Say no!! To another War

North Korea is planning to launch a rocket the early part of April. They revealed this launch to be a part of their space developmental program. And the launch is not for military purposes, but a peaceful testing of the rockets. However some government fear that the launch will be use to test the capacity of these long-range missiles. These missiles have the possibilty of reaching and striking in Alaska. The outcome of such a strike will not be accepted lightly and peaceful. The Secretary of State has warned that this would be a "provocative act" and a violation of the UN resolution. And the way the U.N. might respond to this act has not been make known. Some countries are making preparation in case a rocket might be launched.

Two U.S. ships docked in South Korea (USS John S. McCain and USS Chafee)will began sail Monday, to monitor the North Korean launch.

South Korea is also sending a ship (Sejong the Great Destroyer) to monitor North Korean launch.

And Japan is sending two warships into a position and ordered the military to prepare to shoot down any debris that could fall on Japanese territory if the rocket launch doesn't go as planned.

The world will embrace for a peaceful outcome if the rocket launch takes place. There is no place for another conflict and more wars. Say No!!!!

Fighting Machines

Tupolev Tu-95 (RUS)
Max. speed:575 mph

B-52 (USA)
Max. speed:650 mph

Tiger I (Germany)
Speed:38 km/h (24 mph)


Challenger II(UK)
Speed:59 km/h (37 mph)

M1 Abrams (USA)
Speed:42 mph (67.7 km/h)

Stridsvagn 103 (Sweden)
Speed: 38 mph (60 km/h)

Leopard 2 (Germany)
Speed: 45 mph (72 km/h)

Merkava (Israel)
Speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)

Centurion (UK)
Speed: 21 mph (34 km/h)

Now Hiring

This must be great news "now hiring" as we doesn't see this much in the classified these days. During these difficult economic times, jobs and job security virtually invisible. Each day around the globe the demand for employment is much greater than the crippling job market. Instead of seeing "now hiring" we are faced with downsizing, layoffs, and companies closing their doors forever. Thus far I have not said anything positive, and I wish I could, but we know this is the today's job market. Even in spite of all this, there is still hope especially for Generation Y and some Generation X at this present time. On the other hand, like myself, being between the Baby Boomers and Jones Generation this probably not an option.

This military might be an option. And there is much to gain, virtually nothing to lose. Of course, there is a great adjustment to military life, mainly the structured and disciplined outfit. Military can be dangerous in peacetime and wartime. Let's look at it from this point of view, this is dangerous world for everyone. Sometimes I ask myself. "Which is the dangerous military or civilian life"? Lately, I seem to come up with the same answer BOTH.

Enough said there. Look at all the possibilities.

1. Job advancement - Desire to go ahead
2. Job security - Despite the economy
3. Medical care - no cost to you
4. Dental care - no cost to you
5. Three meals a day
5. Living quarters
6. Inexpensive life insurance
7. Travel - not just a job, but an adventure
8. 30 days vacation annually
9. Pension after 20 years of service
10. Good pay w/great benefits
11. Financial aid to further education
12. Housing allowance
13. And much more!!!!

Non-lethal Weapons

Is it possible to engage in a war where only few or none gets killed?

The concept of non-lethal weapons is to take out enemy soldiers without killing them and disabling fighting equipment without it being destroyed.

Nonlethal weapons has long been in existence more than some 2,000 years. But on recent decades, as the military prepares for modern warfare, many are in favor of intergrating the use of nonlethal weapons into that arena. The research and development of nonlethal weapons has sharply increased during the last decade.

Some of the new weapons being researched, developed and/or deployed:

Foam-"Sticky foam" to bog down soldiers or equipment and a lubricant to end enemy vehicles spinning. These are called "stick-ems" and "slick-ems."

Calmative Agents-Chemical substances designed to temporarily incapacitate people.

Malodorants-Chemicals that mimic the most revolting smells (rotting food and human waste) and can disperse enemies like a skunk.

Supercaustic-Acids that corrode and degrade structural materials.

12-gauge shotgun shell filled with rubber pellets.

Stun grenades.

Disposable hand and ankle cuffs,

Pepper spray. (my favorite)

However, there are downsize and risks with the use of nonlethal weapons.

1. Time it take for it to affect.........Opponents can do major damages in that time.

2. The elderly, small children, and persons w/certain illness can be injuried severly or killed.

3. What about these two fatal incidences?

a) Last year when 700 hostages were seized in Moscow, an opiate gas was used to clear the way for them to be rescued. As a result, 117 of the hostages were killed by chemical agent used.

b) Seven years ago, another seizure took place in Moscow. Again an opiate gas was used and with same result. This time over 100 hostages and their capitors were killed.

