HSMITH Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Congrats BJ, I still remember swearing in and I went in for the same reasons you did. I felt like if I were to live here and enjoy the riches of this nation I needed to do my part to keep it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Couldn't have said it better Howard. My swear in day was awesome (4 days actually 'til that day) and to this day feel it was the greatest thing I have done (until July 11th, when I married my best friend). Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanzo Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 August 3rd 2009 will always be a day I remember. Not only is it the 5 year anniversary of when my wife and I started dating, it is the day I took an oath to defend the country from all enemies, foreign and domestic as a member of the United States Army as 11X, option 04 (not AMU). There are a lot of factors in my decision to serve, most of them stemming from the fact that we are able to live in a country after less than 250 years of being where our rights to speak out, defend ourselves and a have fair trial by the justice system are recognized, has the most advanced technology, and the best overall living conditions of the world, and to keep it that way, it must be defended. The only downside is that I won’t have a lot of time to compete over the next few years, but I am confident that it will be well worth the time off of the shooting circuit. I ship out to OSUT on 10/28/09 at Ft. Benning as an 11X, and I will begin Airborne training on 3/1/10, also planning on putting in for RIP as soon as I can. I also want to again thank of all my sponsors for their incredible support over the past several years in my shooting career, and their support in this decision. Smith & Wesson Tony Cruz/XTC Aimpoint Tactical Solutions Montana Gold Bullets Starline Brass Safariland Techwear USA GT Targets Rudy Project USA Grams Engineering Speed Shooting Specialties Wish me luck!! Congratulations. I'm going to do some looing into it, but your choice of 11X might keep you froming coming to RIP...at least immediately following Airborne. 11X puts you in the pipeline as a Special Forces recruit and you will follow that path all the way through their selection process. If you make it...you'll be assigned to a SF unit and owe them your committment time before you could come to RIP. RIP is not a Special Forces selection school. Rangers are not Special Forces. Also, as a courteous heads up, the naming of RIP, the program itself, and the criteria to entering are currently in the process of being changed by the new commander. If you are interested PM me. I can help get you in touch with the right people and we can hash out any concerns so we can get you on the path to the ACTUAL BEST AIRBORNE UNIT (hopefully Rich wasn't being serious in proclaiming the 82nd ...j/k Rich) in the "history of the universe." Also....if you want to be a Ranger....getting your scroll is the way to go. The Ranger Tab means you're Ranger qualified. You spent 3+ months in the suck. You went to the hardest leadership school in the Army and deserve commendation for it...but it DOESN"T make you a Ranger. The Ranger Tab is a choice....the scroll is a way of life. God bless and thank you for your service. It truly amazes me to see people with your level of "things going for them" that sacrifice and choose to join the service. You are a great American...and deserve credit for being so. Thank you....and look us up at EAGC when you hit jump school! --Lanzo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSeevers Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Good luck and thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemo Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 And the US Army is better for it... Thank you, Godspeed and God Bless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racerba Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Congrats and be safe and THANKS. Maybe we'll see you at the Ft. Benning 3G match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 You were a fine ambassador for our sport, now you will make a fine ambassador for our country. It takes a special sort of man, who has so much going fro him as a civilian, to put all on hold and serve. May God bless and keep you. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XRe Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Good luck, dude. Stay safe Let us know if there's anything we can do for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Lanzo - 11X doesn't disqualify him from RIP. All it is stating that he's 11 series and going OSUT. Whether it's 11B or 11C is at the needs of the Army, but in either case, he'll probably be cross trained in both. Too, while at Airborne, they'll be seeking folks that want to go directly to RIP upon completion. Usually, everyone who's MOS is needed gets hit up about during Jump Week and well...11 Bullet Catcher's are always in need. 18X is the SF career path and a completely different way to go than what BJ's signed up for. As for which unit is the greatest Airborne unit in the history of the universe...well...being on the other end of the emergency phone, being wheels up to anywhere in the world in less than 18 hours (30 hours for the Aviation Brigade) and owning the title of America's Strategic Response Force is explanation enough. But if not, we can count CMH's and there was that guy Alvin York . That and again, having been the medic at Regiment for a bit can tell you that at Division, we can read and write...at the same time and don't have a headache when we're done. BJ - Really proud of you brotha and you got my PM. