M2

For one, there is a big difference between renting a car and owning it! You only have to have a valid drivers license to rent a car (some agencies have age restrictions as well); and insurance is available if you're not already covered. But if you own a car, each state has different laws. As I stated, in Texas it only matters that your license and plates have to be issued from the same state. So my Florida DL and tags were OK, but I couldn't own a car with Texas tags and drive with my Florida drivers license. Renting one was not a problem. As mentioned in the International Drivers License thread, I go to Germany and rent cars with my Texas drivers license all the time. Trust me, if it were against the law, the Germans would be busting you for it! Cheers! M2

I'm with HD and Boom...until someone produces an official notification of said uniform policy, it is only a rumor. I also saw the revised mission statement, and am equally glad that the BS in the old one is gone. I hope this is the direction that the new CSAF is going, and that this 'blues on Monday' crap is myth. That said, I am not even going to work on Monday as it is a holiday and even us slimy contractors get the day off! Cheers! M2

Just to toss in a few quick thoughts, but having just registered a motorcycle that has been NMCM for the past for years; Texas does charge a $90 "tranfer tax" (or something along those lines). Also, if I am not mistaken, Texas law requires that your vehicle registration and drivers license be from the same state. So you can't get a Texas driver's license and keep your car registered in Florida, for example... And concealed carry licenses can be obtained from some states without even being a resident, so that's not a factor. Cheers! M2

Nope, the only problem he might run into is if he tries to go on a base somewhere. Otherwise, it is no different than someone shipping their car over there and driving around. Your US plates and licenses are good thanks to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, Article 41. I think the reason most people get one that are stationed there is because the USAREUR license you get is in English and German. That said, it is probably a good idea to spend the money to have one. I don't, and drive in Europe all the time; but if you aren't used to it or speak the local lingo that it would be helpful if you're pulled over for any reason (and sometimes they do it just to check your registration, license and insurance). it may mean being detained until they can verify your credentials, which could take some time; but I was pulled over on a motorcycle just south of Brussels with expired Florida tags on it and gave the Gendarme my still valid Florida license. He actually only pulled me over because he was curious about the tag, but once he saw my Florida DL the topic changed over to motorcycles. You may also want to read this State Department web site on driving overseas. Just to note that I notice the State Department says that "many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses;" but I have not found this to be the case in Europe. However, it goes to state that IDP are "not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license." So, if these countries don't recognize your US license, why would they when it is accompanied by an IDP, which is only a translation of your license? Anyhow, bottom line is to get an IDP. The State Department web site has more info on how to obtain one... Cheers! M2

You really don't need an international driving permit (it's not a license, and there is a difference which I will get to in a second), but it is nice to have if you get pulled over and the police officer doesn't speak/read English. For one, your stateside license allows you to drive anywhere; and as I said, it technically isn't a driver's license but a translation of your drivers license in other languages. You will still need to carry your stateside license with you. The US Department of State authorizes the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) as the only entities in the US to issue IDPs. The AATA offers IDPs through the National Automobile Club (NAC). Other so-called IDPs are fraudulent and should be reported to proper authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Also be sure your insurance covers you in Europe. It probably does, but a quick call to confirm that is a good idea. And study up on the laws in the countries you are going to be driving in. Some are different that what you are used to... Since you are going to be in Europe, it would be a good idea to read the USAREUR Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany. Also, expect some asspain getting on bases, as your CAC has to be registered to get on base. Sometimes it doesn't cause a problem if it isn't; but sometimes it does. Have fun, but watch out on the autobahns! Check your mirrors twice before changing lanes, as those headlights coming up in the lefthand lane may be a Porsche at 250+ kph! Cheers! M2

He didn't say he was going to Cannon, just that he didn't want to burn and bridges and end up going there! Cheers! M2

Loss I strongly urge you to take up CH's offer...if you are ever looking to get a straight answer from anyone, he's the one to talk to! I strongly suspect you and he are both in the (somewhat) same community as well...so he can relate to your situation and best advise you on how to deal with it. Best of luck to ya! Cheers! M2

