14 years in the Reserves, Active and Guard. Currently in the Illinois Guard as an Infantryman. Previously in the Reserves and Active as a Psychological Operations Specialist. Jumped out of airplanes and all that good chiz. Saw the elephant in Farah Province, Afghanistan. I understand now why David Drake called 'em "buzz bombs."

I'm currently ADSW/ADOS.

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Yukon 5 Golf OUT!

20 years USMC, 1976 - 1996. Infantry first then went into data processing. Retired just before the 4000 data processing field combined with the 2800 communications field.

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"Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it."
Doug Larson

http://www.togetherweserved.com

One year as a corporal in the Norwegian army - rifle company in Finmark (Arctic Circle) - back when we still thought the Soviets might invade. Still in the reserves.

Ten month armoured infantry. I dropped my officer candidateship, though, after deciding that I do not want to spend 12 years in the service as it happend to be back then. I spent years in reserve afterwards, but my government never called on me.

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ad astra per aspera
liber et infractus

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." –- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

I read the post Mikey put on about combat. Its true, nothing beats it. I have served 13 years as an infantryman in the Canadian Army. I am with PPCLI. I have gone over with both 1PPCLI and 3PPCLI. I have done 3 tours in Afganistan and 1 in Bosnia. I am still serving and will do another seven years at least. I love seeing all the different militaries that play this game. Its awesome.

Mike F

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Its a flammenwerfer, it werfs flammen....duh

Hey Mike,

Great to see another Canuck mil...I've worked with many PPCLI folks over the years in and out of the service...are you still in the battalion? See you on the forums.

Cheers,
Stan

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Oiler72

Hey Stan

Are you with the CF still? I am at recruiting in Kingston. I see you're in Ottawa, not far from me. I left Bn this year, I needed a bit of a break. I am sure you know what I mean. If you ever wanna game let me know. I would be willing to make the drive to play.

Mike F

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Its a flammenwerfer, it werfs flammen....duh

Hey Mike,

It's hard for me to believe but this November will actually be 4 years since I got out...our group in Ottawa is doing a FoF day in November...if you're interested check out OMG on yahoo groups.

Cheers,
Stan

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Oiler72

I unfortunately never served. I flirted with the Marines big time, was going to a recruiter, but wimped out when it was time to pick military or college. Just like almost every other kid from northern NJ.

Now, it's my one true regret that I didn't serve when I had the chance. Not only b/c obviously I have some interest in the military, but also the 19 year old me could've used a good a** kicking.

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*What do you know about surfing Major, you're from G** D***ed New Jersey!*

I don't think military can kick your butt hard enough you transfer that into civil life per se. Maybe it's diffrent when you stay in the force for a longer time. I didn't though...

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ad astra per aspera
liber et infractus

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." –- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

Former Army (full timer, not reservist) 4 years in infantry after school - then blew out ACL on manoeuvres.
Sideshifted into support (Quartermaster supply) instead of taking the medical discharge to finish my term (my plan was 5 years. Joined up with 3 mates. I finished the 5) because I had the aptitude and could get the job done.

My unit were never posted anywhere more dangerous than Timor.
(and that happened AFTER my injury, lol).

Thanks Ursus. I think one of my regrets is I'll never know at this point. But seriously, now pushing 40, I see flaws in myself that I can't help but wonder if those flaws would be less dramatic (for lack of a better phrase) had I spent time in the military and served.

Ah well.. back to toy soldiers.

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*What do you know about surfing Major, you're from G** D***ed New Jersey!*

I often wonder what life would have been, had I decided to stay in the force, as I planned. Quite realistically I'd be in Afghanistan now. At that point of my wondering off, I usually stop. It's no place I'd like to be. So, back to my PhD.

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ad astra per aspera
liber et infractus

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." –- Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

Rattleshirt, I think that's all part of being in your 40s. I'm about to hit my 50s and now I see even MORE flaws in my life. The greater the distance the clearer the perspective, I think. I've taken up the philosophy that the mistakes I made in the past aren't as important as the things I get right now - especially if that involves not repeating those past mistakes.

Life, it's just one damned TQ Test after another!

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Shawn Carpenter
Game Designer, Ambush Alley Games

"I don't wanna be remembered as the guy who died because he underestimated the threat posed by a monkey."

7 years in the Belgian Air Force. Nothing as glamorous as a pilot I'm afraid.
Sniper/recon in an IBE Rgt.

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Gotcha!