Board Archive Bits: Aug 29-31 & Sep 9, 2005

These clips were "grabbed" from Suzanne Brockmann's board on September 1, 2005, before PS Mitchell and McDonna started doing more formal archives. We also have the original Tilly & Wanda story saved by Cin, from Sept. 9.

So is it your goal in life

Posted by Tom on 8/29/2005, 11:08:35, in reply to "If I am not mistaken, Lieutenant Commander Rancich (USN Ret) is having a birthday... :D"

to keep me blushing? Thanks Kerrit. We were running a training excercise with big Navy. I was the Naval Special Forces Component Commander on board the carrier Enterprise. My guys were doing a CSAR in a little swampy area. Everything was going great, then I get a call for medevac actual. So things get very exciting very fast, and we are getting ready to launch a helo when the a cancel call comes out. Apparently, what happened is one of the guys is getting in the boat when he tells the Chief that his foot is stuck and he can't get up. So a few guys grab him and try to hoist him up--well as he comes out of the water, there is a little gator clamped onto his foot.

So the person with the gator on his foot immediately tries to draw his guard weapon (S&W 626) the gator starts thrashing, the CHief is trying to grab the gun having sensed a gunshot wound to the foot about to happen, people are trying to get out of the way, guys are laughing---so anyway, they finally get the gator off his foot--humanely-- and all was well except for the need to figure out if gators could carry rabies---(they can't) actually, another funny part of that story is during debriefing the "downed pilot" was really evasive. He ws a Brit and would't tell us what kind of plane, mission etc--well it ends up he is not even a pilot but an enlisted guy. His Commanding officer walks into morning quarters and asks the enlisted men who wants to be a aviator for a day. This kid raises his hand. The Commanding Officer is like, "Well congradulations Seaman Schmuckatelly, you are now an aviator. Oh rot, now there is a bit of bad luck, you've just been shot down over the swamps of Kartuna" They dress him up give him a beacon and drop him in the swamp---I love those guys!

So you want to know what I'm wearing?

Posted by Tom on 8/29/2005, 16:29:01, in reply to "Okay, I have been trying to hold back but...inquiring minds need to know ????"

And I thought that was a guy thing! Actually, the answer isn't straight forward. Back when I first joined the Nav and went through dive School, any diver wearing any underwear was strictly verboten. Sock checks in bars were frequent and anyone found to be wearing drawers was promptly de-drawered in a particularly painful manner (Hollering "Sock Check!" Meant everyone had to drop their pants to check their socks—of course this revealed the presence or absence of said drawers). But with the advent of the kinder gentler military (May 3, 1990), sock checks fell by the wayside. Then bike shorts and thigh length jockies were invented, and suddenly there was an advantage to being "held". So, basically—if it had anything to do with water or extended periods wet, commando was the order of the day. Anything dealing with parachuting or harnesses, except water jumps, most guys wore tighty blackies. Few things as miserable of getting a---err, ahhh—"fellow" caught under a strap while parachuting—and cutting away only helps for a second :O Though I never did an inspection, a lot of guys liked wore skivvies in the desert, particularly on long vehicle patrols. Yes, even our underwear are hi-tech and wearing them kept us feeling fresh all day long!! Of course, for winterine ops, underwear was a must, as extremities freeze first.

Funny story. I had just been in a helo crash in the Persian Gulf. So I am on the hanger deck of the Enterprise in triage about to have my clothes cut off in front of three thousand of my closest friends. So just as the doc starts to cut my paint leg I say "I can't believe I didn't listen to my mother" Corpsman "What?" "I didn't listen to my mother, I am sure my underwear are a mess" "Doc stat, we are losing this guy" So the surgeon runs over and he's looking at me and he says "Tom, are you here?" "Yeah, jeez Doc, I was just joking" "people in helicopter crashes don't joke" "Doc when you are in a crash, you do it your way, I'll do it mine"---and yes, I got to lay al natural in a stokes litter for ten minutes for my troubles. (Helo story in memory of Petty Officer Voight (ST-8) Woody and Jeff (HS 15)

Good Question

Posted by Tom on 8/30/2005, 0:01:16, in reply to "where to start?!?"

and finally something not about my underwear! In my time, as soon as you graduated BUDS all pretense was dropped. Instuctor smith became Petty Officer Smith---BUT--Seal Tactical Training and probation was still ahead for at least six months--the truth is that you have to prove yourself everyday---hungover, mother dying, just won the lottery---the brotherhood will give you enormous latitude as long as you are supporting the mission. Everyone isn't on every day---but we try.

