This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here

Author: AW1Ed

  • US military surplus 1911s available. Almost.

    1911

    Been waiting to grab one of the Army’s surplus M1911 .45 caliber pistols? The wait is nearly over.

    Army Times reports the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announced it would sell 8,000 1911 .45 ACP pistols that have been in storage. That number has dropped from the originally announced 10,000 pistols.

    And not all the 8,000 to be made available will be up for purchase by those who are selected. Some have been judged “unusual and worthy of being auctioned,” according to the CMP.

    To get one of these pieces of U.S. military history, you’ll have to fill out the order documents posted on 4 June on the CMP website. If you have questions, on that date — and only beginning on that date — you can call: 256-835-8455, ext. 461, or email at cmp1911@thecmp.org

    The forms must be postmarked between 4 Sept and 4 Oct. Only one form per person is allowed. You must be a U.S. citizen, a member of a CMP affiliated club and provide proof of participation in a marksmanship activity.

    The CMP 1911s must be transferred through a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer with a completed purchaser background check.

    The CMP will randomly pick “winners” for the surplus 1911s on Oct. 5, where customers will be contacted and be allowed to select the grade of pistol they wish to purchase.

    The pricing is as follows and includes shipping:

    Service Grade $1,050: Pistol may exhibit minor pitting and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips are complete with no cracks. Pistol is in issuable condition.

    Field Grade $950: Pistol may exhibit minor rust, pitting, and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips are complete with no cracks. Pistol is in issuable condition.

    Rack Grade $850: Pistol will exhibit rust, pitting, and wear on exterior surfaces and friction surfaces. Grips may be incomplete and exhibit cracks. Pistol requires minor work to return to issuable condition.

    Auction Grade: The condition of the auction pistol will be described when posted for auction. Note: If you have already purchased a 1911 from CMP you will not be allowed to purchase an auction 1911. If you purchase an auction 1911, your name will be pulled from the sequenced list. No repeat purchasers are allowed until all orders received have been filled.

    I have a couple 1911s, but none from the military. A piece of American history would be a welcome addition to my gunsafe. Now to convince CINC-House…

    Updated from: https://www.azuse.cloud/?p=76179

  • Former Navy SEAL: Waterboarding, Sleep Deprivation: Just Another Day at the Office

    Eli Crane, a former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, tells of his experiences with “enhanced” interrogation techniques he encountered during Navy training, makes some very valid points on recent Senate Intelligence Committee hearings, and comes to logical conclusions about what torture actually is, and isn’t. For brevity’s sake I’ve only posted a portion of his article, please find it in it’s entirety here:

    Breitbart News Link

    The recent attacks on the president’s nominee, Gina Haspel, for the top spot in the CIA due to her involvement in the use of enhanced interrogation techniques by our DOD after 9/11 have me confused.

    As a member of the U.S. military, I myself had to endure many of these same techniques. For the record, I am far from the only one.

    This is a very controversial topic. Many senators, like former prisoner of war Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), stand in opposition to Haspel’s nomination, stating that “Her refusal to acknowledge torture’s immorality is disqualifying.” Democrats like Kamala Harris were very displeased that they could not get Gina Haspel to agree that the enhanced interrogations utilized in the past were immoral and unethical.

    Yet many of my fellow veterans of all branches have undergone these “torture” techniques and worse in preparation to deploy into combat zones. This criticism of Haspel by both parties has me asking: If they did this to us and we don’t have a problem with it, why are we so concerned about doing this to terrorists to extract vital intelligence to save lives?

    Yes, that is correct: many of the veterans you know as fathers, mothers, husbands, cousins, and family friends have endured waterboarding, sleep deprivation, starvation, and much, much more to prepare them for the very real possibility that we might get captured behind enemy lines. Please understand that this training is very well done and takes place in a controlled environment with all of the necessary safety measures. I will never forget my time in SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, escape) school. Although I am very thankful for the lessons I learned there and believe it is one hundred percent necessary to prepare those of us destined to operate in war zones, I will never volunteer to go back. Quite frankly, it sucked!

