What Warrior members were actual Warriors?

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Veterans day is this week, so I thought that it would be an appropriate time to find out what Warrior Forum members were actual warriors.

I'll start by saying that I served as a combat television producer... camera in one hand, m-16 in the other. My Uncle Same loved sending me wherever the bullets were flying, most notably, Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993. Yes, that is where the Blackhawks went down.

I learned a lot in the military, but mostly it gave me the confidence and focus that I think is needed to be self employed.

Anybody else? If so, how did the military help you with your IM career?


#actual #members #warrior #warriors
  • Profile picture of the author Joel
    As an 'experienced' (code word for older) Warrior, I served in the U.S. Army in the 1965-67 time-frame, stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX

    The military experience gives you structure, determination & the experience in unfamiliar situations to analyze the situation and make decisions.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan


    Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993
    Gotta respect that.

    I was stuck with Afghanistan

    How has the military helped? Suck it up and drive on sounds good.
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    I'm all about that bass.

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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    I was in the Navy back in the late 70's. How that helped me with IM? Maybe in having more self-discipline. Can't think of too much else.

    Edit: After reading Willie's post I felt a little bad for not giving the question more thought. I'd add to my list that traveling the world gave me a much broader perspective on life. It made me realize we have it pretty good in the USA. It taught me people are people everywhere. Actually, it taught a lot of different skills that aren't directly transferable, but that make the skills we do use more effective.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    I served through the 80's in the ARMY as a combat medic and also as a nurse.


    2/11 ACR Black Horse
    Bad Kissingen Germany
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  • Profile picture of the author TelZilla
    US Navy 1987-1993

    Served on the USS San Juan SSN-751 - For those of you who don't know, that's a fast attack nuclear submarine. I was a Nuke electrician.



    I learned way more about myself that I have time to post here.
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    Don't get so wrapped up in making money that you forget the important things in life.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    Hey fellas...

    USAF 75-80. Electronic warfare/countermeasures.

    The military has helped me in both life and IM - never giving up and no
    whining. Whatever's going on, deal with it and figure out a way through it
    or around it. Right?


    Ken
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    • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
      Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

      Hey fellas...

      USAF 75-80. Electronic warfare/countermeasures.

      The military has helped me in both life and IM - never giving up and no
      whining. Whatever's going on, deal with and figure out a way through it
      or around it. Right?


      Ken
      Hoorah, Ken.
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      Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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  • Profile picture of the author bensmokey
    Never been in the services myself but most my family have and many still are!
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    1st Team late 70s


    We get more done before 9am than most people do all day.

    While the others would get up between 0400 and 0600, we got up between 0 dark and oh crap.
    Or as Monty Python said it in a skit, "we would get up 15 minutes before going to bed".

    I would say the ability to jump out of bed and have a few reports written before I get finished with my coffee helps a lot.

    Dennis, Navy explains why you have a little goat in your avatar
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      I can't find an emoticon or picture showing a salute, guys, but everyone who serves or served gets a big old salute from me!

      Thank you!

      Tina
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Matt Maiden View Post


      Dennis, Navy explains why you have a little goat in your avatar
      That little pup can be as stubborn as a goat. If I didn't have so many nicknames for her already I'd probably add "goat" to the list.
      Signature

      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    CTM USN 1981-87
    Cryptologic Technician Maintenance


    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Rambo
    I was in the Army for 7 years working on helicopters (CH-47s) in South Korea, Germany and in Savannah. Some of the best times of my life
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    • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
      No service for me, but my dad served, my husband was special forces, and now my son is back and forth to the Middle East in the AF. None of that helps me get any better organized...and my son's tours of duty just gives me heartburn all the time.

      You do notice a difference in people who have served, they are organized.

      As others say to me for my son's service...thank you to all of you who have served or are serving. It really is a big deal to have to put your life on the line.
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      • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
        Originally Posted by AprilCT View Post

        No service for me, but my dad served, my husband was special forces, and now my son is back and forth to the Middle East in the AF. None of that helps me get any better organized...and my son's tours of duty just gives me heartburn all the time.

        You do notice a difference in people who have served, they are organized.

