Stepping in here just to say a few words.
1. Mr. Kratman - Welcome to APS! It is my understanding you found this forum via Google Alerter. That's neat, but I do invite you to explore the rest of the forum and not limit yourself to just this thread. It sounds like you could add value and insight.
2. We're human here. We may at time devolve into the petty and offensive, but as a whole, it's a good-natured gaggle representing a very diverse slice of humanity with all sorts of differing opinions and beliefs. Somehow we still manage to make it work at APS.
3. Whenever in doubt, remember the forum's name is Armed Polite Society. Firearm ownership isn't mandatory for members (we can fix that in time), but politeness is. The diversity of the forum means one must always consider their audience when posting.
4. Godwin's Law has been, and shall remain, in effect. I like the fact that this particular thread has stabilized without mentioning Mrs. Schicklgruber's son anymore. We don't need that, one can go to ARFCOM for such silliness.
5. Might I request this thread get back to the original topic? To preclude thread veer, we can always have an Army thread open up elsewhere. Or not, I'm flexible, being retired Air Force and all...