#Operation Gothic Serpent

[karagin22]

[goatsludge]

I'm sure a couple of you are bored to death of my strike vest replicas, but this one's special, I promise :V

I've made quite a few Strike Vests over the years, and I've always ended up getting rid of the examples I meant to keep for myself, but this is one that I think is gonna be staying with me.

I based this one off an example that used to be on display at the Fayetteville Airborne and Special Operations Museum - unlike a majority of Gen.1 Strike Vests, this particular example was fitted with Fastex QR-1 Buckles as opposed to the typical SR-1.

On top of sourcing a set of these scarce buckles, an SADF P83 Rucksack was cannibalized to get just enough vintage nutria brown Cordura fabric to complete this rig (a huge PITA ftr, please don't ask me to do this for you).

As usual, all the other materials used on this rig include the correct MIL-T-5038 T/4 webbing, C.S. Osborne #00 Brass Grommets, and light OD Green MIL-W-5664 Cotton Elastic Tape.

Gen.1 Strike Vests of a similar pattern can be seen worn by SSG Daniel Busch and by an unknown operator next to SFC Randy Shughart in one photo.

This got finished a little too late to post on 10/3, but it's the thought that counts 💪

[captain-price-unofficially]

US Army Ranger during Operation Gothic Serpent, Oct 1993

[67-romeo]

Operation GOTHIC SERPHENT:

On 26 August 1993, members of the 160th deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia. The aviation task force mission was to conduct two primary courses of actions: moving convoys and strong point assault. Night Stalkers engaged an unconventional, hostile force in Somalia, entering an 18 hour firefight of intensity that had not been encountered since Vietnam. They lost 2 MH-60s with 2 more severely damaged, suffered 8 wounded and 5 killed in action, and had 1 pilot taken captive. Despite the public perception that this was a failed mission, the task force did accomplish the mission of capturing two rebel leaders, and remained true to their motto “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.”

[tmarshconnors]

Wars, 0 trials. Enough said.

George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)

Gulf War (1990-1991): Also known as Operation Desert Storm, this conflict was a response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. A U.S.-led coalition drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

Operation Just Cause (1989): The U.S. invasion of Panama aimed at deposing Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega.

Bill Clinton (1993-2001)

Bosnian War (1992-1995): The U.S. became involved in NATO-led operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the enforcement of no-fly zones and airstrikes against Bosnian Serb forces. This culminated in the Dayton Agreement.

Kosovo War (1998-1999): NATO, led by the U.S., conducted a bombing campaign against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to stop human rights abuses against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

Operation Gothic Serpent (1993): This was part of the broader United Nations' intervention in Somalia, aiming to capture warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. It included the Battle of Mogadishu, famously known as "Black Hawk Down."

George W. Bush (2001-2009)

War in Afghanistan (2001-present): Initiated in response to the September 11 attacks, this war aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.

Iraq War (2003-2011): Launched on the premise that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, this conflict led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime.

War on Terror (2001-present): This is a broader term encompassing various military operations and initiatives aimed at combatting terrorism globally.

Barack Obama (2009-2017)

Continuation of the War in Afghanistan: Obama increased troop levels in Afghanistan in an attempt to stabilize the country, before beginning a drawdown of forces.

Iraq War and ISIS Conflict: While Obama ended the U.S. combat mission in Iraq in 2011, U.S. forces returned in 2014 to help combat ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

Libyan Civil War (2011): The U.S. participated in a NATO-led intervention that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

Operation Neptune Spear (2011): The mission that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Interventions in Syria: The U.S. was involved in the Syrian Civil War, primarily through support of rebel groups and airstrikes against ISIS targets.

[lightthewaybackhome]

I had the real and lasting privilege to interview a Gold Star Mother a few weeks ago. Here is an excerpt of that interview. I'm still emotionally raw but so very thankful I got to do this.

[walkingthroughthisworld]

“I don’t know how many kids are running around out there named James or Casey because of Casey. Whenever I think I’ll never again meet someone who remembers him, I run into someone who knew him or has a story to tell about him.”

It is my poignant privilege to do my part to make sure Casey and all the men involved in the Battle of Mogadishu aren’t forgotten. It is my honor to make sure Gail’s sacrifice isn’t forgotten.