        As others say to me for my son's service...thank you to all of you who have served or are serving. It really is a big deal to have to put your life on the line.
        No service for you? Are you kidding? You are the epitome of service to the country! Thank you!
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        Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    I just want to say thank you to everyone above and to all those who post later for their service.
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    Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    I remember when I was a private at my first duty station in Germany, my SGT told me to go to the radio room and get a box of squelch for the radios.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      I remember when I was a private at my first duty station in Germany, my SGT told me to go to the radio room and get a box of squelch for the radios.
      In the Navy we sent new recruits for gig line...lol

      Oh, by the way, I didn't do ships or windows...lol
      If I was sent to a ship, we would chopper in during the night and leave before
      anyone knew we were there. They referred to us as Spooks....MuHahahah....

      Thanks for the Thanks,
      Have a Great Day!
      Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      I remember when I was a private at my first duty station in Germany, my SGT told me to go to the radio room and get a box of squelch for the radios.
      LMAO - Russ, um.........that wasn't Panzer Kassern in Boblingen was it? My ex was stationed there and would come home laughing because they would send new guys out for a can of squelch. Some of them would be all over Germany before someone would finally send him back.

      They sometimes would give guys hoses and tell them to siphon water out of a pit, too.

      To all of you --- Thank you. Bravery is the most admirable of human qualities.
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      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
      Beyond the Path

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      • Profile picture of the author jon poland
        I served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years -- from 1981 to 1987.

        Did my basic and AIT at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. MOS was 13E - a Fire Direction Specialist with a Field Artillery Unit.

        My unit was never mobilized, but I do have a ton of respect for those that have been through combat.

        Two of my older brothers served in the US Army in Vietnam and my father was in the US Army in WWII and then served 34 more years in the Army Reserves.

        My father, who loved the Army, said this of the military: "You would never do it again for a million dollars, yet you'd never trade the memories for a million dollars." I completely agree.

        As for what I learned from my military experience and how it applies to IM, I'll add this: "You are capable of doing so much more than you realize if you are disciplined. You have to pick one thing and just do it. Then, you will master it."

        Most IMers love to chase multiple projects and programs simultaneously -- and that is why most IMers struggle. The military does not allow soldiers to do this. In the military you do one thing, and you do it well. And then they allow you to move on to another task.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    Rus, I remember making a brand new butter bar (Second Lieutenant for all of you civilians), go back to the armory and get a bayonet mount for his .45 before he could report to our company.

    Took him 30 minutes to figure it out.

    Then we sent him back for his canopy lights for his parachute for night drops.

    Poor guy was a wreck by the time we got finished with him
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    • Profile picture of the author warfore
      Originally Posted by Matt Maiden View Post

      Rus, I remember making a brand new butter bar (Second Lieutenant for all of you civilians), go back to the armory and get a bayonet mount for his .45 before he could report to our company.

      Took him 30 minutes to figure it out.

      Then we sent him back for his canopy lights for his parachute for night drops.

      Poor guy was a wreck by the time we got finished with him
      Butter bars are always a target for seasoned vets, I know because I was one for awhile. I ended up staying for 24 years and retired. Don't regret a minute of it. Served in many places to include Korea, Germany, West Point and the Pentagon. I salute everyone who has served.
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      Regards,

      Tony

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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    I remember when I was a private at my first duty station in Germany, my SGT told me to go to the radio room and get a box of squelch for the radios.
    Grab some chemlight batteries and a box of grid squares while your at it.
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    I'm all about that bass.

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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Hi Everyone,

    All I will say is thank God you are here and not lost. My cousin who is the same age as I has served in afghanistan for the past 4 yrs he has taken shrapnel and come close to death. I appreciate the people who lay down their lives I unfortunately did not meet requirements I went to enlist at 16 and that was that. I wanted to serve my Dad served etc.I am glad each and every one of you is here and not lost
    I am a warrior of a different class but it is all about the heart within.
    God bless you guys
    -William
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    "As a man thinks in his heart so is he-Proverbs 23:7"

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  • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
    20 years 10 months in the Air Force when I often had
    to make split second decision that could cost millions
    or lives, I think the biggest skill l developed was that
    ability to make decisions... without having perfect
    information.

    I learned that most mistakes won't kill you, and generally
    neither will being yelled at.

    Traveling to 47 different countries, and learning some
    of 5 different languages taught me that people are
    people... and more alike than different.

    Living through wars, a tsunami, volcanic eruptions, floods,
    really strange injections, flaming out engines, etc. taught
    me that it wasn't yet my time to die, and that few things
    were worth fearing :-)

    Going where I was told to go, when I was told to, usually
    without being asked my opinion, caused me to REALLY value
    freedom of choice... which is why I could never work for
    anyone else again.

