This week on the Scuttlebutt, we’re talking all about the Coast Guard! It may be less than one tenth of the size of the US Army, but it’s an important service with missions unlike those of any other branch. Listen to our conversation with Jacob Niehaus and Mike Evanish as we talk about their service with the Coast Guard, what makes this branch unique, and whether all Coasties are good swimmers. Plus, our weekly phrases-of-the-week, military headlines, and Scuttlebutt. You won’t want to miss it! If you’re listening to this week’s episode on a podcast platform, be sure to head to @veteransbreakfastclub on YouTube to see the video clips we discuss!

FURTHER READING

Video Release: Coast Guard releases more than 200 sea turtles off Florida coast (US Coast Guard, November 17, 2020) https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2aceb54

Submarine carrying 12,000 pounds of cocaine worth $165M seized by Coast Guard (NBC News, September 24, 2019) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/submarine-carrying-12-000-pounds-cocaine-worth-165m-seized-coast-n1058256

Serving Proudly and with Distinction: The U.S. Coast Guard in the Vietnam War by Robert E. Leggett, Ph.D. The VVA Veteran Online, November/December 2020 https://www.vvaveteran.org/40-6/40-6_coastguard.html

The Air Force is Putting Laser Guns on Fighter Jets by Matt Fowler, IGN Southeast Asia, November 15, 2020 https://sea.ign.com/news/166089/the-air-force-is-putting-laser-guns-on-fighter-jets

This Junior Coastie Accidentally Bought Dinner for the Premier of Greenland—And Earned a Medal by Patricia Kime, Military.com, December 1, 2020 https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/01/junior-coastie-accidentally-bought-dinner-premier-of-greenland-and-earned-medal.html

This week on the Scuttlebutt, we’re talking all about the Army. We’re joined by Army vets Ryan Ahl and Amber Spells, and Gold Star Army Wife Becky Nyren. Join us for a conversation about what makes the largest branch of service special. Tune in for our phrase of the week, headlines, and Scuttlebutt round!

The Army is considering changing the size of its infantry squads: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-infantry-squad-size-study

Senate clears the way fr Army Sgt Alwyn Cashe to receive the Medal of Honor: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/alwyn-cashe-medal-of-honor-senate-hurdle

Living the Army Values: https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/being-a-soldier/living-the-army-values.html

Duffel Blog Satirical Military Blog: https://www.duffelblog.com

Here’s how much Windex it takes to make the Air Fore Thunderbirds look so shiny: https://taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/air-force-thunderbirds-cleaning-windex

Military Community Support Project WWI Memorials Restoration: https://militarycsp.org

This week we have a special episode for you— part two of our OORAH! Inside the Marine Corps conversation. We found that last week’s conversation with Josh, Haya, and James was filled with so many rich and interesting stories, that we couldn’t cram it all into one episode. So we’re back this week with a continuation of our discussion about what makes the Marine Corps special. First you’ll hear some memories from Josh and James about just how brutal it can get serving in the desert. Then we hear more from Haya about her experience being a woman in the Marine Corps and the racism she faced, especially down South. Finally we’ll wrap up with our Scuttlebutt segment this week, as James and Shaun take a look at a video of from Marines with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment firing the M777 155mm Howitzer. You won’t want to miss it! Video of Marines with Fox Battery: US Marines Firing the M777 155mm Howitzer, May 23, 2014, AiirSource Military, https://youtu.be/IDM_zqkpK1U

On this week’s episode of the Scuttlebutt, we’re talking all about the Marine Corps! Join Marine Corps vets Haya Eason, Josh Cannon, and James Martin with host Shaun Hall for a discussion about why they chose the Marines, what makes the Marine Corps special, and what exactly is behind OORAH! And don’t miss our usual military headlines, phrase of the week, and bit of Scuttlebutt.

