Post by: Guest on May 07, 2005, 03:15:30 PM
Apparently, plans for college are now off and the boy is joining the Navy as a Corpsman. He hasn't signed the papers yet, but is, as he says, 99.5% certain he wants to do this. His ASVAB scores are mid-90s, and he ultimately wants to become a Physical Therapist. His grades, etc. this year have been a little sketchy, but he's a good kid and in great physical shape (He runs a mile in something like 4:43) and I think overall, it's not a bad choice for him..I think college might not end up well for him right now.
Right now, there is apparently an overabundance of women in the field and an underabundance of men..which leads me that the reason they want men is to attach them to Marine units.
So, I have questions:
My understanding is that even in combat situations, he's allowed *only* a sidearm because he'd be considered a non-combatant. I don't like this, at all, because I'm pretty sure Iraqi terrorists don't care if he's a combatant, non-combatant or Mother-Freaking-Theresa. Is this true? If so, what do they issue him? What sort of training will he receive? I know Corpsman train with Marines, but I'd assume Marine training is more rifle-oriented, rather than a lot of handgun training, and if he's not allowed to have a rifle, that's not good enough.
What are they issuing now? What sort of holster system do they have? I've read shoulder rigs, which seems unwieldly, but maybe not. Will the training he receives be at least as good as what he can get in civilian advanced classes? I'd hope so, but like I said..I have no idea.
Off the topic of guns, can anyone tell me what his likelihood of actually getting PT training in the Navy is? What are the odds he won't be attached to the Marines and would be stationed somewhere else? The recruiter explained the situation as you go in as a very general medical type thing and then later down the road can apply for various schools.
Post by: TarpleyG on May 08, 2005, 03:26:28 AM
Greg
Post by: wmenorr67 on May 08, 2005, 07:12:06 AM
Post by: RevDisk on May 08, 2005, 10:16:53 AM
Quote
My understanding is that even in combat situations, he's allowed *only* a sidearm because he'd be considered a non-combatant. I don't like this, at all, because I'm pretty sure Iraqi terrorists don't care if he's a combatant, non-combatant or Mother-Freaking-Theresa. Is this true? If so, what do they issue him? What sort of training will he receive? I know Corpsman train with Marines, but I'd assume Marine training is more rifle-oriented, rather than a lot of handgun training, and if he's not allowed to have a rifle, that's not good enough.
Heh. All soldiers and Marines take care of their medics. For obvious reasons. If he needs a rifle, he'll have a rifle. Indeed, I noticed most medics are issued M9's. This is generally because they are hauling a lot of medical supplies, and their primary mission is patching up grunts instead of killing the bad guys. They will still be trained to kill bad guys, and train with their unit. Navy boot camp isn't designed primarily to train its sailors to kill the bad guys with small arms (obviously), but he'll get trained up to spec by the Marines if he's attached to a Marine unit.
Quote
What are they issuing now? What sort of holster system do they have? I've read shoulder rigs, which seems unwieldly, but maybe not. Will the training he receives be at least as good as what he can get in civilian advanced classes? I'd hope so, but like I said..I have no idea.
The most common issued holster is an OD green side holster attached to the pistol belt. However, every Army unit I've ever seen allows soldiers to buy pretty much whatever holster they want. Leg holsters, under the armpit holsters, tanker style holsters, etc. Not sure about the Navy. (Yes, the Marines are just another branch of the Navy. Hehehe)Yes, he will get good training as a Corpsman. I've only met a handful, but they've all been extremely well trained in many medical fields.
Quote
Off the topic of guns, can anyone tell me what his likelihood of actually getting PT training in the Navy is? What are the odds he won't be attached to the Marines and would be stationed somewhere else? The recruiter explained the situation as you go in as a very general medical type thing and then later down the road can apply for various schools.
