March 12, 2008
They'll Need Tissues
If these clowns actually follow-through with this stunt, they're gonna find out that military recruiters can actually do something to defend themselves.
While most of the time recruiters are friendly, pleasant, and out-going, if these ass-hats in Pittsburgh try to
...confine military recruiters until they no longer pose a danger to our friends and neighborsthey're be dealing with a plethora of bloody noses. The better bring lots of tissues.
Too bad it's on the other side of the country - it would be amusing to see peaceniks getting their teeth shoved down their throats.
(Hat tip to LGF for bringing some laughter into the day)
Posted by Mad Mikey at 02:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
November 11, 2007
Veteran's Day 2007
Although it's late in the day for this, I'm still going to wish all veterans - Left, Right, Center or whatever - good thoughts on this day, Veteran's Day 2007.
As veterans, you've earned a day of recognition. For those who aren't veterans, this is a day that you should go out of your way to say 'Thank You' to a veteran.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 06:41 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 15, 2007
Silent but Deadly
Boo-freakin-YAH!!
Army records first UAV killsThis is some awesome stuff! This little ol UAV is flying high - silent as a mouse (from the ground's perspective) and it's able to announce it's presence with a laser-guided bomb.
When Army scouts in Iraq spotted two men planting a roadside bomb Sept. 1, they called in a nearby Hunter unmanned aircraft, which dropped a laser-guided bomb and killed the two men.
“We had the first confirmed use of an Army weaponized UAV,” said Col. Don Hazelwood, project manager for Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
The Army is mounting precision-guided weapons on hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hazelwood said.
The MQ-5B Hunter will carry the laser-guided GBU-44/B Viper Strike, a 42-pound glide bomb with a one-yard wingspan that can strike within one meter of its aim point.
Boo-FREAKIN-Yah!!!
I know....I know - the phrase 'boo-yah' is a Navy thing that only a squid would say and this is an Army operation, but still......it's freakin awesome!! I'm hoping that there is some video from this strike that will become available soon.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 07:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 31, 2006
Kerry Needs a Cork
I heard about this just this morning and it doesn't surprise me considering it's coming from John Kerry.
Not one. Little. Bit. Oddly enough, it was shocking enough to temporarily clear my mind of current domestic troubles.
Hell - my daughter was listening to this (we were listening to KFMB 760AM while I was driving her to school) and even she did a double-take on the radio followed by her asking me to confirm what she heard Kerry say.
I'm thinking that Kerry needs to hire a damage control team to help extract his foot from his mouth. That and to keep quite a few veterans from attempting to kick his ass into the middle of next week.
F**k You Kerry.....just plain FU.
UPDATE: Something that I spotted this morning:
Posted by Mad Mikey at 11:52 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack
June 06, 2006
Stealth Wings
You thought it was just another 'gimick' in a James Bond movie?
Wrong.
Here's something that the men of the 101st and 82nd airborne could have used 62 years ago:
Special forces to use strap-on 'stealth wings'That's some kick-ass stuff there....
Elite special forces troops being dropped behind enemy lines on covert missions are to ditch their traditional parachutes in favour of strap-on stealth wings.
The lightweight carbon fibre mono-wings will allow them to jump from high altitudes and then glide 120 miles or more before landing - making them almost impossible to spot, as their aircraft can avoid flying anywhere near the target.
The technology was demonstrated in spectacular fashion three years ago when Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner - a pioneer of freefall gliding - famously 'flew' across the English Channel, leaping out of an aircraft 30,000ft above Dover and landing safely near Calais 12 minutes later.
Wearing an aerodynamic suit, and with a 6ft wide wing strapped to his back, he soared across the sea at 220mph, moving six feet forward through the air for every one foot he fell vertically - and opened his parachute 1,000ft above the ground before landing safely.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 11:31 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 06, 2006
Law Schools Punked
You Harvard punks - now you have to either stop taking Federal funding for your 'special' projects or allow recruiters back on campus:
Supreme Court Upholds College Military Recruiting LawWASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that colleges that accept federal money must allow military recruiters on campus, despite university objections to the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays..
Justices rejected a free-speech challenge from law school professors who claimed they should not be forced to associate with military recruiters or promote their campus appearances.It's always stymied me as to why these colleges/universities are soooooo fearful of students being exposed to information about military service.....when they have no problem with taking money from the government and still talking smack about the military.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the decision, which was unanimous.
