By So did any of you all reading this involved in making this pretty cool picture?
About 5,000 members of the 2nd Infantry Division came here from bases all over the peninsula Thursday to be photographed as part of a “living insignia,” or human re-creation of the patch worn by those in the division.
In doing so, the 2nd ID was repeating something done 84 years earlier, in November 1925, when a comparable number of division soldiers gathered on a parade field at Fort Sam Houston in Texas to pose for a similar photograph.
After Thursday’s photo was snapped, division commander Maj. Gen. John W. Morgan III thanked those in attendance for being “part of history.”
Lt. Col. Michael Anastasia, the coordinator of the event, said the photo shoot was more than just an interesting idea.
“This picture really reflects the camaraderie, the teamwork and the brotherhood that we have serving in the Warrior Division,” he said. “We really hope as this photo gets published around the Army, that soldiers would seriously consider taking a tour of duty in Korea and serving in the 2nd Infantry Division.” [Jon Rabiroff - Stars & Stripes]
5:34 pm on May 22nd, 2009 1
The worsest day to do this. The whole "If it ain't rainin we ain't tranin" thing was a joke. That really only fits if your in the field! Not class A's and dress Blues. Old Gen. Morgan had to be known for something seeing as he didn't do squat his entire reign over 2ID.
9:42 pm on May 22nd, 2009 2
My tax dollars paid for this crap? The leadership in the 2ID must really be lacking.
9:31 am on May 23rd, 2009 3
Everyone that reads this and sees the "great" picture don't have a clue of all what went into this. Someone needs to send in an IG complaint. First off, it was raining to the point, all the Soldiers were soaking wet, wearing their class As and blues, needless to say, there will be claims against the government for that. Then rumor floating around, over $60K was spent on buses alone, at a time when the economy is still soured, someone decided to spend the money anyway. Don't forget the amount of money spent on three cherry-picker trucks. Worst off, while all the Soldiers were standing in the rain waiting, the division leadership were dry underneath a covered area, only to come out when the time was right for the picture, then took off again to their vehicles. (While all their Soldiers they lead were standing in rain for over 2-3 hours!)
I am sure some militray official will try to find out everyperson who complained on this site, I ask you don't because that is clearly retribution against speaking the truth.
1:09 pm on May 23rd, 2009 4
The general was happy. He done a good thing for the troops. (And his image in history) Of course the troops and anyone else who gets wind of the event will damn him to hell.
1:30 pm on May 23rd, 2009 5
#2 & 3
The IG won't give a damn about this.
They'd rather hound some 1st Sargent for getting laid than take on a General for squandering thousands of dollars on a photo op.
8:05 pm on May 23rd, 2009 6
This thing has been done in the past…..go check the 2ID museum at Red Cloud
12:41 am on May 24th, 2009 7
ok..the article makes you feel like it was joyous but honestly it had to be the worst day in my military career..i love the picture but no one should have warriors in the rain for 2 1/2 hrs in their class As!! i mean jus reschedule..i wonder how many soldiers got sick that day cuz it rained the whole time we where out there..but i guess that jus what we gotta deal with sometimes..
4:44 am on May 24th, 2009 8
Hmmm, posing troops for a mass participation picture, sounds so, I don't know…uh, North Korean? And forcing soldiers to spend hours in the rain with the 2ID Commander and other leaders under cover rather than leading by example and standing out in the rain with their troops will leave soldiers with a much longer lasting memory than the picture for which they posed. No question that they produced a cool picture just as the North Korean mass human displays are pretty cool. But then the North Koreans have a system in which abusing soldiers and citizens is the norm but for an American Division Commader to treat his soldiers like "potted plants" is completely inappropriate. What the 2ID clearly needs is a good Command Sergeant Major who can suggest "WTF?" and/or "dumb idea Sir" rather than, "this will be a great recruitng tool and demonstrate our espirit." My only question is, have they changed the Division Commander's call sign to "Dear Warrior Leader Six" yet? They should.
12:15 pm on May 24th, 2009 9
I'd have to agree, kinda cool idea, having seen the original. But… The good General and leadership should not have stood under cover while the soldiers were drenched. This action alone taints the intent of the photo and lessens the espirit de corp of the division. Either that, or reschedule.
Morgans stock went way down on this one.
