The Military.com has a great article on how hard it is for youth to be accepted into the Military service. Well worth the read.
They think anybody can enlist. Many see the military as a last resort in a tough job market — but always an option, the youth assume. Truth is, the class of 2014 now leaving high school will face more difficulty qualifying for the armed services than ever in the 40-year history of the all-volunteer force.
I have a son in the Navy, I may have mentioned that a few hundred times. He is deployed right now with HSM 70 (Det One) on board the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58).He is Helicopter Mechanic or in Navy talk an AD full rank and rate would be ADAN (AW) or Aircraft Mechanic E-3 Air Warfare Qualified, He has been in the Navy Just over 2 years.
He deployed February 15th, in that time we have talked once, for a few short minutes when they made a port call in Greece before heading through the Suez Canal. He is now someplace in the Persian Gulf. We do talk over text and Email. I ask him what he needs and he lets me know. We send whatever it is and a month of so later he gets it. So far I have cornered the market on Black Gold Peruvian Blend Coffee (12 pounds) Sent a Harmonica and a book on how to play it. Several pounds of Beef Jerky, Socks, assorted junk food, Several boxes of girl scout cookies guitar strings, plus birthday and Easter gifts. I am currently trying to find pistachio’s in large quantities.
The time difference makes anything close to real time difficult. When we do talk its short and almost cryptic, I tell him that I love him, that I am proud of him and that what he is doing matters. The same things that parents have been saying to Sailors for the last thousand or so years. I asked him the other day if he enjoyed what he does, his answer was” I am always tired, we are flying allot so we always have something broken on the Helicopters. In my off time I work out” I asked again if he enjoyed it and he said he did. He spoke about being on the ship and the times of boredom, but he also talked about the people he is with. He talked about the ship and being on it. I could tell that as tired as he is, as frustrating as being at sea can be he loves what he does, he loves being a sailor.
About 99% of the time all he knows is he is at sea, he doesn’t know if he is close to any land and if he is what land is a huge question. I ask him what time it is where he is, he tells me and with a map I can guess. His world for the next several months will be limited to what he sees on the sea around him, not unlike Sailors from the past. The reality is that very few deployed Sailors know with any level of certainty where they are. They have a general idea, but that general idea is like me saying I’m in the eastern time zone.
I think that is where the Navy and the rest of the services are very different. I have friends and sons of friends in Afghanistan right now, they Skype and the exchange of photos and phone calls are very regular. Not so with the Navy. An entire ship has less bandwidth than I do sitting at home. That bandwidth is shared among everyone, rest assured that some asshole is always trying to stream video.
At any given time about 30% of the Navy’s 298 ships are deployed. Another 15% are at sea doing training or some other more local type mission. (Local meaning they will be at sea up to 6 weeks) The Navy has about 325,000 Officers and Enlisted. Roughly one third are deployed at anytime. It has been this way since the end of WW2. War or Peace the Navy is at sea. It will continue to be that way. Its what the Navy does.
I don’t like to think about this part but it needs saying. The navy has relativity few true combat injuries. (I am not including the SEAL community or Corpsmen embedded with Marines) That being said there are very few Shipboard Jobs that are not inherently dangerous. LLoyds of London has consistently list working on a flight deck as one of the most dangerous jobs ever. The only reason that there are not more injuries and fatalities is that the men and now women doing that job are so well trained and pay so much attention to detail that accidents are a very rare thing. These jobs are done by Kids, the lasttime I saw my son he wanted to borrow my truck, I caught myself about to give him the “Don’t wreck my truck” talk. Then I remembered that everyday he has the lives of the pilots and crew in his hands. The he without question is a professional.
I have a very cool picture of my son washing down the rotor of a Sea hawk. I know that the tail section is hanging over the side of the ship, I know the ship is moving. I know one slip on his part can be tragic. I get a world class case of the willies just looking at it.
The E-4 promotion list comes out just before memorial day, I hope he is on it. I am not allowed to say more. Its bad luck to have you next rank in hand before you are promoted. But you can bet your last dollar that I have a 20 some year old very battered Crow to send him when he give the OK.
