WANNABE SOLDIERS

New York Post ^ | 3/31/02 | John Ringo

[JAWs]

THIS is a story about Wannabes - you know, people who "want to be" something special and unique. There are SEAL wannabes and Green Beret wannabes. The Palestinians are soldier wannabes.

They have several pictures of dead Palestinian terrorists, at least one of which is a "before and after."

[stiga bey]

Because, for whatever reason, the old system wouldn't allow posters to give web-based e-mail addresses. I only access the internet by pre-paid cards, so I have to use one of those services.

[Valin]

Murphy War Laws

Friendly fire - isn't.
Recoilless rifles - aren't. .
Suppressive fires - won't..
You are not Superman; Marines and fighter pilots take note..
A sucking chest wound is Nature's way of telling you to slow down. .
If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid..
Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo and not want to waste a bullet on you. .
If at first you don't succeed, call in an air strike. .
If you are forward of your position, your artillery will fall short. .
Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than yourself..
Never go to bed with anyone crazier than yourself. .
Never forget that your weapon was made by the lowest bidder. .
If your attack is going really well, it's an ambush. .
The enemy diversion you're ignoring is their main attack. .
The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions: when they're ready.. when you're not.
The easy way is always mined.
Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot at.
Don't look conspicuous; it draws fire. For this reason, it is not at all uncommon for aircraft carriers to be known as bomb magnets.
Never draw fire; it irritates everyone around you.
If you are short of everything but the enemy, you are in the combat zone.
When you have secured the area, make sure the enemy knows it too.
Incoming fire has the right of way.
No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.
If the enemy is within range, so are you.
The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is incoming friendly fire.
Things which must be shipped together as a set, aren't.
Things that must work together, can't be carried to the field that way.
Radios will fail as soon as you need fire support.
Radar tends to fail at night and in bad weather, and especially during both.)
Anything you do can get you killed, including nothing.
Make it too tough for the enemy to get in, and you won't be able to get out.
Tracers work both ways.
If you take more than your fair share of objectives, you will get more than your fair share of objectives to take.
When both sides are convinced they're about to lose, they're both right.
Professional soldiers are predictable; the world is full of dangerous amateurs.
Military Intelligence is a contradiction. Fortify your front; you'll get your rear shot up.
Weather ain't neutral.
If you can't remember, the Claymore is pointed toward you.
The Cavalry doesn't always come to the rescue.
Napalm is an area support weapon.
Mines are equal opportunity weapons.
B-52s are the ultimate close support weapon.
Sniper's motto: reach out and touch someone.
The one item you need is always in short supply.
Interchangeable parts aren't.
It's not the one with your name on it; it's the one addressed "to whom it may concern" you've got to think about.
When in doubt, empty your magazine.

[PokeyJoe]

I'm not sure where you're coming from.

As a former professional warrior, I consider it my responsibility to go into combat.

I am a warrior.

I am trained to complete my mission, because I have spent many years learning tactics, the operational arts, combined with the efficient use of firepower.

What you see here on FR is a recognition by former professionals who understand that it takes many years of practice, discipline, and money to trian professional soldiers who are able to subdue emotions for a greater good.

Elite Soliders are not "itchy" for combat - but they recognize that they are prepared emotionally, they are trained, and it falls to them to do the ugly job - and they do it.

That's the difference between young recruits just out of boot

The professional soldier, with nearly 15 years of training, will enter a building, engage the enemy, kill the enemy, complete the assignment and then self-extracate, if needed.

The young warrior is willing - but likely to make mistakes more often because of inexperience, unfamiliarity, and emotional reaction.

So, if someone has to go - the professional will volunteer to go because he doesn't want his buddies to be killed. He goes to protect them, and to complete the mission.

[stiga bey]

"You'll see PLENTY of idiots around here, insulting, baiting, using ad hominem attacks, ignoring clear rebutals to their posts, tossing verbal 'hand grenades' simply to inflame the emotions of others, and your ever- present garden-variety disruptor."

Don't underestimate me. :o)

And thanks for the welcome.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

[T]he idiot did look cool, until he got blown away.

I dunno, I've been through basic training and I thought the Idiot looked like an Idiot. Cover and Concealment and the Day Prone Firing Position are obviously decadent, cowardly Western concepts. Enjoy the Virgins, Jerk. You every notice, just about the only men you see out in the open on a battlefield, are dead men?

[SBeck]

Although the exact opposite wannabes, the soldiers in elite units who are itching to go to war are generally the ones who want to use their skills and are emotionally ready to deal with the realities (i.e. the fog) of war, but haven't had an opportunity yet. The ones who have been in combat are generally pretty quite about what they've experienced. None of them that I've spoken to have ever used the word "enjoyed" when they reluctantly described their experiences.

A great book to read on the wannabe culture is "Stolen Valor" by B.G. Burkett.

[Bones Boy]

Thanks for the IDF information. I did in fact see the footage of this joker getting hit the other day. It looked real but I guess you never know. Shalom Aleichem.

[MeekOneGOP]

We need a "Kofi" break!! Dump the U.N. ! !
</ rant>

[Gore_ War_ Vet]

I beleive you are correct about the pictures being staged, where's the brass?

[Tuor]

But put him up against trained soldiers with guns in their hands and he's nothing but worm-meat.

Which explains why they feel compelled to commit suicide bombings (not that I am in any way condoning such an action). They have no chance in the military arena, so out of desperation, they resort to these sort of inhumane tactics.

Tuor

[metesky]

Because, for whatever reason, the old system wouldn't allow posters to give web-based e-mail addresses.

Balderdash! Why eleven of my twelve FR identities have web based email accounts.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Anyone hear more info about the supposed peace group that CNN said marched into the compound? All I saw was an article about a bunch of clymers on their way there and CNN's passing mention of a peace groups arrival at Arafat's compound.

[Junior]

Methinks the Palestinians have been watching too many Sylvester Stallone movies ...

[Cvengr]

Those who exalt themselves, will be made low.

[sneakypete]

(All wannabes will tell you that they love combat - the hallmark statement of a neverbeenthere).

Don't go betting your home on that. Ever heard of a "adreneline junkie"?

[sneakypete]

All in all judging by the lack of any real wound and blood I think this picture is a staged fake.

Yup,look at all the others who suddenly popped-up to stand around in the open and "help" a guy who is supposed to be dead. Why aren't they being shot at? They have weapons and are helping a guy who was supposedly shooting his weapon. Besides that is the obvious fact that there is nowhere's near enough blood laying around in a big puddle.

[sneakypete]

They have no chance in the military arena, so out of desperation, they resort to these sort of inhumane tactics.

Exactly. They don't have a standing army,so they can't fight the Israeli army in conventional battles.

[toddst]

What you see here on FR is a recognition by former professionals who understand that it takes many years of practice, discipline, and money to trian professional soldiers who are able to subdue emotions for a greater good. Elite Soliders are not "itchy" for combat - but they recognize that they are prepared emotionally, they are trained, and it falls to them to do the ugly job - and they do it.

You have spoken the truth here, especially for those who have been in combat.

[Leisler]

The firm of Sherman, Patton and LeMay would disagree. Frankly, I think they should wack the Palies unmercifully for the next two months. Total war, total occupation. The so-called, and illigitimate Arab "leaders" and their rip off minions, butt boys and yes men will cry, but do nothing but mill about like the sissys they are.

And then, off to Bagdad.

And anyways, since these people hate us( the west ), have hated us and will continue to hate us, what do we care anyways? Time to do a little geopolitical tidying up.

[Leisler]

Not to mention the untasteful clash of various cammo uniforms. How do the french say, "Gouch?"