thing. I've recreated it below for my over achievers out there, best of luck. xo

Complete the 5 paragraph order skeleton: (click here to review!)

Orientation

Situation

______________

______________

______________

______________

_________

Friendly

T:_____

S:_____

U:_____

A:_____

L:_____

E:_____

Concepts of Operations

_________

_________

_________

_________

B:_____

B:_____

B:_____

B:_____

_________

_________

2. Weapons Safety Rules  

Treat every weapon as if it were ________.

Never ________ at anything you do not ________ to ________.

Keep your finger ________ and ________ the ________ until you are ready to fire.

Keep the weapon on ________ until you ________ to ________.

3. List the typical ranks for the following billets:

Rifleman: _________

Squad Leader: _________

Platoon Commander: _________

Company Commander: _________

Battalion Commander: _________

4. Match the Fire Team symbols

Rifleman

Automatic Rifleman

Fire Team Leader

Asst. Automatic Rifleman

5. Name the following Fire Team Formations

______________

______________

6. The Core Values of the Marine Corps are:

_______________

_______________

_______________

7. The Commandant of the Marine Corps is now:

Major Samuel Nicholas

General A. Lejeune

General Robert B. Neller

Lt. General Lewis "Chesty" Puller

8. The Marine Corps birthday is:

July 4, 1776

November 10, 1775

July 4, 1775

November 10, 1776

9. The birth place of the Marine Corps is:

Tun Tavern

Parris Island

8th and I Marine Barracks Washington DC

Marine Corps Quantico

10. The attack on New Providence, Bahamas was the first _____ conducted by the Marine Corps:

Foreign engagement

Aerial assault

Amphibious landing

Offensive combat

11. In what battle did the Marines receive the nickname Tuefelhunden (Devil Dogs)?

Iwo Jima

Tarawa

Hue City

Belleau Wood

12. Write-out any three General Orders:

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

13. Which are the 5 major terrain features used in land navigation:

Water, Ridge, Mountain, Saddle, Road

Hill, Ridge, Valley, Saddle, Depression

Roadway, Field, Hill, Water, Valley

14. Using the acronym for assistance, list the 14 Leadership Traits:

J_______

J_______

D_______

I_______

D_______

T_______

I_______

E_______

B_______

U_______

C_______

K_______

L_______

E_______

15. Fill in the Enlisted Rank structure:

E-1 ___________

E-2 ___________

E-3 ___________

E-4 ___________

E-5 ___________

E-6 ___________

E-7 ___________

E-8 ___________

E-8 ___________

E-9 ___________

E-9 ___________

E-9 ___________

16. Fill in the Officer Rank structure:

O-1 ___________

O-2 ___________

O-3 ___________

O-4 ___________

O-5 ___________

O-6 ___________

O-7 ___________

O-8 ___________

O-9 ___________

O-10 ___________

17. There are 11 Leadership Principles, name 2:

_______________________________

_______________________________

18. The 6 Troop Leading Steps (BAMCIS) are:

B: ___________________

A: ___________________

M: ___________________

C: ___________________

I:  ___________________

S: ___________________

19. What are the four main components that make up a MAGTF:

___________

___________

___________

___________

20. Write out each of the following Marine Corps acronyms/abbreviations:

MEU: ___________________

MEU (SOC): ___________________

MEF: ___________________

MEB: ___________________

CASEVAC: ___________________

CAX: ___________________

EGA: ___________________

FARP: ___________________

FMF: ___________________

FRAGO: ___________________

HQMC: ___________________

LZ: ___________________

MAGTF: ___________________

MOUT: ___________________

SNCOIC: ___________________

OCONUS: ___________________

PMO: ___________________

PX: ___________________

MCB: ___________________

MCAS: ___________________

RFI: ___________________

TAD: ___________________

VTOL: ___________________

21. "From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli..." is the beginning to what?

_________________________________________

22. True of False: The Marine Corps Service A uniform is allowed to be worn on liberty in public:

True

False

23. Do the following uniforms call for medals or ribbons?

Dress Blue A: _________

Dress Blue B: _________

24. Utilizing the map and each option in the word bank, identify the Marine Corps unit at each lettered location:

A: __________                     A:__________

B: __________                     D: __________

C: __________                     C: __________

D: __________                     E: __________

F: __________

*Answer Key

1. Complete the 5 paragraph order skeleton: (in-depth review is here!)

Orientation

Situation

Mission

Execution

Admin & Logistics

Command & Signal

Enemy

Friendly

T: time

S: size

U: unit

A: activity

L: location

E: equipment

Concepts of Operations

Task

Coordinating Instructions

TCMs or Security

Timeline

B: beans

B: bullets

B: bandaids

B: bad guys

Signal

Command

2. Weapons Safety Rules  

Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.

Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

Keep the weapon on safety until you intend to fire.

3. List the typical ranks for the following billets:

Rifleman: Private / Private First Class

Squad Leader: Corporal / Sergeant

Platoon Commander: 2nd Lieutenant / 1st Lieutenant

Company Commander: Captain

Battalion Commander: Lieutenant Colonel

4. Match the Fire Team symbols

Rifleman - D

Automatic Rifleman - C

Fire Team Leader - A

Asst. Automatic Rifleman - B

5. Name the following Fire Team Formations

Wedge

Column

6. The Core Values of the Marine Corps are:

Honor

Courage

Commitment

7. The Commandant of the Marine Corps is now:

Major Samuel Nicholas (traditionally known as the first Commandant.)