Just because I am a proud Navy Dad USS Philippine Sea Facebook
Copyright © 2014 This Aint Hell
Volumes have been written on the Medal of Honor and those few who have earned it. Doug Sterner at Home of Hero’s knows more about this topic than probably any other living person. In the past few days I have thought allot about what it takes to even be considered. I have thought about the politics, but most of all I have thought about what happens to the men after the award is hung around their neck.
George Patton said “I’d sell my immortal soul for that Medal”
Harry Truman said ” “I would rather have the blue band of the Medal of Honor around my neck than to be President.”
To a man they all will say they are not Hero’s. Every person they say that to disagrees and say’s but you are. They are often the most reserved and quite people in the room. They come from all walks of life, every ethnic background and every social level. The one thing they all have in common is that they, in a moment of terror that would make most cower placed the value of another man’s life above the value of their own.
I can promise that not a single person that ever earned the MOH wanted it. To them they did what was needed at that instant without any other thought than protecting life, even if it meant they had to take lives to do so.
They did what they did, it is talked about mulled over, sometimes forgotten and brought up again. People are interviewed and a complete picture of the action is put together. Months, years, decades and sometimes the remainder of a mans life goes by. Then they are notifies that they are to be given the MOH. They are invited to the white house and the President says some words and hangs the MOH on them.
Their names are said with awe. Building are named for them. They are asked to give speeches and to show up at at Presidential inaugurations. They will eat more bad chicken dinners at Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and every every other club of civic groups who name is on every welcome sign in every small town in America. They will hear the tale of their Heroism told time and again. They go to schools to give talks, they answer every question as if it were the first time it was asked and not the hundredth or thousandth. They have sore hands from all the firm handshakes but they always go out of their way to make sure everyone knows they were not alone, that they are not heroes. That any man in that position would do the same things.
They travel, very often at their own expense to give talks or be at events. They get request for autographs, photographs ect. They have said that it is easier to earn the MOH than it is to wear it.
These men rarely if ever profit from the Medal. They understand that while they may be one of the few to ever wear the MOH it really belongs to the nation. They know that they are the voice for every person who ever put on a uniform. There are very few men alive who can wear the Medal. Its physical weight is only a few ounces, its weight in responsibility to the nation is measurable. Yet every man wear it with the pride of the nation and the dignity of a true Hero.
Doug Sterner calls the men who earned the Medal National Treasures, that somehow does not seem like enough, but I cant come up with a better term either.
©2014 This Aint Hell
I love the Navy enlisted dress uniforms. The first time I put on my dress blues I felt like I was part of something that mattered more than me. I have to confess that I always kept all 13 buttons done up. The more often I wore it, the more it became a part of who I was. When the seasons changed and we went to dress white I felt almost the same. I really didn’t like the polyester, and I hated the thought that any dirt within a mile was going to hunt me down and jump on me someplace I could not see, but I enjoyed wearing it just the same.
The Navy Enlisted dress uniform is unique among all enlisted uniforms for the simple reason that it has a direct connection back to the beginning of our nation. It did not start out as a dress uniform, it grew and evolved with our Navy. Many of the parts that we see only on the dress uniform today used to be every day wear. There are many myths about the buttons, the flap on the back, and the bell bottoms, most of them false. It is basic, very utilitarian but with the possible exception of the Marine dress blues, the most iconic uniform any of or military services wear.
Some of the Myths,
There are 13 buttons on the dress blue trousers to represent the 13 original colonies.
False , I hate to say this but there are really 14 buttons. One is hidden behind the flap. There are 14 because 13 was not enough to keep the flap up and 15 was too many.
The Piping on the collar signifies the three victories of John Paul Jones.
False, the Piping was added with the stars to break up the uniform.
Some of the things about the uniform that a lot of people don’t know (Even some of the saltiest Chiefs):
The piping on the cuffs originally indicated the first 3 ranks, Landsman, Able Seaman and Seaman, and later the E1-E3 Ranks. It wasn’t until the start of WW2 that the became fixed on all uniforms no matter what the rank.