12:17 pm on May 24th, 2009 10
Pewee thanks for commenting. That is really jacked up they had everyone standing out in the rain in their dress uniforms for this picture. That is even more jacked up the CG wasn't staying out in the rain with you.
Don't worry about retribution, the military has no control or access over this site.
12:20 pm on May 24th, 2009 11
I agree as well that the common sense thing to do would be to reschedule this photo if they were committed to doing it. Or at least have organized to have a large tent or something set up to give shelter to the soldiers instead of having them stand in the rain. Talk about some piss poor leadership on this one.
3:21 pm on May 24th, 2009 12
Standing in the pouring rain for three hours while ruining my Class A uniform was not my idea of a good time, but I can only wonder if the leadership will be held accountable to the taxpayers for such a silly waste of money……
3:36 pm on May 24th, 2009 13
…and, as usual, Stars & Stripes reported the "facts" without reporting the story.
…which is one of the many factors that allows this fraud, waste and abuse to flourish.
While the entire article was full of money-shot quotes, my favorite must have been…
"Alexander said the rain actually may have added something to the experience that will get more interesting as time passes."
Yeah… much like a good beating adds to the experience of a raape.
5:02 pm on May 24th, 2009 14
Yeah, I always love those wide eyed "it's not so bad" quotes they dig up.
I wonder what the ratio of "this shiat sucks a$$" to "…the rain actually may have added something to the experience that will get more interesting as time passes.” was?
20 to 1? 40 to 1? Was Alexander perhaps the CO's driver, sitting in the Hummer? I bet ole Alexander is at least getting 'good natured' fun poked at him at this very moment back in the unit.
I wondered why all those soldiers were walking around all over post, all dressed up, in the RAIN! None I talked to had any positive slant to lend to the fiasco, period. Maybe I should have asked Alexander.
5:10 pm on May 24th, 2009 15
"Lt. Col. Michael Anastasia, the coordinator of the event, said the photo shoot was more than just an interesting idea."
“This picture really reflects the camaraderie, the teamwork and the brotherhood that we have serving in the Warrior Division,” he said. “We really hope as this photo gets published around the Army, that soldiers would seriously consider taking a tour of duty in Korea and serving in the 2nd Infantry Division.”
I wonder if that is an indicator as to why he is commonly referred to as "Colonel Fanstasia"?
6:27 pm on May 24th, 2009 16
Alexander is a retired USAR colonel. He's the curator of the 2ID museum, having replaced a pedophile a couple of years ago.
8:14 pm on May 24th, 2009 17
Ah yes….Of course we are blessed with the standard bantering of esprit de corps, unit history, brotherhood, warriors, team, etc., which are typically used in an attempt to motivate the pawns and this go-round mostly used to justify this frigging nonsense. Ive been in the army almost half my life so Im not ignorant to the fact that warfighting is an all weather, dynamic environment requiring training of the same nature which inevitably will require some hardship to meet whatever objective is at hand….But WTF were they thinking, I dont see any valid point of all the wasted money and time that went on. After about 30 minutes of standing in the rain my over saturated poncho began to leak soaking my shirt, class A pants drenched and my low quarters covered in grass and mud I looked around. SFC next to me in completely soaked dress blues, PFC full class As indian head patch starting to bleed from the water and Im sure all 3 of his ribbons ruined and all I could think was that this was the most senseless thing I have ever seen. I had to go to the porta-john to relieve myself and I found some common sense in there out of the rain!!
1:40 pm on May 27th, 2009 18
hellz yes son. thats my boy motherb-izzaerch all up in the front of dats. HELLZ YES SON. ig him in the facial cavities…all up in em. ALL UP IN EM. your mah boy blue/bizzy,motherbirchin mofo
1:43 pm on May 27th, 2009 19
YESSSS how much birch could a birchchuck chuck if a birchchuck could chuck birch son!
2:30 pm on May 27th, 2009 20
I wonder if any of you stood out in the rain for almost 6 hours like I did, running laps around that human patch with my SGM trying to get it together.
Here are some facts:
1) MOST of the division leadership was standing in the rain with everyone else. Yes, there were a couple of "leaders" that stayed under the pavillion; that lasted until I saw it and fixed it. Enough said.
2) The Chief of Staff was out in the rain a solid 2 to 3 hours. The CG for at least a full hour; the division CSM was out there almost as long as I was.