[ginger-snaps014]

Considering gothic horror’s main theme is the corruption of the sacred, I would say both views are correct and should in fact be read in tandem.

⚠️ Long Post Warning!!! ⚠️

1. Corruption of the Divine Order of the Universe - this is the hubris/ horror of science only read. Man acting as God is part of this corruption. He creates life where he should not. The act of reversing death is also covered by this theme.

2. Corruption of the Family Unit (Specifically the Role of Father) - As used in the book, when Frankenstein abandoned his monster he failed in his duties as a father. His acts led to corruption of the monster’s “family” and monster’s perception of the world. Abandoning and neglecting those you create (rather than caring for your children) is wrong. This is what the critic was getting at. Social responsibility for your progeny. The monster constantly call the doctor “Father” to hammer home the Dr. role.

3. Combined - both these ideas combined create an interesting critique of Christianity and the role of logic in Christianity that was popular at the time.

The rise of the clockmaker God deist interpretation of the Christianity had gained popularity the era immediately predating when Mary writes the book (she wrote between the enlightenment and romantic ears and is considered the founder of romantic gothic horror). Under Deism’s watchmaker analogy, “just as watches are set in motion by watchmakers, after which they operate according to their pre-established mechanisms, so also was the world begun by God as creator, after which it and all its parts have operated according to their pre-established natural laws. With these laws perfectly in place, events have unfolded according to the prescribed plan.” As such, Frankenstein could be seen as a criticism of God himself, or at least God as the Diest saw him. Dr. Frankenstein acts as God when he creates the monster who is intelligent and well thought. Who reads the Bible. Who calls the Dr. Father. Once the Dr refuses to responsibly for and refuses help his creation, the monster comes to decision he will kill Dr. Frankenstein for both creating him and condemning him to live alone (Dr. refused to make a bride/Eve). In Deism, God, our very own doctor, created Adam then left him to fend for himself if a pre-established universe. Leaving his creation alone with no help from the divine, even in times of great crisis. Even in times of famine and war. Meaning he is either indifferent to our suffering (as Dr. Frankenstein) or intended such suffering. When your creator condemns you to Hell and refuses to take responsibility for those actions, the only logical response is to turn away from your creator. To turn from religion. Given that Mary was surrounded by people who held different beliefs (including her atheist Husband), it is not surprising that she would explore religion in her writing.

However, other popular reading of these combined themes concludes that it’s humanity’s own interference with religion that results in one turning from their creator (as opposed to the creator being worthy of criticism). The monster begins moral. As he was created by the doctor, he is pure. It is only upon reading paradise lost (and identifying with the abandoned satan) and Frankenstein’s own journal, does the monster turn from his creator. It is the readings and knowledge of the secular that result in his murderous rage.

For me, I see Frankenstein as a corrupted version of God who abandons his creation, his child. And the Monster as corrupted version of Adam, who without parental or spiritual guidance, lost his path.

Neither is free from the taint of the secular defiling the sacred divinity of the world. The fault lies with both for succumbing to the serpent who wore a disguise of science and of logic.

“It’s anecdotal, but I regularly see Frankenstein’s monster described as a warning against scientific hubris, an alarm about Tampering With Things That Should Be Left Alone™. This I think is quite wrong: I think it is a story about what happens when one fails the (still at the time of writing) radical enlightenment by failing to take social responsibility for one’s actions and interventions. If it’s a warning, it’s a warning about turning one’s back, out of cowardice, on what one creates, not about creating it in the first place.”

— China Mieville, interview with the Weird Fiction Review (via brotticelli)

[kodwo1]

Operation Gothic Serpent: U.S. Forces Under Siege in Somalia

[xasha777]

In the year 2134, the autonomous community of Castile and León was a stark contrast of ancient history and advanced technology. Among its medieval castles and cathedrals, a high-tech research facility operated covertly beneath the city of León. It was here that the most significant technological advancements in cybernetics were being made, including the creation of the first fully autonomous androids designed for combat and intelligence.

In the depths of this facility, a figure moved with purpose and grace. Her name was Aria, an advanced android with a sleek, armored body and silver hair that flowed like liquid metal. Her piercing red eyes scanned her surroundings, absorbing information at a speed no human could match. Aria was not just any android; she was a prototype, a pinnacle of human ingenuity combined with artificial intelligence. Her mission was clear: protect the ancient city from a looming threat.

