How to eat an elephant?

A: One bite at a time.

How do you win in Afghanistan?

This Major argues one tribe at a time.

I first read Major John Gant's 45 page paper circulating last fall. Looks like it's got some attention high up the chain. It's a long read but worth it.

h/t Lex for bringing it back into view.

Letters from the Boot

The Son&Heir is finishing his 2nd week of Marine Boot camp. He was about as well prepared for the adventure as is possible without being "prior service."

His first letter home arrived today. Brings back memories and emotions...

"I'm not sure what the date is, but I just got your letter and it's T2 (training day 2)...

Getting your letter today though has been the happy (sic) moment in my short time here. I did not think they would, but the drill instructors really do break you down to make you think like they want you to. The mental aspect has been very difficult. But definitely NOT impossible. I'm getting by just fine taking it one meal at a time...

One thing that sucks about our barracks is we can see the parade deck and see the Marines graduating every Friday and are reminded how far away from graduation we are."

Mentioned it to Uncle Tommy who's a WWII tin can sailor. He had this sea story to offer in return about his boot camp experience,

"yes, those DI's are tough like the ex marine that I had in Newport, RI. he found out about a smelly, dirty unwashed boot. Had us all out on the drill field. Called the guy out and ordered him to go get his sea bag and hammock. The man thought that he was to be transferred. Instead he was ordered to spread all his gear on the dirt field. Now this was in December and cold. We were all ordered "Attension " and forward march over his belongins. Back and forth a few times. He was ordered to go wash his gear and be ready for inspection when we all were finished with our drill. The guy kept his gear clean the rest of our time there.

"

Waking up in 2010...

Been light blogging. Thoughts, emotions and responsibilities have kept me busy elsewhere. Got the duty on short notice last week (Weds) to take sermon on Sunday. Had to stay unplugged and get that done. Spoke on Ezra 7. Seemed like a good tie in for a New Years message.

Listening back to it critically I hear a couple spots where I misspoke. I could blame lack of adequate rehearsal time or the new format I was looking at/juggling on my laptop Powerpoint display as I spoke (yeah, place blame but never take responsibility. /heh yeah, that's it ;^) ).

When I first started blogging I thought it'd be a good place to work out thoughts and maybe vent a bit in journal format. It hasn't worked out that way. Instead it's become more like a collage of random life happenings, humor and political current events. All in all blogging has stayed on a more superficial level than I'd originally envisioned. Turns out, much of what percolates in my head is church/pastoring related and I realize is too sensitive to put out in public.

The past week has seen the Son&Heir off to Marine Corp Recruit Depot. That's been a bit of melancholoy for me and my trophy bride. He's off to get his man card. I hope and pray for his success. I envy him a bit. My time for a young man's adventure and risk taking is past. It's his turn now.

Got his address card yesterday and immediately shot him a quick note to let him know we received it. Hopefully give him a wee bit of encouragement.

Speaking of Marines, this video was linked to me today and it jarred me back to the blogosphere...

New Year resolution: Get regular exercise

“A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."

— Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785

Goreball Warming

courtesy of the founder of the Weather Channel,John Coleman, and KUSI TV in San Diego.

Back in the saddle

Back to work today. First work day in January for me. Of course that means it's time for the ritual annual washing of the coffee cup.



Here's to a new year and fresh starts.

Non-Progress Pat

How's this to start off the New Year?

“Congress by the power of taxation, by that of raising an army, and by the control over the militia, have the sword in one hand, and the purse in the other. Shall we be safe without either? Congress have an unlimited power over both: they are entirely given up by us. Let him candidly tell me, where and when did freedom exist, when the sword and purse were given up from the people? Unless a miracle in human affairs interposed, no nation ever retained its liberty after the loss of the sword and the purse.”

– Patrick Henry -