PapaPenguinPontificates1776

Breaking news! We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast to inform you of a random US Army Colonel who has unilaterally decided to give the shaft uniformly.

In this weeks military minute we discover the wasteful spending by the US Congress is almost matched by the revolving door of senior officers in the UK Army signing on to be lobbyist. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/03/lawmakers-want-26-billion-programs-pentagon-didnt-seek.html https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/dec/06/former-british-army-chief-mark-carleton-smith-joins-lynton-crosby-lobbying-firm It turns out my old Alma Mater, the US Navy, is still pretty decent at fighting their ships. Despite all her flaws, my Navy is still doing something right. https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde I once had an member of a high speed, low drag unit tell me "No selection process is perfect." This case is a clear demonstration of that. Fair warning, this story may ruin your appetite. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/30/marine-recruiters-grooming-of-teenage-recruit-led-investigation-family-says-hes-still-terrorizing.html https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/08/marine-under-investigation-after-publishing-memoir-about-sexual-relationship-young-potential-recruit.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12817637/Christopher-Champagne-Marine-recruiter-stalking-teenage-female-recruit.html

Wanna get a quick run down of things going on the vet sphere over the last week? Here's 3 items of interest. https://twitter.com/Ivan_Snook/status/1728836648207806899 A former Corporal of Marines pontificates on his extensive experience in the officer Corps...or perhaps its just the greatest troll job of all time? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef1CGwbtWMk&t=658s Angry Cops apparently doesn't ever want to be promoted again. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vas-role-migrant-medical-care-draws-scrutiny-advocates-border-crisis-intensifies The VA can't figure out how to actually take care of veterans but they sure can process payments for illegal immigrants detained by ICE. Maybe DoD thinks this pool of potential recruits is a solution for their recruiting woes?

Want to fix the personnel shortage in the military? Get rid of the useless billets filled by senior enlisted and senior officers. And stop kicking out folks just because they hit an arbitrary time in service.

Just some Sunday musings. I know I had a habit of getting too wrapped up in my chosen professions. And I was also less than graceful when others made mistakes in theirs. Our little slice of the world would be a little bit better if we didn't identify as our profession and showed a little bit of grace when others screw up in theirs.

If you're ever in Greensboro, NC check out The Idiot Box for a few laughs.

Ever wonder why racism and bigotry cross national borders, religions, languages and cultures? It's a truly multicultural phenomena that is universally negative. I believe Dunbar's number may help explain this most disturbing of human traits.

Enjoy your veterans day ladies and gents. You earned it.

If you are a veteran, active duty or even a recruit these are 7 things important to being successful when returning to civilian life. These 7 things made the transition much smoother. Don't wait to figure out the path when you are going through TAPS or after you get your DD214.

The draft ain't starting anytime soon and you ain't going to punch your Drill Instructor in the face or tell off your Commanding Officer. Just stop the internet posturing and go do something good for your neighbors.

Want to know what an organization or person values? Follow the money. Every American should consider this information before the next election. Articles that back up my numbers: https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-aid-has-us-sent-ukraine-here-are-six-charts#:~:text=Since%20the%20war%20began%2C%20the,Economy%2C%20a%20German%20research%20institute. https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/RL33222.pdf https://www.epa.gov/east-palestine-oh-train-derailment/operational-updates https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/flint-is-not-fixed-activists-demand-change-years-after-water-crisis https://apnews.com/article/maui-wildfire-fema-assistance-damages-973218438d06164d218ce60d252d7c32

Ever wondered how others seem to "glide" through life being happy and successful in their relationships and work? I've got 5 precepts that have served me well. They could help you too.

The world is a crazy place.

Ever wonder how you can just ride a motorcycle and navigate the politics of the MC scene? This video is the super secret sauce they don't want you to know about. Learn how to deal with outlaw clubs, 1% clubs and everything in between.