FURTHER READING 

VBC’s tiktok with Ray Amelio

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJuyqxhj/ 

Follow the VBC on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veteransbreakfastclub

The Military is Developing a ‘Close Combat Assault Ration’ Up to 40% Lighter than an MRE

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/27/military-developing-close-combat-assault-ration-40-lighter-mre.html

SEAL Team 6 rescues American hostage in Nigeria

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/10/31/us-forces-rescue-american-hostage-in-nigeria/

Marines Fire Their Biggest Gun

https://www.military.com/video/marines-fire-their-biggest-gun

The 12 coolest and best jobs in the Marine Corps (according to Marines)

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-military/2020/10/28/the-12-coolest-and-best-jobs-in-the-marine-corps-according-to-marines/

Register for Pittsburgh Vets Storytelling Project with Pittsburgh Public Theater and What a Veteran Looks Like: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nKRbDO3gQ0CYJA7hnbxqzA

Full Marine Corps Birthday Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAjz7U7uZPw

On the Scuttlebutt this week, we’re talking all about the Navy. Whether you’re a Pollywog or a Centurion, tune in to listen to Navy vet Kim Mitchell and recruiter Ricky Hoechstetter discuss why they chose the Navy, what their service means to them, and their funny memories from their duty sections. Plus our weekly Mail Call, Phrase of the Week, headlines from around the military, and a Scuttlebutt you won’t want to miss.

FURTHER READING 

Link to VBC Live with Kim Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/289156844474817/videos/282884509578383

Watch new infantry recruits experience the Army’s replacement for drill sergeant “shark attacks” https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-basic-training-shark-attack-replacement

Reacting to the Army Shark Attack replacement | Is it easier? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkCIvTx5S8c

Army-Navy Game to be held at West Point for first time since World War II https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/10/23/army-navy-game-to-be-held-at-west-point-for-first-time-since-world-war-ii/

The Navy Just Sent a Drone to Deliver cargo to One of its Ballistic Missile Submarines https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37195/the-navy-just-sent-a-drone-to-deliver-cargo-to-one-of-its-ballistic-missile-submarines

The Royal Navy is testing jet pack assault teams https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-culture/royal-navy-jetpack-assault-teams

On this week’s episode of the Scuttlebutt, we’re going inside the Air Force. We talk to retired Air Force veteran Ben Wright about his service and his perspective on how the Air Force has changed over time. We’re also joined by Gold Star Wife Becky Nyren and Marine Corps vet James Martin, who offer their perspectives. Tune in for this week’s military headlines, our conversation about the Air Force, and some Scuttlebutt, including the upcoming 35 year anniversary of Top Gun and Iron Eagle!

Further Reading

Messerschmitt BF-109 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_Bf_109

POLISH WWII Bomb Detonated: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/14/world/europe/poland-bomb.html 

USS Stout spends 215 days at sea: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37094/check-out-how-rusty-and-battered-uss-stout-looks-after-spending-a-record-215-days-at-sea

The Candy Bomber turns 100! https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/10/18/candy-bomber-during-berlin-airlift-glides-into-milestone-birthday/

University of Pittsburgh involved in Marine Corps study on gender integration in training https://www.stripes.com/news/us/university-of-pittsburgh-to-study-gender-integration-at-marine-corps-boot-camps-1.649327

Air Force: https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-culture/air-force-myths-debunked?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Why no apostrophe in Veterans Day? https://www.military.com/holidays/veterans-day/why-veterans-day-doesnt-use-apostrophe.html#:~:text=Veterans%20Day%2C%20according%20to%20the,.stilwell%40military.com.

Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer made honorary Navy aviators ahead of Top Gun release. https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2020/10/21/tom-cruise-and-jerry-bruckheimer-made-honorary-navy-aviators-ahead-of-top-gun-release/

You’ve most likely heard of Call of Duty or Halo, even if you’ve never played them. What’s behind these military style video games, and why do many veterans enjoy them? Today on the Scuttlebutt, we talk to Marine Corps veterans and gamers James Martin (@Ryuknights0848) and Gabriel Beltrez (@AnubisAbadabupi) about military video games. We’re also joined by Army veteran and CEO of Operation Strong Mind Tom Stokes, who offers his insight into the effect of games on mental health and the veteran community. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the uniting power of military style video games and just what they’re all about.

Additional reading for this week’s episode:

Operation Strong Mind: https://www.operationstrongmind.org

Journey to Normal: https://jtninc.org

Combat Social Work:https://www.google.com/books/edition/Combat_Social_Work/xCTTDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Find James Martin @Ryuknights0848

Find Gabriel Beltrez @AnubisAbadabupi

What Happens when the joint chiefs go into quarantine? a. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/06/coast-guard-vice-commandant-tests-positive-covid-19.html

End Strength Goal Met with Growth in Diversity This Year, Army Says

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/10/09/end-strength-goal-met-with-growth-in-diversity-this-year-army-says/#:~:text=The%20active%20duty%20Army%20met,Lt.%20Gen.%20Gary%20Brito