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boz1911 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 The best of luck , although with your drive and determination, you probably won't need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I still remember my military swearing in/commissioning day like it was last week. I have a picture taken with my hand in the air in front of the boss...it's one of a very few I keep on my desk. The second time round, graduating at Quantico, was done in a group so the pic isn't quite the same, but the feeling was. Good luck and thanks for choosing to serve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfish Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 good luck BJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve J Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Way to go, B.J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanzo Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 (edited) Lanzo - 11X doesn't disqualify him from RIP. All it is stating that he's 11 series and going OSUT. Whether it's 11B or 11C is at the needs of the Army, but in either case, he'll probably be cross trained in both. Too, while at Airborne, they'll be seeking folks that want to go directly to RIP upon completion. Usually, everyone who's MOS is needed gets hit up about during Jump Week and well...11 Bullet Catcher's are always in need. 18X is the SF career path and a completely different way to go than what BJ's signed up for.As for which unit is the greatest Airborne unit in the history of the universe...well...being on the other end of the emergency phone, being wheels up to anywhere in the world in less than 18 hours (30 hours for the Aviation Brigade) and owning the title of America's Strategic Response Force is explanation enough. But if not, we can count CMH's and there was that guy Alvin York . That and again, having been the medic at Regiment for a bit can tell you that at Division, we can read and write...at the same time and don't have a headache when we're done. BJ - Really proud of you brotha and you got my PM. Rich Rich- Holy crap....talk about the biggest brain fart in history. You're right...not sure what I was thinking there. I guess it was just the combination of the "X" and you claiming 82nd as the best Airborne Unit in the world... I almost want to go back and delete that post...but I think I'll leave it up to remind myself how much of a jackass I am. I'm not a 11 series (obviously)...but I can at least claim a scroll...actually 2 (one for each arm). As for wheels up...RGT BN's are 18 hours anywhere in the world as well. Our soldiers are 4 time volunteer's and must me higher standards than the 82nd....both for PT and career advancement. I'm not trying to talk smack here, because I'm a big pusher of the different mission/different soldier type of thinking. Every unit has a mission....and trains for such. But that being said....75th is still the standard when it comes to light infantry...and airborne assaults. The fact is (and I'd bet some money on this one) line up a random 10 guys from the 82nd...and a random 10 from one of our BN's...and we'll out perform. Maybe Monday I'll go ask the CPT I know that came from the 82nd what he thinks? Either way...BJ...when you get to jump send me a PM. I see the people in charge of RIP almost every day and am in the same company as the guys who are the cadre. I can get you in with the right people. You'll have to make it through the course...but i'm pretty sure I can help you get there no issues. They sometimes do have briefs at jump...start looking into it as soon as you get there...but they don't take anyone who wants to go...the regiment is overstrength with 11's and sometimes not everyone get's there. PT your ass off and volunteer for RIP every chance you can. I'd type more...but I'm getting a headache trying to read what i'm writing. RLTW --Lanzo Edited August 23, 2009 by Lanzo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Been there, done that. Very best of luck and thank you for serving. For all of it's faults, and there are many, there is nothing that compares to the military when it comes to taking care of it's own. I still miss the brotherhood of soldiering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin c Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thank you, Good Luck, Fare Well, and may you come back better than ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeFoley Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Awesome BJ! Congrats, way to go, best of luck. We cannot wait to hear about your progress on this path. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I know two SF groups that wanted us on QRF instead of any Ranger BN that they had. Something about taking twice as long to get out the gate. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyZip Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 BJ, Work hard and remember that sometimes it IS fun. Especially when you're late in basic and can do so many push -ups and have your s%&t so together that the DIs will get very creative with reasons to drop you! I remember they would get out the joke book our last week in basic, and anyone who laughed got dropped and had to keep pushing 'til the last one laughed. We had one guy who was absolutely humorless that caused me many bouts of muscle failure. Nothing made him laugh! Eventually they would drop him at the start and make him push mother earth until we were done. The food will all taste good when you are hungry. Sleep when you can, and learn to sleep whenever and wherever. Listen, look, learn, study, repeat. When the people around you are not taking their training serious, remember there are shooting wars going on, and this aint no joke! We are lucky to have the likes of you joining, May God bless you, and may your journey bel long and interesting. Take it all in because it will be over before you know it, and years later you will miss it on one level or another. (I know I still sometimes do) Good luck! Jimmy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Dimaculangan Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Hey BJ - I know we've talked about it on and off for the last month, and I still remember what you told me when I asked you exactly why you wanted to join. Your answer was probably one of the most honorable and selfless things I've heard from anyone at such a young age. Congratulations on your decision, and we'll keep in touch in the coming weeks before you ship out. See you soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRNinTX Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 BJ, You know I've been off of the computer the last couple of days due to the teaching schedule. I've been waiting for you to announce your decision to comment on line. Your Mom & I are incredibly proud of you and we are incredibly scared for you. We both know you will make a great soldier, just give us some time to get used to the idea. Thanks to everyone for their support. When word got out at Steel Challenge about BJ's decision the out pouring of support from the shooting community was incredible. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTew Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 BJ, Congrats. It is people like you that make this country great. Stay strong and stay safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3quartertime Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 I look at my teenaged daughters boyfriends and I wonder how this will all play out. I'm hoping that it happens like this. Thanks BJ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latewatch Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Lanzo - 11X doesn't disqualify him from RIP. All it is stating that he's 11 series and going OSUT. Whether it's 11B or 11C is at the needs of the Army, but in either case, he'll probably be cross trained in both. Too, while at Airborne, they'll be seeking folks that want to go directly to RIP upon completion. Usually, everyone who's MOS is needed gets hit up about during Jump Week and well...11 Bullet Catcher's are always in need. 18X is the SF career path and a completely different way to go than what BJ's signed up for.As for which unit is the greatest Airborne unit in the history of the universe...well...being on the other end of the emergency phone, being wheels up to anywhere in the world in less than 18 hours (30 hours for the Aviation Brigade) and owning the title of America's Strategic Response Force is explanation enough. But if not, we can count CMH's and there was that guy Alvin York . That and again, having been the medic at Regiment for a bit can tell you that at Division, we can read and write...at the same time and don't have a headache when we're done. BJ - Really proud of you brotha and you got my PM. Rich Rich- Holy crap....talk about the biggest brain fart in history. You're right...not sure what I was thinking there. I guess it was just the combination of the "X" and you claiming 82nd as the best Airborne Unit in the world... I almost want to go back and delete that post...but I think I'll leave it up to remind myself how much of a jackass I am. I'm not a 11 series (obviously)...but I can at least claim a scroll...actually 2 (one for each arm). As for wheels up...RGT BN's are 18 hours anywhere in the world as well. Our soldiers are 4 time volunteer's and must me higher standards than the 82nd....both for PT and career advancement. I'm not trying to talk smack here, because I'm a big pusher of the different mission/different soldier type of thinking. Every unit has a mission....and trains for such. But that being said....75th is still the standard when it comes to light infantry...and airborne assaults. The fact is (and I'd bet some money on this one) line up a random 10 guys from the 82nd...and a random 10 from one of our BN's...and we'll out perform. Maybe Monday I'll go ask the CPT I know that came from the 82nd what he thinks? Either way...BJ...when you get to jump send me a PM. I see the people in charge of RIP almost every day and am in the same company as the guys who are the cadre. I can get you in with the right people. You'll have to make it through the course...but i'm pretty sure I can help you get there no issues. They sometimes do have briefs at jump...start looking into it as soon as you get there...but they don't take anyone who wants to go...the regiment is overstrength with 11's and sometimes not everyone get's there. PT your ass off and volunteer for RIP every chance you can. I'd type more...but I'm getting a headache trying to read what i'm writing. RLTW --Lanzo I know what you mean Rich, I've always liked the 82nd. They used to always airland and relieve us on the recently secured OBJ so we could go attack the next one................ RLTW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Best of luck..and thanks for serving You will find that the Oath, will bind you long past your enlistment Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now