I'm not Navy so I'm not sure. Ask the recruiter, and get any promises IN WRITING IN HIS CONTRACT. If it's not in writing, it never existed. The recruiter is correct that they will get generalized medical training similiar to an EMT. If you want to know more about specialized training, ask the recruiter to get your son in touch with a Corpsman currently serving.
Post by: Detachment Charlie on May 08, 2005, 03:40:48 PM
Thank you.
Post by: mhdishere on May 09, 2005, 05:01:43 AM
My Dad was USMC in the South Pacific during WW II. Like most Marines the term "Sailor" was usually used in association with some language I won't repeat in the presense of a lady, but Corpmen were different. You never insulted a Corpman in the presense of a Marine, Corpmen never bought their own drinks when there were Marines around.
Congratulations, you should be proud.
Post by: Old Fud on May 09, 2005, 05:27:07 AM
That GCL description intrigued me so I spent some time searching through Oleg's Galleries of friends scrapbooks.
And came across a family with a lady who, surprisingly, had described herself quite accurately --- and a soccer lad who couldn't possibly have been more than 13 years old.
Him?
18?
Nahhhhh.
Fud
P.S. You have a lovely looking family, Ma'am.
Post by: roo_ster on May 09, 2005, 08:43:19 AM
The smallest guy in our unit (115#-125#) was our platoon medic & packed his monstrous ruck & M4A1. He made up for his lack of size with a high level of motivation.
Post by: Chris on May 09, 2005, 10:04:28 AM
And, as a former Army puke, who had the pleasure of spending some time with a Marine rifle company and their corpsman, I can say that he'll be well cared for, well appreciated, and well loved. As he already is.
Post by: Guest on May 09, 2005, 02:24:58 PM
Thanks.
We'll see. He's a grown up, and has to make this decision for himself. I worry about his mental health as well..he's a nice kid and it's a tough job. But I've done what I can to get him to this point, and he has to make his own way from here. I wish he'd find an easier route, but having always been a bit stubborn myself, I'll be proud of him whatever he does.
As far as training, since he planned to do DEP until early fall, I'm going to get him to take a CCW class next month, and then I'm going to try to make sure he gets as much advanced training as possible before he leaves. It can't hurt for him to have as much practice and knowledge with a sidearm as he can.
I'm glad to hear he'll be taken care of..because if anything happens to him, I'll declare war on them myself, I swear to God.
Post by: Waitone on May 09, 2005, 02:46:59 PM
Post by: Guest on May 10, 2005, 01:49:38 PM
You all think I'm cranky around here..you haven't seen anything yet.
Post by: Happy Bob on May 11, 2005, 07:51:06 AM
Post by: Smith on May 12, 2005, 03:14:20 AM
WHAT HAPPENS OVERSEAS STAYS OVERSEAS which means that when his boots hit the ground if he has a commander that is worth the rubber in his soles, he will have a rifle in his hands immediately.
I would highly suggest you spend some extra cash and send him to a school such as Gunsite for both a pistol course and a carbine course. Thousands of military folks will go to Iraq or Afganistan (or any other hot spot) and never even load their rifle or see anyone else do it. They will lug a dirty, dry, not-sighted-in rifle around for a year and complain about it being a ball-and-chain. A Corpsman will be where he is needed (meaning that he will likely see many loaded [and firing] rifles), and he might as well know how to use the killing tools as well as the saving tools.
Post by: Jamisjockey on May 12, 2005, 06:34:40 AM
Seriously, Marines take good care of Corpsmen. He will be protected and looked out for. If the bullets are flying, he won't need a rifle, because he might be patching people up. Don't get wrapped up around this point, because its not what a Corpsman does. They don't pack rifles for a reason, and its not because of the whole non-combatant thing. He's going to be loaded down with med gear, and probably have his hands full most of the time dealing with everything from blisters to sucking chest wounds. However, if he's going to be in a combat unit, they will train him to operate what is needed.
Not all corpsman are in combat units. In Yuma, our hospital and squadron medical clinics had Corpsman in them.