New Parris Island Protection Act Would Prohibit Marines Closing East Coast Boot Camp

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/09/new-parris-island-protection-act-would-prohibit-marines-closing-east-coast-boot-camp.html

With “shark attacks” a thing of the past, soldiers recall these classic drill sergeant one-liners

https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2020/10/12/with-shark-attacks-a-thing-of-the-past-soldiers-recall-these-classic-drill-sergeant-one-liners/

GAMING

https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/gaming/g793/how-realistic-are-the-top-military-video-games/?slide=3

https://www.wired.com/story/even-realistic-videogames-like-call-of-duty-wont-help-us-win-wars/

https://www.e-ir.info/2014/11/26/war-in-video-games-between-reality-and-entertainment/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/78kvaa/i-trained-with-actual-soldiers-in-this-realistic-military-shooter

https://www.wired.com/story/will-roper-pentagon-video-games/

(Video) The Debate Behind Video Game Violence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaf_Xjz6Mxs

Realistic Military Video Games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD9c5a_o8wQ

First Air Refueling:

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197385/first-air-to-air-refueling/#:~:text=To%20eliminate%20the%20fuel%20limitation,Virgil%20Hine%20and%20Frank%20W.

Adaptive sports resources from Military.com

Wheelchair Games – A Department of Veterans Affairs athletic competition held in various regions around the United States for wounded service members and veterans.

Adaptive Sports Clinics – See for when and where these clinics in a variety of skills and sports take place around the United States.

Adaptive Sports Schedule – See for games, clinics, and camps on Adaptive Sports for 2016.

Adaptive Sports Facebook Page – Join and get inspired by our athletes and see how you can participate.

Join us this week on the Scuttlebutt as we discuss the 19-year-old War in Afghanistan with Marine Corps vet James Martin and Defense Intelligence Agency analyst Karen Sudkamp. We’ll also talk about recent military headlines, pranks, Magawa the award-winning rat, and whether the F-22 Raptor needs a software update. Tune in!

FURTHER READING

https://inmilitary.com/marines-offer-former-pilots-up-to-100k-to-come-back-to-active-duty/

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/10/07/russia-reports-successful-test-launch-of-hypersonic-missile/

https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/10/06/space-force-gets-its-first-vice-chief-of-space-operations/

https://www.military.com/undertheradar/2019/04/12/7-pranks-can-only-be-done-military.html

https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-war-afghanistan

https://www.cfr.org/article/what-know-about-afghan-peace-negotiations

https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/riskiness-us-deal-leave-afghanistan

https://nypost.com/2020/10/07/us-troops-watch-as-their-kids-fight-same-war-in-afghanistan/

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/05/world/asia/afghan-peace-talks-children.html

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/07/trump-says-he-wants-us-troops-out-of-afghanistan-christmas.html

https://www.engadget.com/ar-goggles-for-military-dogs-114535787.html

This week on the Scuttlebutt, we ask the question, “Should You Join the Military?” Shaun, James, Danny, and Ryan discuss the benefits to service, as well as some drawbacks. We also discuss the potential closing of Parris Island and San Diego, what “gedunk” is, and the age-old question: how many Ripits is too many Ripits? READ MORE in this week’s Scuttlebutt Blog!

Further Reading 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/24/marines-weigh-closing-parris-island-and-san-diego-open-new-coed-boot-camp.html

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/25/aint-gonna-happen-politicians-vow-fight-hell-protect-parris-island-closure.html

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-benefits-overview.html

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/benefits-of-joining-the-army

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-are-the-benefits-for-joining-the-military-3354213

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-the-recruiter-never-told-you-3332716

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-enlistment-bonuses-3354214

Cappello, L. (2017). How are 9/11-era veterans faring in the modern economy? A quantitative study by sex, race and ethnicity 2005-2015. NY: Graduate Center at the City University of New York.  http://www.inmilcoal.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Cappello-Veterans-Report-FINAL-1.pdf

The Children of Kauai https://www.sciencedirect.com/sdfe/pdf/download/eid/1-s2.0-1054139X92901577/first-page-pdf

https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=592

https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-air-force-stress-archive-army-2be5e2d741c1798fad3f79ca2f2c14dd

https://www.businessinsider.com/the-6-most-powerful-us-states-ranked-by-their-national-guard-2019-2

https://ballotpedia.org/Fact_check/What_state_has_the_most_veterans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_BEJmY911s

https://taskandpurpose.com/analysis/army-rip-its-caffeine

This week on The Scuttlebutt, we challenge some of the most common assumptions made about veterans and examine the truth behind these stereotypes. Do all veterans know how to fire a weapon? Do all Navy vets know how to swim? Are all Marine veterans tattooed? Tune in as we debunk some common myths, as well as review this week’s military headlines and finish with some scuttlebutt. “Shark Attack” audio clip featured in this week’s episode via “Army Drill Sergeants Launch Shark Attack On New Recruits,” Gung Ho Videos, YouTube.com, October 26, 2016.