3) All of the division leadership had a GOSC to go to immediately after the photo was taken – that's why some of them pulled pitch as soon as it was over. Almost every soldier was on a bus or on their way home within 20-30 minutes of being released. I know – I was one of the last to leave that field. Units that didn't board the buses immediately did so under the leadership of their own battalions/companies. Division released with the expectation that your immediate, first line leaders would take care of you.
4) The picture was actually executed a full hour before planned; the soldiers who participated formed-up faster than we had thought, so someone grabbed their manhood and called the boss and told him to get there earlier. That was good work on the part of the troops, who for the most part embraced the suck and got it done.
5) Grand total of complaints submitted to IG as of 28 1200I MAY 2009: 0
6) Grand total of soldiers who made history without having to get shot at by AK-47 wielding maniacs wearing dish towels on their heads: 5213
Yes gentlemen, it sucked; a lot of things could have been done better. Unfortunately, for reasons that would turn this posting into a novel, this was the only day we could do it. That is why there was no "make-up day" planned. It was that day or it wasn't going to happen.
I acknowledge that if that was a mob armed with pitchforks and torches the G3 would have been through. They would have piled kindling under his cherrypicker and burned him like an offering to Wotan. But they didn't. Anyone care to guess why?
It's because they are Soldiers – American Soliders. They held their discipline, they executed a task to standard under horrible conditions, and years from now they will brag about being in that picture. Yes it was stupid and unfair – but guess what – life is stupid and unfair. If life were fair I'd be 6'2" and I'd look like Tom Cruse.
The things people are complaining about here are stupid. The amount of money we spent on making this happen is chump change. This Division spends more than that on photocopier machine contracts. Boo-hoo, my uniform is ruined. Go file a claim with the JAG – most of the lawers who were out there already have. Leaders hid under an umbrella while poor old PVT Smedlap had to stand in the rain. Smedlap – I have more respect for you and less for them because of it. Frankly, I count on Smedlap more than I do them anyway. The CG didn't suffer like the rest of us. Guys – HE'S THE COMMANDING GENERAL!!!! He's too busy to be standing around with his hands in his pockets for six hours!
GET A GRIP PEOPLE!
2:49 pm on May 27th, 2009 21
Sorry. Been there, done that. "Cause they are solders-mar'kin solders" doesn't cut the mustard. And f-** the general. Its the same general who will treat his troops the same way in combat.
5:41 pm on May 27th, 2009 22
MAJ Joe, don't you get it? Unless MG Morgan paid for this out of his own pocket, the 2ID wasted my taxpayer money. No one can ever convince me that taking a picture enhances combat readiness. I can guarantee there is a vehicle, radio, rifle, or some GI Joe's barracks that couldn't get fixed because the money wasn't there, but here the division is spending money (I don't care what coffer the money came from).
By the way, when does MG Morgan change command?
6:09 pm on May 27th, 2009 23
Major Joe,
I do believe Colonel Fanastsia owes you a reach around, sir!
8:19 pm on May 27th, 2009 24
MAJ,
Chump change? What do you consider chump change? What was total amount spent on the photo?
The salary of a junior enlisted soldier is pittance compared to that of a Major. Would you feel the same way if you were an E-3? Has the command told the soldiers with ruined uniforms that they're entitled to file a claim? Has the command told the spouses that share the salaries of the soldiers with ruined uniforms, that they're entitled to file a claim?
12:53 pm on May 28th, 2009 25
What was the point of this and how did the soldiers benefit from it? Was a training objective achieved? Did this increase the readiness of the division? It seems this was mostly all about buying a piece of history that most of the smedlaps dont really care about, they just do what they are told.
I think in the post-event speech MG Morgan was saying something about making history, but thats all I heard because he was drowned out by the highly disciplined mob yelling and booing.
It seems the people most worried about this making history are the ones that will have an OER bullet with the number 5,000 in it at the end of this rating period. All us pawns did was show up, get off the bus, have some clown yelling at us where to stand, wait (doing some team building while the proudest warriors yelled out everything from "take the f-ing picture" to the chants of "jump" directed towards the G3, chief of staff, and DCSM). Not making my list of awesome accomplishments.
When are the 5,000 prints of this being mailed out? What about an email to everyone in the division giving us a copy? All about the soldiers right?
