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Originally posted by Craig Boddington:
To all (including 500 grains)--
I really appreciate your interest (I guess). As a couple of folks have said, I have no idea what this has to do with hunting and shooting. I have tried very hard to keep my military and writing careers separate--only rarely do I let editors talk me into writing stuff that touches on military subjects. I really doubt that I can clear the air on this one, but I'll try.
First off, it really doesn't matter to me whether my stuff is bylined as Col. or just plain Craig. I prefer the latter, and that's the way I send in my stories. But some editors prefer the tradition of using military titles--Col. Whelen, Col. Askins, Maj. Nonte, etc.
I am very much still a Colonel, although I have been a "Brigadier General (Select)" for 30 months now (I think a Marine Corps, if not all services, record). This is confusing. It is further confused by the fact that I have now served in three General Officer billets, and although it isn't proper a lot of Marines--too many to correct on a daily basis--address me as "general" or "general select." Please note that the magazines I make my living writing for--Primedia titles (HUNTING, GUNS & AMMO, RIFLESHOOTER) have consistently kept it correct, IDing me as Col. or just plain Craig. Some of the other magazines I occasionally write for have, without my approval, "jumped the gun" and bylined me as Brigadier General. This has been embarrassing enough, but especially so in light of the situation recently in the news. The AP story quoted in this thread is factual and correct. MARINE TIMES had a more detailed version, sorry but I'm not sophisticated enough on a computer to know how to post it! In short, I was improperly "frocked." The matter is absolutely concluded insofar as the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, and the Marine Corps is concerned, and I have some expectation, although no certainty, that in due time I may still be promoted.
Regrettably, none of the newspaper stories commented on whether I did a good job or not, and few dwelled upon the fact that my superiors, who are very good leaders and fine officers, took the action that they took, albeit improper, based on their assessment of the tactical situation at that time. No reports mentioned that, at the conclusion of the six-month deployment I volunteered for, I voluntarily extended in theater at the request of my superiors, and remained there for another four months until (as reported) the investigation triggered my replacement. For those who understand military jargon, I was not "relieved for cause" (fired); I was replaced four months after I was due to be replaced, received the best Performance Evaluation (Fitness Report) of my career, and was recommended for an award (which I may or may not receive, for obvious reasons). I conducted an orderly turnover with my relief before returning to the States (wearing eagles) and resuming my duties there. I "deactivated" at my request six weeks later and went on a desert sheep hunt, then returned and continued to serve through July (on drills and short-term orders) as Deputy Commanding General I Marine Expeditionary Force (Camp Pendleton), as a Colonel or BGen(sel), whichever you prefer.
However, the facts of the situation are that my frocking was improper. The investigation determined that I "permitted myself to be frocked" improperly, and I, together with my superiors, were held accountable. My part in this was concluded in a private meeting with the Acting Secretary of the Navy. I am satisfied with the outcome, and I regret the embarrassment to the Marine Corps. What was done was done without malice and without any expectation of personal gain (in my case, quite the opposite--I knew that the ultimate result could well be that I would never be promoted). We, my superiors and I, were focused on the mission (as Marines tend to do). We accomplished our mission, but we erred in this aspect of our methodology. Although I have no control over this, I do hope that the Senate will confirm me and that I will be promoted and allowed to continue to serve. Failing confirmation and promotion, I will soon reach 30 years of commissioned service and mandatory retirement as a Colonel (or BGen(sel), whichever you prefer). As I said, this matter has been formally and properly concluded--so can we just get back to hunting and shooting???
One final comment, with a story:
Charlie Askins was a good friend of mine--my mother knew him (and had a crush on him) in the 1930's. He could be the consummate old world gentleman, and he could also be an irascible old cuss. One time at a show a young fellow came up to him and said, "Mr. Askins, I've read your stuff all my life and I'm so pleased to meet you."
Charlie immediately replied, "Son, in the Army we address warrant officers as 'Mister,' and that's a rank I've never held." And he turned and walked away.
I really don't care what you call me, and I wouldn't do that to anyone (well, I wouldn't now. I don't know what I might do when I'm 80). But I really do prefer plain old Craig. "Col." works just fine for now if you wish, but "Mr." makes me feel REALLY OLD!
Best wishes to all, and to most of you, my sincere thanks for your support.
Semper Fi,
Plain Old Craig

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As a couple of folks have said, I have no idea what this has to do with hunting and shooting. I have tried very hard to keep my military and writing careers separate...

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Please note that the magazines I make my living writing for--Primedia titles (HUNTING, GUNS & AMMO, RIFLESHOOTER) have consistently kept it correct, IDing me as Col. or just plain Craig.

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In short, I was improperly "frocked."

