M2

You can also use digital pictures, as long as they comply with State Department guidelines... Cheers! M2

Yep, they aren't necessarily required to have; but they can help you avoid a lot of asspain if the cops want to hassle you. If they can't intrepret your US driver's license, they can detain you until they find someone who can. It is just easier to spend the $15 at AAA and have one just in case. Plus, they make for a cool momento. However, you are also required to have two passport pictures to get one, so get the gouge here and take an hour to knock it out. Chances are you won't need it, but much like a parachute, if you do you'll be glad you have it! Cheers! M2

Luckily, some of us get to wear Dockers and knit shirts to work on Monday. Oh, and I don't have to shave either! Get your 20 in, and you too can laugh all you want at ridiculous policies such as this one! And, despite the anticipation, I think this proves we've got another CSAF whose priorities are FUBAR'd! How wearing blues establishes a "war-fighting ethos" is beyond my caveman mental capacities. If anyone can figure this out, please chare! Cheers! M2

Even better, always stick with Lt Col Doe or Capt Doe... And props to your CC for taking the initiative and taking you over to the OG. You have a long road ahead of you, but at least he is starting you out on the right foot! Cheers! M2

It's for their new suicide shooter gun.... Cheers! M2

They got NJP... Cheers! M2

Cap I believe you are right. I just tried searching on 'CFI' and got the following... And of course it should have picked up your post. However, I don't know what to do to fix this. If BaseOps doesn't come up on this thread, I'll let him know... Cheers! 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