Now that's a BOMB...bet they could really mop up with that one

From the Ares Homepage comes this story about the MOP

The USAF has revealed detailed photos of the Boeing Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, being developed for the B-2 bomber - at a point where the service is moving towards a decision to deploy the bomb operationally.

Speaking of Dogs

This article is from the Multinational Forces Iraq web site

FOB KALSU — With their strong sense of smell and their immeasurable loyalty, the highly trained military working dogs (MWD) in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are proving to be essential in the fight against terrorism.
Military working dogs first entered the United States armed services in March 1942. Today, the dogs are still providing support to the troops on the battlefield.

A single dog can search more area in less time than an entire company could do, said Staff Sgt. Charles Graves, a dog handler with 241st Military Police Detachment, Fort Meade, Md.

Go read the rest HERE

Army Sends Therapy Dogs To Iraq

This article in the NY Daily News tells us that the Army is sending therapy dogs to Iraq. Cool idea.

The story reminds me of our friend "Bango".

We supported a great many air assaults during our time in Iraq. One of the elements that participated regularly was a military working dog. One of our frequent visitors was a dog named Bango. He obviously wasn't a therapy dog by training, but it was amazing the change that came over the soldiers whenever he was around. Not surprising when you think about it given that a lot of the soldiers had left home and their own pets not too long ago. Bango was a little reminder of home that loved you back. Being a Lab/Sheppard mix he was a big dog, and when you rubbed his neck he would lean in to you. It was interesting to me having never interacted with a working dog, that he would be so loving.

Bango is still on duty in Iraq...lets hope he had a good Christmas and will be home soon along with his trainer. he's done a great job in more ways than one.

Just When You Begin To Think There's Hope...

You read the comments in a NY Daily News story about MNC-I forces taking out some members of AQI.

arizonarick Dec 26, 2007 8:59:32 PM Report Offensive Post
it would be easy to gloat along with a lot of other americans about this deadly strike from the sky. but until america gets a true peace candidate who cares as much about young men and women who strap explosives to their bodies to make a last deadly attack against people they see as their enemies, we will learn nothing about ourselves and nothing about a culture that is as different from ours as the moon is from the sun, and yet the same. i applaud the helicopter crew for doing their job, but i abhore the mismanaged thinking that took us into iraq in the first place. this isn't about new york or 9/1/1. this is about oil and the global economy. rick lanning springfield, mo.

Arizona Rick from Springfield, MO is an idiot. Yeah, all it takes is for us to love our enemies and they will see us for the nice guys that we truly are. Jez Rick, please tell us you aren't going to have any children...please for the love of God take the time and read these people's (AQI) own words about us. Thanks for keeping the trees alive though.

For the whole story and a video of an AGM-114 (that's a hellfire missile if you didn't know) taking out a car full of bad guys go HERE .

Merry Christmas!

If all you got in your stocking was switches and a lump of coal, it could be because Santa now has UAVs.

He knows when you've been sleeping. He knows when your awake. He knows if your emplanting IEDs, so don't do it or you'll get an AGM-114 dropped on your head...or something like that.

This shot was taken of soldiers from my BDE last year in Iraq. So yeah, it's an old shot...but it's still good.

More Reasons To Hang Out at DFW

Although I didn't see these ladies the times I went through DFW on R&R...here's three reasons to make sure you take leave in Texas.

Check out their website: http://www.usogirls.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your support girls!

Merry Christmas!

From Achmed the dead terrorist.




SILENCE...night.

Welcome The Troops Home @ DFW

One of the many things that will stick with me for the rest of my life was the welcome we received at DFW airport when I came back from Iraq for R&R (both times).

A local radio station (WBAP) is helping to organize the welcome over the holidays.

From their website:

Welcome Our Troops Home at DFW Airport!

Every day, more than 100 soldiers come through DFW Airport on their way home for two weeks of much-anticipated rest and recuperation (R&R). Under the R&R program, American servicemen and women receive these brief vacations from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. WBAP joins forces with the DFW Airport for Operation Welcome Home, the mission to bring your family, your friends, your co-workers, your entire companies to welcome our troops home. Join WBAP at Terminal D-Gate 22 from 8:00 am - 11:00 am daily throughout the holidays as we welcome the troops home!

Please call the hotline number the night before you would like to go and then again in the morning before the flight to confirm flight arrival time. The Hotline number is 972-574-0392. Flight times vary due to winds and mechanical issues. Flights arrive everyday, weekends and holidays included. Large volunteer groups are encouraged. Groups will greet troops at Terminal D - Gate 22. Gates may change after the holidays. Please call the hotline to confirm gates. Parking is available in the lot to the left and obtain vouchers upon leaving (to pass through the toll). See a DFW Ambassador for parking vouchers.

WBAP and DFW would like anyone who wants to show these soldiers how much their commitment means to the North Texas community to participate.

For more info you can also go to these websites:
http://www.welcometroops.com/

http://www.dfwairport.com/heroes/index.html

Another reason to love Texas.

Having talked with soldiers who came through the Atlanta airport on their way to R&R, I was told they didn't recieve anything close to the greeting that was given at DFW. Those of you in the Atlanta area should see what you can do in that regard...just sayin'...I mean you don't want a bunch of Texans showing you up, do you?

How To Win the War

I have long held the belief...and least as long as the first time I saw footage from a Stryker or Bradley of a bunch of middle eastern types having sex with a donkey, that they way to win the war we are fighting is to import porn. They are so screwed up about sex and women anyway. And if they somehow were about to start having sex with women they might now be in the mood to fight all the time.

Of course, the religious and folks who have issues with the objectification of women that occurs in this type of material would object. But doesn't it beat killing and maiming them? It's worth a try.

If you don't think it has a chance, look at this video via My Pet Jawa.

WARNING!

THE ATTATCHED VIDEO HAS NUDITY AND AUDIO OF IRANIAN MEN SHREAKING LIKE 12 YEAR OLD GIRLS.

Of course they took it down, we can't have nekid boobies sullying up "You Tube" now can we? Video of people getting blown to bits, OK. A couple of women nekid, NOT OK.

And we think the people we're fighting are backward.

I'm Back!

America...F#@h yeah!

It seemed like it took forever, but a couple of days ago I finally made it home.

Someone in charge of customs and who goes where prior to flights home needs to be taken out and shot...but that's another story. Well 30 hours in the sterile area of customs awaiting your flight to the states is a long and boring story, a story that's almost enough to make you want to go out and hunt down the persons responsible. But I guess that's why they take your ammo away before you get there.

But that's all done now.

Kudos to the folks at Fort Hood for the seamless job of getting everyone taken care of during the return.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

I've already feasted upon the greatest BBQ in the central Texas area...Vetek's...it's almost better than I remember. And now they have Dublin Dr Pepper available, it's like heaven...I think I see Blue, and he looks glorious. Having worked in the food industry as a young man, it amazes me that they can remember what I order everytime I visit...and this time it has been at least 15 months since I've been in there.

For those who care, Vetek's Grocery is off of I-35 in Waco, TX...down by Baylor University. Yeah, you have to go to Waco, but that suff is awesome. For those of you who are getting upset because I slammed Waco (I know you're out there)...it's my hometown, I can do what I want. Besides that was a baby slam...Waco's not that bad. It can't be it's in TEXAS.

Hurry Up and Wait

Some things never change in the Army.

I am in an undisclosed location in Kuwait, waiting for my ride home. For the first time in 15 months I have nothing but time on my hands and not much to do. It feels weird...but I can get used to it.