Joined the U. S. Army

[BlasterBob]

So Bob - do you remember when they issued the Sharps carbine?
Was Custer wrong?

I was fortunate enough to be issued an M1 Garand. Others were issued slingshots and/or bows and arrows and perhaps a stone axe here and there. Custer wrong ?? We all thought that Custer should stay on post that particular day.

[CS1983]

I was fortunate enough to be issued an M1 Garand. Others were issued slingshots and/or bows and arrows and perhaps a stone axe here and there. Custer wrong ?? We all thought that Custer should stay on post that particular day.

Interesting note:

Custer ordered that sabers be left in camp for the attack on Little Bighorn camp. The theory he had was they'd do a fast, light attack and utilize carbines for standoff rather than getting in close.

They attacked without waiting for proper recon from their Scouts (Crow and Pawnee), and coordination between the elements of company size failed.

A buddy's mother did her Master's Thesis on the battle from the perspective of utilizing the Sioux side's reports of the battle, both in oral tradition and post-battle artwork detailing their actions. Since honor was a highly valued thing to Sioux warriors, she trusted the veracity of their reports. She wrote a book on it which I had the chance to read (now out of print). It was a fascinating read from the perspective of the Sioux.

The Indians closed to saber distances while themselves utilizing carbines for standoff in the attack's opening moments. The Indians made use of close quarter weapons.

In short, Custer majorly screwed up by ordering sabers left at camp, not waiting for proper intelligence from his Scouts, and failing to coordinate command and control elements between his companies.

If he'd allowed his Scouts time to conduct their recon and report back, properly disseminated that info and utilized it in a proper C&C fashion, it's highly possible they'd have massacred the camp. Instead, they got waxed.

[laportecharlie]

It will be 52 years this August for me.
Charlie

[Sucka]

Thanks for your service.

That makes you 80+? My mother was born in 1955, same year you joined!

[StagLefty]

54 years ago for me. Time flies !!!

[Zman]

Haven't thought about this in awhile ... 31 years ago was driving my old rust bucket to NAS Pensacola with a freshly minted green ID .... Smiling from ear to ear. Ahh to be that young again.

[Guylee]

Coming up on 2 years since I got out. Still don't miss it, but everyone says to give it time.

[Pistol Packing Preacher]

Coming up on 2 years since I got out. Still don't miss it, but everyone says to give it time.

The day after my 19th birthday I joined the USAF. 4 years in, 18 countries, and shot at in the Congo... I had enough. I got out Jan '69.
My buddies ( I use that word lightly ) all said... You will be back! You won't make it on the outside! You are 'liffer' material...
Those folks, since 1969, are still waiting for me to return!

[BigBear]

Tried to join to continue the family legacy... never could due to health issues from a car wreck my junior year of high school. I spent all summer after my senior year turning 18 going to all the recruiting centers for every branch in my area, lol. Was not to be.

Thank you all who HAVE served. You guys are amazing and true role models/hero's. Thank YOU for your service.

[Ronin13]

Congrats on making it this far Bob! Looking back sure is fun, but everyone I talk to say they wouldn't change anything. I would have chosen a different MOS and stayed in longer, if I could do it again.

Coming up on 2 years since I got out. Still don't miss it, but everyone says to give it time.

I'm coming up on 7 years since getting out, and 11 years since going in. I miss it, to a point. I more miss the people, I sure as hell don't miss many of the garrison duties (like staff duty, and BN upkeep). Oh and the ruck marches, those sucked.