    I do have a deep appreciation for ALL warriors and the
    sacrifices they make.

    A crusty old warrior
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    • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod


      United States Infantry Soldier.

      I got out in 2000

      Shannon
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      • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
        Originally Posted by Shannon Herod View Post



        United States Infantry Soldier.

        I got out in 2000

        Shannon

        Shannon,

        I had three uncles who were in the military a long time ago. One
        of them was in the 101st, and he made the drop at Normandy on
        D-Day. He survived the war.


        Ken
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        • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
          Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

          Shannon,

          I had three uncles who were in the military a long time ago. One
          of them was in the 101st, and he made the drop at Normandy on
          D-Day. He survived the war.


          Ken
          That's awesome Ken! It is because of brave men like your uncles we are able to live the life we live here in the United States.
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          • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
            I was in the Army National Guard so not a full-timer. I did my basic and AIT in Ft. Benning, GA in 1989. My MOS was 11-H, Heavy Anti-Armor Weapons Infantryman. We blew up tanks.

            Serving taught me a lot about honor and that I could do anything. Good lessons to carry over to IM.
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          • Profile picture of the author Crew Chief
            Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

            Hey Giles,

            Whoa, brought back memories. lol

            I was in a SAC command and worked on B-52s, and then a TAC command
            on F4C,D,E, and G's - the Wild Weasles - SAM killers.

            Speaking of electronic intel, I tried to get into ELINT, but they were always
            full-up. Small outfit with very high esprit de corps!

            No complaints, though, ECM was very cool stuff.

            Ken
            Ken, talk about memories.... who could forget the SAM Killers; first in last out! That cat and mouse game is why on my desk I keep metal models of the: F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, B-2, F-117 and the unforgettable SR-71 Blackbird and on one of my bookshelves I keep a A-10 Warthog.

            Memories? My thoughts go back to the days we used watch SR-71 Blackbirds take off; do touch and goes; man, that was pure poetry in motion.




            I'd be remiss if I didn't mention watching F-16s and F-15s go full thrust vertical takeoffs. The videos do NO justice; you have to be there.

            As Archer Bunker used to say, "Those were the days..."

            I salute "ALL" of our Warrior Forum Members who served and put their lives on the lines day in and day out so that others may sleep safely at night.

            Happy Veterans Day!

            Giles, the Crew Chief
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        Nice! These are my combat patches...

        Any vets out there planning on taking advantage of any Veteran's day promo offers? I hear Applebee's is doing the same thing as last year...and Dunkin' Donuts is giving free coffee, for vets, I believe, every Monday this month...



        Originally Posted by Shannon Herod View Post



        United States Infantry Soldier.

        I got out in 2000

        Shannon
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        • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
          Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

          Nice! These are my combat patches...
          Is that a 10th Mountain patch? I was Air Force, but was part of a joint combat team and spent most of my time on the ground with the Army and Marines. I was deployed with the 10th Mountain to Somalia in '93 and I believe that I was also with them in Bosnia right before that.
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          Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Nothing old or crusty about you Willie.

    You're still as sharp as a tack and getting better with age!
    Thanks for all you contributions!

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael

    PS. It took me three years but I finally have a site for you to review...lol
    Is the offer still open?
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    • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
      Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

      PS. It took me three years but I finally have a site for you to review...
      Gotta love the Navy. Bless their hearts... LOL


      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      I remember when I was a private at my first duty station in Germany, my SGT told me to go to the radio room and get a box of squelch for the radios.
      Sometimes we would tell greenhorns to go back to the shop and ask
      for a bucket of fresh ground. We needed to install a new ground.

      Or, we'd tell them to go back to the shop and ask someone for the
      waveguide bender. (For RF transmissions, never bend waveguides.)


      Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
    You're still as sharp as a tack and getting better with age!
    It's a rusty tack, but still pretty sharp ;-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Shannon Herod View Post

      It's a rusty tack, but still pretty sharp ;-)
      Yes Michael the offer is still open.

      ... And Shannon just reminded me of my favorite thing to do, which
      was to walk through the back of the C-130 packed with queazy
      paratroopers.

      I'd have an airsickness bag filled with something like Campbell's
      Chunky Soup. After pretending to throw up, I'd hand the bag to
      the loadmaster who would pull out a spoon and eat the soup.