Post by: Andrew Wyatt on May 17, 2005, 06:26:45 PM
Post by: SMLE on May 17, 2005, 06:48:53 PM
They have a "tactical" medical forum there too.
If he winds up as a field Corpsman with the Jarheads, his grunts will take darn good care of him. They will see to it that he has any kind of boomstick he wants or needs. I've heard that shotguns are popular for that kind of work.
Post by: Guest on May 23, 2005, 03:52:41 PM
(Hey, Fud..that's my soccer mom look!)
Post by: Phantom Warrior on May 23, 2005, 06:17:57 PM
Post by: Old Fud on May 23, 2005, 09:31:00 PM
On the other hand, the soccer Mom's soccer-playing son in the pictures I saw only came to Mom's shoulder -- or thereabouts.
Must have been a little while since Oleg was visiting.
We're going to have to admit he done growed up and is ready for the next step.
From the look on his face, He's enjoying life now and will continue to do so as he proceeds to make his mark. I think you done good there.
Out of curiosity, where did the "slim" come from? I recall Dad as being Big.
Fud
Post by: Guest on May 24, 2005, 12:44:50 AM
Fud, that's the other one, who is up to my shoulder now.
Both of them are accidently adopted (long story!) It's just been us for years so you must have someone else in mind.
You know, statistically, he ought to be in jail right now (I'm 36..he's 18..and I'm a single woman and didn't give birth to him, although I've raised him since we were both little.) I think it says a lot about him that he knows what he wants..he's a good kid. I'm happy.
Post by: SkyDaver on May 24, 2005, 09:47:58 AM
Another option as a corpsman is to go to USN Diving school. All the surface supplied diving units have at least a diving qualified corpsman.
Post by: Felonious Monk/Fignozzle on May 29, 2005, 05:20:10 PM
Be proud. Ya done good!
I was an Army medic, and after finishing the advanced course near the top of my class, I had a choice to make-- return to the "real world" and finish college, or declare as "regular army" and take some more medical training. I went National Guard/weekend warrior and always wondered "what if".
Fast forward 10 years, and I go to a rough-around-the edges doctor and we get to talking.
Turns out he had gone the same route I had, but made the choice to take all the medical training the US Army would send him to. He became a doctor, and it was like seeing the "what if".
All that to say: if he gets in and enjoys it, encourage him to get all the training he can stand.
Best wishes to you AND your corpsman!
Ben aka Felonious Monk/Fignozzle
Post by: Guest on June 26, 2005, 03:03:49 AM
Post by: Guest on October 03, 2005, 01:45:27 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 03, 2005, 02:49:11 PM
Post by: Jamisjockey on October 03, 2005, 04:40:01 PM
A marine only has two true friends. His rifle and the Corpsman.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 10 A former Navy hospital corpsman was awarded the nation's highest honor today in ceremonies at the White House.
Former Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Robert R. Ingram was presented the Medal of Honor by President Clinton for "conspicuous gallantry" during the Vietnam War. Secretary of the Navy John Dalton; Adm. Jay L. Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations; and Gen. Charles C. Krulak, Commandant of the Marine Corps, attended the ceremony in the State Dining Room, along with approximately 40 former Marines coming from across the country Mr. Ingram, a native of Clearwater, Fla., now living in Jacksonville, is the first Navy member in 20 years to receive the Medal of Honor. The last, awarded in 1979 was posthumous.......(Click the link to read more)
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/people/vets/ingram.html
http://www.history.navy.mil/seairland/appena.htm
Post by: Guest on October 03, 2005, 05:10:48 PM
Thanks, all. It means a lot, seriously.
Post by: Brian Williams on October 04, 2005, 05:18:36 AM
SemperFi
75-79
Post by: Guest on October 04, 2005, 02:54:04 PM
Post by: MillCreek on October 04, 2005, 05:00:56 PM
She later went to IDC school in Norfolk and did three duty tours as an IDC: one at a remote shore command and the other two as the shipboard IDC on Spruance-class destroyers. An IDC is an independent duty corpsman, sort of a sea-going physicians assistant that does the medical care at shore commands and the smaller ships such as destroyers, frigates and submarines. Right after she finished IDC school, they wanted to her to be one of the IDCs at Camp David. After her IDC tours, she moved into healthcare administration and spent her last several years in the Navy as a department head or branch clinic manager.
