Month 12 Day 16

Notebook entry


14 reports given, sleep of excitement, where from, class with Qais Salim no-show, Munir no-show






Journal entry


I woke up still tired because I had slept an excited sleep the night
before. I don't know why it was so exciting. It was great to be able
to call the guys out. I don't know why that gave me such a surge of
exhilaration.

In the morning I woke up to two E-mails one from the Gunny and one
from the LtCol, the LtCol ensured that 'maximum punishment' woudl be
metted out, and the Gunny said that it was not a good career move. I
stored that E-mail. In Gmail.

That stirred up the hornets nest. the LtCol ordered me to recall the
E-mail austensibly because the RCT-5 guys were on it and tried to
assert in conversation that the Gunny's E-mail was not about career
moves even though the text says as much, twice. Brawny said I
offended him and called me a punk, he said my 'perspective' was all
skewed. When I reminded him that he had told me that he came here
because he thought it would give him a better shot at getting selected
for Major after being passed over, he started talking about how he
just wanted what he had been told he would get, he needed his pension.
Ah and there's the rub,
'I may not be a good communications officer, but I've worked hard, and
I've had a string of shitty bosses who don't evaluate me fairly.'
'OK, but if you are not very good at it, and you are in it to serve
your country then shouldn't you bow out?'
'I have been promised this, I've got a family'
'OK, but is that the American taxpayers responsibility, how are you
different from a glorified welfare recipient?'
'You're perspective is all wrong, I've been doing this for seventeen
years and I've got to put my family first, I need that money."
'That's fine, but how is that different than the desicion the guys
from Blackwater make?'
'I see it as different.'
And then he left.

The day was abuzz with conversations about pensions. It's funny how
many guys took my E-mails to heart, Steve, John Soltz, the gunny, and Capt
Brawny all said it was directed at them personally. In truth, it was
directed at all of them, but it was good to see that they finally see
the inherent conflict between their large paychecks, generous
pensions, and 'service.' It's all about heart condition. Capt
Brawny told me one other thing, that a bunch of guys were pissed off
at me. I told him that I didn't care (Asberger's has its benefits).
It's hard to care about what people think when you don't respect their
values. God, Family, Country, Corps. That's the hierarchy, if
something is in conflict you must bow out of the lower responsibility,
but you are not supposed to have the hierarchy God, Family,
laziness/fear of the unknown, Country, Corps. That's what the real
hierarchy is when you try to dick the country for the sake of your
family, you can do other things, you are just scared, and you are
making that everyone else's problem. Grow some balls and step out. I'm
not leaving the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps has left me.

In the morning I worked with Qais. He has been having some eye
allergy problems, but he still showed up. CJ Radin sent Sgt Salima from
the RCT over here. I sent him back because I had been ordered not to
supply one of our linguists to the RCT because their linguists are
screwing our linguists by claiming they can't work during the fast.
Sgt Salim came into the class for a moment, then left, he is
protesting because I pulled him out of the drivers course. He really
wanted that certificate so he could get a license in Kabul. He knows
how to drive, he took the seat from Amir Dad, the soldier, whose job
it is to drive, and is going to use his certificate of attendance to
try to get benefits that it was never intended to provide. The XO,
Munir, and Bashir all said, just let him finish the course. This must
be some odd Afghan way of thinking. I said to all of them.
"What is that going to teach him, that if you do the wrong thing with
the wrong motives for a week, then it becomes ok?"

Went to an uncomfortable chow with Graham, Brian, and Lt Love. The
Gorilla in the room was that Graham was still pissed that I called him

out for being a pussy when he always talks about trying to be 'tough'
and how his boys need to be "tough."

I worked on some turnover stuff in the afternoon. With Maj Neller,
showing him the complicated personnel database I created to track the
whole brigade to make sure they are not lying about the number of
leave days they have taken.

Munir didn't show up for class, at the time he chose. I'm shocked.

Watched a TED last night. It was from the founder of transparency
international, it was about western countries and corporations bribing
third world officials and being explicitly involved in corruption. I
thought it was fitting.