      That was usually enough to make the paratroopers "lose it" and
      make my day :-)

      Airborne!

      Willie
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      • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
        Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

        Yes Michael the offer is still open.

        ... And Shannon just reminded me of my favorite thing to do, which
        was to walk through the back of the C-130 packed with queazy
        paratroopers.

        I'd have an airsickness bag filled with something like Campbell's
        Chunky Soup. After pretending to throw up, I'd hand the bag to
        the loadmaster who would pull out a spoon and eat the soup.

        That was usually enough to make the paratroopers "lose it" and
        make my day :-)

        Airborne!

        Willie
        I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I still can't eat campbells chunky soap to this day.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Ken, FYI, I purchased a product from Willie about three years ago and the review was
    a bonus of the purchase...lol

    So... Go Navy! ...at least I didn't go on a drunken binge and forget...

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary King
    Marine Corps... nearly 10 years.

    Saw 9 different countries, many more than once.

    How did it help? Focus, discipline. I'm self-employed now for 16+ years.

    Showed me lots of wonderful cultures, people, and amazing sites.
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    • Profile picture of the author MalaMalas
      We are all warriors in our own way. That I can make it through a day with only 90% of my vision and constant migraines I think makes me one of the toughest ones.
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  • Profile picture of the author CCGAL
    My husband was a pilot in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war; he served two tours of duty. He was spat upon by war protesters when he returned. That bites to this day. He and all of his comrades deserved much better.

    I was Civilian Service at Mare Island Naval Shipyard; shop 38 machinist (marine), nuclear repair.

    Our service men and women don't get the respect they deserve for what they give, in my opinion. I would like to change that.

    Hats off to each of you who served. Thank you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Gary King
      Originally Posted by CCGAL View Post

      My husband was a pilot in the Air Force during the Viet Nam war; he served two tours of duty. He was spat upon by war protesters when he returned. That bites to this day. He and all of his comrades deserved much better.


      PLEASE tell your husband two words for me.

      Welcome Home.


      Thanks for your contributions as well!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dylan K
    Canadian Infantry, Supposed to be in Afghanistan right now but was injured in training required two surgeries, still recovering.

    Hoping to get into Afghanistan next year or 2012.

    Brother and Cousin are also Canadian Infantry, Both in my regiment, another cousin is a supply tech (yes we rag on him).

    It hasnt helped me yet as I havent been able to make any money online. Im hoping to hit even $1 a day soon.

    Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    Thank you for serving our country I am in awe of all of you.
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  • Profile picture of the author iw433
    XVIII Airborne
    Served way back in the stone age. Before Willie got to Pope AFB but I know he was one of the guys that dropped my buddies in the woods.
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    Bill Skywalker Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Crew Chief


    I honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1985; served in Electronic Intelligence. Willie Crawford and Ken Thompson can appreciate this. Aside from what I learned in Electronic Intel, the AF taught me:
    • *MAC Military Air Command
    • *TAC Tactical Air Command
    • *SAC Strategic Air Command
    And of course, all US Armed Forces learn our Defense Readiness Condition alert system better known as DEFCON.
    • DEFCON 1 = Maximum readiness
    • DEFCON 2 = Further increase in force readiness, but less than maximum readiness
    • DEFCON 3 = Increase in force readiness above that required for normal readiness
    • DEFCON 4 = Increased intelligence watch and strengthened security measures
    • DEFCON 5 = Normal readiness
    Tying everything together and how it has helped me as an IMer...

    I approach every website as a military campaign, meaning that I employ SAC and TAC, which allows me to obtain MAC. MAC being the first page in the SERPS, in the first spot. Once I have MAC, I throttle down to DEFCON 5, unless and until my rankings in the first spot waver.

    As long as I'm in the #1 spot, I'm in DEFCON 5 for that Keyword Phrase. If my top spot rankings start to waver due to algo shifts or light competition beefing up their rankings, I'll go to DEFCON 3 and put down the IM invasion attempt.

    If I Reverse Engineer my competition for that Keyword Phrase and determine that they are seriously out to knock me off the top spot, I'll quickly escalate to DEFCON 1 and pull out some of the big guns. At that point, I may go C-130 Hellfire and B-2 Bomber attack mode on that persistent IM threat until they acquiesce the top spot.