The flap on the back was originally detachable, it was there to protect the rest of the uniform from the grease and tars used in the long hair of the Sailors.
The Neckerchief was for protection from the sun, rain sweat etc.
Rolling a coin in the center of the Neckerchief was done (and is still tradition) so the a sailor lost at sea would always have money to pay the ferryman across the river Styx.
There is a pocket hidden on the inside on the Jumper top.
Hats worn with the uniform have changed over the years. They have ranged from a black top hat to the white hat (Dixie Cup) of today. The dress cover for most of the 20th century was not the familiar white hat, but the Donald Duck style felt hat. Until the beginning of WW2, the ribbon on the felt hat had the name of the ship, that was stopped due to security concerns and was changed to US Navy. The white hat during that time was worn as the primary enlisted working cover with the undress blue and white uniform. It was authorized for wear with dress blues and whites in the early 40’s for all but “Full Dress” occasions.
The white hat can be folded in an almost infinite number or ways. No two sailors fold or roll the brim the same. It is also the best ad hoc frisbee ever.
Full Dress while rarely seen except at funerals consist of Medals on the Left side of the Jumper top, Ribbons on the right. White Pistol belt and Spats (Leggings) with a white one piece scarf similar to a dickie.
For more of the history on the Navy uniform read here
“We are protecting our history” That was the answer to the question I asked Mary Schantag. “Because it needs to be done” Was the Answer to the question I asked Scotty Hughes. The question was why you expose the Fakes. Those are very simple answers to what is not a simple question.
A few weeks ago when I decided to write on stolen valor I needed some insight. Retired SEAL Senior Chief Don Shipley was kind enough to give me an hour of his time, as we spoke I had the feeling there was more going on than I understood. Don was open with his answers but I realized I didn’t know what questions to ask. I learned allot in my conversation with Don (I hope to God that I don’t piss him off by using his first name) There were a lot of numbers, Like only about 18,000 total People who could call themselves a SEAL since WW2, only about 500 total served in Vietnam, Only 1500 on Active duty, Less than 10,000 still living. What really got my attention is when he talked about how he finds people. Listening to him talk, it seemed that it took hours, even months sometimes to get enough information on a stolen Valor suspect to file for a FOIA. Part of the process is verifying that they really said they were a SEAL. As Don and I spoke I became aware that there was a team effort in tracking down and verifying the suspect’s information. For every question he answered I had 5 more. I realized I needed to do allot of homework. My thanks go out to Don. When asked “What does it take to become a SEAL?” Don’s answer was “Never Quitting”
I sent an Email to Scotty Hughes introducing myself, He replied and I asked him for some of his time. It took a few days but he replied sure. I didn’t really know it then but I do now, Scotty doesn’t talk on the phone. He spent over an hour talking to me. We talked about several different things, mostly it was how he started exposing valor thieves and why he keeps doing it. I was awed by his determination. We talked about how Facebook isn’t very kind to Stolen Valor Hunters, They seem to favor the thief rather than the victims. He explained some of the risk he and others take personally to make sure that the valor thief is exposed. He gave me insight into what has to happen before we see a name on his site or on TAH. I know for a fact now that by the time we know a name, it is very old news to Scotty, Jonn, Mary and Don. I really enjoyed talking to Scotty. I would ride the river with him anytime.
I spoke to Mary Schantag today. She put all the pieces together for me. She told me her story.
In 1989 Chuck and Mary Schantag began writing histories of Vietnam POWs. They started getting tips about men who said they were POWs. As they talked to them they realized that many were fakes. They started keeping a list. That list grew to include not only fake POWs but phony Soldiers, SEAL Con men who claimed honors. Really everything possible. By 1998 POW Network was online and the list was still growing. As the internet grew so did the list. Not very long ago the list became too extensive to keep online. Mary was spending a great deal of her time just maintaining it. A decision was made to take it down. This allowed Mary to devote more of her time to POW issues as well as the constant filings of FOIA request and making sure they had the right person.