The leading experts in arms control have argued that, "There is no known way in medical science how to put a large number of people to sleep without killing
a sizeable amount of them."

Non-lethal weapons are only optional to lethal weapons, and not be considered a replace for the lethal weapons.

What time is it

The military is a society within a society. Therefore, the military society operates in somewhat of a different way. Even the way time is given in a unique way considering most societies. Whereas, most places operate on a 12-hour clock. They operate on a 24-hour clock. The time pattern begin from 0000 hours to 2300 hours. For example 2:00AM is said to be: "zero two hundred" or "0200", 2:00 PM is "fourteen hundred" or "1400" and so on as such:

Midnight (12:00 AM) -- 0000 hrs
1:00 AM -- 0100 hrs
2:00 AM -- 0200 hrs
3:00 AM -- 0300 hrs
4:00 AM -- 0400 hrs
5:00 AM -- 0500 hrs
6:00 AM -- 0600 hrs
7:00 AM -- 0700 hrs
8:00 AM -- 0800 hrs
9:00 AM -- 0900 hrs
10:00 AM -- 1000 hrs
11:00 AM -- 1100 hrs
12:00 PM -- 1200 hrs
1:00 PM -- 1300 hrs
2:00 PM -- 1400 hrs
3:00 PM -- 1500 hrs
4:00 PM -- 1600 hrs
5:00 PM -- 1700 hrs
6:00 PM -- 1800 hrs
7:00 PM -- 1900 hrs
8:00 PM -- 2000 hrs
9:00 PM -- 2100 hrs
10:00 PM -- 2200 hrs
11:00 PM -- 2300 hrs

PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)- is a type of stressor that can occur after being exposed to one or more traumatic events that threatened or caused grave physical harm.

Some years ago, many would hear the term "shell shock" and/or "battle fatigue" instead of PTSD in a military arena. PTSD as we know it today, became more noticeable and understandable after those who served in the Vietnam War were diagnosed with it. A large number of men and women serving in a war zone will likely be exposed to traumatic events that will leave them with lasting fear and suffering. As a result,returning military
personnel are unable to adapt to life after war. Imagine a traumatic events as such, an episode of murders to babies, women, and elderly in front of your eyes. Something to think about. It's cold-blooded and a hard pill to swallow. It might not be fair but it is definitely war.

Symptons

1. Flashbacks

2. Nightmares

3. Avoidance

4. Detached

5. Anger

6. Difficulty sleeping

7. Feelings of mistrust and betrayal

8. Depression

9. Substance abuse

10. Suicidal thoughts

The most common form of treatment is therapy and medication.

This stressor might involve anyone "not only a military disorder" resulting from being rape, kidnapping, assault, disasters, and among other causes.

Obama and the Economy

"Change, yes we can" and "change can happen" the famous words of President Obama. This is change to being shaping of many paths that lies ahead. What all this complaining and criticizing about in Capitol Hill and beyond? If a change is to going to make life better for the people, no doubt it is necessary. We, the people cannot sit back and continue to be consumed by situation at hand. It time to embrace for a new change of direction.

The President address the people to say. "That as the President and his administration is doing everything possible to help during this economic crisis. And to pave a way for better days ahead."

President Obama has presented a plan to lead us to better tomorrow. In the plan to stimulate the economy, he included tax cuts, expansion to unemployment benefits, education, health care, infrastructure, , and other welfare reforms.

Recently the President signed a over a $700 billion stimulus bill to get the economy stimulated again. It is projected for an approximately $800-a-year tax cuts for middle-class families. The tax cutting agenda looks something like this, payroll tax credit for worker within the range of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. And no taxes on first $2,400 a person receives in unemployment compensation benefits during the year. A deduction on car sales taxes.

His current viewpoint is to aid the school districts. Hopefully this will help to minimize layoffs and cutbacks. To provide substantial amount for special education and increase in the pell grants.

He is committed to do what necessary to ensure a quality and affordable health care is in place. As it is necessary to extend this plan to continue health research, training for medical persons and stay abreast with lastest health care technology.

There are reassurances for better highways and bridges in this remain to be seem plan. Other needs addressed in this area is public transportation issues. A need to provide maintenance to the existing public transportation systems.