    So to sum it up, the Air Force taught me how to treat each website as a military campaign, how to spy on the competition and how to attack in absolute Stealth mode; they never see me coming until I'm there! In Electronic Intel, our motto is...
    We never waiver
    We never flinch
    To our enemy
    We give not an inch
    The invisible badgers
    *Since the AF reorganized, MAC, TAC and SAC have become two new commands called the Air Mobility Command and the Air Combat Command.

    Giles, the Crew Chief
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    Hey Giles,

    Whoa, brought back memories. lol

    I was in a SAC command and worked on B-52s, and then a TAC command
    on F4C,D,E, and G's - the Wild Weasles - SAM killers.

    Speaking of electronic intel, I tried to get into ELINT, but they were always
    full-up. Small outfit with very high esprit de corps!

    No complaints, though, ECM was very cool stuff.

    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Jordan
    I joined the Navy after high school and served from 1976 to 1982.

    How it helped me in my IM career? I guess, time management, self-discipline and analyzing situations.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    If so, how did the military help you with your IM career?
    and a follow up,

    I'm already working at 5:25am

    Only in the military would you be up and working at zero dark thirty.
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    I'm all about that bass.

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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    I did 14 years in the Royal Navy - The only way it helped my IM career was by inspiring me to want to be able to work from home instead of being away all the time - but actually since I got divorced not long after leaving the services - I've traveled even more since leaving than when I was serving - but that's where IM has helped.

    I joined in 1987 and got out in 2000.

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    nothing to see here.

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  • Profile picture of the author scrofford
    82nd Airborne Division 3/325 ABCT Ft. Bragg NC / Vicenza Italy 1984-1989
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  • Profile picture of the author John Pawlett
    British Army from 1997 to 1987

    I was with the REME as an Electrical Engineer, posted to Armoured Infantry in Germany for most of my time although I did a couple of secondments, one in 1979 to Northern Ireland as a foot soldier the other in 84 (also NI) with military intelliegence.

    Have a son-inlaw to be with the Army Air Corp (Door Gunner) who has just got back from Afganistan.

    Anyone still in I wish them all the best and be safe.
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  • Interesting... most of you have pointed that the benefits of the army upon your lives have been discipline, sense of structure and focus.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rick B
    I served in the Air Force in the early 1970s. That was during the Vietnam war but I was fortunate enough to serve in Montana and Germany.

    I worked as a computer technician. The computer I serviced was an IBM Sage. The thing was already an antique by then having been built in 1958. It was actually twin computers. It was necessary to have two complete computers because they failed so often. The main cause of failure was due to the 58,000 vacuum tubes in each computer!

    Each computer used one million watts of power to run all of those tubes and each computer had its own air conditioning plant to keep the tubes cool. Each of those used another one million watts!

    For all of that you only got 64 kilobytes of memory. Another whopping 150 kilobytes was available via magnetic drum storage. It also had the old magnetic tape drives like you saw if you ever watched an old episode of "Lost in Space".

    The entire complex was in a building one block square in size and the computers and AC took two stories of that space alone. A third story held radar scopes and the command center. The purpose of the whole thing was to watch for Russian missiles coming over the north pole towards the U.S. The building had six foot thick walls with steel plates within and could stand a very near miss by a nuclear missile strike but not a direct hit.

    Then I got transferred to Germany and serviced one of the first computers with integrated circuits. What a change! But that's another whole story and I've already rattled on way too long.
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  • Profile picture of the author alvanpilot
    I served aboard the USS John F Kennedy (CVA-67) as a "Plank Owner". That is what they call the sailors who were on a ship's first crew.

    That was back when the USS JFK was commissioned as an "Attack" aircraft carrier and had the CVA-67 rather than todays designation of CV-67.

    Jackie Kennedy was on hand to do the Christining.

    Really funny to think that a few of us Plank Owners are now about to retire and this great ship has also retired!

    The military has given most of us the guts, gumption and "attitude" to do whatever is necessary to succeed.

    I wouldn't want to have to go through some of those times I did, but I thank God that I did, and I "WOULD" do it all over again if necessary.

    FREEDOM IS "NOT" FREE!

    Served from 1967-1970.
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    It seems appropriate to bump this thread today and wish all of my brothers and sisters that wore the uniform a Happy Veterans Day!
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    Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Hats off to you, Mogadishu circa 1993 was a hell zone
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