HackSlash

It's been a while. I'm back instructing on another course, first week is done. Three more left and then I finally go back to my normal position. As rewarding as I find being a DS, I'm looking forward to it finally coming to an end. Especially considering we are buying a house, and we just found out our offer was accepted. It will be good to have the ability and a regular scheduled to deal with the the process to get the mortgage and all the associated legal work that goes with a house purchase. On that note, I finally had one of those moments that crop up from time to time. I finally lost my shit on a recruit. Part of this week was learning the drills for the C9 LMG https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/lightweapons/lightmachineguns/c9lmg.htm One of my troops was having some difficulty with the drills. Lets call the recruit Pte Bloggins. (Standard place holder name that we all used. ) The day before the test, I bluntly told the recruit that that he needed to practice, and ask the MNCO (Marching NCO), to go over the drills with him that night. I also mentioned that it wasn't a suggestion, but an order. Next day comes, and I'm supervising the test. In comes Bloggins....first attempt: Safety Fail: Incorrect Safety Precautions drill. Wait a half hour, some remedial instruction. Second attempt: Safety Fail: Incorrect drill for disassembly. Yes, there is a drill for disassembly. You need to clear the gun, before disassembly. One of the main reasons is there is a recoil spring and rod. It you manage to take it out, while the spring is under tension, you will catch it in the face, and potential lose some teeth. The other reason is you want to make sure the weapon is not loaded. Now we have to wait 24 hours. After the test is over, I go and speak to Bloggins and ask "Did you practice last night with the MNCO?" "No Mcpl." "WHAT! WHY THE F**K NOT?! WHAT THE F**K DID YOU DO?!" "Well, I watched some videos on Youtube, and figured I was okay Mcpl." I am being deadly serious, that is not a joke. His course mates confirmed it. You can imagine my reaction...I hit the roof. I don't remember much of what I said, just that it was very loud and very profane. I do know the Course Warrant Officer heard me. The WO thought it was hilarious. Needless to say after I was done, Bloggins had another strip torn off by the WO. Bloggins managed to pass it the next day, because he was drilled by the MNCO that night. Bloggins also got two counselings, one for academic and the other for conduct. Namely willful disobedience to a lawful command. Needless to say, Bloggins won't make that mistake again. Fun times.

Here's the latests from CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/champagne-iran-plane-crash-1.5420398 From the article: "We have intelligence from multiple sources, including our allies and our own intelligence. The evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile," he (Trudeau), said during a news conference in Ottawa, adding that it might have been an unintentional act." (emphasis is mine). There were 68 Canadians on board that flight. As far as I'm concerned, whether it was intentional or not, those f##ks just murdered 68 of our citizens. Lets be honest, a passenger plane takes off from an international airport, on an approved and know flight plan, with its IFF turned on. It's shot down minutes into its flight.

Crap... https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51055219

I'd like to wish each and everyone of you a Happy Holiday season. Wishing you and yours all the best. I hope you enjoy the warm embrace of family and friends, as we each celebrate the magic that this time of year brings. All the best Mike (aka Hackslash)

I'm back. Sorry, I haven't had that much of a chance to log in. Early mornings and late nights, but another course bites the dust. SealTeamPi and Blade, you are absolutely right. A leader has two ears, but one one mouth. Which mean you must listen twice as much as you shout. Stand up for your troops, and they stand by you. I had a lot of fun on this course, really enjoyable. I've earned the respect of a bunch of Infantry guys, my fellow instructors. Yeah, I'm a Supply Tech, a pogue, loggy bastard, bin rat, blanket stacker, box kicker, fobbit..if you will. I'm not a combat solider, I'm a Support Specialist. A Support Specialist, teaching on a Combat Arms course. I gave it my best, and they had my back. That's what makes us strong. Helping one another, standing by your brothers and sisters. I've learned a lot from them, and they think I'm a good instructor. Which is amazing.