During her two tours on the destroyers, she was issued a personal weapon, the M-9, albeit it was stored in the shipboard armory. The rationale was that if she had to deploy ashore as a field medic or was part of a boarding party, she would have a personal weapon available to her.
I showed her this thread, and she said that he will certainly have a pistol, but he might be carrying so much medical and trauma gear and water that he may not be able to carry a rifle. She said in her experience, the actual ground-pounding field medics generally do not carry rifles because of the load of medical gear, and that they may need to move quickly to reach a patient. Many of her former shipmates are on the ground right now in Iraq, including several senior enlisted who are corpsmen for the Marines. She also said to tell you that your son, or any corpsman, will be *very* well protected by the Marines in his platoon.
If you have any specific questions, please let me know and I will pass them along to my wife.
Post by: 280plus on October 05, 2005, 01:55:18 AM
Quote
Ah, the only squid us Marines really appreciate.
Maybe, but I know a few that appreciate our gunfire support! 
Give him my best wishes as well. Where is he going for boot?
I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he will be attached to a combat unit. The Navy has about a jillion places where it has uses for corpsman.
Tell him one thing NOT to do is draw blood from his friends and dump it over the side to attract sharks. They tend to frown on that. (The Navy, not the sharks.) I knew one corpsman who's career got cut short for that one.
I'd be curious to know if they still only use "Irish Spring" in boot because it was the only soap that didn't leave soap scum. Or maybe it was "Zest", tough to remember. Do they still keep one set of uniforms underwear and socks permanently folded and never worn for locker inspection? We would heavily crease them so they were a cinch to fold correctly in a hurry. Hmmmm, Are they still polishing the "deck" with neutral Kiwi polish and sock puppets? "Spit" polishing the toes of their boots to a mirror like finish? Tell him the secret is to not use too much polish. Some guys would lay it on thick and it would crackle after a few days. Oh, and we used water not spit. What other hints can I give him? I'll think some more. He'll pick up whatever tricks there are in a few days anyways.
Hang tough there mom...
Post by: Old Dog on October 05, 2005, 02:12:49 PM
280plus -- it was Zest, as I recall ...
Post by: 280plus on October 05, 2005, 02:17:03 PM
Quote
280plus -- it was Zest, as I recall ...
I do believe that is correct. All I remember for sure is that it was green. Congratulations on your milestone too!!
I have to laugh, while in Boot our Company Commander (DI to you other branches) got us a couple of steam irons which we used to crease the aforementioned inspection clothes. We kept them in the CC's locker because that was off limits to inspections. So one day during inspection one of the inspectors says to one of the boots, "That's a mighty fine crease you got in your clothes son, how'd you do that?" The kid says, "SIR, STEAM IRON, SIR!!" The rest of us were mortfied, our secret was out. The inspector says back to him, "Aren't you even smart enough to say something like "Wisk bottle"?" And that was the last we ever heard of it.
Post by: Guest on October 05, 2005, 02:54:03 PM
He called today, for 2 minutes..he sounded kind of dazed but said he just got off the bus from Lansing to Chicago so maybe he was just tired. Said no one called him maggot yet.
Post by: wingnutx on October 06, 2005, 08:08:16 AM
This Seabee salutes your son! Be proud
Post by: Brian Williams on October 07, 2005, 04:38:46 AM
Quote
This Seabee salutes your son! Be proud
Some body else that us Jarheads honor and respectI had my butt knocked off of a electrical connection in a tech box by a 6'4" Seabee, I never saw anybody that big get that small.
SemperFi
Post by: MaterDei on October 08, 2005, 03:02:35 AM
This doggie salutes your son too (and his mom).