Law schools had become the latest battleground over the "don't ask, don't tell" policy allowing gay men and women to serve in the military only if they keep their sexual orientation to themselves.
Many universities forbid the participation of recruiters from public agencies and private companies that have discriminatory policies.
Roberts, writing his third decision since joining the court, said there are other less drastic options to protest the policy.
"A military recruiter's mere presence on campus does not violate a law school's right to associate, regardless of how repugnant the law school considers the recruiter's message," he wrote.
The federal law, known as the Solomon Amendment after its first congressional sponsor, mandates that universities give the military the same access as other recruiters or forfeit federal money." title = "Supreme Court Upholds College Military Recruiting Law">Supreme Court Upholds College Military Recruiting Law
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that colleges that accept federal money must allow military recruiters on campus, despite university objections to the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays.Justices rejected a free-speech challenge from law school professors who claimed they should not be forced to associate with military recruiters or promote their campus appearances.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the decision, which was unanimous.
Law schools had become the latest battleground over the "don't ask, don't tell" policy allowing gay men and women to serve in the military only if they keep their sexual orientation to themselves.
Many universities forbid the participation of recruiters from public agencies and private companies that have discriminatory policies.
Roberts, writing his third decision since joining the court, said there are other less drastic options to protest the policy.
"A military recruiter's mere presence on campus does not violate a law school's right to associate, regardless of how repugnant the law school considers the recruiter's message," he wrote.
The federal law, known as the Solomon Amendment after its first congressional sponsor, mandates that universities give the military the same access as other recruiters or forfeit federal money.
Now you sanctimonious hypocrites have to play nice or drum up funding from other sources....and you'll note that this wasn't a 'split' decision - it was unanimous.....even the liberal members of the court recognize just how stupid your argument was.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 08:38 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
December 19, 2005
Thank a Soldier Week
Bringing this Forward...
Thank a Soldier WeekDo it. Do it now, do it often.American soldiers are risking their lives all over the globe defending America's interests and defending the freedoms that many of us take for granted. During Thank a Soldier Week (December 19-25), Townhall.com is encouraging Americans to stop for a moment and give thanks to the men and women risking everything for us.
Here's what I wrote just now:
Dear Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Guardsman,I and my family just want to say THANK YOU for all of your service to this nation.
I'm a Navy veteran and I know that having someone take the time to simply say 'thank you' means a lot to me and to you.
We hope that this finds you in pleasant spirits - especially since you cannot be with your family for Christmas.
God Bless, take care, be safe, and never EVER forget that the American people are behind you 100%!!
Posted by Mad Mikey at 11:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 12, 2005
Good Call
Another reason to like Gary Sinise in addition to his acting skills:
Sinise Named Spokesman for Veterans Group
NEW YORK (AP) - Gary Sinise will serve as the national spokesman for the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial Foundation.
The actor, who played Vietnam vet "Lt. Dan" Taylor in "Forrest Gump," agreed to the spokesman position, it was announced Friday. The foundation is working to build a disabled veterans memorial in Washington D.C. near the Capitol.
"I am deeply moved to have been asked to participate in this absolutely necessary memorial," Sinise said in a statement. "I can only hope that my participation will help draw attention to the cause and ensure its successful fruition as the nation's first and only such tribute built specifically to these courageous men and women."
Posted by Mad Mikey at 03:53 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 20, 2005
Air Show Photos II
 C-2A Greyhound  F-15 Eagle  AH-1 Cobra Gunship |  F-5N Adversary  AV-8B Harrier VSTOL aircraft |
Posted by Mad Mikey at 01:07 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 17, 2005
Air Show Photos I
 B-52 Stratofortress
|  C-5A Galaxy Transport
|
Posted by Mad Mikey at 09:34 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
October 12, 2005
The Golden Ticket
An early birthday present from my wife: a ticket to the 2005 Miramar Air Show this Sunday!! And not just any ticket - this one is for one of the 'preferred' areas: the Flight Deck Chalet. W00t!!
I'll be taking my digital camera along to attempt to get some shots of both the static displays and the Blue Angels exhibition.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 10:51 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 06, 2005
Get Over It and Get Along
Japanese Observe Hiroshima's AnniversaryOh geez...get over it already. We won, you lost and in a BIG way.
HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) - Hiroshima marked the 60th anniversary Saturday of the first atomic bomb attack with prayers and water for the dead and a call by the city's mayor for nuclear powers to abandon their arsenals and stop "jeopardizing human survival."