E-mails Mentioned (PPT is also in Gmail)





Where has my Marine Corps gone? A couple of references for you Pete
Ellis=Marine who was a drunk, too wild for real service even in the
pre-WWII era, active duty status uncertain, and predicted the entire
Japanese invasion to a T. There was another E-mail from the LtCol not
in this string that promised the maximum punishment.

Capt Scott Shane,
Regimental Combat Team 1 Embedded Training Team S-2 Mentor

SIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.smil.mil
NIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.mil

RCT-1, HQ CO Embedded Training Team
Unit #40145
FPO, AP 96427-0145


-----Original Message-----
And once we get assured that we'll get that cash what do we do...nothing
at all because that is the only goal.

Capt Scott Shane,
Regimental Combat Team 1 Embedded Training Team S-2 Mentor

SIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.smil.mil
NIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.mil

RCT-1, HQ CO Embedded Training Team
Unit #40145
FPO, AP 96427-0145

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 04:32
To: Casanova GySgt (RCT-1 ETT); Arauzarios SSgt Alejandro (RCT-1
S-3 ETT); Davidson Maj Christopher E (RCT-1 ETT XO); Brawny Capt Graham (RCT-1 S-3 SIGNALS OFFICER); Kucera HM1 David; Young GySgt

Christopher (RCT-1 ETT COMM CHIEF); Nowak Capt Stephen (RCT-1 S-3 Ops
O); Love 1stLt Daniel C (RCT-5 S-4 MT OFFICER); Arthur Capt Brian
(RCT-1 ETT); Mondt Sgt Michael T (RCT-1 ETT S3A); Neller Maj Shannon J
(RCT-5 S-3 OPS ADVISOR); Soltz CWO2 John Soltz (RCT-1 S-4 MOTOR-T MAINT
OFFICER); Valquist LtCol Andrew (RCT-1 ETT Chief); Kirell HM3 Nicholas P
(RCT-1 ETT)
Cc: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Subject: RE: The Gauntlet

Sigh...and this is why I bow out, not because I am no longer a Marine,
but because the reserves is the only place Marines still reside. The
slightly off-kilter, self-second, brave men who have plenty to lose, but
don't give a shit... Though I still fail to see how they could be pissed
about us taking gear not on their CMR, perhaps you are exactly right,
it's not a good career move...It all become about that magical twenty
years...forget winning, forget service, forget what's right, forget fun,
forget the truth, forget having a life, just remember the pension,
anything for a pension, anything for cold-hard-cash
like...well...mercenaries, or like...well...the Afghans. Look how
different we are from them...

Semper Fidelis,
Major Pete Ellis

Capt Scott Shane,
Regimental Combat Team 1 Embedded Training Team S-2 Mentor

SIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.smil.mil
NIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.mil

RCT-1, HQ CO Embedded Training Team
Unit #40145
FPO, AP 96427-0145


-----Original Message-----
From: Casanova GySgt (RCT-1 ETT)
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 20:33
To: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR); Arauzarios SSgt Alejandro
(RCT-1 S-3 ETT); Davidson Maj Christopher E (RCT-1 ETT XO); Brawny Capt
Graham (RCT-1 S-3 SIGNALS OFFICER); Kucera HM1 David; Young GySgt

Christopher (RCT-1 ETT COMM CHIEF); Nowak Capt Stephen (RCT-1 S-3 Ops
O); Love 1stLt Daniel C (RCT-5 S-4 MT OFFICER); Arthur Capt Brian
(RCT-1 ETT); Mondt Sgt Michael T (RCT-1 ETT S3A); Neller Maj Shannon J
(RCT-5 S-3 OPS ADVISOR); Soltz CWO2 John Soltz (RCT-1 S-4 MOTOR-T MAINT
OFFICER); Valquist LtCol Derek (RCT-1 ETT Chief); Kirell HM3 Nicholas P
(RCT-1 ETT)
Subject: RE: The Gauntlet

Don't think it would be a good "career move" if you got caught stealing
the gear. Yeah, great quote from Krulak. I'll give you another one,
"You're not a real Marine until you have had an NJP" --- Chesty Puller.
May have been sound back in his day, but if you get an NJP these days
your career slows down dramaticially. I say good on the people who
exercised good judgment and didn't put themselves out there for
something stupid the last few weeks we are here. But that's just me.
I'm a grumpy old Gunny.