Congrats
Post by: Guest on October 08, 2005, 06:46:58 AM
Looks like the only things he got to keep were his toothbrush and his Bible.
Still no letter.
Thanks for the imput, all..it really does help to have some idea what's going on.
Post by: 280plus on October 08, 2005, 09:06:53 AM
Was he doing any shaving before he left? We had to use safety razors and shaving cream. No electric jobs were allowed.
If he complains of razor rash tell him to shave with cold water only.
Post by: Phantom Warrior on October 08, 2005, 12:05:28 PM
Quote
Speaking of soap, I just got a box back with 2 of the three bars, his nasty tennis shoes, the clothes he was wearing, a bottle of shampoo and the package of tighty-whitey undies he bought before he left.
Looks like the only things he got to keep were his toothbrush and his Bible.
Still no letter.
I'm not sure how the Navy does it, but I just finished up Army Infantry OSUT at Ft. Benning. 4th Platoon, E Company, 2/58. BUSHMASTERS!Looks like the only things he got to keep were his toothbrush and his Bible.
Still no letter.
The stuff coming back is to be expected. I bought everything on the little packing list I got at MEPS. When I got to 30th AG almost all of it had to stay packed in my personal bag all cycle. And they had me buy everything on the list at the PX. I got to keep about what he kept.
If you know anyone else going to basic tell them to bring as little as possible. The military will issue you all of your clothes and have you buy most of your hygiene items from the approved stuff at the PX.
Don't be concerned about the letter yet. Reception (what the Army calls the inital inprocessing) is very chaotic. For the first few days you are busy nonstop getting issued clothes, getting shots, filling out paperwork, getting your hair cut for the first time, and so on. And even after that you don't have a permanent address yet and how mail is handled isn't real clear. I think I sent one letter from Reception.
Once I got to my unit I wrote letters as often as I could. Don't worry. Letters are like GOLD in basic. And since you have to write letters to get letters and your son won't have much else to do is his (limited) free time, you will probably be getting plenty of letters. Please write him back as often as you can, even if he is too busy to write you. Letters are your only contact w/ the outside world at basic. My mom wrote me almost every day and it meant the world to me.
My prayers are with both you and your son. Tell him to keep on going. Basic drags, but it will be over before you know it. My 14 weeks were over before I knew it, even though the days took forever. And the regular military is MUCH, from everything I've heard.
God bless,
Phantom Warrior
SPC, USA
Post by: Gewehr98 on October 09, 2005, 04:04:04 PM
My parents came to Lackland and my graduation parade, it was a real morale booster.
Perhaps they allow the same for Navy boot camp?
Post by: Matthew Carberry on October 09, 2005, 05:35:24 PM
As was suggested, go to his graduation if you can. My mom couldn't but my dad and sister did. (MCRD San Diego but we did go get chow on the Naval training center.... mmmm, Navy chow)
What he carries if he's attached to a fleet unit will in a large part be determined by his senior Corpsmen and the unit doctrine.
In my unit, all the "Docs" carried a rifle. The one's who were team members usually carried a slimmed down med kit, no way to carry a full Unit 1 and a full mission kit out. They did all the training we did, BRC, jump, scuba, Ranger school, SERE what have you. A couple ended up being Recon Team leaders.
We had some others who didn't sign up to be high-speed so they did more traditional work with the HQ platoon. Whether "action guys" or not, they were full and appreciated parts of the unit.
Your son should have lots of opportunities to volunteer and/or test for some of the cooler units the Corps has to offer. It will come down to his own determination to succeed and go beyond the minimum Navy requirements.
Post by: Brian Williams on October 28, 2005, 04:49:57 AM
Post by: 280plus on October 28, 2005, 09:35:33 AM
Post by: Guest on October 28, 2005, 01:43:29 PM
I talked to him on the phone yesterday. I asked if he liked it and he laughed and said he wouldn't exactly say he liked it but it wasn't as bad as he'd expected either. He said no one called him a maggot. He said his commander calls them all clown sock and he has no idea what that means but has gotten used to answering to it.