@ccabal86, Thanks man. Being a DS (Directing Staff), is hard work and tremendously rewarding. Like I said, to any IRON members who are military, if you ever get the chance to be an instructor, fucking do it! Not only do you get one fuck of a lot of points on your PER'S. Which is awesome, higher rank, higher pay. You get the reward of watching a bunch of clueless recruits develop as new soldiers. It is an amazing experience. I was sort of screwed by the green machine. I was supposed to go back to my normal duties as 2ic of the CQ. I found out at 8:05 (five minutes after I reported for work), that is was instructing again. Didn't you just say it was rewarding? Yes, it is However, it is a lot of hard work. Shit, Monday past I was up at 04:00 for morning PT, a 6 k run if you are curious. I had to teach a full day, stay in the shacks until 23:00, and start all over at 04:00 the next morning. I'm guessing that's why the army pays me an additional $200.00 a month to be a Master Corporal. It's not even a real rank. My substantive rank is Corporal, what I have is an appointment. I got into a bit of trouble this week. Evidentiality, I'm not getting a birthday this year. When I walk into a room, the creatures are supposed to call "Group". Which means they sit at attention. They know, I don't like it, and hence they don't do it. Yeah, on Thursday, I walked into the classroom and my creatures didn't call room, not that I care. Guess who was behind me? The CSM. (Company Sargent Major). FML. He proceeds to jack the ever loving fuck out of my section for failing to come to Attention when an Instructor walks into the room. Which is when I speak up, " Sir, I told them not to do that." "Well, Mcpl, I'll talk to you later." After my class, I have to report to the CSM, which results in me standing at attention and getting my ass chewed to hell and gone. "Yes Sir" "Of course you're right, Sir" "I understand Sir" "Shutting up, Sir."

I'm back. Thanks, Captain Crozier, I did my best. The course is over. I had an amazing experience. I learned a lot about myself and what it takes to lead soldiers. It's one of the best feelings in the world to take a group of raw recruits and watch them develop, and apply what you have taught them. I got to see that this week. I just finished an FTX with them in Wainwright. It was cold, it was miserable. My section never gave up. I was so proud of one of my candidates. I watched as she hobbled to the line, to defend her team mates. She showed so much heart. I was so proud as they stood by each other, and looked after their team mates. That's what makes a military strong. I am so proud I had a hand in developing that.

Thanks. I'm glad some of you are enjoying my little story. I'll bet some of you were expecting a Gunnery Sgt Hartmann type narrative. I'll keep sharing if there's any interest. I'm now getting ready for a week long field exercise with them, starting next Sunday. I'll have some funny tales for you then! Keep in mind, I'm not telling you everything, and what I am saying is highly edited. For those of you who are military, if you ever get the chance to instruct. Leap on it. It's a lot of work, but a lot of reward for you.

Hello IRON, Hope you all are kicking ass and taking names. Normally I'd be right along side you, but that stupid thing called real life just got in the way. I think most of you know that I'm in the military, Canadian Armed Forces to be precise. Right now, I'm an Instructor on a BMQ-L course. I'm off today, after spending the last few weeks run off my bloody feet. This is the first course I've had to teach. I didn't know what to expect. I spent a week going over my drills for the C-9, M-72, hand grenades, battle procedure, learning how to teach that stuff to a bunch of new recruits. I've had very early mornings and very late nights. This past Monday (21 Oct), I started at 4:00 and ended my day at 22:00. Woke up again the next morning at 4:00 and started again. Hell, this afternoon, I was about to crack a cold beer, and the damn phone went off. One of our creatures was missing a bolt. Well, just f##k me. We found it, and corrected the problem. I'm enjoying being a Course NCO. It's really rewarding. I get to encourage, develop and motivate new soldiers. On Monday (21 Oct), I was out for a 5 k run with the platoon. As Marching NCO, I had to stay back with the slow runners (I'm not that fast myself). I was running alongside this recruit, she was struggling. I knew she was in pain. I looked at her and said, "Keep going. I don't care how fast you are. I'm proud of you. You haven't given up. You've done your best, and I've got a lot of respect for that." I watched as she raised her head, and between gasps said, "Thank you Master Corporal." Today, one of my recruits said to me, "Master Corporal, we appreciate you." I said, "Why, because I'm not your typical Army Instructor." He looked at me and said "Yes, that why we appreciate you " It fills me with an intense sense of pride to be able to give back to an organization that has given me so much.