So chump change…cool, budget is obviously well managed. Boo hooing over uniforms…cool, who cares can just buy another. General didnt get that wet…cool, never saw the guy that day anyways. All stupid complaints, but just seemed to be the theme for the day.
2:00 pm on May 28th, 2009 26
Lemmy – the money that was budgeted for this project took no money away from readiness spending; two different pots of cash. Whether you "care" or not doesn't alter the FACT that readiness was unaffected by this endevour.
Not all activtities a unit indulges in directly affect combat readiness. Have you ever been in a unit in Iraq or Afghanistan that spends some money to get a TV, playstation, or computer? Or builds themselves a little monument to posterity on some FOB or outpost?
All this yammering about money seems like an excuse to complain for the sake of complaining – I bet I pay considerablly more than you do in federal taxes and I'm not moaning about the expenditure.
2:04 pm on May 28th, 2009 27
Inky – you are pond scum. What you are owed is slap upside your head punk.
1:52 pm on June 6th, 2009 28
i was in the middle left…. there was a bunch of undisciplined p.o.g.s there… people were busting out ponchos and umbrellas …doing the wave… i even saw a STAFF sargent wearing his P.T jacket over his class A's….it was like god damn woodstock or something… and also boo'ing the dcsm,wtf?…… 2-9 inf HOOAH. so what if its raining and it sucks … your supposed to be a soldier.. quit bitching
1:58 pm on June 6th, 2009 29
your def. a female …
2:08 pm on June 6th, 2009 30
why dont you stop whining you little whining whiner that whines …..2-9 inf HOOAH …camp casey
4:39 pm on June 6th, 2009 31
Unless you MELTED them from heat- how the hell did getting your Class A's soaked ruin them?
Just curious. My Class A's are a wool/poly blend. I have just never heard of this happening before.
9:32 am on June 7th, 2009 32
MAJ Joe, obvious you are due an evaluation. What are bucking for? I guess you officers call it top percentile checkmarks. I hope you pay a heck a lot more federal taxes, you make a hell a lot more than I do. But doesn't take away the fact you are an ass kissing fool, are those your legs sticking out of the general's ass in the picture?
3:31 pm on June 7th, 2009 33
I assume your name refers to the size of your genitalia? Maybe your IQ? Possibly your wit?
5:20 pm on June 7th, 2009 34
Major Joe…
I get a kick out of the claims of "history being made".
No. History was made in 1925.
However, considering the gushing over the "diversity" in this photo, duly reported by Stars & Stripes, we can all guess what this really was about.
Major Joe, your comment has given us a great insight into how "leadership" is not only disconnected from those they "lead" but also disconnected from reality.
Let's take a look.
"Yes it was stupid and unfair – but guess what – life is stupid and unfair. If life were fair I’d be 6?2? and I’d look like Tom Cruse."
You fail to see the difference between situations where "life" makes a situation stupid and unfair and a PERSON makes a situation stupid and unfair.
When you realize there is a difference and you care enough to make good decisions that mitigate some of life's random unfairness, you will be a better leader.
"The amount of money we spent on making this happen is chump change."
The problem is not that one "leader" has this attitude, the problem is that so many "leaders" have this attitude… and pretty soon, after all this "chump change" is added up, it isn't so chumpy anymore.
Your carefree attitude is exactly what empowers this fraud, waste and abuse.
No matter how you divide it based on wishful thinking, there is a finite amount of money.
Now, Major Joe, stick up your chin, throw back your shoulders and kindly explain to us how all the injured guys coming back from the desert are getting top-notch care because "leaders" are cutting back on unnecessary things and sending the money from their non-readiness pots of cash to be used for more important purposes…
…or, perhaps, you would rather explain to us why a do-over from 1925 is more important.
"Boo-hoo, my uniform is ruined. Go file a claim with the JAG – most of the lawers who were out there already have."
Another example of fraud, waste and abuse… empowered by the non-caring attitude of "leadership". Some pot of cash has to pay the claims for needlessly-ruined uniforms… cash that certainly could be better used to hire another physical therapist for a year or two… or upgrade the living conditions of a couple barracks… etc.
"Grand total of complaints submitted to IG as of 28 1200I MAY 2009: 0"
Are you using this as a rationalization or do you truly believe this means that 5000 soldiers were as happy as a metrosexual in a sushi bar to be there doing what they did?
