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#31
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Bill,
Thanks for the very interesting history of contactors serving the US military. When I wrote this, I was thinking primarily of those contractors whose "job descriptions" specifically send them into harm's way. Indian scouts certainly qualify here, while yardbirds don't. My point still remains, that we as a nation have never had a clear debate on this question. One danger that I see is of our slipping into a "Légion Étrangère" mentality [rest snipped for brevity] I think this is a rather broad statement and not supported by the facts. The ability for the French government to sacrifice non-French citizens in the pursuit of national policy is precisely why France has maintained the Légion Étrangère. If you think the US Left is passionate about not sending our troops into war, you haven't seen the passion of the French on this point. France (as well as Britain) was bled white by the excesses of WWI and that horrific memory continues very sharp in the French mind, almost 90 years later. IIRC, the Legion's officer corps are its only French nationals. Every other Legionnaire is a non-citizen volunteer who may later obtain French citizenship upon successful completion of his enlistment. By contrast, the regular French Army is (or at least used to be) primarily conscript. In short, do we really want to become like the French? Probably not. But that presumes that we are in any way, shape, or form headed in that direction. I don't see that happening. I hope not. -- Mike Kanze "Democratic strategists feel John Kerry's war record means he can beat Bush. They say when it comes down to it voters will always vote for a war hero over someone who tried to get out of the war. I'll be sure to mention that to Bob Dole when I see him." - Jay Leno "Bill Kambic" wrote in message ... "Mike Kanze" wrote in message [rest snipped] |
#32
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"Mike Kanze" wrote in message
Thanks for the very interesting history of contactors serving the US military. When I wrote this, I was thinking primarily of those contractors whose "job descriptions" specifically send them into harm's way. Indian scouts certainly qualify here, while yardbirds don't. I don't think I would apply the term "yarbirds" to frontier era teamsters or wagonmasters. Plenty of supply trains in every conflict were hit by hostiles. The Wagon Box Fight was mostly hay cutters with a very few troopers and scouts holding off a large party of braves. If you are part of a combat organization, even as a contractor, you are in harm's way. My point still remains, that we as a nation have never had a clear debate on this question. I am not sure one is necessary. One danger that I see is of our slipping into a "Légion Étrangère" mentality [rest snipped for brevity] I think this is a rather broad statement and not supported by the facts. The ability for the French government to sacrifice non-French citizens in the pursuit of national policy is precisely why France has maintained the Légion Étrangère. If you think the US Left is passionate about not sending our troops into war, you haven't seen the passion of the French on this point. France (as well as Britain) was bled white by the excesses of WWI and that horrific memory continues very sharp in the French mind, almost 90 years later. IIRC, the Legion's officer corps are its only French nationals. Every other Legionnaire is a non-citizen volunteer who may later obtain French citizenship upon successful completion of his enlistment. By contrast, the regular French Army is (or at least used to be) primarily conscript. I think you correct on the French policy. But that does not even bear a superficial resemblance to the modern, American all-volunteer force. Back in the mid to late '60s George Reedy wrote a small book entitled, "Who Will Do Our Fighting For Us?" It addressed many of the issues of the volunteer vs. conscript force. It was worthwhile reading then, and it is now. In short, do we really want to become like the French? Probably not. But that presumes that we are in any way, shape, or form headed in that direction. I don't see that happening. I hope not. Me, too. And so far I see no evidence that it is. Bill Kambic Mangalarga Marchador: Uma raça, uma paixão |
#33
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"Mortimer Schnerd, RN" wrote: George Z. Bush wrote: Just for the sake of accuracy, let's just concede that he WAS a qualif............etc. instead of is. Spoken from experience, I guarantee that you can get pretty damned rusty after 30+ years out of the saddle. I seem to recall a flight down to the Bahamas where I let an old USAF type ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Anybody we know? handle the controls for the first time in 20 years or more. Within just a couple of minutes he was holding heading within 5 degrees and altitude within 50 feet. I will admit the resulting landing required getting the landing gear serviced. But straight and level flying? Must be like riding the proverbial bike... -- Mortimer Schnerd, RN http://www.mortimerschnerd.com Bob McKellar |
#34
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Bob McKellar wrote:
I seem to recall a flight down to the Bahamas where I let an old USAF type ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Anybody we know? 'Twould be ungentlemanly of me to elaborate. -- Mortimer Schnerd, RN http://www.mortimerschnerd.com |
#35
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Ed- If you receive a military
pilot rating, you can go down to the local FAA office and complete a short exam on FARs. They give you a commercial rating single and multi-engine (C/L thrust) and instrument rating. BRBR I had to wait until I got NATOPS qualed in a multi engine A/C before I could get the 'multi' part. I knew some guys that were A-4 and A-7 pilots that got a single engine commercial only. I got my multiengine non centerline thrust part when I flew the Turkey...had a multi/C/L thrust from the F-4... P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
#36
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delphi- 2. He's a qualified and trained USAF pilot, so its not like he
doesn't know anything about aircraft. BRBR He 'was' 'certified', he is not 'qualified' now..in spite of him 'owning' all the military. P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
#37
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sam- By the standard your setting down in your first paragraph I guess the
SAC pilots sitting on their wheels around the world weren't serving either. BRBR C'mon..there is 'serving' and there is 'serving'...Getting into the AirGuard with yer Daddy's help to avoid a comflict ain't quite the same as being in the USAF on alert in case of the 'big heat'.... P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
#38
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foodog- 5 in a piggie... BRBR
Another ejection seat?? Hope so...interesting to see all the other seats go...and sit there with yer ___ inyer hand... P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer |
#39
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Bill,
I don't think I would apply the term "yarbirds" to frontier era teamsters or wagonmasters. "Yardbirds" (my spelling, not yours) - as in shipyard workers. Teamsters and wagonmasters would certainly be closer to any action. I think you correct on the French policy. But that does not even bear a superficial resemblance to the modern, American all-volunteer force. True today, but US population demographics may change this, as well as whatever force level needs may evolve - especially if we become further engaged elsewhere in the world. We don't ask today's 18-year old males to send that postcard to the Uncle just for grins. (Disclosu In the recent past I have served as a member of a Selective Service System draft board. They exist in a "reserve" status: get called up once or twice a year for a Saturday of training, etc.) -- Mike Kanze "Democratic strategists feel John Kerry's war record means he can beat Bush. They say when it comes down to it voters will always vote for a war hero over someone who tried to get out of the war. I'll be sure to mention that to Bob Dole when I see him." - Jay Leno "Bill Kambic" wrote in message ... "Mike Kanze" wrote in message [rest snipped] |
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