"General" Boddington

31 August 2003, 09:47

<Peter>

According to today's local paper, quoting an Associated Press report, General Boddington is not a General at all. In fact the Marine Corps has given Lt. General Earl Hailston a written letter of censure, and "counseled" Col. Boddington about "wielding the authority and wearing the insignia of a general for nine months last year. Col. Boddington had been nominated in 2001 to become a brigadier general, but had not been confirmed by the Senate when he wore the one star insignia as a Marine commander in Kuwait from April 2002 to the end of last year. Lt. General Hailston commanded all Marines in the region as Iraq war commander for the Marines. Hailston is on leave awaiting retirement. Boddington has returned to a previous job at Camp Pendelton.
Peter.

31 August 2003, 10:13

Cold Bore

*If true*, this is gonna shake some people up.

If it proves to be false however, it's a lousy "joke" on somebody's part...

31 August 2003, 10:20

HenryC470

From:

http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/imace/mace.cgbio.htm

"NOTE: Colonel Boddington has been selected for Brigadier General. His promotion is pending action by the U.S. Congress."

I didn't know Congress had anything to do with military promotions. At what stage do they get involved? I'm sure they don't have hearing for each Pfc.

H. C.

31 August 2003, 10:30

glenn asher

All flag ranks (generals, admirals) have to be confirmed by Congress. Usually, it's pro-forma, rubber stamped and on the way. From the newspaper article I read, MR. Boddington was ordered, by the general in theater, to wear the star, even though he hadn't been confirmed yet, and it sounds like he didn't do anything on his own. I don't know Mr. Boddington, don't even like his writing much, but it doesn't sound like did anything that any other wannabe general doesn't do as soon as possible. Remember the movie "Patton"? "They have their schedule, Bradley, and I have mine." Happens all the time, no big deal, some one just got proper with them. Probably a another rank-anal colonel, who knows?

31 August 2003, 11:04

glenn asher

Not to beat a dead horse, but "General Custer" was never made general as permanent rank, his permanent rank was Lt. Colonel, but he was brevetted as a 23 yr. old general for actions at Gettysburg and other actions. He got the title but not the pay, it's called "frocked" and it happened a lot in those days, and on into these as well. I neither defend nor condemn Mr. Boddington, but try to keep an open mind and historic perspective on the goings on.

31 August 2003, 11:20

Brad

Good Lord, ths is a serious "yawn"... who gives a flying-flip. Boddington, by all accounts and by his scribbling's on various threads I've read, is a "stand-up" guy and first-class gentleman despite his (to me alone) fairly mundane writing style... give it a rest!!!! He's a guy living what many dream of and is, therefore, an object of jealousy!

31 August 2003, 11:39

Lorenzo

I don't mind his rank, for me he is a great writter and I enjoy everything he writes. His "Safari Rifles" book is ALWAYS at my night table and every day I take a look at it, it's like a bible for this uruguayan hunter [Smile]

Long live Boddington!!

LG

[ 08-31-2003, 02:40: Message edited by: Lorenzo ]

31 August 2003, 11:43

smallfry

What is important about this thread, and ticks me off the most... is that the last time this came up, I asked that if Colonel Sanders was still alive, would I call him Mr. Sanders or Colonel, and would I salute him with a drumstick in my hand? No one on this forum answer my question!

31 August 2003, 13:43

475Guy

I agree with Glenn, as Mr. Boddington probably did not do anything without orders while over there. In the military, nothing is done without somebody above you cutting proper orders in quintuplicate. [Eek!]

31 August 2003, 14:43

Cariboo

Just my $0.02.........

I was on "another" website a while back where Mr Boddington was a guest. Someone refered to him as 'General' and he, Mr. Boddington. quickley informed everyone present that he was NOT a General even though he had been nominated for the rank and was in fact performing the duties of a General for a short stint in the middle east. I think the press is to blame for blowing everything out of proportion on this issue.

I like his style and find him to be amoung the few honest hunting writers he have today.

31 August 2003, 14:52

T.Carr

Well, he is signing his articles using the designation "BG. Craig Boddington USMCR". I assume "BG." is for Brigadier General.

Boddington

Regards,

Terry

31 August 2003, 14:59

gotogirl3

He was in fact ordered to wear the star for his duties overseas - by not one but two generals. The senate does indeed confirm and then you have to wait until a spot is open - reserves are only allowed to have ten generals and one has to retire or die before the next select can officially start earning the pay of the position. When that happens they receive back pay from the time they were selected. Kind of stupid if you ask me. I don't think the senate should have any say-so whatsoever anyway.

31 August 2003, 15:01

<Zeke>

Saeed

I think it is time to have a new forum to discuss all things related to Craig Boddington.