Illustration: In Commandoes Waller sort of juxtaposes myself against Senior Chief Mc. He became my platoon Chief at ST4. I have never had the pleasure of serving with a better professional. This man tortured the crap out of my class--for good reason--but when it came to business---well, he was all business and I learned a lot about loyalty and professionalism by watching him work for me. So, short answer is by the time you make it to the teams--the mission is the only thing that matters---

"The Grand Omnipotent Stomper"

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 7:28:58, in reply to "Tom, I hope you don't mind me asking"

I always thought that would be a cool call sign. Ahh the SEAL name--sorry, but that is one of the not quite true stories about life in the Teams. Unlike aviators, we don't all get call signs that stick with us throughout our careers. Some of us do. "Hawk" was in on of my platoons---he always looked like he was hunting. Hydro, really really fast swimmer. etc.

For a while in BUDS I was Bulldog, which was changed to Oldtimer, but after that nothing much stuck. As an Officer, your usually just called by rank and first letter of the last name--particularly if your name is hard to pronounce--so I was mostly Mr. R, or LT/LCDR R. In Afghanistan my standing callsign was Magnum--so everytime I was on the radio I had the Magnum PI theme song in my head--really annoying!

Sorry to tease you a little in the beginning--but there are a lot of stories about SEALs that are only derivation of the truth. I once almost got into a fight with a guy because he insisted that every SEAL got tied up hands and feet and dumped off the Alaskan shore 5 miles out (actually a combination of three different training evolutions). He was vehment that this was true--knew I was a SEAL and still insisted. So, no kidding he is ready to fight because I am lying to him---I leaned in and whispered in his ear "Look, you're not supposed to know---just don't tell anyone else, okay?" Somewhere out there; he is keeping that secret safe.

Navy SEALs Thanked for Anti-Terror Work

Posted by JAN on 8/31/2005, 11:29:08

NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE, Calif. - The trainees had been awake for days, but they could still muster a "Hoo-yah, Secretary Rumsfeld!" as the visiting defense chief looked them over.

They were 60 "buds" - hopefuls to join the elite ranks of the Navy SEAL teams. Dozens had already given up, ringing a bell and calling it quits. For them, Tuesday was the middle of "hell week" - where they are kept awake, training, for 5 1/2 days. The lucky ones may get a cumulative four hours of sleep during that time.

As the men stood before Donald H. Rumsfeld in teams of six, their trainers yelled for them to alternately lift and lower a weighty raft. Something beyond fatigue showed on many of their faces - some buds feel asleep every few seconds, even while standing at attention.

Others swayed as they stood, their red eyes focusing on nothing.

These "buds" - an acronym for "Basic Underwater Demolitions-SEALs" - are a mix of officers and enlisted troops in their mid- to late 20s.

They are drawn from the ranks of the Navy and must pass rigorous physical tests to qualify for training. Only 30 percent of an average class of trainees finish the six-month training regimen to become SEAL team members.

Rumsfeld, who joined President Bush in San Diego Tuesday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. victory over Japan in World War II, also met with active SEALs at their base.

"They're amazing folks," he said.

He pinned bronze stars on several SEALs, thanking them for heroism in Iraq. Reporters were asked not to reveal their names or photograph their faces.

One SEAL helped protect Iraqi oil wells during the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Others played a key role in capturing high-level insurgents, according to officers who described their actions.

Rumsfeld said he personally approved some of their missions.

"You are the quiet professionals doing extraordinary things, often in anonymity," he said. "But even though most Americans know little about your remarkable exploits, they do take comfort in knowing you are in the fight."

Despite their maritime origins, SEALs - an acronym for Sea, Air and Land - have been on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Still, it has been a rough period for the elite SEAL units. Like other special operations units, while their successes go unheralded, their failures are often well-known.

On June 28, eight Navy SEALs, along with eight members of the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, were killed in Afghanistan when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their MH-47 Chinook. Also killed were three SEAL commandos they were trying to rescue on the ground. A fourth escaped.

Some SEALs have also been accused of taking part in the abuse of prisoners.