FURTHER READING

“What ‘Embrace the Suck’ Means to the Military,” by Taylor Baldwin Kiland and Peter Fretwell, Sept 22, 2020, Military.com, https://www.military.com/daily-news/opinions/2020/09/22/what-embrace-suck-means-military.html

“Infantry School ends traditional ‘shark attack,’ adopts new way of instilling warrior ethos in recruits,” by Franklin Fisher, Army.mil, Sept 17, 2020 

Video: “Army Drill Sergeants Launch Shark Attack On New Recruits,” Gung Ho Vids, YouTube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4irFJ7q96ns

Video: “Warrior Corner: The First 100 Yards,” Fort Benning, YouTube.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbqOZTRtbkY

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104519894

https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-life/4-most-annoying-assumptions-female-veterans-absolutely-hate

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/16011/americans-are-viewing-veterans-all-wrong/

https://www.nydailynews.com/os-xpm-2003-12-03-0312030012-story.html “Altamonte Man Dies in Army Training,” by Amy C. Rippel and Sentinel Staff Writer, NY Daily News, Dec. 3, 2003

“Congress Questions Navy’s Plan to Phase Out Iconic Peacoat” by Sam LaGrone, USNI News, July 6, 2017 https://news.usni.org/2017/07/06/congress-questions-navys-plan-phase-iconic-peacoat

“Bipartisan bill would waive rules keeping iraq hero receiving medal of honor” by Daniel Villarreal, Newsweek, Sept 16, 2020 https://www.newsweek.com/bipartisan-bill-would-waive-rules-keeping-iraq-war-hero-receiving-medal-honor-1532481

https://taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/military-working-dog-retirement-vito

It is common nowadays to say to a veteran or service member, “thank you for your service”. This is a far cry from the way returning Vietnam vets were treated. Even so, some veterans bristle at this well-intended phrase.

I didn’t understand why a post-9/11 vet would feel uneasy about my show of gratitude but after spending time at Veterans Breakfast Club events and now working for the VBC, I’ve begun to understand the issue.

Imagine being a veteran in uniform and everywhere you go you hear the same thank you from numerous strangers. After a while, the repetition can lose its meaning. The service member may wonder, “What do they really know about my service?” “What do they know about the military?”

But if saying, “thank you” isn’t quite right, how should civilians show gratitude to veterans who sacrifice for our country?

I’ve asked some veterans what they would like to see civilians do to support them. Here’s what they suggest:

• Ask questions about their service. Don’t say thank you and walk away.
• Have a conversation about what’s going on in the military today. There are many different websites that provide good information.
• Vote and choose your elected officials carefully. After all, that’s one of the freedoms our military protects.
• Finally: serve others. Respect your fellow citizens and serve the community.
• Make it so veterans can thank you for your service. That would help all of us be more worthy of their sacrifice.

Further reading:

https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/payne/

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/11/soldier-awarded-medal-of-honor-anniversary-of-9-11-attacks-inspired-him-fight.html

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/medal-of-honor-ceremony-thomas-payne

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/medal-of-honor-thomas-payne

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/09/10/pentagon-rescinding-order-to-shutter-stars-and-stripes-paper/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-war-within/201711/should-you-say-thank-you-your-service

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/heres-how-to-actually-thank-veterans-for-their-service.html

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-alejandro-villanueva-covers-name-of-police-shooting-victim-on-helmet-with-name-of-military-veteran/

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/10/17/vets-congress-renew-medal-honor-plea-army-legend-alwyn-cashe.htm

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/09/us/wwii-veteran-juicy-fruit-casket/index.html

https://www.army.mil/article/180245/meet_the_first_medal_of_honor_recipient_army_pvt_jacob_parrott

Unstoppable Robot Dogs Join US Air Force

https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-tests-robot-dogs-to-support-base-security-forces-2020-9

The main story in our first Scuttlebutt episode centers around: Who Serves? To answer that question, we narrow our focus through two lenses: Geographically and Demographically. I highly recommend listening to our findings or you can watching the episode on YouTube.