    AWANEd’s encounters with “enhanced” interrogation techniques mirrored those of Eli’s, with the exception being mine were in Maine’s Rangeley Mountains in March. Along with SERE, I also received an Arctic Survival certificate at the end of the training. Brrrrr….

  • Psychedelic drug provides relief for veterans with PTSD

    PTSD Help

    The Navy Times reports a psychedelic recreational drug continues to show potential as a treatment option for patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study shows. The study, published in the The Lancet Psychiatry Journal earlier this month, found that MDMA, the main ingredient in ecstasy, dramatically reduced PTSD symptoms in study participants.

    Doctors treated 26 patients during the two, day-long psychotherapy sessions that included full doses of MDMA. Many of the study’s participants were combat veterans.

    Treatment with MDMA has the capability to “reduce fear and defensiveness, enhance communication and introspection, and increase empathy and compassion, enhancing the therapeutic process,” according to a 2017 press release from the California-based nonprofit, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS.

    MAPS has been researching the effects of MDMA for over 30 years, with results showing faster results with less talking. Accelerated resolution therapy requires fewer sessions than traditional treatment and doesn’t require patients to talk out loud about their experiences. That’s why, researchers say, it can be particularly attractive to service members and veterans.

    Follow-up examinations one month after the second therapy session revealed that the symptoms of PTSD were effectively eliminated in 68 percent of the study’s participants.

    The continued success marks another step toward reaching Food and Drug Administration-approval status, and the hope is that MDMA treatment can eventually replace antiquated methods that have proven unsuccessful.

    “At least one in two PTSD patients cannot tolerate or do not respond adequately to existing treatments, so there is an urgent need for better treatments for the millions of military veterans and others with PTSD,” said Dr. Michael Mithoefer, one of the study’s lead researchers.

    PTSD is nearing epidemic status, especially among veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates between 11 percent and 20 percent of OIF and OEF vets suffer from the condition.

    But Mithoefer believes this type of psychotherapy could help check that trend.

    “These results are further evidence that MDMA, used just two times at monthly intervals, can make psychotherapy much more effective and better tolerated,” Mithoefer said in the release. “I’m excited that Phase 3 trials will soon confirm whether this therapy can be approved for widespread use in a few years.”

    The next phase of testing will begin this summer and will treat some 200 to 300 participants across 16 testing sites in the U.S., Canada and Israel. If significant efficacy and safety is demonstrated in this round of tests, full FDA approval is expected by 2021.

    Previously reported at https://www.azuse.cloud/

  • Navy’s Newest LPD to be Named in Honor of WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

    USS Mcool

    The Navy News Service reports that SecNav Richard Spencer has announced the Navy’s newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, LPD 29, will be named in honor of Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.

    He was born on 04 January 1922 in Oklahoma. He graduated from high school at the age of 15, and from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in political science.

    After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, he was accepted into a new Navy ROTC program, and later then was appointed to the Naval Academy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944 (his class of 1945 graduated a year early).

    By June 10, 1945, he was serving as a lieutenant, commanding USS LCS(L)(3)-122, a Landing Craft Support ship. On that day, off the coast of Okinawa Island, McCool helped rescue the survivors of sinking destroyer USS William D. Porter, (DD-579). The next day, his own ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze. Although he suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds in the initial explosion, McCool continued to lead his crew in the firefighting and rescue efforts until relief arrived.

    He continued to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired at the rank of Captain in 1974 after a 30-year career. McCool passed of natural causes on 05 March 2008, at the age of 86 in a hospital in Bremerton, Washington.

    On 18 December 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented McCool with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism.

    Lieutenant McCool’s official Medal of Honor citation reads:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS LCS(L)(3)-122 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu chain, 10 and 11 June 1945. Sharply vigilant during hostile air raids against Allied ships on radar picket duty off Okinawa on 10 June, Lt. McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage under the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by 2 of the enemy’s suicide squadron early in the evening of 11 June, he instantly hurled the full power of his gun batteries against the plunging aircraft, shooting down the first and damaging the second before it crashed his station in the conning tower and engulfed the immediate area in a mass of flames. Although suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and initiated vigorous firefighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying 1 man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated. By his staunch leadership, capable direction, and indomitable determination throughout the crisis, Lt. McCool saved the lives of many who otherwise might have perished and contributed materially to the saving of his ship for further combat service. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

    The Navy returns to the tradition of naming warships after significant events, places, and most importantly, people. It’s a welcome change from the previous administration’s practices.