Re: Bronze Star

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 14:38:13, in reply to "Re: Bronze Star"

Congratulations are fine, and thankyou, but it is one of those things that always makes me feel odd---same with being thanked for being in the service--I was just doing my job. I was pretty surprised when the Colonel put me in for it and even more surprised when it got awarded---but thank you

Work?

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 15:18:29, in reply to "And another one since I know you are here:)"

No profanity please---didn't see a question about hostages---but leaving them is generally considered bad form.

The only thing that is ever left intentionally behind are parachutes. If you are in contact and on the run you jettison everything but your first and second line gear--so if there is a computer in there or a radio...oh well.

Re: First line??? I am betting......once again UNDERWEAR??? lol

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 16:03:38, in reply to "First line??? I am betting......once again UNDERWEAR??? lol"

Basically third line is your ruck and everything in it and any non-weapon team gear (Hooligan tool, grappling hook, climbing line etc) Second line is your load bearing equipment, ammunition, grenades, water, primary weapon (Rifle)and team weapons (AT-4). First line is your secondary weapon (pistol), knife, e&e kit, Medkit, Personal radio/beacon, strobe including all your clothes(underwear optional)and good luck charms. So basically, if you are in a running battle you would ditch third line to be more manueverable and faster. You would ditch the second line as you ran out of ammunition. You never ditch your first line.

Lay Woman terms

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 18:11:51, in reply to "DUDE! I hate to say this..(I can hear the boo-hissing, already) but lay-woman terms...please:)"

Notice I am taking the high road. Basically an E&E kit has one stripped MRE, compass, Blood Chit (Hardened map of country with Coupons promising money for aid), lighter and deck of playing cards. It varies, but I carried it in my left shoulder pocket and med kit always in right leg pocket.

'Cause it usually has blood on it?

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 18:48:14, in reply to "Why is it called a Blood Chit? nt"

Actually, I think it comes from the term blood money. It is literally a promisary note from the US to the individual providing assistance. I do not know this, but would guess that a Blood Chit was used a few weeks ago

Bad News Brenda

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 15:08:12, in reply to "Tom ~G.O.S.~ A BinLadin ? and no NOT dissing anyone:) Just curious...... "

Not familiar with the "bounce" thingy. That method of insertion (minds out of gutters) was for a very specific mission set and was pretty much dismissed as impractical with the advent of better radar. But I am guessing that if someone opens a door on a civilian flight, it is not gonna be a great day--so your sentiments are accurate.

The Navy gives you one Trident. You can buy as many as you need/want to. The giving of your Trident is a sign of respect, so the general answer is that probably everyone there put one on each of the casket--but I wasn't there so don't know. Though I have heard it was an incredible service.

Sorry again, I have no opinion on Bin. Cheers!

Gross warning-Ziplock(TM) the Official Baggy of SOF

Posted by Tom on 8/31/2005, 15:37:06, in reply to "Tom, I'm sorry but I have another underware issue question?"

Suz has it right. If you are not in sight of the target you can use a baggie for #2. But you never break cover and concealment--it is not always the most pleasant of jobs. But if you have to go go first :)

My guys had an OP and they took an AF FAC with them. He wanted to break cover to go --apparently the LPO changed his mind--then he got stage fright--I guess the whole thing was pretty funny, him lying on his side trying to poop in a bag. FInally gave up and came back FOS

Two-Ton Tilly and Way-Wide Wanda

might you ever show up at home...

Posted by Donna on 9/9/2005, 12:27:53, in reply to "taking toys home"

wearing BDUs and maybe camo still smeared on your face from exercises? or would you clean up at the base and change into civvies before heading home to wife and kids? just trying to visualize the classic, "honey, I'm home!" scenario :)

A lot of times

Posted by tom on 9/9/2005, 12:38:15, in reply to "might you ever show up at home..."

you'd go straight home if the training was local. not a lot of hugs after you've spent the night lying in a swamp. The funny thing about cammie paint is it sort of turns you this add hue of yellow and it is very hard to get off your eye lids--so it looks like you've got mascara and eyeliner on...me and a buddy once had a pizza hut waitress convinced that we were a cross dressing act--- "Two ton Tilly" and "Way wide Wanda")

I was Wanda

Posted by tom on 9/9/2005, 13:25:33, in reply to "Which one were you?"

My buddy was about 6'3", so he was two ton, I had the shoulders the way wide

See also the reference to "Two Ton" in the 9/18 archive.

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