-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 08:23
To: Casanova GySgt Louis (RCT-1 ETT); Arauzarios SSgt Alejandro (RCT-1
S-3 ETT); Davidson Maj Christopher E (RCT-1 ETT XO); Brawny Capt
Graham (RCT-1 S-3 SIGNALS OFFICER); Kucera HM1 David; Young GySgt

Christopher (RCT-1 ETT COMM CHIEF); Nowak Capt Stephen (RCT-1 S-3 Ops
O); Love 1stLt Daniel C (RCT-5 S-4 MT OFFICER); Arthur Capt Brian
(RCT-1 ETT); Mondt Sgt Michael T (RCT-1 ETT S3A); Neller Maj Shannon J
(RCT-5 S-3 OPS ADVISOR); Soltz CWO2 John Soltz (RCT-1 S-4 MOTOR-T MAINT
OFFICER); Valquist LtCol Derek (RCT-1 ETT Chief); Kirell HM3 Nicholas P
(RCT-1 ETT)
Cc: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Subject: The Gauntlet

Gentlemen,

We have a problem of khootsba, or balls, or shall I just come out and
say it, we have a pussy problem.

Let me explain what I mean. Per the E-mail string below, and per the
attached conops, tonight at 0500 I was planning to heist the gym
equipment that the MWSS stole in Feb so that RCT-5 would have something
to work out on and so that the fat-asses from MWSS could burn some
calories walking to their new mainside gym. I was not going to inform
the LtCol because I wanted him to have plausible deniability. This was
going to be a fun evolution that would right a wrong and be memorable.
Here's the rub. I can't do this without seven Marines, and I could only
find three other Marines with the balls to pull this caper.

Gentlemen, I feel it is my duty to throw this gauntlet down. If this
gym equipment is still in that gym by the time RCT-5 gets here we are a
bunch of pussies. They stole it. We can keep it here. They are leaving
in early Sept to mainside, we are leaving the same time. They are
RIPing out. There are a million good reasons, but most of all this will
be fun as shit and semi-dangerous. I need six Marines with balls to
come with me. Two to lift on the gym side, two on top of the HESCO, two
to load and one as a watch. We are following in a proud Marine heritage
of reappropriating gear to the greater good-General Krulak et all.

Don't be a Pussy,
Capt S



-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 10:43
To: Love 1stLt Daniel C (RCT-5 S-4 MT OFFICER)
Cc: Neller Maj Shannon J (RCT-5 S-3 OPS ADVISOR); Valquist LtCol Derek
(RCT-1 ETT Chief); Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Subject: FW: Old Dwyer Gym/showers

Lt Love,

FYI. I came up with nothing when I spoke to Capt Chau. I've come up
with nothing here. Perhaps you will have more luck, or perhaps you
would like to pursue the options from MSgt Sumida.

The final option is perhaps the most fun. I am happy run a covert op if
it helps your team. As Krulak said, institutional theft is a part of
our heritage, and since it doesn't belong to anybody...

R,

Capt Scott Shane
Regimental Combat Team 1 Embedded Training Team S-2 Mentor

SIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.smil.mil
NIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.mil

RCT-1, HQ CO Embedded Training Team
Unit #40145
FPO, AP 96427-0145


-----Original Message-----
From: Sumida MSgt Ryan N (Camp Dwyer Mayor)
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 21:13
To: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Cc: Andazola Jr SSgt Miguel E (RCT-5 BOS-I CAMP OPERATIONS CHIEF);
Hawkins Capt Jon W (RCT-5 HQ COMPANY COMMANDER
Subject: RE: Old Dwyer Gym/showers

Understand the cynicism. I felt it too when I wrote my reply to you.
How long can I promise a shower and latrine for these guys? We had the
shower system, only the power was 110 vic3 220 which you are running in
Garmsir.

Unfortunately there is a shortage on what I have available. I can't
readily put anything into your compound as your power will not work with
the rest of my facilities. You are correct that we could use the area
near ANGLICO. I sent over a couple of slides showing the future of Old
Dwyer Development. Will attach it so you can see where it is headed.