During this economic crunch, the breadwinner of the family is switching very rapidly. As this recession linger on, more men are becoming unemployed leaving the women to provide financial and emotional support for the family. The reason for this is that the construction and manufacturing jobs are fading more quickly. On the other hand, the medical and education field is keeping more women employed.

The President signed into order the go ahead to further the embryonic stem cell research project. Maybe a breakthrough for better treatments and cures for various diseases.

The people expect great wonders and opportunties for the days ahead. Nothing happens overnight, its a long road to recovery.

New Zealand (Answer to previous post)

Capital:Wellington

New Zealand military consists of an Army, Air Force, and Navy. The military outfit is rather small, but highly trained and well equipped to meet the challenges in this world today. A army that is make up of approximately 4500 full time soldiers and 2500part time. Their armed forces concentration is on providing defense against threat and security to their homeland and global security. Soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; however they can voluntary at the age of 17 for military service. New Zealand has been a participant in the United Nations peace support effort since the early 50's. They assisted their coalition partners with the military operation in the middle east.

Red White and Blue

Whose flag is it?
a) Norway
b) New Zealand
c) United Kingdom
d) North Korea

The answer on next posting.

United States
Capital:Washington, DC

Australia
Capital:Canberra

Dominican Republic
Capital:Santo Domingo

Iceland
Capital:Reykjavík

Panama
Capital:Panama City

Russia
Capital:Moscow

Thailand
Capital:Bangkok

France
Capital: Paris

Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam

United Kingdom
Capital: London

The My Lai Massacre

The morning of March 16,1968 started with killing spree in the Vietnamese village of My Lai. The troops was assigned to, what was known as Charlie Company, had received orders from their superior and commanding officer Lieutenant Willaim Cauley. They were ordered to launched a "search and destroy" mission. This was meant to find any living humans/animals and commence to killing. As good troops they followed the order given and entered into the village opening fire. Hundreds of innocent civilians were murdered including women while praying, babies, and the elderly. During this bloody massacre there were use of firearems, grenades and bayonets. Many were shot in the back of their heads and while trying to escape. That tells us that they were shot with the back turned and unaware of what was about to happen.

Prior to the cold-blooded murders, Charlie Company had lost a quite a few of their men to combat. They were down to approximately 105 men. As a result, they were bound for some brutal tactics and full of rage. They went berserk and engaged in this terrible killing spree, without mercy.

This story did not become public until over an year later in November 1969. It was presented in way to blame failure in the leadership, discipline, and morale of those involved. Lieutenant William Cauley was said to be a unemployed college drop-out. But he graduated from the officer candidate school and were commissioned. He was trial for murder and sentence to life in prision. After a numerous of appeals he was released in 1974.

Reville

Military associated and reveille is the sound of bugle normally played at sunrise to awaken and indicate the start of another day. However, it may be played at different times depending location. The name reveille arrives from French meaning "wake up".

10 of the Most Influential Military Leaders

George Washington (1732-1799)
Commander of the American Continental Army and the first president of the United States.


General Patton (1885-1945)
George Patton credited for introducing armored warfare in the US Army during World War II. He never suffered a major defeat in World War II.


Heihachiro Togo (1848-1934)
Japanese Admiral led his country to victory in the Russia-Japanese War of 1904-1905. He not only won the war, but he also brought Japan to the status of world power.


Dwight David Eisenhower (1890-1969)
He commanded the largest multinational ever. And he was in charge of more than 4 million men during World War II.


Adolf Hilter (1889-1945)
The German Dicator that conquered the large areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa. He initiated World War II, leading to over 35 million deaths.


H. Norman Schwarzkopf (1934- )
Commander Schwarzkopf led the coalition forces that defeated Iraq and liberated Kuwait in Operation Desert Shield/Storm from 1990-1991.


Vo Nguyen Giap (1912- )
Giap developed the strategy that defeated the French, Americans, and South Vietnamese. Known as the master of modern guerilla warfare.


Saddam Hussein(1937-2006)
As Iraqi Marshal and during the presidency of Iraq, he exercised complete control over his country. He has long considered himself the most powerful man in Iraq, before his presidency in 1979.


Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
A young French peasant girl, believed to be of witchcraft lead an army to victory over Orleans and drove the English army out of her country.


Sun Tzu (400-330 B.C.)
This Chinese writer wrote the Chinese Ping-fa which is known as "The Art of War". The twenty thousand word treatise, divided into thirteen chapters is compiled of military theory and strategy. This book has provided major doctrine for Chinese warfare and great influence on the Japanese.