M2

Nice, but you gotta version without all those annoying black cubes?? Cheers! M2

Reminds me of... Cheers! M2

OPM = Office of Personnel Managment JPAS = Joint Personnel Adjudication System. "the Department of Defense (DoD) personnel security migration system for: - the virtual consolidation of the DoD Central Adjudication Facilities (CAFs) - use by non-SCI security program managers and Special Security Officers - Special Access Program (SAP) program managers - DoD contractor Security officers (expected July 2002) JPAS will use a centralized database with centralized computer processing and application programs for standardized DoD personnel security processes. JPAS automates both core and CAF-unique functionality and provides "real-time" information regarding clearance, access and investigative status to authorized DoD security personnel and other interfacing organizations, such as Defense Security Service, Defense Manpower Data Center, Defense Civilian Personnel Management System, Office of Personnel Management, and Air Force Personnel Center. Telecommunications and automated information systems interface software will serve as the cornerstone for the CAFs virtual consolidation and ensure re-engineering of core personnel security and adjudication processes." PSI = Personnel Security Investigation, "an inquiry into an individual's loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible to access classified information or for an appointment to a sensitive position or position of trust." SSBI = Single Scoped Background Investigation, "a type of United States security clearance investigation required for Top Secret, SCI and Q access, and involves agents contacting employers, coworkers and other individuals. Standard elements include background checks involving checks of employment, education, organization affiliations, local agencies, where the subject has lived, worked, or gone to school, and interviews with persons who know the individual. The investigation may include a NACLC on the candidate’s spouse or cohabitant and any immediate family members who are U.S. citizens other than by birth or who are not U.S. citizens." (Wikipedia) Try reading this and/or this for more info. Cheers! M2

Beast is correct, it may require a little more info when you do your paperwork; but for the most part I've know lots of dudes whose wives were from other countries and they had TS/SCIs... You probably already know this, but just to state the obvious one more time...be absolutely, 100% thorough and forthright when completing your SF-86. The one thing I've seen to be a red flag more than anything is the background investigation finding something that wasn't listed on the form. It won't entirely kill your chances to get a clearance; but it will give them cause to greater scrutinize everything as if you failed/forget to mention one thing, it may be an indication that you failed/forgot to mention something else! It will also lengthen the process accordingly. But don't fear, it is not that tough to get and maintain a clearance; and it can be worth extra bucks when you transition to the civilian world! Cheers! M2

I am no SSO, but it sounds like your background investigation was completed but the final determination on your clearance hasn't been made. Your NCOs should be able to get you a better answer than the one they've given you... Do some looking around on the DSS web site, you might find some more info there or at least a POC to contact if your Det can't get you better info. Cheers! M2

It's already started... On January 6th, Congressman Rush (D) of Illinois (where else?) introduced the Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009 (H.R. 45). The introduction to this bill states the intent of the legislations is "to provide for the implementation of a system of licensing for purchasers of certain firearms and for a record of sale system for those firearms, and for other purposes." As of the writing of this article, this bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. This article reviews the content of the Act and provides commentary on various portions of the act, which violate logic, individual rights, State's rights, and the separation of powers. This article also speaks to some areas of HR 45 that fall within the purview of the Federal government. This was a good counter to the proposed bill... The important thing to remember is that the fight to defend our Second Amendment Right is on! Don't be lulled by the lack of an immediate attack, the administration is lining up to go after one of our most precious and privileged rights as American citizens, and they shouldn't be allowed to do so without a fight! Cheers! M2

Very nice, but it would be better if she wasn't wearing a bra! Cheers! M2

You can thank the Germans for that, they are the ones that re-engineered H-D's motors for them...

Dude, the mere fact that you even noticed that there was a CZ58 in the picture makes me wonder. It took me over 15 minutes to realize that! It's like bithcing about the fact that she, the perfect woman, has her finger on the triggers in the following pic... And trust me, I shot the CZ58 when I was doing some training with the Slovak Special Forces, I realize their parts are not interchangable with the standard AK but they are still a "distant cousin" of it.

Sorry, it don't get no sexier than this! Cheers! M2

By the way, the Weapons School has used a similar patch before... Cheers! M2

Correct, and it is upside down, which may be appropriate! There have been previous Group patches that looked like this, I believe this is simply an update (and sorry if that has already been said, but I am TDY with limited connectivity). Cheers! M2