This week we are taking a closer look at the people who serve and asking the question: why would a civilian risk making the ultimate sacrifice by joining the military? As a non-veteran, I admit that the military was never a part of the conversation as I researched possible careers. I received calls from recruiters but my knowledge of the modern military was limited by the historical facts presented in my American History class and I never gave it a serious thought. It’s one of the reasons I am so enamored with the answers I get when asking a veteran why they chose to serve. 

Depending on the era in which a veteran served, you can get a range of insightful answers. From veterans who served before 1973, you may hear that they were drafted or conscripted into the military. I can’t imagine a more nerve wracking letter to receive. My government is ordering me to put my life on hold and risk life and limb by going to war. The lives of those brave enough to answer the call were never the same and amazingly enough, many of those draftees look back favorably on their service and the skills they acquired. 

Once the draft ended though, the decision to enlist fell to our brave young men and women. My thoughts on the current debate over our all-volunteer force aside, (one that I will come back to in a future blog post) I’ve noticed that this decision is an incredibly personal one and is life-altering to say the least. 

Some look at the military as a chance for adventure. A means to escape their hometowns and see the world. There are some who have a warrior mentality. They wanted to go to war and experience the battlefield. Family military history plays a huge role in one’s decision to enlist: an uncle who served in Korea, a grandfather who fought bravely in WWII. Some idolize the hero’s journey. Seeing themselves in the role of commander from a war film they experienced in their youth. Some have something to prove to themselves. Enlisting to tackle the ultimate physical, emotional, and mental challenge. Still others seek the specialized training of the military as a means to advance their careers and gain invaluable skills for a life in the civilian workforce. Many will “stay in” and make a career out of the military, gaining in rank and ability until they have the opportunity to retire. I am reminded of one amazing reason I heard from a Vietnam vet – The other guys from his neighborhood were joining and he was no better than them so he felt a responsibility to enlist. Astounding! Whatever the reason, our veterans have sworn to protect our rights and freedoms and their patriotism is inspiring! 

Do yourself a favor, the next time you speak with a veteran (or a member of our active duty force), ask them why they chose to serve and simply listen. It’s one of the most important things we can do.

Please be sure to like, share, and subscribe to help spread the scuttlebutt!

FURTHER READING

“Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are “Losers” and “Suckers”” by Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic, September 3, 2020. 

“Trump’s popularity slips in latest Military Times poll – and more troops say they’ll vote for Biden” by Leo Shane III, Military Times, August 31, 2020. 

“Despite scandals, Trump support grows stronger in latest poll of troops” by George R. Altman and Leo Shane III, Military Times, October 19, 2016.

“Trump reverses Defense Dept. order to shut down Stars and Stripes newspaper” by Oliver Darcy, CNN Business, September 4, 2020.

“The Top 5 Reasons Soldiers Really Join The Army, According to Junior Enlisted” by Jared Keller, Task and Purpose, May 14, 2018.

Studies tackle who joins the military and why, but their findings aren’t what many assume” by Meghann Myers, Military Times, April 27, 2020.

“Who Signs Up to Fight? makeup of U.S. Recruits Shows Glaring Disparity” by Dave Philipps and Tim Arango, The New York Times, January 10, 2020. 

“Marines get moldy sandwiches, drones crash over Syria, and uniforms get unwanted attention” Youtube.com, August 24, 2020.

“Double amputee canoes the entire Mississippi River to raise money for disabled veterans,” Fox News, September 7, 2020. 

Courageincorporated.org

“Mail-in ballots were part of a plot to deny Lincoln reelection in 1864,” by Dustin Waters, The Washington Post, August 22, 2020.

“Meet the ‘deadliest recruit on Parris Island’”: https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2020/08/25/meet-the-deadliest-recruit-on-parris-island/

“Unsafe, unprofessional intercept of US bomber by Russian aircraft over the Black Sea”: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/765224/unsafe-unprofessional-intercept-us-bomber-russian-aircraft-over-black-sea

“The Coast Guard has launhed ‘Operation Bubba Gump.’ No, seriously”: https://taskandpurpose.com/mandatory-fun/coast-guard-operation-bubba-gump

“Sound-powered telephone”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound-powered_telephone