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[bburgi]

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[Wildscar]

Salute you man.

[txinvestigator]

I salute you!

[GlockenHammer]

Godspeed.

[bigdook]

i salute you and wish you the best. wish i could do the same , keep us posted

[KBCraig]

(also, I have to admit... I'm can't wait to qualify with the various weapons in the Army, and to call down fire from heaven with the artillery!)

There's a good reason why St. Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen world-wide.

I'm an old redleg myself. I was a fire support officer for 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, from 1986-1989. Immediately after I reported in to the unit, we went to Vilseck to draw the first five M981 FISTVs to arrive in USAREUR.

Since FOs are the highest priority target for land-based enemy forces, they disguised us by putting us in a vehicle that is based on, and looks identical to, the M901 Improved TOW Vehicle -- which was the second-highest priority target.

I understand they have a new Bradley-based system now. That's great, because let me tell you, it's tough to keep up with an Armored Cav unit equipped with Bradleys and Abrams, when you're in an overweight pig of an M113!

You'll have fun with this, and you will become the expert at land navigation. You'll become very familiar with the phrase, "[abbreviated profanity deleted]! Where we at?" when you get back to the Armor, Infantry, or Cav unit that you're supporting. Learn to use the GPS, but learn to love your M2 compass and M17 binoculars and 1:50,000 map. When everything else breaks, a map and compass always work.

When my oldest son (who will be 20 in May) decided to join the Army two years ago, I went over the reality of Army service in the current situation with him. I narrowed down the MOS choices for him, to 13F, 11B, or 19D. He aced the ASVAB and could pick his MOS, but he chose Cav Scout, and he's now at Fort Irwin, training deploying units in desert warfare.

Thank you for your service, Brian. Keep us up to date on your training and status.

Kevin

[glocklvr]

best of luck to you

[phddan]

Good luck and Godspeed

Dan

[RPBrown]

Best of luck to you. Thank you for your service.

[seamusTX]

Thanks you for your spirit of service.

- Jim

[longtooth]

My thanks & prayers too.

[stash]

You my friend are a true patriot.

[gregthehand]

Hooah! I was in the ARNG and active duty for a little jaunt myself. I even obtained my 13F MOS once I reported to the III Armored Corps Fire Support Element. Hopefully you'll use that degree to your advantage and get some bars soon!

SHOT OVER!

SHOT OUT!

SPLASH OVER!

SPLASH OUT!

ROUNDS ON TARGET FIRE FOR EFFECT!

As a 13F that will become (hopefully) your most used terms! Hooah again and have fun, the people you will serve with will amaze you, you will never forget them ever.

[cyphur]

Congrats! Military life is second to none, as long as you don't mind long hours, low pay, and outstanding job satisfaction! :)

I've often contemplated returning to active duty but as I have a family now, when I become eligible to return I will probably have to settle for NG or Reserve duty. Largely due to the fact that my civilian pay has risen beyond what the military can even compare with and my family deserves all the opportunities I can provide for them.

[Houston1944]

As a former 1SG, Admin Co, 49th ARM DIV, TXARNG, I send you my highest regards and hope that you have as enjoyable a career as I did. If I could turn back the clock 25 years I would go back in myself.