*AND* I get to go pick him up for the day on Thanksgiving and take him out to dinner or whatever for a few hours. *AND* he thinks he'll get leave for Christmas, although he won't know until he gets to A-School.
So, I'm pretty happy this week.
Um, he's also mentioned a few times that the food is good, which kind of makes me think he's trying to tell me something.
Post by: 280plus on October 28, 2005, 02:01:28 PM
Post by: Guest on November 25, 2005, 11:23:20 AM
Thought I'd post of picture of Michael from yesterday. I didn't get a lot of shots and it was dark here but this is him next to Eric Clapton's guitar at the Hard Rock Cafe. He is Clapton's biggest fan and couldn't stop smiling.
Post by: grampster on November 25, 2005, 11:56:15 AM
grampster.
Post by: Guest on November 25, 2005, 12:21:42 PM
They were both able to make a lot of phone calls to friends and family which was nice, including Michael being able to call his friend and wish his congrats on his election as mayor, heh.
We visited the Museum of Science and Industry and the Hard Rock Cafe and had dinner at a little Serbian Restaurant, which was fun.
We had a good, if non-traditional, holiday.
He graduates next weekend already.
Post by: Brian Williams on November 25, 2005, 06:15:46 PM
Post by: Guest on December 24, 2005, 03:19:48 AM
All the Corpsman are doing FMF training after A school now.
Post by: 280plus on December 24, 2005, 04:24:31 AM
Merry Christmas to you all
Post by: doczinn on December 25, 2005, 05:09:11 PM
Post by: Guest on December 25, 2005, 10:37:13 PM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on December 26, 2005, 03:23:56 AM
Post by: 280plus on December 26, 2005, 05:44:01 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Bob
Barbara, tell him he makes me proud to be an American!
+1
Post by: Guest on December 26, 2005, 10:30:18 AM
Doc Zinn, odds are 50/50 he'll be there April or so.
Isn't he cute?
Post by: doczinn on December 26, 2005, 11:17:11 AM
Post by: Guest on December 26, 2005, 11:31:07 AM
Post by: Sergeant Bob on December 26, 2005, 11:36:41 AM
Post by: doczinn on December 26, 2005, 11:38:03 AM
Post by: Guest on December 26, 2005, 11:44:26 AM
Post by: doczinn on December 26, 2005, 11:49:31 AM
But it's still a good target for a joke!
Anyway, let me know if he comes to SoCal.
Post by: Guest on December 27, 2005, 02:51:47 PM
Post by: grampster on December 27, 2005, 05:41:46 PM
...And we have ALL slept well since such as yourself have stood long in the breech.
Barbara,
Tell him Godspeed for me and I salute him.
Post by: Skeptic on December 29, 2005, 02:24:04 PM
Post by: Gewehr98 on December 29, 2005, 03:03:40 PM
Post by: 280plus on December 29, 2005, 04:44:15 PM
Quote
(first time in the 20 years of my military career I heard it described as a "pizza stain"),
I don't have 20 but it's the first time I ever heard it too. Gewher, nice pic you handsome devil but are you AF or Navy. I never knew the AF allowed Mustaches...Just being nosy
Post by: MillCreek on December 29, 2005, 04:50:27 PM
Post by: Guest on December 29, 2005, 05:50:01 PM
Post by: Gewehr98 on December 29, 2005, 05:53:37 PM
Those gauges are steam-driven by 4, count 'em, 4 Pratt & Whitney TF-33-P5's! How I've wished they were high-bypass turbofans, then I wouldn't have lost so much of my hearing over the 2,000+ hours I accrued. Those engine compressor stages are loud, even with plugs in and headsets on.