Chuck and Mary were one of the first Hunter’s. They figured out how to track the Valor thieves, what to look for. How to navigate the government for FOIA request. They were the first one to suffer the threats from those they exposed. They have had their names drug through the mud time and again. Chuck passed away just over two years ago. Mary has continued the research they started together. Every November for the past 17 years Mary has organized and hosted Veteran’s from all over the country in Branson MO. Even at those gatherings she is hounded by Men of Dis-Honor that she has assisted in exposing to the world. Time and again she and the others have been sued. All of the cases have been dismissed before going to court.
Mary, Jonn, Scotty, Don and so many other that wish to remain in the background or whose names I don’t know, put in thousands of hours every year to make the public aware of Valor Thieves. They know that false accusations will come but they keep on being the Hunter’s.
I asked Scotty and Mary what people could do to help. Keep the pressure on was the answer. Mary gave me some insight into how she and the others operate. Like every large undertaking there is a need for cash. All of POW Networks operating funds comes from donations. The vast majority of their small budget is spent on the GALA in November. That leaves very little to track down and expose the Fakes. Because Stolen Valor is such a volatile topic most large and small Companies don’t want to get involved. They are afraid of exposing themselves to risk or getting involved in a scandal. So what that comes down to is they operate on donations of 5 and 10 dollars at a time. They are experts at making do, at stretching a dime. They put themselves thru this hell because it has to be done, and they are protecting our history. They don’t know how to quit. They by every definition of the word are Heroes.
I am a small Business Owner. I own a company Named Tiger Connections. www.tigcomm.com. I spoke to my business partner and we are adopting POW Network they will be the only organization that gets a contribution from us. We will add them to our web site in its next revision (Sometime in the next month) we are not afraid of the risk. I urge all small business owners to consider making a contribution.
I have always hired veterans, I always will. Starting tomorrow my new hire background check will include searching for Stolen Valor issues and false military claims.
I have mentioned several times that I collect Military Firearms. I have a perfect WW2 1903a3 manufactured by Remington. It has been completely professionally rebuilt and has only had 5 rounds through it since rebuild (To test for function). Its Value is somewhere north of $1000.00. I will auction or raffle it (I have to do some legal checking to make sure I can be in compliance) All funds raised from it will be donated to POW Network.
Please click the link below to see how you can donate. Every penny helps.
There are times that I write something and I know I will be the only person that ever sees it. I do this to get ideas straight in my head or to put something down so that I can think about other things. Then there are the times that I write something with every intention of letting it be seen, but for one reason or the other it does not say what I wanted it to. The words are there but the feeling is not.
When I wrote the Stolen Valor pages it was with the intent that it be three parts. I had an idea for part three and have it down on paper, but it does not say what I wanted it to. The words are there but the feeling is not. I decided to let part three be one of those things that no one but me, and the poor bastard that has to go through my computer when I die or go crazy ever sees. It did serve a purpose, I have my thoughts straight. I know what needs to be said, so let’s so if I can get the words in the right order.
I have been asking myself why someone would go through the trouble to pretend to be a veteran. Or if they were a vet to make up stories or insert themselves in well-known stories as a major player. I could write page after page one why, but there is no need the answer is three simple words.
Low Self Worth.
I bet you thought I was going to say “They are assholes” nope, it’s low self-worth. Every person has an opinion of themselves. We place a value on our souls, people that pretend to be Military Heroes, Police, Firefighters etcetera do not value themselves. Because they have no self-worth they are not capable of valuing another person. They have a huge Ego and a constant need for praise. No matter what the issue is they will find a way to make it about themselves.
We all know that Valor Thieves almost always have other problems. They live in a world of their own creation that they are the center of. They very often are con artist. Most of the time they are highly intelligent, and will stick by their lies to the end. The best of them have stories that are based on half-truths, they expand on that bit of truth until it become a huge lie. The thing to remember is that they honestly believe they are telling the truth. We have all seen this over and over. The Valor Thieves life of make believe is so important that they have based their whole life some times on the lies, they have told them so often that they become real to them, to face the truth is a fate worse than death.