  • Nikki Haley ‘taking names’ at the UN

    nikki
    Fox News reports former South Carolina Governor and current American Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley warned when she took the office she’d be “taking names” of countries that do not have “our back.” Now, a recently released State Department report on voting records at the UN tells her who exactly are America’s friends and foes.

    The report revealed that U.N. members voted with the United States only 31 percent of the time last year– down 10 percent from last year. Haley stated this is not an “acceptable return” on the United States’ investment and suggested this could factor in future foreign aid decisions.

    Haley emphasized that U.S. taxpayers pay for 22 percent of the U.N. budget – more, she said, than the next three highest donor nations combined. Haley noted that the U.S. cares more about “being right than popular and are once again standing up for our interests and values” but said:

    “Either way, this is not an acceptable return on our investment. When we arrived at the UN last year, we said we would be taking names, and this list of voting records speaks for itself. President Trump wants to ensure that our foreign assistance dollars – the most generous in the world – always serve American interests, and we look forward to helping him see that the American people are no longer taken for granted.”

    According to the report, the country that voted least with the U.S. was Zimbabwe – having voted zero times with America. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign aid explorer website, Zimbabwe received $58 million in aid for this year.

    Rounding out the bottom 10 nations not aligned with the U.S. were: Burundi, which received $2.9 million in U.S. aid; Iran (no U.S. aid); Syria ($72 million); Venezuela ($230,000); North Korea (no U.S. aid); Turkmenistan ($200,000); Cuba ($115,000); Bolivia ($115,000); and South Africa ($100 million). All figures are from the USAID explorer website.

    According to the report, the country that voted most with the United States in the U.N. General Assembly was Israel. The other nine on the top 10 list were U.S. allies Micronesia, Canada, Marshall Islands, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Palau, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

    Martin Edwards, a professor at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations in New Jersey, told Fox News that the report provided a “nice grandstanding tactic” for Haley but said it raised more questions than answers.

    “It’s unclear what this will mean for current foreign aid recipients — are we really going to give less humanitarian aid to South Sudan? How does that advance our interests?” he said.”

    Well Martin, other than enriching corrupt bureaucrats, exactly what are our interests in South Sudan, and why should we provide them, or any of the other’s on the hit list, with hard earned American tax dollars?

  • Teacher Allegedly Called Kyle Kashuv ‘Next Hitler’

    pitmann

    Daily Wire reports that a situation regarding Greg Pittman, the history teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who allegedly called student Kyle Kashuv “the next Hitler” in class, became more serious as the school district confirmed that the incident is now under investigation.

    In a statement to The Daily Wire, Broward County Public Schools official Nadine Drew wrote:
    School leaders take all matters involving students and staff seriously. They are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.

    The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday, when two students claimed that the American History teacher told students that Kashuv was “the next Hitler,” and stated Kashuv was “dangerous” and “something needed to be done about him.”

    Pittman, who also has attacked Kashuv multiple times on Twitter, initiated the situation when he attacked Kashuv for posing in a picture with a gun he had shot at a range with his father. Pittman allegedly accused Kashuv of being the only student in the school not “smart enough” to know not to post pictures like that, and accused him of taking the photos because he wanted to pick up Twitter followers.

    Kashuv rejected Pittman’s accusations, informing The Daily Wire that it was his first time ever shooting a gun and that he was invited to go, indicating that it was not something that he sought out.

    The Daily Wire reached out to school officials at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, whose only response to the allegations against Pittman was “no comment.”

    Things are seriously wrong at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and somehow I don’t think an in-house teacher’s investigation is the answer. And for the record, the Broward County police union voted “no confidence” on Sheriff Israel yesterday.