Zook Let's just agree that I know what I am talking about and you don't! Just kidding, but if you are a fan of the 1911 (like I suspect you are, and I am the same), we both know that the platform is excellent but not quite as reliable as the XD. Sure, they've been around for nearly 100 years and the XD only a few; but anyone who has owned both and done their research know that the 1911 is more prone to FTF/FTEs than the XD. The XD is near perfect in that regard, no matter what ammo you put through it. As for the AR over the AK, I expect that response from most Americans; but as an assault weapon the AK is a better choice. Yes, the AR is probably a better rifle; but the AK is a better assault weapon! There is clearly a difference and the mere fact that there are millions of AKs being produced all over the globe, and not that many countries that have jumped on the AR platform, it is again clear to see that one has become a clear choice. Hell, the fact that ARs are STILL having jamming issues nearly 40 years after being introduced tells me there is something inherently wrong with it. An Army LTC that I work with brought his new M-4 to the range, and it FTF'd during the first magazine. My AK has yet to FTF/FTE. Sure, it is harder to be accurate with an AK at longer ranges (but it is possible); the fact that it fires everytime I squeeze the trigger makes it the logial choice. Cheers! M2

Fogo Nice, that XD9 Tac should be insanely accurate! You've got a higher-speed round and the longer barrel, and once you get used to it, you should be able to get some nice tight groups! When you get good with it, take some pics as I would be interested to see how accurate you are with it. Cheers! M2

Good for you, and you can have the M-16 as well. I will take an XD and an AK, as I want something I can depend on which will withstand prolonged use in a combat environment...

Sorry partner, there are a lot of law enforcement agencies in the US that use the XD!. Sure, it is not as common as the Glock .40; but they are being used. And whereas I love the 1911, you can't argue that the XD is a much more reliable weapon. Plus, as I've stated before, it has a much greater capacity. It is like comparing the P-51 to the F-15. Both are wonderful platforms, but which would you want in a modern battle? Cheers! M2

And, when you absolutely, positively have to kill every mutherfucker in the room, accept no substitutes!

Here's a visual to explain the above post... .45 ACP JHPs...

p.s.s. You do realize that a shortie shottie would be a better home defense weapon (18.5" is the minimum length by law); but even tougher to shoot. I have a Mossy, but I won't even let the wife shoot it at the range. I don't want her to be scared of it if she ever has to use it, and it is our primary HD weapon.

OK, JHB, I will fess up here...if I had to own only one handgun, it would be...(drumroll here)....the XD-45! Yes, I do love my 1911s, and I think every American male needs to own at least one. But the lighter, higher capacity and more reliable XD gets the nod. It is easier to carry and once you get the hang of the trigger (the safety throws people off, but it doesn't take long to get used to it), it is an extremely accurate handgun! And that's a good price, if it is in good shape. You aren't missing anything not getting the case, mag holder or holster; as long as you are getting the gun and two magazines, you have what is important. And honestly, if you call Springfield they might even send you those items (their customer service is excellent, and the gun is guaranteed for life, no matter who the owner is). But there are loads of better holsters out there, and even the cheapo Uncle Mikes IWB neoprene one I used for conceal carry (size 15) works well with it. That said, once you get it and buy some ammo (get Winchester White Box from WalMart, 100 rounds for ~$30, for the range; and whatever self-defense ammo you like for every other time); start saving your money for a 1911. You will have to buy one eventually, but get the XD first. And post pics once you get it! Cheers! M2 p.s. My wife likes shooting my 1911s better than my XD, but she is OK with it. Obviously, it is easier to grasp the single-stack 1911s than the double-stacked XD; but to be honest the XD is probably the thinnest double-stock grip I've ever held. Makes the crappy M9 feel like it's wrapped in 20 feet of duct tape! There are compact 1911s out there, but they are only 6-7 rounds capable and to be honest their reliability is questionable to me. I've shot a Para-Ordnance PDA a few weeks ago and it had several FTF/FTEs. Granted, it was nearly brand new; but my XD ate every round that it failed to shoot. I am sure that grated on my bud's nerves; but I told him to buy an XD. But being Canadian, he wanted a Para-Ordnance...

Notice for any Zune 30 owners out there. You've probably noticed that it has locked up/frozen with the Zune emblem and you can't reset it. Well, worry not as it is a leap year bug that will resolve itself tomorrow... This has been freaking me out since I leave Saturday for a ten-day TDY to Europe (Germany and the UK). I use my Zune to listen to music and podcasts on the flight over, and without it the trans-Atlantic leg seems considerably longer! Cheers! M2 p.s. One more question got left out...

Exactly! Is stating a person's color now considered racist? As the Godfather of Soul so aptly proclaimed, "Say it loud! I'm black, and I'm proud!" Cheers! M2

Yeah, and if you've got any more spare "cans" around; send 'em my way! Cheers! M2

TRICARE will pay once an offbase referral has been given. So you'll have to make an appointment to see the flight doc or whoever you and your wife (I believe both have to go) want to talk to about it first. And note, TRICARE will NOT pay for any vasectomy reversals! Cheers! M2

Yep, that's a great plan; but it's Bernkastel-Kues. It's on the Mosel and that town knows how to throw a fest! But they should, they've been doing it for over 700 years now... Cheers! M2