@onbekende...sally I believe, if I may. You have no idea, It seems we made International news this week, when photos surfaced our very progressive "leader" of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau, in black face. Yes, our self proclaimed champion of diversity and inclusiveness wore, (one at least three times, maybe more), black face. One the most racist and vulgar things someone can do. I'm not even going to try a find a link to this one, just google it! He's being rightly taken to task for it. The Edmonton Sun ran a banner head line the day after the pictures were published in Time, the head line ran "Hypocrite" I prefer what one of our most brilliant political commentators Rex Murphey (In Rex we Trust), had this to say: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/election-2019/rex-murphy-for-anyone-else-resignation-would-be-unavoidable-and-appropriate Jesus, after the pictures and the video (yes there's a video), he appeared at a staged town hall. He was asked if he could name the number of times he appeared in black face. He couldn't. He was asked if he could round it to the nearest five He procced to lecture. When pressed on the issue, he said that "he doesn't believe in being definitive" Doesn't believe in being definitive? Is that a quality you look for in a leader? Here we have a "leader" who tossed two sitting MPs out of caucus, for what was at the time, unproven allegations of sexual misconduct. Here we have a "leader" who declared that Pro-Lifers (I'm pro-choice myself), had no place in the Liberal Party. Here we have a "leader" who is a self proclaimed Feminist, and then proceeds to kick two of his most outspoken female Cabinet Ministers out of caucus because they so signs of independence. google SNC Lavin affair. Here we have a "leader" who claims to represent the middle class, then spends millions of our hard tax dollars a vacation to Aga Khan's private island.

@ccabal86, Clancy rules! Too bad he passed. The article you posted reminds me of "The Cardinal of the Kremlin". @Lys. It's a shame you didn't have a read. I can understand your desire for privacy. You do have options if you don't want to give the "failing" New York Times (or as Anne Coulter calls it "The Treason Times"), your info. If you are using FireFox, you can set to New Private Window. Either that, or install a tor browser. https://www.torproject.org/ Yes, it's a safe link. Yes, I've used it in the past. Yes, it's easy enough to use. If a someone who is barely computer literate like me can figure it out....

Yes, it will be a Clothes Pin vote for me. I've actually settled on the NDP for now. We'll see what happens. However, according to an article I read today on CBC, the NDP are in free fall. They still haven't nominated candidates for a number of ridings, and they are not in good shape financially. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/ndp-quebec-city-jagmeet-singh-recruiting-female-candidates-1.5273440 Yes, DeathMerchant, Canadian politics can be a bit intriguing. I still remember the Sponsorship Scandal that forced the then Prime Minister, Paul Martin to perform a historical first. He went on National TV and begged us to give the Gomery Commission time to complete its job. (as much as I hate Wikipedia), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponsorship_scandal There are generally a few differences with elections in this country: 1: Canadians aren't huge ideologues. (That's slowly changing) 2: "Tall Poppy Syndrome" (The idea that you can be wealthy, but you'd bloody well not show it). Our current Prime Minister and a former PM Brian Mulroney ran into trouble here. 3: Regionalism. 4: Low levels of public trust in politicians. In 2015 Trudeau did very well with new/young voters. However, as he started breaking promises and stumbling in to scandal. I mean cripes, they weren't in a power a month and they had their first one. They paid $225 000.00 to move a new aide in the PMO from Toronto to Ottawa. A CBC journalist remarked "This is really shocking for first time votes, who believed Trudeau, and though his government was going to do things differently. To the older voters, they simply shrugged their shoulders and said "Same old Liberals."" Like I said, I think it's going to be another ground breaker like 1993.

Here we go another election. Where professional liars tell us what we want to hear. Not that I'm complaining, I love elections. I've voted in every election and plebsite since I've been able to do so. I view it as my civic duty. If I don't excecise my right to vote, then how can I complain about the idots we've managed to elect? Never forget the day my Old Man was bitching about the government. I asked him, "Did you vote?" He said "No." I told him to shut up, if he chose not to vote, he chose not to complain. Next month we get to chose who our leaders will be. I'm personally predicting ground breaking election. An election that shook up the establishment, just like the election of 1993. On one hand we have Justin Trudeau. An absolute imbecile. A Prime Minister who has been in breech of several ethical violations. His private trip to Aga Khan's private island, and his involvement with the SNC Lavin affair. A Prime Minster who has called a wounded veteran "Greedy" A Prime Minster whose party openly debated as to whether to give themselves a four day work week, because sitting in the Commons was just so hard. I mean Jesus, you a**holes only work half the goddamn year, and you're going to whine about how difficult it is to manage your work life relationship. Just f##k right off, you entitled a%%holes! I could go on but I won't. Simply to say, I despise that idiot and his band of entitled, arrogant elves. On the other hand we have Mr. Sheer. Now, I'm a bit biased here. I've voted Tory (Progressive Conservative), in every single Provincial and Federal election snice 1996. But Sheer is not a Tory. He's a Conservative. He's been captured by the social conservatives, How can I vote for someone who holds the proud history of my party in absolute contempt. How can I vote for a party that has betrayed it's roots? Which brings me to the People's Party of Canada under Bernier. Canada's Trump. F##k that guy. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party. Not a chance. I'm not about to vote for a fascist. Why a fascist you ask? In 2015 she was prepared to (in her own words), "march into the Governor General's office, and demand that Stephen Harper not be allowed to form government if he won a minority" Flying in the face of Parliamentary convention. Mr. Singh, Leader of the NDP. A bit left, but seems to have his head on his shoulders. Seems to speak for the working class. Like I said a mess.