As for the fitness equipment, there have always been options to get
equipment, one being to do a JARB package, and the other to see about
using FOO funds. Since you are in direct support of the ANA, it may be
possible to use FOO money. Worth a inquiry, and worth trying to set up
the next team with a few more creature comforts.

MSgt Sumida

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 19:45
To: Sumida MSgt Ryan N (Camp Dwyer Mayor)
Cc: Andazola Jr SSgt Miguel E (RCT-5 BOS-I CAMP OPERATIONS CHIEF);
Hawkins Capt Jon W (RCT-5 HQ COMPANY COMMANDER; Scott Shane Capt
(RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Subject: RE: Old Dwyer Gym/showers

MSgt,

The shower has been planned for the last year (it's only been 2 weeks
out for the last 52 weeks), so you'll have to forgive my cynicism.

I didn't know the air guys had showers, we'll head over there when the
time comes.

The RCT-5 advon is here, and they are not planning on moving out of Camp
Garmsir. We are all too familiar with odd smells, but mission
first...Moving or not, the gym problem for the fifty Marines on this
side of camp will remain. Any solutions other than letting Marines duke
it out over the shit the Brits made two years ago? We basically need a
bench press, dip bar, and Olympic bar, a triceps machine, some
dumbbells, and any spare cardio you've got.

Personally, I'm going to be off of this camp in a couple weeks and it
doesn't really matter to me, but it isn't fair to the next ETT and
ANGLICO. They already live a with the ANA, and the nearest running
water, chow hall are a mile away, and now they're not even going to have
a place to work out. All while the other side of camp has all of the
amenities in the world, and is about to get a few more because the MWSS
can't walk 200 ft to the existing showers, shitters, and gym on MSide.

R,

Capt Scott Shane
Regimental Combat Team 1 Embedded Training Team S-2 Mentor

SIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.smil.mil
NIPR: Scott.Shane@afg.usmc.mil

RCT-1, HQ CO Embedded Training Team
Unit #40145
FPO, AP 96427-0145

-----Original Message-----
From: Sumida MSgt Ryan N (Camp Dwyer Mayor)
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 18:31
To: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Cc: Andazola Jr SSgt Miguel E (RCT-5 BOS-I CAMP OPERATIONS CHIEF);
Hawkins Capt Jon W (RCT-5 HQ COMPANY COMMANDER
Subject: RE: Old Dwyer Gym/showers

Sir--

There is a shower and latrine unit planned for the ETT in Garmshir.
VMGR also has showers and latrines. As far as the left over gym
equipment, it is not on the camp account, so if they leave anything....

I do not know if you will want to use the shower and latrines for the
Jordanians. We located them there to allow them to maintain their own
personal hygiene standard.

Additionally, there is a new ETT that I have proposed gets nestled in
just between Red Horse and ANGLICO. Red Horse may be leaving around the
end of the year or so from what I am hearing, so that whole compound may
open up as fair game.

MSgt Sumida

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Sent: Thursday, August 11, 2011 15:49
To: Sumida MSgt Ryan N (Camp Dwyer Mayor)
Cc: Scott Shane Capt (RCT-1 S-2 MENTOR)
Subject: Old Dwyer Gym/showers

MSgt,



I'm wondering what your plan is for the gym/showers on Old Dwyer. As
you know the MWSS is moving to mainside, and they will be taking all of
the new gym equipment they procured for themselves, but I'm wondering if
you have a plan for the equipment that was left over from the old dwyer
gym? ANGLICO, Harvest Hawk, ETT, et all are still over here, and
Anglico is probably the most centrally located of us if we pop up a GP
tent. Same-same with shower facilities. If the MWSS takes the old 3rd
Infantry Division Army showers with them, then do you have a plan for
the rest of us? Is new stuff going to be brought in for the Jordanians,
or what? I think that Red Horse has a gym and showers, but they don't
play well with others, they've told us 'good luck' on using the showers
in their compound after the MWSS leaves. Any help would be appreciated.




Thanks,