"I assume your name refers to the size of your genitalia? "
Clever personal insults related to the topic can be very funny. But when responding to legitimate accusations of arse-kissing, a reply consisting only of worn-out insults based on an Internet alias reek of desperation… and sound very elementary-schoolish. Come on, man. Act like an officer.
You are welcome to show where I have gone wrong on any of the points I have made.
10:21 pm on June 7th, 2009 35
I think this was a great event…tell me where in the US military or civilian society that you get 5,200 people in one location doing what their told for over 3 hours for one purpose…I have never seen it before. Americans standing together…representing our freedom and protecting the world's 10th largest economy….kewl stuff.
A little cold and very wet…yes- but no one got sick or died that I know of…
Dave Huff…good point on training however we do stuff all the time here in Korea with no relationship to training. With your logic we can kill family time for soldiers on Thursday and all the other activities during thew work day for soldiers that is not related to military combat power…walk thru barracks on weekday or go to library and see what soldiers are really doing….
Those with problems with the 60K for busses for the event…first, way high estimate…second, good point- let's get rid of the Casey 500 and all the other activites that encourage bad behavior by soldiers…
And finally- Morgan is very good leader who cares…he's a soldier's soldiers…and he was out there for an hour and a half….
I read some of this and I wonder what's become of the US Army…we are NOT Air Force people who have problems with a little rain…
Anyone who can't ruck up and drive their Brad, Abrams or Longbow to kill enemy in support of our combat mission here on PEN because of a little rain on their class As…please comment cause I'm good…
10:36 pm on June 7th, 2009 36
I don’t think AF people have a problem with the rain. They are just smart enough to use an umbrella. I think if you had a few AF Chief Master Sergeants replace a few Army Command Sergeant Majors you would see a big difference in how the Army enlisted force is treated. I believe the Army has a serious problem in how (and who) they are selecting for their Sergeant Majors. In my opinion most of the Sergeant Majors I have met were vain, egotistical individuals more concerned about themselves than their Soldiers.
1:47 am on June 8th, 2009 37
whiner… you pu55sys shouldnt even be allowed to wear the uniform… why dont you go push some pen's and whine some more about how your air conditioner's not working or something… all of these whine ass'es have the right to be called a soldier… its disgusting. 2-9 inf hooah …the real soldiers of korea…camp casey…go ruck 27 miles in the rain with a 40 lb ruck on and you still wont whine..manchu mile… you wont be whining in combat… oh yea you wont ever see combat…
1:55 am on June 8th, 2009 38
Make that "Sergeants Major."
1:29 pm on June 8th, 2009 39
Let me tell you something you REMF, it pisses me off that one penny of my tax money goes to any waste. I'm more than confident that a Major in the Army does not pay more in taxes than I, but if you don't have any concerns, please send me the money you don't care about.
In the future, please consider a better choice of words, but the "pot" of money you are speaking about is more commonly referred to as taxpayer money. Taxpayers pay your sallary and you are certainly held accountable as to how you spend it.
Don't screw around with Uncle Sam's money.
By the way I spent plenty of time in Afghanistan at FOB Lawara, we didn't have a tv, playstation or computer, but we did have a forward air controller. He saved plenty of American lives and killed a lot of bad guys. I can guarantee his yearly pay and benefits pale in comparisson to the amount of money wasted on your little picture that did nothing more than provide a gift to MG Morgan when he leaves.
If you don't see the waste of money in this, your judgement is clouded and is certainly not objectable.
By the way, how much did you pay in federal taxes last year? I looked up your pay and I just don't see it.
The bottom line is the 2nd Infantry Division wasted taxpayer money. You can't dispute that fact and no matter what you say, you can not justify this expenditure.
4:26 pm on June 8th, 2009 40
After reading all of the comments, one thing remains the same no matter what happens.. and that is "Soldiers will b**ch about anything and everything.. despite what the patch stands for and the ability to become a major part of history in that photo. Waaaa my uniform got wet.. waaaaaah the leadership isn't getting wet like me.. waaaaaah I have to stand out here for a few hours instead of working.. waaaaaah I want this and I want that and baby needs a bottle.. most of you just are arguing for the sake of arguing because there are officer(s) here.. you want to make changes? Go green to gold and man up, otherwise shut your pie hole, move out and follow orders.