Listen to HeloDude (and the others), they speak wise words... Also, who have you discussed this with already? Flt CC? Flt doc? Chaplain? Before you pull the handles on your flying career, be sure you have addressed any and all issues that may be causing you to think this way. Whatever is making you miserable may be reconcilable. And despite what everyone says, Cannon is not the end of the world. It may be close, but it’s not the end. We’ve all assignments that we are less than thrilled with; but I have yet to have an assignment that I didn’t like for some reason or another. And don’t feel bad about posting this on the forum, I am honestly surprised we haven’t see this before. We’re all buds here and want to help you through this and to make the right decision! Cheers! M2

My choice is a Mossberg 500 Persuader, a 18.5" pistol-gripped sweetheart which has a 120-lumen SureFire 6P on it and a laser designator... It looks just like this, but with the stock removed and the toys added... Load it up with some 3" Magnum 00-buckshot and don't believe the bullshit about needing a softer load to stop from penetrating your walls. And never, ever think birdshot is feasible for HD. When the BG is hiding behind a wall or your couch, you're gonna want something big and powerful to blast the shit out of him with! Cheers! M2

Zookrider I used to go to the Bullethole to shoot paper; but I think those days have come and gone. I may still go back, but only to shoot steel from here on out. I am not tied to IDPA, it was just the first opportunity to shoot stages and I am hooked. I know others prefer IPSC, and once the wife's foot heals (she broke it Thursday morning), I may go try a IPSC match. In addition to Blackhawk, Cedar Ridge (Texas Tactical) has monthly matches. It is a little futher away, but timewise the drive for me is comparible. By the way, do you still ride? If so, you're gonna have to hook up with us to hit Bandera one of these Sunday mornings... As for AR vs a SIG 556, I only have one piece of classic advice... AK-47. The very best there is. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfucker in the room, accept no substitutes! Cheers! M2

You've obviously never been to San Antonio...here's how life progresses for my people down here... Cheers! M2

Don't quite your day job...

There's been a lot of "work" on Asshat's Wiki page over the past week... I am surprised it hasn't been locked out since it appears to be the favorite target of numerous people who suffered under his (spit) "leadership" Cheers! M2

To hell with the bike, who is the hot chick on it?!? Don't lie... Cheers! M2

For any rides of that distance, you're gonna want an engine of at least 600cc-750cc, especially since most of that is I-95...I've driven that numerous times and that is a helluva ride no matter what you are on! Break it down to 2-3 days at a minimum, especially considering your inexperience. A more upright seating posting means you are beaten by the wind, so that shortens your riding day. A crouched position kills your back, knees and wrists after a while, so once again your day is shortened. A Gold Wing would do it, but you won't want one of those. They are Civics with two wheels. Also, be very careful of Florida drivers! They will kill you! I grew up and went to school down there, and although that was a long time ago I still get back on occassion and they don't drive any better. And the first time you ride your motorcycle with a drop of alcohol in your body, I will personally drive to Daytona and kick your ass! Use the 8-hour rule and even then apply some common sense! Same goes for riding without a helmet, in shorts and a t-shirt, wearing flip flops, etc. You'll see an endless number of idiots doing that in Florida, but you don't want to have an accident dressed like that. And having an accident isn't a matter of 'it' but 'when.' Best of luck, I just got my second motorcycle registered after being off the road for four years. I still have my CBR and the Jeep, so the garage is full of toys! Luckily, I have room for my guns in the house! Cheers! M2

That depends on the bike and the rider. I know people who have toured on CBR1000RRs like I have, and I couldn't spend ten minutes aboard a Ducati 1098 without needing an appointment to see a chiropractor! I would never recommend a sportbike for someone with limited/no riding experience or budget for a variety of reasons. There are a lot of bikes out there that are fun to ride and will hold up for longer hauls as well. It mostly depends on your situation (financial, experience, etc). Sit down and come up with a plan, and let us know the details and I am sure you'll get some good recommendations for a bike. Cheers! M2