General John A. Lejeune ( "The greatest of all Leathernecks)

General Robert B. Neller

Lt. General Lewis "Chesty" Puller ( had the longest tenure as Commandant )

8. The Marine Corps birthday is:

July 4, 1776

November 10, 1775

July 4, 1775

November 10, 1776

9. The birth place of the Marine Corps is:

Tun Tavern

Parris Island

8th and I Marine Barracks Washington DC

Marine Corps Quantico

10. The attack on New Providence, Bahamas was the first _____ conducted by the Marine Corps:

Foreign engagement

Aerial assault

Amphibious landing

Offensive combat

11. In what battle did the Marines receive the nickname Tuefelhunden (Devil Dogs)?

Iwo Jima

Tarawa

Hue City

Belleau Wood

12. Write-out any three General Orders:

5th General Order - To quit my post only when properly relieved

7th General Order - To talk to no one except in the line of duty

9th General Order - To call the Corporal of the Guard in any case not covered by instructions

13. Which are the 5 major terrain features used in land navigation:

Water, Ridge, Mountain, Saddle, Road

Hill, Ridge, Valley, Saddle, Depression

Roadway, Field, Hill, Water, Valley

14. Using the acronym for assistance, list the 14 Leadership Traits:

Justice

Judgement

Decisiveness

Integrity

Dependability

Tact

Initiative

Enthusiasm

Bearing

Unselfishness

Courage

Knowledge

Loyalty

Endurance

15. Fill in the Enlisted Rank structure:

E-1 Private

E-2 Private First Class

E-3 Lance Corporal

E-4 Corporal

E-5 Sergeant

E-6 Staff Sergeant

E-7 Gunnery Sergeant

E-8 Master Sergeant

E-8 First Sergeant

E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant

E-9 Sergeant Major

E-9 Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

16. Fill in the Officer Rank structure:

O-1 2nd Lieutenant

O-2 1st Lieutenant

O-3 Captain

O-4 Major

O-5 Lieutenant Colonel

O-6 Colonel

O-7 Brigadier General

O-8 Major General

O-9 Lieutenant General

O-10 General

17. There are 11 Leadership Principles, name 2:

Keep your Marines informed

Know your Marines and look out for their welfare

18. The 6 Troop Leading Steps (BAMCIS) are:

B: begin the planning

A: arrange for reconnaissance

M: make reconnaissance

C: complete the planning

I:  issue the order

S: surprise

19. What are the four main components that make up a MAGTF:

Common Element

Ground Combat Element

Aviation Combat Element

Logistic Combat Element

20. Write out each of the following Marine Corps acronyms/abbreviations:

MEU: Marine Expeditionary Unit

MEU (SOC): MEU- Special Ops Capability

MEF: Marine Expeditionary Force

MEB: Marine Expeditionary Brigade

CASEVAC: Casualty Evacuation

CAX: Combined Arms Exercise

EGA: Eagle, Globe and Anchor

FARP: Forward Arming and Refueling Point

FMF: Fleet Marine Force

FRAGO: Fragmented Order (change in op order)

HQMC: Headquarters of Marine Corps

LZ: Landing Zone

MAGTF: Marine Air Ground Task Force

MOUT: Marine Ops on Urban Terrain

SNCOIC: Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge

OCONUS: Outside Continental United States

PMO: Provost Marshal Office (police)

PX: Post Exchange

MCB: Marine Corps Base

MCAS: Marine Corps Air Station

RFI: Request for Information

TAD: Temporary Active Duty

VTOL: Vertical Take-off Landing

21. "From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli..." is the beginning to what?

Marines' Hymn

22. True of False: The Marine Corps Service A uniform is allowed to be worn on liberty in public:

True

False

23. Do the following uniforms call for medals or ribbons?

Dress Blue A: Medals

Dress Blue B: Ribbons

24. Utilizing the map and each option in the word bank, identify the Marine Corps unit at each lettered location:

A: 2ndMARDIV (NC, Camp Lejeune)         A: 2nd MAW (NC, Cherry Point)

B: HQMC/OCS (VA, Quantico)                    D: 1stMAW (Japan, Foster)

C: 1stMARDIV (CA, Pendleton)                  C: 3rd MAW (CA, Miramar)

D: 3rd MARDIV (Japan, Smedley)              E: USN/USMC FLIGHT SCHOOL

F: __________

[mysticalpoliticsukpoliticshoagie]

U.S. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment are seen advancing while under fire during a battle with Iraqi troops in the southern city of Nasiriyah on Mach 23, 2003. Allied troops found stuborn resistance in and around the city during their northbound push torwards Baghdad.

[georgemcginn]

Winter Warriors: Marines Survive, Thrive in Snowy Mountains

View Online Winter Warriors: Marines Survive, Thrive in Snowy Mountains Jan. 31, 2023 | By Defense.gov Forget the Big Apple. For Marines, “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” might be more applicable to the remote, rugged Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, high in the Sierra Nevada. Marines assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment put the saying to the test…

[usapat]

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers conduct urban operations during Resolute Dragon 21 (RD21) at Ojojihara Proving Grounds, Japan.