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Regrettably, none of the newspaper stories commented on whether I did a good job or not, and few dwelled upon the fact that my superiors, who are very good leaders and fine officers, took the action that they took, albeit improper, based on their assessment of the tactical situation at that time.

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What was done was done without malice and without any expectation of personal gain (in my case, quite the opposite--I knew that the ultimate result could well be that I would never be promoted).

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Originally posted by Dutch:
500whines

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Originally posted by craig boddington:
I accept that 500 Grains is a better--or at least smarter--man than I am and would have figured out a better course of action.

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That would make more sense if I read it in a Pat McManus story. (no offence to Pat McManus, more of a compliment to his abilities at writing humor).

POC (Plain Old Craig), thanks for taking the time to explain your side of the story. I was not personally concerned about your military issues (none of my business, really), but as a member and "representative" of this website I do appreciate your efforts in adressing the concerns of the petty individuals that frequent this site (every site has a few). A totally unnecessary thing to do, and appreciated all the more because of it.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to visit our forums and look forward to "seeing you around" AR. Your experience and knowledge will be very sincerely appreciated by the vast majority of our members, I am sure.

Cheers,
Canuck

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Originally posted by RMK:
Craig,whenever you deal with an inbred buttfuck like 500grains. You'll end up with an inbred thread.

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Originally posted by Orion 1:
500Grains: useless, jealous fuck.

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Originally posted by RMK:
500 grains is a closet faggot,that wants to suck boddingtons dick,but he's just playing hard to get.

As a service to this board,I'm going to ask Mr. Boddington,if he'll just let 500grains of faggot love come over to his house and blow him.

There you go 500grains,your faggot crush on Boddington is out of the bag.

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Originally posted by 500grains:
I think that I can conclude something from the quality of the opposition:

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Originally posted by RMK:
Craig,whenever you deal with an inbred buttfuck like 500grains. You'll end up with an inbred thread.

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Originally posted by Orion 1:
500Grains: useless, jealous fuck.

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Originally posted by RMK:
500 grains is a closet faggot,that wants to suck boddingtons dick,but he's just playing hard to get.

As a service to this board,I'm going to ask Mr. Boddington,if he'll just let 500grains of faggot love come over to his house and blow him.

There you go 500grains,your faggot crush on Boddington is out of the bag.

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None of that changes the fact that you are a petty little loser, who was apparently sodomized by the cop and the soldier of the Village People.

[ 09-18-2003, 03:02: Message edited by: Orion 1 ]

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Originally posted by craig boddington:
Maybe when I get back we can talk about something else!

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Originally posted by craig boddington:
Yes, I'm about to bleed to death from biting my tongue. It ain't easy, but I try not to be thin-skinned. It goes with the territory, and that's the way it is. Needless to say, since I'm the one under attack I think 500 Grains is an incredible jerk (my tongue feels better now), and I wonder what in the world I did (other than being born) to piss him off. But he is entitled to his opinion. I really, really appreciate all the kind words and support from all of you. I need them right now--the last 18 months have been the most difficult time of my life (10 months overseas, knowing the whole time this thing would blow up sooner or later--and the last 8 wondering what the outcome would be), and it ain't truly over until I know whether the Senate will confirm me or not. That said, some of the comments made, albeit in my behalf, are a bit rough for a site like this that can be accessed by your kids and my kids. I think we should keep it clean and fight fair. Come to think of it, I don't think we should fight at all. The most objectionable comment 500 grains made isn't about me, but his use of the word "opposition." Opposing teams? Opposing armies? Opposing political parties? I didn't know we were opponents here! I thought we were all hunters and shooters sharing views on a subject we love (which, for damn sure, shouldn't be my personal life!).
Re. the .270 and elk. You guys know I'm a big bore guy on elk. Prefer .30's and over, especially the 8 mag and the .33's, up to the .35's. However, it's worth nothing that, of the 20 or so bull elk I've taken, the longest shot and the bull that dropped the most quickly with a body shot (as opposed to neck/spine) was taken with a .270 Winchester and 150-grain Nosler Partition. Hmmmmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . . .
Off to shoot an antelope, then a quick elk hunt. Maybe when I get back we can talk about something else!
Regards to all, Craig

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Originally posted by 475Guy:
500 grams

YOU ARE JUST A SILLY ASS-HOLE AND FUCKING JERK!!

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Originally posted by Wstrnhuntr:
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You really are a petty little dipshit 500G. Until you prove that you can write better material than Craig why dont you go piss up a rope.

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That said, some of the comments made, albeit in my behalf, are a bit rough for a site like this that can be accessed by your kids and my kids. I think we should keep it clean and fight fair.

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Craig,

Unfortunately, you're wasting your time with the above here.

Good luck on the prairie goat hunt. -TONY