For the range and even IDPA I pick up the Winchester White Box at WalMart for just under $30 for 100 rounds of .45ACP. I have a bud who reloads and I am thinking about learning how to, it is just a matter of getting the equipment and finding the time... And if you think .45ACP is expensive, go price 7.62x39! Cheers! M2

Brick nailed it, all we want is the truth here. I seriously doubt she did anything heroic, but Big Blue touts it as such and if it were true then she should be lauded. But most of us know something isn't right here, and I've seen far too many people get hammered for something that was beyond their control so why should she get the 'get out of jail free' card? She's done extensive damage to our relations with Kyrgyzstan and hosed everyone at Manas. In that regard she’s fucked more people than Pamela Anderson! The truth shall set you free, my brothers; and that is all we ask for… Cheers! M2

The good news is, I got this email... The bad news is, I tried my zip code and got, well, zip! And I do have a local source for Weed about two miles from my house. It doesn't even show up in the state listing for Texas. However, the mere fact that there is a state listing is good news! Cheers! M2

Not surprising, Bigfoot was my roommate at college! What an asshole, he used to drink all my beer...no wonder someone shot him! Yeah, this looks real... He's gonna get a crick in his neck sleeping like that! Cheers! M2

Naw, send it to me for safe keeping! Seriously, how much is "a reasonably large amount?" A couple thousand rounds? Do you re-load, a survivalist, or are you afraid of zombies? Cheers! M2

Fully understandable, and I wonder how Doc felt when his old mentor (he-whose-name-will-not-be-spoken) got his DWI in Oregon after retiring? Funny how you don't hear much about a former-CSAF getting busted, but some TSgt does it, the wrath of Doc is full (not that it is condonable, but the response should be the same no matter who the person is). Honestly, if Doc kicked the bucket tomorrow (he is about 110 years old, isn’t he? Or does he just look it?), I wouldn’t shed a tear as the man has pissed on too many people in his life to feel any remorse at his passing. What he needed was a Scrooge-like experience, but now it is far too late… But, I still would like to steer this to a more positive vector, Victor (Roger, Roger!). I know there are some shit hot GOs out there that still earn the respect of those that serve under them. We’ve named a few, keep ‘em coming as it offsets the negativity that Doc seems to poison everyone with… Cheers! M2

Well, the IDPA match was this morning and I did alright! We only went through five stages due to the heat, and we don't have our scores yet (they will be posted later); but based on my son video taping my performances, and walking though the stages afterward and seeing my scores, I can gauge pretty close how I did. It was a helluva lot more interesting that just standing on the line and shooting, and I watching other people's mistakes (such as engaging the targets out of order) is almost more educational than learning from your own mistakes. I had a few small ones, mostly not using cover as much as I could; but I have to say I am more hooked to this than just going to the range. That's great for getting familiar with a new weapon; but for more realistic training, scenarios such as those the IDPA puts you through is more along the kind of training I used to get when I was in. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about it... Cheers! M2

Probably right, but a larger round increases the chances of causing damage as it passes through an individual. And it is easy to see which round is the largest... But you don't have to beleive me. Just read the FBI report, Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness. Here's their conclusion... "The only way to increase bullet effectiveness is to increase the severity of the wound by increasing the size of the hole made by the bullet. Any bullet which will not penetrate through vital organs from less than optimal angles is not acceptable. Of those that will penetrate, the edge is always with the bigger bullet." Cheers! M2

You're forgetting that Rumsfeld was also the SecDef under Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, the youngest person to have ever held that position at age 43. He also served in various positions under Nixon, served four terms in the United States House of Representatives, and served as United States Ambassador to NATO. You can bet your paycheck that he maintained connections within the DoD even when we was out of the government... Cheers! M2