Well, dang move is finally compete after a nearly a month and a half of hell, we are finally settled...sort of. Lys, I'm more than willing to bet you don't care too much for Snopes, but: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/liberals-hunt-conservatives-film/ After watching that trailer (and feeling my brain melt), it appears to be just another piece of mindless drivel that Hollywood is passing off as entertainment lately. Just another "Hunger Games", "The Purge", or "The Running Man". Hunting humans seems to be a pretty common thing for movies: https://www.imdb.com/search/keyword/?keywords=human-hunting-a-human Of course, you're also aware of Outrage Marketing, which is what these trailers appear to be. It's an attempt to get people sharing these things on their social media, "discussing" how outraged they are (which you have done here), for free publicity to get butts in the seats. You want to hurt those Hollywood idiots? Don't share their garbage. I also noticed (after figuring out this was a grave dig), some of you discussing the pending trail/dismissal of the deputy sheriff who failed to stop the gun man in Florida School shooting last year. There was some discussion about the responsibility of emergency workers (Police Officers, Fire Fighters and Paramedics), to risk their lives in an attempt to save another person. I'm not 100% how it works in other jurisdictions, but just to chime in my two cents. I do know that the only emergency service that has an accepted and required concept of unlimited liability is the military. We are the only ones who can be lawfully ordered into situations where we can be killed. Police Officers, Fire Fighters and Paramedics have the option to refuse. They won't necessarily keep their jobs, but they won't be sent to prison for refusing.

Still working on those pics for all of you. I'm sorry I haven't logged in lately. Just trying to get everything in order for our move across the country. @Sister Midnight: Thank you for your kind words.

Yes, Sister Midnight one heck of a lot of tasks that have to be done. Most of it complex and confusing with me hoping that everything goes smoothly. I have to shield hubby from the worst of it. That because he has Asperger Syndrome. I know his anxiety level is off the charts. He's found some things in Edmonton that has caught his attention, which I'm actively encouraging him to get involved in. He likes computer stuff and technical stuff, along with arts and crafts. We found a Maker's Club which he has shown an interest in. He's shown tremendous courage in the face of it all. You asked about the honeymoon. That is on hold until we get the move completed. When we get some money saved up, we are planning on going to Disneyland. It's something he's always want to do. It seems like a nice spot. I've been thinking about going as well. Argus, I'm glad you (and it seems a portion of IRON), are enjoying the story. I'm glad to share it with you. I'm going to share some pictures, as soon as I get the link. I think they are being put on Google Drive. Like, I said, I don't know that much about computers. I know how to use the programs I need to use at work, and that's about it. I'm very happy. I haven't been this happy for a very long time. I have the love of a wonderful person in my life. Someone I get to come home to each and every single day. I love him with all my heart.

Thank you. A lot of stuff isn’t bad, but I’ve had a lot of pt over the years, and a lot of it hurt. A lot! I guess I got a little confused, when I see the acronym PT, I think if something much different. I hope everything goes well for you, and you feel much better very soon Just remember, "Pain is weakness leaving the body"

What is HHT? Sorry, lapsed into jargon again. A HHT is a House Hunting Trip. When we get posted to a new base, part of the process is a House Hunting Trip. Which means, BGRS (Brookfield Global Relocation Services), pays for a trip to our new area to find some where to live. Which we managed to do today. This is essential, as when I get back to Quebec, I have to put in my paperwork with F&E (Furniture and Effects), so they can make arrangements to move our stuff to our new house. They (F&E), can't do that, until I have a place to live.

Hope you feel better soon. Do you mean Physio? I had that done for my messed up back, it wasn't that bad. I rather like the electostimulator thing they used.

Sorry busy week. I'm now sitting in a hotel room in Edmonton on my HHT. Thanks for all the well wishes. Hubby knows about most of you. It's going to take me a bit to post some pics, that is if you really want to see my ugly mug...LOL. He's handling all the tech stuff. Yes, considering the pics were taken with digital cameras and are on the internet, I consider that tech stuff. Next big hurdle for the two of us is the move to Edmonton.