8:47 pm on June 8th, 2009 41
I see the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on AFN all the time, getting messages out to his airmen on values, responsibility, suicide, etc. Where's SMA Preston? The Army supposedly has a suicide problem, amongst several other problems, and all that I ever hear from him are blurbs about new uniforms. I've only ever heard the guy's voice once in the years that he's been in his position, when he and I attended a conference on suicide and he yelled 'Hooah' to something GEN Casey said in a speech. And suicide is a soldier-welfare issue, best addressed by NCOs than by generals.
12:42 am on June 9th, 2009 42
"tell me where in the US military or civilian society that you get 5,200 people in one location doing what their told for over 3 hours for one purpose…"
-Um, yeah….maybe a little event known as a division change of command….I dont know, every other year.
"With your logic we can kill family time for soldiers on Thursday and all the other activities during thew work day for soldiers that is not related to military combat power"
-point taken, but I dont really think family time costs extra….yes, yes, I know about work lost, man hours, etc. But, any unit Ive ever been in that had its own family/soldier/eagle/whatever time, if the mission was not accomplished you just added it to the next day more than likely working late then, so the mission gets accomplished no extra cost to uncle sam, since we are on salary. I thought the point of it was to increase combat power by giving joe time off (which is the biggest way to joes heart) to spend time with the family, drink, work out, play video games etc, thereby increasing joes morale, making him want to work/train harder multiplying the force, you can kind of relate it to combat power. (Sounds good at least)
"And finally- Morgan is very good leader who cares…he’s a soldier’s soldiers…and he was out there for an hour and a half…."
-I was at the front of the star, never saw him the whole time, so Who cares is right…he leaves soon anyways.(props to the DCSM, he was all over, but he also had a look of "this is kind of silly" on his face)
"I read some of this and I wonder what’s become of the US Army…we are NOT Air Force people who have problems with a little rain…"
-Pete hit it with his first two sentences, the smart thing.
"Anyone who can’t ruck up and drive their Brad, Abrams or Longbow to kill enemy in support of our combat mission here on PEN because of a little rain on their class As…please comment cause I’m good…"
-I will comment. I didnt see any Rucks, Brads, Abrams, Longbows, or enemy in the pic so dont understand how it relates to our combat mission here on pen.
Still dont see the sense of it all and Im still waiting for my 8×10 glossy of it!!!
1:04 pm on June 9th, 2009 43
Excellant comment, and well said.
9:07 pm on June 12th, 2009 44
Just a quick word as food for thought:
If this was such a huge failure and dent to the morale of 2ID Soldiers who particpated, than, 1.Why are there so many plaques being ordered across the street in TDC Ville with personal photos and placards associated to display with pride?
2.Scan the listing of photos taken by PAO and otehr agencies and its evident that the vast majority of Soldiers are smiling or laughing.
3. BLUF – Soldiers are people and therefore creatures of habit, meaning, some were going to complain regardless. The primary complaint was the Soldiers' uniforms getting wet. Had it not been raining, the sun would have been too much to deal with.
Let me thank all those who particpated and helped to truly leave a legacy. I for one am proud to have been a part of this event.
10:08 pm on June 12th, 2009 45
Go green to gold and man up, otherwise shut your pie hole, move out and follow orders.
Why don't the stupid people just stay in the Army and run it, that way they can make stupid decisions like the re-make of an historical photo. Just like the Army, seems every time they do something, its like the first time its ever been done. Too bad they don't learn from history so they don't keep repeating the same stupid mistakes.
Wait, go green to gold, that will make you smart and you can become a man and make the same stupid decisions you would make if you hadn't gone green to gold.
WAAAAAAAAAAH, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH go green to gold and then turn brown
5:37 am on June 20th, 2009 46
… awww… did your wittle uniforrrm get wett… i know someone who wants some ice cweam….woooooo here comes the airplane …open wide.. .
3:20 pm on June 20th, 2009 47
This photo belongs on every REMF-leg's wall.
…..while the 82nd engages the enemy – the 2id gets its picture taken…..
To all you REMF's, don't forget to fluff your pillow.
4:28 pm on June 20th, 2009 48
As Major Joe was unable to respond to any of the comments I made on his views of "leadership", it is clear that he is a perfect example of what is wrong in today's military.