1961 was a good year, especially if you were Boeing and had a contract for 10 WC-135B weather reconnaissance jets. That's how old USAF WC-135W Constant Phoenix tail number 61-2667 is, from inside above, and from outside below:
I've been associated with the airplane(s) and mission for just over 20 years, and retire in just a couple weeks. Here's the story of the old girl, and why she'll always have a piece of my heart. Even my ex-Marine (HMX-1) wife knows better than to go there when I get all sad about it, but bless her heart, she did hold the fire hose on me after my fine' flight like a 5'2" trooper...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WC-135
Post by: Sergeant Bob on December 29, 2005, 07:26:45 PM
Post by: doczinn on December 29, 2005, 09:16:18 PM
Post by: Gewehr98 on December 30, 2005, 04:52:44 AM
Post by: MillCreek on December 30, 2005, 06:19:53 AM
I bet that Gewehr 98 has some nicely-maintained upper body strength from wrestling those WC-135 controls over the years. None of this 'fly by wire' crap! Hydraulics and cables and actuators! That will put hair on your chest!
Post by: Sergeant Bob on December 30, 2005, 06:49:30 AM
Quote from: Gewehr98
No water injection since the day they left Boeing as a "B" model, we have TF-33's, and enough thrust to get off the ground heavyweight. No boom, it was never configured as a tanker. Think Rivet Joint/Combat Sent/Cobra Ball, none of those birds have tail booms, either. Constant Phoenix does, however, have an air refueling receptacle, and can "swap spit", meaning it can either receive or reverse pump fuel while attached to a tanker's boom.
Just kidding. I'm an old tanker crew chief, Tail # 62-3551. J57-59W (water injected) engines.Got a ride on a KC135R (with CFM56 engines) model when I was in Panama (Howard AFB) on an OA-37 (90 lb dog whistle) refueling mission.
What a race car! Another bonus was no need to heat water!
Post by: Sergeant Bob on December 30, 2005, 06:53:02 AM
Quote
I bet that Gewehr 98 has some nicely-maintained upper body strength from wrestling those WC-135 controls over the years. None of this 'fly by wire' crap! Hydraulics and cables and actuators! That will put hair on your chest!
You want to work on your upper body strength? Try cranking the flaps down with the hand crank or hand cranking the horizontal stabilizer.
Post by: chaim on December 30, 2005, 09:42:42 AM
, just kidding). I joined the Army out of high school. No war going on in 1989 but it still worried the heck out of my parents, and despite being anti-military they were proud as heck too. I can only imagine the emotions you feel. Just know that the military does look out for its people, even if it sometimes doesn't seem like it. Your son may have just started a 4 year "adventure" that will mature and change him (mostly for the better), or he may have found his career.
I envy your son. I'd be back in in a second if my 35 year old body didn't have an extra 80LBS on it and if it wasn't for my knees, ankle and back
Post by: Gewehr98 on December 30, 2005, 12:02:27 PM
Pectoral muscles are best developed during alternate gear extension drills using the bold face.
61-2667 is the last of the WC-135 fleet still flying as a WC-135. 666 is the Raytheon test bird in Greenville, 670 and 672 are Open Skies OC-135's, the rest succumbed to corrosion or budget cuts.
I spend a couple days at Davis-Monthan earlier this year, doing the airshow thing and looking for spare parts. Here's WC-135B tail number 673:
Sad, but here's one that really grabbed my heartstrings, WC-135B tail number 665, now just a tube (maybe I can buy her as an oversized Airstream trailer and live in her during my retirement?):
We did luck out, though. With the nuclear reconnaissance fleet shrinking, Air Staff authorized us to take former Looking Glass EC-135C 62-3582 and convert her to a WC-135C. It freaks out people when they see it, because it still appears to be a Cold War Looking Glass. But she's all new inside, and new paint outside. The boom's still operational, as are the extra HF antennae. Here she is at Patrick AFB, my wife took the pic on November 3rd, chocks in place, fire hose about to be aimed at me as I step down the crew entry ladder for the last time. Note the new equipment mounted on the fuselage above the wings:
