Last I heard, he was in Kuwait? Hope he is doing okay. I have a care package on the way to Russ....

N'gagi,

He came back from Kuwait for the SCI Convention. Said he just got in a few days prior. I suspect he went back afterwards.
Rich Elliott

Just talked to a mutual friend. I believe he is hunting in New Zealand.

Gee your military service is flexible - attend SCI conventions and hunt in NZ when called up for war

Wander if Private Chuck Smith from Alabama gets these perks

Private Smith probably doesn't do as much PR work for the Marine Corps as the General does.
Rich Elliott

[ 03-28-2003, 18:31: Message edited by: Rich Elliott ]

If either of you two clowns had a clue about the General's commitment agreement, you wouldn't have asked the question.

Does Private Smith get the option of a "committment agreement"?

I see. That clears it all up. The coon hunting season could be coming up - so can he pack up his digs and head home to chew some tobacca and shoot some coons?

What's a committment agreement by the way? Glenn as you seem to be an expect in Boddington's legal affairs maybe you can share your wisdom.

Don't good leaders lead by example?

Boddington's a reservist. He put in his time this year. All reservists are limited by law as to the amount of time they can serve.

Emergency extensions can, and probably will, be enacted.

If Boddington is needed, he'll be recalled and deployed.

Soldiers, sailors, and Marines--even general officers--don't decide when and where they serve.

I'd bet Boddington has volunteered for extended duty--but nobody on this board has access to him, so it's unlikely we'll know.

BTW, has anyone who's criticizing BG Boddington spent ANY time recently in the Persian Gulf?

Gentlemen

It wouldn't suprise me if our dear General will be start to write articles about hunting in Iraq when the war is over.

They should have some pretty good hunting in the north close to IRAN. Sheeps, Ibex and gazelle's.

I wonder how he finances all hunts on his pay. I guess he get alot of hunting for free
Cheers
/ JOHAN

[ 03-28-2003, 22:56: Message edited by: JOHAN ]

Nitro Express,
Thanks. I couldn't find a tactful way to say it. I dealt with the Reserve establishment for years and it's different. Anyway, I spoke with him about Kuwait and he was there longer than expected. He was extended a bit. New guy took over for him. You don't get recalled without an open billet. I can only ask that anyone who casts stones please put your business life on hold, leave your family, and go to one of the most awful places in the world for ten months first. As for the crap about Privates having a choice, the truth of it is your choices become fewer the higher you get in rank. It's called professionalism and that's what keeps the military going. Try it sometime.

Dogworker:

You're exactly right about having fewer choices the more senior one becomes.

When I was a lieutenant I had all sorts of choices as to assignments.

When I was a lieutenant colonel, I had NO choice about where I was sent--and the assignments officer was a major!

As to Boddington's sacrifices and value to the Marine Corps, no one, active or reserve, ascends to general officer rank without having his shit wrapped extremely tight.

Boddington's a reservist. He put in his time this year. All reservists are limited by law as to the amount of time they can serve.

????? What's the limit?

BTW, has anyone who's criticizing BG Boddington spent ANY time recently in the Persian Gulf?

Uuuhhh, yes. Only I was a little farther east...

OK didn't know how the US Reservist system works. When the Aussie reservists were called up for East Timor it seemed they were there for quite a bit longer.

Personally if Boddington has the cash to do his hunting, good luck to him.

By the way, have any Reservist Privates been called up? What's their period of duty?

I might be off base here. My belief is it isnt the amount of time that can be served as a reservist that is limited by law. It is the amount of time that is required and that can be extended.

People seem to have already made up their mind about whether they love or hate Gen. Boddington but here's what I know:

He hunted with me about a year ago (immediately before SCI �02) and at that time he was headed to Kuwait for a 6-month tour (he's in the Reserves and has been ON more than off for the last couple years). He served almost 10 months in Kuwait and they found a replacement for him immediately before SCI this year. I emailed with him a week or two ago and he said he was at Camp Pendleton (still ON) for a while (I can't confirm or deny about New Zealand).

I would suggest to those dissenters that until they make the overwhelming commitments to our Country and our sport that he has they should hold their criticisms.

Kyler

There are very few people, (if any), on this forum that can critisize BG Boddington about the length of his deployment and service. I seem to recall he was called up at very short notice, apparently did his job satisfactorly, and has now rotated home.

Those who want to critisize can perhaps state their creditials first; length of deployment, rank, etc. prior to taking pokes at him.

'nuff said

Kyler

quote:

---

People seem to have already made up their mind about whether they love or hate Gen. Boddington

---

You are 100% correct. For some reason these assholes want to believe the General got to his position without having to work for it. I guess they think the USMC promoted him because he does a great deal of hunting. You can't argue with that "logic"!

Jason

J Brown

All I haver to say to you is what a foul mouth you have. Perhaps your comment reflects the BS that spews forth from it.

What amazes me most is that everybody who seems to dislike Brigadier General Boddington seems to have never met him.

I have met him twice briefly. An oustanding person and quite humble.

Everybody also seems inquire where he either finds the time or the money to do all his hunting. Who knows and who cares.

But lets take the "worse" case. It is all given to him for free and/or he inherited millions or has a benefactor. If this were the case, then I have even greater respect for him.

BG Boddington is humble, admits his mistakes in the field, and is incredibly politie to all.

[ 03-29-2003, 18:37: Message edited by: Mike Dettorre ]

I have heard second hand from those who have met and know Mr. Boddington that he is a fine gentleman.

I have no problem with him as a person or with his lengthy record of military service which should be admired. My only complaint is that when I read his articles I do not learn anything because he does not take a definitive stand. He seems afraid to critize the failings of a particular product, and his praise is somewhat loose and lukewarm too, so I feel I do not benefit from his having tested it. Probably that is a result of needing to avoid offending sponsors, but it does not do a service to the readers.

I find all this talk (and criticism) of US policy as regards it's reservists (and I'm including the National Guard, a "separate" entity in many ways) disturbing in its demonstration of ignorance.

To start, let me point out that you have Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force reserves and Army and Air Force National Guard, AND the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). While a unit mobilization order has to be issued by the President to call National Guard soldiers to active duty (for other than individual training), Reservists (including IRR) can simply be ordered to duty on an individual basis.

Normally, all reservists serve approximately 39 days per year with some additional days allowed for professional education (non-commissioned officer school, etc.) or Military Occupational Skills (MOS) training. Status can vary from active duty to inactive duty without pay (yes, they can be required to attend some training functions in an UNPAID status). Reservists can volunteer to serve in active billets/positions for periods of a about a week to ?? depending on the requirement as approved by the chain of command. National Guard (NG) troops sometimes have these opportunities, but not often. In recent years, funding has often limited even attendance at certain schools required to qualify soldiers (officer and enlisted) for certain positions. Downsizing of the force (begun in the Bush 41 administration) has further reduced these "training opportunities". Every specific instance of INDIVIDUAL assignment is a situation unto itself and is managed by regulation, policy and funding.

As to any General's duties and responsibilities... Often, Generals (even Colonels and below in command positions) work every weekend and are expected to take quite a bit of time during the week to perform their reserve duties. Quite a few of these hours are unpaid. (Sort of like the school teacher grading papers at home.) While the full-time staff typically makes every attempt to schedule events (when possible) around the civilian work schedule of any soldier, this isn't always possible. In my units we made as much effort to work with the enlisted soldiers as with the officers in scheduling. Whether you think this is wrong or not, it is in the best interest of all involved to do this as you can have an enlisted soldier as the civilian employer of some of your officers. Most often, the professionalism of these men and women really shines as they switch roles during training periods.

Additionally, NO SOLDIER, male or female, officer or enlisted, regardless of race, creed, religion, or national origin (etc., etc.) has any control over whether or not they are mobilized during time of war. They can neither refuse to report nor can they pop on down to some active duty, duffel in tow, and hop a jet for where the action is. In some state missions, NG soldiers are often solicited for volunteers first but failing that they can and will be ordered to duty. For Federal missions, units are ordered to active duty and all soldiers report. ONLY THOSE WHO ARE UNFIT OR UNABLE TO SERVE will be left behind and ALL actions are taken in accordance with regulation.

The reserve system is not anything like any Commonwealth nation. Australian reservists serving in exchange progams with my units indicated that they served 3 months every year and often a large part of that time was "in a lump".

Units of my regiment (see the "Ever Forward" link in my signature) have served in Bosnia, twice, for airport and nuclear power plant security duty following 9-11-2001 and are currently activated and deployed performing duties in Federal/Active Duty status.

If BG Boddington is or is not currently serving on active duty, I am certain that it is entirely at the discretion of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense and that a piddly little BG (junior at that!) isn't jet setting about on the dole!

BTW, even retired soldiers can legally be recalled to service. Enlisted retirees until age 60 and officers until death! Hoooooooorah!

I hope I haven't missed something. If you think I have, let me know. I'll clear up any of your misconceptions.

[ 03-30-2003, 07:55: Message edited by: Hobie ]

I am curious as to what the Boddington does while on duty. If this is too sensitive a question, I understand a need not to reply.

But, does he use his rifle? From his writings I gather he is a good hunter of 4 legged animals and would think he might be a good hunter of 2 legged as well.

I spent an hour last fall with Gen. Boddington on a flight from Denver to Casper, we where both going Antelope hunting. He was a super nice guy, down to earth and wanted to here what I had to say. We talked like old friends about hunting, guns and the Gulf, at that time he had come in from a 6 month tour in the gulf. He even recommend some outfitters for a hunt I'm planning. I'd gladly share a hunting camp or a fox hole with him!

In the words of G. Gordon Liddy "Thanks Gen. Boddington for your service to our country".

[ 03-29-2003, 20:39: Message edited by: mark65x55 ]

If anyone is interested, here is BG Boddington's official Marine Corps Bio.

"He has been activated for exptended periods six times in his reserve career."

http://www.usmc.mil/genbios2.nsf/biographies/EC3B0FE118C6971385256A3A005509A1?opendocument

Matt

Gents,
It seems that the topic has been beaten to death but here's one additionaly comment. The reservists do have a different set of rules. I've come to know Gen Boddington over the last 5 years or so as a good man. Personally, he has helped me get writing jobs, learn the writing business and point me in the right directions. Yes, I was a Marine and that helped. Whether you love or hate him doesn't really matter. The thing that any logical man has to admire is his ability to fulfill a successful USMC career and a successful writing and editing career. There are many others in the Reserves that do the same thing and all are to be commended, especially during times of conflict. I was active duty for a career and it wasn't until the end that I gained the level of respect for the Reservists' commitment that I now have.
By the way, his last assignment was as the CG for a crisis management joint task force as I understand it.
Semper Fi,
J

I think Matt already said all that is needed.

ROMAG (MATT)
Thanks for that link. Darned interesting.
Rich Elliott

OK thanks for the information. I see clearly now.

I have followed this thread with interest because of the number of people that just seem to have it in for The Col. I don't know him-just read his stuff. I hunted with a PH that hunted with him and enjoyed it. His wife thought the Col."a bit priggish".
I read the bio and I'm impressed.
I'd hunt with him and/or share a campfire or foxhole.

Never met the man so I can't pass judgement in that regards.His articles seem repetitive and anyone who has read these forums could write articles just as well.

I recently read an article by him on cartridges for bears.It was a nice read but was nothing I or anyone else couldn't have written.He basicaly said use a 30/06 or larger with a good bullet and that 375s were pretty good.That was the jest of the article.

Anyone notice that rag articles are getting REALLY short now-like two and a half pages,with lots of advirtisements.Even Rifle and Handloader and petering out,so I'll let my subscription with them run out.

Brian.

Godspeed is a wish of a safe and quick travel to your destination and the accomplishment of your mission.

It is short for saying I wish you God's Speed. I believe an ancient wish to messengers.

On another note. Some people consistently criticize Boddington because he "lacks" strong opinions...that might be just based on his experience of what is factual...becuase guess what...

anyhthing from an '06 with 180 grainers to a 375 is good and acceptable for black bears...

and if you your left handed and left handed CRFs are hard to find...you may want to know that a push feed Remington will also work just fine.

There are very few absolute's in hunting whether its elk or plains game or boars or bears...the practical differences of outcome between a premium 180 grn 06 vs a 375HH inside of 200 yds where 95% of all shots take place and from 90% of all angles...is not much.

So he just might be expressing his knwowledge after all.

You're also right about well most of the people on this board could right his articles. You are probably correct...but I can't think of a sport where there aren't 100s of enthusiasts that are just as knowledgeable as the "experts" who write about it...but somebody has to be the writer and some somebody else isn't.

[ 03-31-2003, 03:25: Message edited by: Mike Dettorre ]

Good Lord! From some of these posts I would swear than the General had defected or something. I haven't seen this much bashing since the troll patrols were on high alert! I'm ashamed of you! But, then again, this is America, and you're entitled to your opinion-even if it is wrong.

[ 03-31-2003, 05:37: Message edited by: mikeh416Rigby ]

To answer rhe question, he is still in New Zealand.

Well , he is a General in an Organization that has been defending the United States for 227 years. And I'm sure like the rest of us he hunts what his pocket book can afford. Maybe his last book sold well, so he's in NZ or were ever.

I guess he forgot to ask all of us if it was ok to go hunt. I for one thought his bio was interesting. The units under his command have certainly received some nice commendations. That in itself speaks volumes to me. Let's see if some critic can give us a poor reason why the Marines keep giving Boddington "atta boys".