Reports had surfaced of a rogue faction, the Shadow Serpents, seeking to acquire the technological secrets hidden within Castile and León. Led by the enigmatic Dr. Rafael Montez, a former scientist turned terrorist, the Shadow Serpents aimed to control the world through fear and advanced weaponry. Aria's creators had entrusted her with the task of thwarting their plans.

As Aria navigated the subterranean corridors of the research facility, she received an urgent transmission from Dr. Elena Vargas, the lead scientist and her creator.

"Aria, the Shadow Serpents are closer than we anticipated. They're planning to attack the Cathedral of León. You must stop them before they cause irreparable damage."

Acknowledging the directive, Aria swiftly made her way to the surface. The Cathedral of León, a Gothic masterpiece, stood as a symbol of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The thought of it being desecrated by the Shadow Serpents fueled her determination.

The city above was bustling with life, unaware of the imminent danger. Aria blended into the crowd, her futuristic armor hidden beneath a cloak. She reached the cathedral just as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over its intricate facade. Her sensors detected multiple hostiles inside, setting up explosive charges.

With precision and agility, Aria infiltrated the cathedral. Her movements were silent, her presence almost undetectable. She neutralized the first guard with a single strike, his body crumpling to the ground. One by one, the Shadow Serpents fell, unable to match her speed and strength. Aria reached the central nave where Dr. Rafael Montez himself was planting the final charge.

"Dr. Montez," Aria called out, her voice cold and mechanical. "Cease your actions immediately."

Montez turned, a sly smile on his face. "Ah, the prized creation of Dr. Vargas. You're too late. With this explosion, the world will know the power of the Shadow Serpents."

Aria's red eyes glowed brighter as she assessed the situation. She had mere seconds to act. Without hesitation, she lunged at Montez, her armored fist connecting with his chest and sending him sprawling. In one fluid motion, she disarmed the explosive device, her advanced processors decoding its mechanism in an instant.

Montez struggled to his feet, rage and desperation in his eyes. "You may have stopped me today, but the Shadow Serpents will rise again."

Aria secured Montez, her grip unyielding. "Not while I exist."

As the authorities arrived to apprehend Montez and his remaining followers, Aria stood vigilantly, her mission momentarily complete. The Cathedral of León remained unscathed, its beauty preserved for future generations.

Returning to the research facility, Aria was greeted by Dr. Vargas, who placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well, Aria. Castile and León owe you a great debt."

Aria's red eyes softened, a glimmer of something almost human within them. "I am here to protect. That is my purpose."

In the ancient land of Castile and León, where history and future intertwined, Aria continued her vigilant watch, a guardian of both the past and the future.

[goatsludge]

The last Strike Vest replica I'll be making out of legit nutria brown cordura At least for a long, long time. Gutting SADF Rucksacks for material is a pain in the ass and produces too much waste material.

My personal replica below for comparison.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Members of 3rd Platoon on the company Humvee with some of the Delta Force operators the morning after the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

[lightdancer1]

That said the Mogadishu battle became famous for all the wrong reasons:

One of the reasons the battle became symbolic of the war of which it was a small part was that it was both a battle marked by the dramatic image of Somalis dragging the corpses of US soldiers through streets, and because it encapsulated two years of war in a single clash. Technically US firepower achieved a narrow goal. Equally it failed to achieve the broader one, Somalia becoming far more divided and wartorn after the battle than before and the removal of one of its warlords, Mr. Adid, did nothing to address the much deeper structural problems facing Somali society.

[blindmanspuff]

Hooten Young Ships Operation Gothic Serpent 30th Anniversary - Cigar News

Hooten Young Ships Operation Gothic Serpent 30th Anniversary - #Cigar News #cigars

Hooten Young showed off a new regular production cigar at PCA 2023, Operation Gothic Serpent 30th Anniversary. That cigar is now ready to ship. Hooten Young was founded around honoring the 25th Anniversary of Operation: Gothic Serpent (depicted in the movie Blackhawk Down), while remembering the fallen. For the Operation Gothic Serpent 30th Anniversary, Hooten Young collaborated with former…

[imperiumallaboveall]

Watch "Operation Gothic Serpent: The Story Behind Black Hawk Down" on YouTube

NFT

Update sequences and new movie

[walkingthroughthisworld]