At 8:15 a.m., the instant of the blast, the city's trolleys stopped and more than 55,000 people assembled at Peace Memorial Park observed a moment of silence that was broken only by the ringing of a bronze bell.
A flock of doves was released into the sky. Then wreaths and ladles of water - symbolizing the suffering of those who died in the atomic inferno - were offered at a simple, arch-shaped stone monument at the center of the park.
Outside the nearby A-Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings left standing after the blast, peace activists held a die-in to commemorate the bombing that turned life to death for more than 140,000 and forever changed the face of war.
You want to help stop this from happening again?! Then don't start a war morons....
Posted by Mad Mikey at 10:52 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
July 08, 2005
V-22 Osprey Testing
By way of John Little at Blogs of War comes a peek inside the V-22 Osprey
Saving the Pentagon's Killer Chopper-PlaneGood stuff. Makes me wish I worked down at Pax River.
22 years. $16 billion. 30 deaths. The V-22 Osprey has been an R & D nightmare. But now the dream of a tilt-rotor troop transport could finally come true.
The Osprey's rotors, pointing upward, dig into the air with an earsplitting thrum. The 16.5-ton aircraft rises to 15 feet. It floats for half a minute, then tilts its rotors and slides 300 feet to the right. Then to the left. The three-man crew is checking tolerances at low hover. "See how smooth it flies?" says Scott Trail, shouting over the prop noise. Trail, a major in the Marines, is one of a dozen test pilots on the Osprey, and, like MacDonald, he's a big fan. Three years ago he flew troops into Afghanistan in Sea Knights, the Vietnam-era transport helicopter. Twice as old as most of the guys on board, the Sea Knights were so creaky that Trail could carry only eight passengers at a time (even though the chopper has seats for 24).
"Watch this," he says. The Osprey starts to move forward, gathering speed like a dragster tearing down the track. The nacelles start to rotate forward - 10 degrees, 30, 70, 90 - until the helicopter has morphed into an airplane and is roaring at 290 miles per hour. In 15 seconds the conversion is complete. The plane shoots skyward and disappears over the horizon.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 02:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 01, 2005
Support the Troops
Take a few moments to send a Trooper, Marine, Sailor, or Airman an e-mail today: America Supports You.
I did this morning and I'm hoping to hear back from whomever received my message.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 29, 2005
Adios Scumbag
My heart bleeds purple slush water for this scumbag:
Akbar Convicted of Murder in Grenade AttackTwo words come to mind when thinking about how this piece of filth should be punished:
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An Army sergeant was convicted Thursday by a military jury of premeditated murder and attempted murder in a grenade and rifle attack that killed two of his comrades and wounded 14 others in Kuwait during the opening days of the Iraq war.
Hasan Akbar, 34, now faces a possible death penalty, which the 15-member jury will consider at a hearing that begins Monday.
Prosecutors say Akbar told investigators he launched the attack because he was concerned U.S. troops would kill fellow Muslims in Iraq. They said he coolly carried out the attack to achieve "maximum carnage" on his comrades in the 101st Airborne Division.
Hangman's Noose.
UPDATE: YES!!!
Jury Returns Death Sentence in GI KillingsFORT BRAGG, N.C. - A military jury sentenced a soldier to death Thursday for a deadly grenade and rifle attack on his own comrades during the opening days of the Iraq invasion, a barrage that prosecutors said was triggered by religious extremism.
Sgt. Hasan Akbar, who gave a brief, barely audible apology hours earlier, stood at attention between his lawyers as the verdict was delivered. He showed no emotion.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
'Mail Call' on The History Channel
The History Channel's Mail Call cause it's fun to watch Gunny Ermey blow stuff up....
Posted by Mad Mikey at 08:07 AM | Comments (1)
April 20, 2005
Google Shows All
I posted something last week about using Google to take a sky-high peek at any place here in the United States.
I was showing a friend of mine (let's just call her Elly) this feature on Google. I zoomed in on UCSD and showed her the Price Center and the parking lot where she parks. I then zoomed in on the Navy base where I work and showed her different landmarks on the base that look itty-bitty from orbit, specifically the static aircraft mounted on pedestals on the main drag.
As I was driving into work this afternoon and going past those static planes the thought occured to me: what is to stop someone from using this Google Map function to plan a terrorist attack?? Granted, the resolution of the satellite imagery isn't great, but it's still good enough to get a idea of the layout of any specific area.