Fraud, waste and abuse is perpetuated for political (and sometimes financial) gain… while the well-being of soldiers, the value of the tax dollar and the readiness of the armed forces come a distant second place.
Major Joe and the others here who belittled legitimate complaints without addressing the issues are all a part of the gigantic self-perpetuating Circle Jerk of Promotion that allows so many managers and promoters to rise to the positions that should be filled with leaders.
The higher up you go, it's not Army Strong or Army of One… it is Army of Shoe Clerks.
5:26 pm on June 20th, 2009 49
Why were these troops not wearing Road-Guard Vests?!?!? Safety FIRST! Hoooah! Major Joe has flown the coop, he departed last week… Personally, I'll miss the little fella.
8:52 pm on June 20th, 2009 50
My youngest son is in this picture. I am ashamed of all negative posts concerning this topic. I would like to see any of you idiots try spending an entire year in the conditions these young men have been living. And do you know WHY THEY ARE THERE!!!! To keep our home land safe. So what if the group got their picture taken. So what if some complained about the rain. So what if they actually had a little fun. So What???? Don't mess with a mother of a 2nd Infantry Army Troop. I bet none of you could possible walk the miles that these troops have walked. I bet none of you could climb the mountains or lived in their shoes. Right now there is so much tension in Korea and all you fools have the time to post stupid comments about idiotic things. You should be praying for these young men and women, not degrading them. What is wrong with you idiots? Think…… These troops need our support!!!! TRY GIVING THEM SOME SUPPORT. PLEASE!!!! These troops are 2nd to NONE. Remember that when North Korea set off another nuke and trys to wipe out a couple of our states…. Take a good look at this picture and think about the young people that will not make it home. 2nd to NONE…. The best in the Army….
8:04 am on June 21st, 2009 51
GI Mother,
You are absolutely right!
But your reading comprehension skills need some tuning up.
None of the “negative” posts were against 2ID soldiers. They were against 2ID leadership and the institutionalized culture of fraud, waste and abuse that permeates the military.
2ID soldiers were not “degraded”… they were supported!
…and if it comes time for combat with North Korea, they will wish they had better equipment and more time spent on quality training than expensive pictures (and countless other less famous nonsense pet projects) used to fulfill the self-idolizing dreams of a disconnected leadership.
If your son winds up in combat, or, heaven forbid, comes home with a long-term disability, you will most probably reorder your priorities as to how time and money should be spent.
Sadly, it is too late for some mothers.
8:36 am on June 21st, 2009 52
I am very sorry for my ignorance and/or misunderstanding. This is a very stressful time for my family. I can only pray my son and all the others come home safely. The conditions in which they are existing are hard for us to even imagine. I did not mean to offend anyone. I don't necessary agree with much of the military actions, however, this is the road my son felt God wanted him to take. Ironically, my son is considered a genius of sorts, all the recruiters and fine schools across our nation have tried to recruit him. However, he would settle for nothing else except the Infantry. Why???? I don't know. He is following his heart and I must support him. He works hard at this job in the US Army and does so with pride. Perhaps this Giant Emblem was made for all the mother's of the troops. Because my son never mentioned it to me….. Somebody emailed it to me. It wasn't until recently I found out my son was part of this event. He told me it was wet and cold that day and they had to stand for hours, but he never complained. He asked me if I thought it was stupid? Of course not I told him. I wondered why he asked me if it was stupid or not? Now I know why? I bet these poor guys have been taking a lot of bull from a lot of their follow soldiers too. But as a mother of one of those soldiers I must say I am very proud of my son's decision to be part of the Infantry and I hope everyone who reads this prays for peace within all nations. The fighting must end and the troops must come home. Oh my son….. I miss you so very much….. I raised my boy as both his Mother and his Father and my heart aches for his safety. Happy Father's Day to all you men and women too. Let us pray for peace within our nations and within our hearts. Please remember the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry during this hostile time. 2nd to none!!!!
1:22 pm on June 21st, 2009 53
GI Mother,
Don't worry about your son. He will be fine.
Despite the large percentage of high-ranking "managers" with self-serving priorities, there are enough true leaders quietly doing what it takes to insure guys like your son manage to excel at completing the mission while staying safe.