Raise your hand if you have ever stood at an airport or pier side and had a loved one hug you and not let go, They have you and they are crying, you are trying to be a stoic but you are close to tears yourself. Your love one holds you so tight and they smell you. Both of you know that it may be the last time you ever touch. They are afraid and you are too. But you got on that plane or boat anyway because it was what you volunteered for. You make it home and a year or so later you are doing it again, but this time it’s worse because you know what you are in for, the loved one is thinking we got lucky the first time, it can’t last.
Now raise your hand if you have ever been the one that had to hug your loved one for what might be the last time. As they walk away a piece of your soul if with them, and will stay with them until they are back safe. You worry every second. Every time the phone rings or a strange car comes down your road you know true fear.
The Valor Thief Steals your pain and calls it his. He steals your terror and cast it aside because he can’t understand. He steals the part of your soul that you send to war with your son.
He must be stopped. That’s why sites like this one, are so important. They give us a voice. People like Jonn, Mark, Hondo, Mary Shantag, Scotty put it all on the line to stop them. They know that they will be dragged thru the mud and courts over and over. But they keep on because it matters.
A Navy Chief is almost a Mythical being. They can and have dressed down Admirals and new recruits with Equal ease. They are not only experts at their rate, but also in management. Junior Enlisted know that they can go to their Chief for Sage advice. Junior Officers often hide when in the presence of one of these beings. Senior Officers depend on the Chief’s Mess for order and discipline.
A Chief wears an Anchor as the Symbol of his or her rank. That Same anchor is the symbol of the Navy. It is fair to say that the spirit of the Navy, Its tradition, ceremony and its very honor are alive because its Chiefs keep it that way. The Chief is the anchor of the Navy. Without the Chief’s a ship would be just a ship with no soul. Its crew would just be doing a Job with no life. Words like shipmate would have no meaning. The Goat Locker gives the Ship and its crew its collective Spirit.
To become a Navy Chief is almost impossible. It must be a goal that an enlisted man never loses sight of. On average it will take a Sailor 15 years to reach the rank of Chief Petty Officer. 17.5 Years to Reach Sr. Chief and 21 Years to earn the Rank of Master Chief. To even be considered, one must have a college degree, time as a Leading Petty Officer at Sea, pass a very difficult test and go before a selection board. Every Step of the way these people are judged. If they are ever found wanting in any area, it’s the end of the Road.
The total number of Chiefs, Sr. Chiefs and Master Chiefs on active duty at any given time is about 10% of the total Number of enlisted. Chiefs make up about 7%, Sr. Chiefs about 2%, Master Chiefs are less than one percent. To put it in another way. You have a better chance of meeting a NFL player than you do a Navy Master Chief.
I wanted a Bosun’s Pipe (Boatswains Whistle) when I was in the Navy. I asked one of the Bosun’s Mates how to get one. He told me I had to talk to the Chief. I asked My Chief if it was ok and he said go for it. I went and talked to the Deck Chief. To get that whistle I had to learn deck seamanship. How to do fancywork (Ornamental rope knotting and braiding used on ships) to make my own lanyard, how to Pipe 15 different calls, how to tune the pipe and stand extra watches. It took most of my free time for 6 months at sea. I have that pipe because a Chief was willing to share with me part of his tradition. I have yet to meet anyone who earned the title of Navy Chief Petty Officer that was self-serving or not always doing what was right for the Navy.
Daniel Bernath is in no way a Navy Chief. A Chief is not made by handing him a bit of paper. Navy Chiefs are men and women who excel at the profession of being a Sailor. They earn the title. They really are almost mythical.
This is my first post as a contributor to This Ain’t Hell. Thanks Hondo for the recommendation and Thank you Jonn for the Honor. If anyone has advice or criticism, I am open to it.