  • N.K. announces freeze on nuclear, missile tests UPDATE

    Kim Missile
    Yonhap News is reporting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has announced that the country will suspend nuclear and missile tests, and shut down a nuclear test site in the northern area, state media said Saturday.

    “From April 21, North Korea will stop nuclear tests and launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles,” the Korean Central News Agency said.

    “The North will shut down a nuclear test site in the country’s northern side to prove the vow to suspend nuclear test,” it added.

    The pronouncement was made at a plenary meeting of the ruling Worker’s Party of Korea (WPK) Friday, according to the KCNA.

    An olive branch to Trump, prior to the meeting? A nice gesture, but essentially worthless without on-site inspections.

    Edited to add:
    Trump tweet- North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World – big progress! Look forward to our Summit.

    UPDATE

    American Thinker and Grabien

    CNN’s Pyongyang correspondent Will Ripley, on the phone with Wolf Blitzer:

    “Wolf, I just got off the phone with a North Korea official who confirms news that is breaking right now in north Korea state media. Kim Jong-un announced to his country and his own people he’s completed his nuclear program. And therefore, there is no need to continue developing nuclear weapons. Kim Jong-un saying North Korea no longer needs any nuclear tests, mid-ranged and intercontinental ballistic missile tests. And he’s saying the nuclear test site in the northern area near the Chinese border has completed its mission. Therefore, it will likely be closed. This is an extraordinarily significant development. And frankly, a huge win for President Trump going into these potential summits with north Korean leader Kim Jong-un. I want to read to you a quote from a north Korean force I just spoke to on the phone. Finally, Kim Jong-un decided to open up. This is a new chapter for the dprk. He’s committed himself to the task of denuclearization and focus solely on economic growth and improving the national economy. Finally, he has realized the best path forward is to open up the country and normalize relations. He is finally being recognized by the international community and this is an historic timely opportunity. Wolf, I am speechless here at the pace at which North Korea has done this u-turn.”

  • Naples mayor tells U.S. Navy submarine to keep out

    USS John Warner

    The Navy Times is reporting since the fast-attack Virginia-class submarine USS John Warner fired six Tomahawk cruise missiles in Friday’s allied airstrikes against Syria, the mayor of Naples, Italy, is demanding the submarine stay far away from his self-designated “nuclear-free” city.

    Mayor Luigi de Magistris sent a letter last week to Rear Admiral Arturo Faraone, head of the Naples port authority, complaining about USS John Warner’s presence near his city. The nuclear-powered fast attack submarine passed by the Bay of Naples in late March after a NATO exercise. Within three weeks, the sub was firing missiles into Syria from the eastern Mediterranean.

    “The fact that it is the same submarine [involved in the Syria attack] further reinforces the rightness of the order,” de Magistris told Italian news service Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata. “Ships of nuclear propulsion or carrying nuclear weapons are not welcome in the port of Naples and, therefore, they are not allowed to transit or stay.”

    In his letter, de Magistris referenced a resolution he passed in 2015 which declared the Port of Naples a “nuclear-free area.” He called Naples a “City of Peace” that respects “the fundamental rights of everyone, convinced of disarmament and international cooperation,” according to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

    The Admiral shares the mayor’s concerns, but states the movement of foreign military units falls under the jurisdiction of the Italian Ministry of Defense. He also noted that the John Warner never actually entered the Naples port, but remained well off shore.

    Naples has been a support site for the Navy since the early 1950s. It is home to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and the U.S. Sixth Fleet.

    Italy did not participate in the joint American-British-French airstrikes against Syrian chemical weapons sites, although it did provide logistical support from the NATO air base in Aviano. Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni supported the strike but didn’t approve attacks launched from Italian soil.

    I’m curious to see the response of Napoli citizens the next time a US aircraft carrier doesn’t park in the bay- lose all those sailors and Marines with their US dollars that have helped support the city for generations, not to mention La Cosa Nostra, who wet their beaks from the ensuing windfall. Perhaps someone will make Mayor de Magistris an offer he can’t refuse.