As for your son, there is no university which will teach what he will learn about his unrealized abilities and his expanded limits… and, there is no replacement for the unique training and invaluable experiences which will last him a lifetime.
If he later chooses to go to one of the fine schools which has tried to recruit him, his will have a sharp edge over those with equal intelligence but limited experience… which will help him through his studies, through his career and through his life.
Don't temper your happiness of pride with sadness of worry. Your son can do things you can only imagine and he will stay safe. He is part of a fantastic team which is looking out for each other.
Gently remind him that a real hero comes home to his family at the end of the day. He will smile and roll his eyes but it may guide his actions in a moment of doubt.
Be proud and don't worry too much, GI Mother.
1:49 pm on June 21st, 2009 54
Thank you for the kind words. I just wish there was an easy answer to the conflict in Korea. However, we are dealing with dictators that have no regard for human life. Therefore, the unpredictable actions and threats are frightening. I will always be proud of my son and appreciate everything the Army has taught him. However, my job as a mother does not permit me to not worry too much. I bet your mother still worries about you???? That's what good mothers do best. We worry with our hearts and souls, but continue to wear a bronze face and tell your children that everything is fine. I just don't want him coming home in a box. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Happy Fathers Day to all. And peace be with us all.
6:52 pm on June 21st, 2009 55
GI Mother,
For what it is worth, the best thing you can do for your son is to continue encouraging him and pray for him if you are a religious person. It sounds like your son is somewhat religious based on the statement you made about him feeling like it was God’s direction that led him into the military. The safest place to be is in the will of God, regardless of circumstances. I have a family in Seoul, and my 9 year old child is with me. I sleep well at night because I know my family is in God’s hands. From what I have seen of the U.S. military over here, your son is in good hands. Kim Jong-Il wants U.S. soldiers’ mothers to be ‘excessively’ worried; he is betting he can intimidate his enemies. His heart’s desire is that the U.S. will call it quits over here, so he can have the whole peninsula under his dictatorial and tyrannical rule. He views all South Korean governments, regardless of their political stripe, as puppets of the American imperialists. He covets this ambition more than he desires to wipe out a city in the United States. Your son is standing for a noble cause: freedom. He is protecting families like mine.
10:22 pm on June 21st, 2009 56
Damn, chickenhead, I had to get the tissues out, I guess you do have a heart after all.
6:56 am on June 22nd, 2009 57
I have a coffee cup on my desk of an eagle and an American flag and it says “Freedom is not Free”. I keep a candle burning constantly in honor of my son yes, but also for all of Korea. I pray for the South for the obvious reasons, but I also pray for the poor North Koreans that some day their eyes will have a chance to see what their dear leader has done by blinding his own people for all these years. They say ignorance is bliss, but I don’t think I can believe that statement. From what I understand too many North Koreans are going hungry and are treated poorly. I thank you for your thoughtful words and will always hold the words and your country dear and near to my heart. My son left home a young boy and will return a much better man than I ever could imagine. He told me once he couldn’t believe how nice and intellegent the people of South Korea are. If he had not joined the Army and was sent to Korea, no one in my family would have had the opportunity to learn so much about your culture. I hope you and your family remain strong, safe and most of all free. Thank you and your country for permitting our soldiers to help maintain your freedom. The best to you and your family. I will pray for your family and it safety if you will pray for mine. Regards.
5:59 pm on September 8th, 2009 58
OMG QUIT FREAKING CRYING!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUSLY CRYING ABOUT THAT LITTLE DRIZZLE!!! I WAS OUT THERE TOO, NO BIG DEAL, 50 YRS LATER AND THIS WAS DONE AGAIN, YOU ARE PART OF HISTORY!!! BE PROUD AND QUIT CRYING ABOUT THE SMALL STUFF!!!
10:06 pm on September 8th, 2009 59
"Oh my son….. I miss you so very much….. I raised my boy as both his Mother and his Father and my heart aches for his safety. Happy Father’s Day to all you men and women too. Let us pray for peace within our nations and within our hearts."
Ma'am, have you talked to your son lately? I beg you to talk to him right away. Day or night. Call collect if you have to. Something is wrong… I can't put my finger on it, but something …
11:15 pm on November 23rd, 2010 60
I have got my own site about the similar subject matter. I found a lot of interesting information here and I would like to use them. May I? I am inviting to my blog, perhaps you will find also something interesting on my site.