For instance:
- here in San Diego taking a peek at NAS North Island overall
- or maybe checking to see what happening with some of the operational squadrons (showing aircraft on the tarmac) here and here
- or maybe the air terminal on the base
- or perhaps what the layout of the carrier pier is like. (That is the USS Stennis you see in that shot)
- Andrews AFB in Maryland?
- what type of ships are in-port at Norfolk Naval Station?
- Guantanomo Bay, Cuba?
- Bangor Naval Reservation which is the major submarine base on the West Coast?
Posted by Mad Mikey at 02:30 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
April 18, 2005
Doolittle Raid over Tokyo
Today I walked into work and was peeling back the day-by-day calendar featuring historic aircraft and was reminded that today was the 63rd anniversary of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.
.jpg "B-25 Lifting off the deck")
On April 18, 1942 sixteen B-25 Mitchell medium bombers performed a first-time take off from the USS Hornet while 600 miles off the coast of Japan. The initial plan was to have the Hornet close to within 400 miles and launch Doolittle's bombers, but the discovery of the task force by a Japanese picket boat hastened the departure. Better to launch now instead of having the bombers on the Hornet's deck when the presumed air attack came.
.jpg "B-25 revving up for takeoff (Note white lines painted on the deck to guide the pilot during the rollout)")
The B-25 crews hurried to take anything non-essential off the planes to lighten the load enough to accommodate the extra gasoline that would be needed to cover the extra distance to their targets in mainland Japan. This even included the .50-calibre machine guns, which left the planes virtually defenseless while flying into the heart of the enemy airspace.
Most of the planes were to target military targets around the Tokyo area. And while their payload was light - four 500-pound bombs, one of which was an incendiary bomb intended to make as much damage as possible to the multiple wooden buildings near the target areas - and there wouldn't be much strategic damage done, the mere presence of American bombers over Japan would not only strike a blow to Japanese moral, but would give American moral a much needed boost.
There's a ton of information on the Internet about this raid and it's always been fascinating to me ever since I read '30 Seconds over Tokyo' by Ted Lawson as a kid.
Sadly, this historic raid was somehow tied into the storyline in the movie Pearl Harbor and I cringe whenever I think about how these brave crews were minimized for a Hollywood plotline. The one aspect (that I spotted) that was preserved was that one of the B-25s was dubbed 'The Ruptured Duck' and this was retained in the movie.
This is the kind of bravado that distinguishes American soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the rest - doing what is deemed impossible, doing it with panache, and making sure that everyone knows it was American know-how that got the job done.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2005
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
I was talking to my study-buddy about the Joint Strike Fighter the other day and started digging around on the Internet to find information about the variants of this aircraft.
I hit paydirt when I found the official Joint Strike Fighter Program web site.
What's really interesting about this aircraft and the (so far) three variations of it is that 70% of the parts are compatible/interchangeable between the three versions.
SIDENOTE: For some reason, the 70% number sticks in my mind although I cannot find this particular figure on the JSF site. If I'm in error on this number, please forgive me.
Commonality(Not to mention this graphic might be why I'm thinking ~70%.)
Commonality is the key to affordability – on the assembly line; in shared-wing planforms; in common systems that enhance maintenance, field support and service interoperability; and in almost 100 percent commonality of the avionics suite. Component commonality across all three variants reduces unique spares requirements and the logistics footprint. In addition to reduced flyaway costs, the F-35 is designed to affordably integrate new technology during its entire life cycle.
This increase in redundancy will not only allow the Defense Department to reduce the necessity of spare parts for all sorts of front-line aircraft in the 21st century, but it will also enable 'cross-decking' (pardon me, it's a Navy term) of spare parts AND maintenance personell between the services.
The differences between them might not be obvious:
- The F-35A Conventional Take & Landing (CTOL) variant will be slated to replace the F-16 Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II and complement the F/A-22 Raptor (currently in development).
- The F-35B Short Take Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) will replace the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18 Hornet as the only strike fighter in use in the U.S. Marine Corps airwing.
- The F-35C Carrier Variant (CV) will be utilized to augment/compliment the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 E/F Hornet.
As I said to my friend about this: Overall, freaking cool.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 04:56 PM | Comments (6)
'Infantry'
GrouchyMedia.com has a new video up on it's site: Infantry.
Download it, slip on those headphones, and let 'er rip!!
And if you like that one, definitely take a gander at the other ones. My favorites are 'Die Terrorist Die' and 'Harrier Boom'.
Posted by Mad Mikey at 04:27 PM | Comments (5)