Hi all, A few months ago, in a drunk stupor, I announced that I was getting married. Don't know what the hell came over me, but yesterday (26 May), god help me, I actually went through with it. It was a long journey to get from accepting the proposal, to saying my vows. But we did it. Was it worth the effort? All the sleepless nights. All the arguments, and stress. Yes, it was. Just to give you an example. Our original officiant went on vacation and didn't tell us. As some of you know I live in Quebec. The government requires that a notification of marriage has to be published for 20 days prior to the wedding, on a government website. She gets back two days before the deadline, tells us it will cost us $1000.00 for her to perform the ceremony, or even before she'll fill out the necessary paperwork I'm at work when my husband gets the call. He panics, and calls my supervisor. For those of you who don't know, I'm a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. That sends me running to see the padres. The original padre I speak to, cannot perform a same sex marriage. Which we understand, and not only do we accept that, we respect it. I'll ask you to do the same. She did talk to her Chain of Command, and find one who could. Luckily, his family knew a judge who could perform the ceremony. However, she wasn't authorized to marry. That can take four months! However, the judge knew who to talk to. On the day of the deadline, at very short notice, my Cplc was able to give me the day off. I'm in downtown Montreal, at Service Quebec, pleading my case to a clerk. I pulled all the stops. We were very lucky. We managed to squeak in under the deadline. We had our marriage published, and authorization granted to our new officiant. In any case. We survived it. I am now married to the most wonderful man on Earth. It was amazing, I was in full uniform, and I cried a lot. The speeches we gave moved people to tears, including some members of the Legion who accidentally crashed our wedding. The ceremony and reception and the party were held at the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. They gave us a really good deal. If you fine people would like to see the pictures, I will more than happily post them. Thanks for reading, and thank you in advance for your congratulations. Now, if I can only get used to the feeling of this ring....

Hi all, A few months ago, in a drunk stupor, I announced that I was getting married. Don't know what the hell came over me, but yesterday (26 May), god help me, I actually went through with it. It was a long journey to get from accepting the proposal, to saying my vows. But we did it. Was it worth the effort? All the sleepless nights. All the arguments, and stress. Yes, it was. Just to give you an example. Our original officiant went on vacation and didn't tell us. As some of you know I live in Quebec. The government requires that a notification of marriage has to be published for 20 days prior to the wedding, on a government website. She gets back two days before the deadline, tells us it will cost us $1000.00 for her to perform the ceremony, or even before she'll fill out the necessary paperwork I'm at work when my husband gets the call. He panics, and calls my supervisor. For those of you who don't know, I'm a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. That sends me running to see the padres. The original padre I speak to, cannot perform a same sex marriage. Which we understand, and not only do we accept that, we respect it. I'll ask you to do the same. She did talk to her Chain of Command, and find one who could. Luckily, his family knew a judge who could perform the ceremony. However, she wasn't authorized to marry. That can take four months! However, the judge knew who to talk to. On the day of the deadline, at very short notice, my Cplc was able to give me the day off. I'm in downtown Montreal, at Service Quebec, pleading my case to a clerk. I pulled all the stops. We were very lucky. We managed to squeak in under the deadline. We had our marriage published, and authorization granted to our new officiant. In any case. We survived it. I am now married to the most wonderful man on Earth. It was amazing, I was in full uniform, and I cried a

Cydonian Knight, I'm glad you're enjoying the game. Like I said, it was well worth the $15.00 CDN. I've had similar experiences. Just wait until your bomber explodes mid air after taking a flack hit to the bomb bay! DeathMerchant, I just looked up the board game you mentioned. Yes, Bomber Crew sounds remarkably similar. They have a DLC called USAAF for Bomber Crew where you control a B-17.

Just started playing this game. It's amazing. It came out last year, and I know it's also available on PC. It only costs $15.00, but it's worth it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17qoerQS2tk I like what one of the reviewers said, "Beneath it's cutesy exterior, it's a serious bomber simulator." Yeah, that's accurate. Really accurate. It's basically a management sim. You have to tell your crew to do everything. From tagging enemy fighters, to refilling ammo, to fixing damaged equipment on your plane, to tagging navigation points. You have to pick the right gear to help them survive to complete their mission. It is one of the first games I've encountered where getting back to base is not a critical objective. Just destroying your target is. Word to the wise, don't get to attached to your crew, they will die. Hell, I lost all of my crew when the plane exploded! The game will not relent, you need to stay on your toes. It's a relief when you get out of combat, most likely as a piece of Swiss cheese. It's still fun.

The main difference between water and beer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_dfIqmqSTw