ZM

31 August 2003, 17:25

hightechredneck

Nothing the current crop of gun writers do would surprise me-
Just this week, on the way back to California, I stopped in Ringling, Mt, at the mall to check out their gun store.
In the Ringling Dailey Herald, there was a front page article that local gun writer John Barsness had been charged with shooting ground squirrels out of season, taking over the limit of ground squirrels, baiting ground squirrels and shooting ground squrrels on federal land. In addittion, thye were planning on charging him with spot- lighting ground squirrels, and exporting the carcasses out of state. Bet you won't see THAT in SUCCESSFUL HUNTER magazine!

31 August 2003, 17:50

Gatehouse

I have no idea why some folks are so obsessed with Boddingtons rank...

Nothing better to do? Why don't you go to the range for a bit of practice or go hunting- it is that time of year... [Wink]

31 August 2003, 17:51

Gatehouse

quote:
Originally posted by smallfry:
What is important about this thread, and ticks me off the most... is that the last time this came up, I asked that if Colonel Sanders was still alive, would I call him Mr. Sanders or Colonel, and would I salute him with a drumstick in my hand? No one on this forum answer my question!

Col Sanders military record was 'questionable' at best.. [Wink]

31 August 2003, 17:52

25CalNut

When I was in the Army, we had a Brigade Commander, (the position is slotted for a Full Bird Colonel), who took over as a Lt. Col. He was nominated for Col, and was required to wear the Col. insignia, and signed all his paperwork as a Colonel. He was only getting paid as a Lt. Col. Happened a few times in the 10 yrs I was in. So if BG Boddington wants to identify himself as a Brigader General, then more power to him. For a man to be in the Corps as long as he has, he can refer to himself however he wants too. I have the utmost respect for him and his loyalty to our country.

Just my 2 cents on the subject.

31 August 2003, 17:59

HenryC470

quote:
Originally posted by smallfry:
What is important about this thread, and ticks me off the most... is that the last time this came up, I asked that if Colonel Sanders was still alive, would I call him Mr. Sanders or Colonel, and would I salute him with a drumstick in my hand? No one on this forum answer my question!

Unless you were the governor of Kentucky, you would call him Mr. Sanders. Harland Sanders was a "Kentucky Colonel", and honorary title having nothing necessarily to do with military service.

The governor of Kentucky is required to call him Colonel and to salute with a fried drumstick. You can look it up.

The fellow I used to buy car insurance from is also a Kentucky Colonel. I am not very good at prying. I said something like "you're a Kentucky Colonel, wow." He said yes and didn't say what he got it for. Probably something huge. I haven't met any heroes who are good braggarts.

H. C.

31 August 2003, 19:44

smallfry

Thank you HenryC470,
I am not sure what we would do without you! [Big Grin]

01 September 2003, 00:26

Bakes

Can't wait for 500grains to see this one.

Bakes

01 September 2003, 02:55

Howard

quote:
Originally posted by hightechredneck:
Nothing the current crop of gun writers do would surprise me-
Just this week, on the way back to California, I stopped in Ringling, Mt, at the mall to check out their gun store.
In the Ringling Dailey Herald, there was a front page article that local gun writer John Barsness had been charged with shooting ground squirrels out of season, taking over the limit of ground squirrels, baiting ground squirrels and shooting ground squrrels on federal land. In addittion, thye were planning on charging him with spot- lighting ground squirrels, and exporting the carcasses out of state. Bet you won't see THAT in SUCCESSFUL HUNTER magazine!

you did say MT right? This is from MT Fish and Game's web site.

What does Montana offer for nongame and predator hunting opportunities?

Nongame wildlife and predators are unprotected by state law or regulation and can therefore be hunted in Montana year round without a license by both resident and nonresident hunters. A license is required only for nonresident trappers, who can take nongame wildlife and predators between October 16 and April 15 of the following year.

Predators are defined by state statute as coyote, weasel, skunk, and civet cat (spotted skunk).

Nongame wildlife is defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation in Montana. Examples of Nongame Wildlife species include badger, raccoon, red fox, hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, and tree squirrels.

[ 08-31-2003, 17:56: Message edited by: Howard ]

01 September 2003, 03:22

<WyomingSwede>

This has to be the most assinine thread I have ever seen on this forum and if you look at my member #, I have been here a while.

What does this have to do with Big Game Hunting. This thread is more deserving of the title " Inquiring (No) Minds want to know..."

JEEZUS...get a life...You can bash a guys opinions or writing...thats one thing...trashing his reputation with stuff from the funny papers...thats another. Look how good the press makes Hilary Clinton look. You dont even know all the facts, or have attempted to get them. If the Marine corp is OK calling Boddington a general...thats OK with me.

Personally I dont think it needs to be part of his byline, but that is his and his editors problem not mine.

Criticize his opinion or writing...the personal attack thing is way over the line. Innocent until proven guilty...or trial by newspaper...what is our system of goverment??? Whoever dredged this up is way out of line. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. This forum is better than this.

swede

01 September 2003, 03:46

John Frazer

Howard,

Good eye.

I also can't find any evidence of any daily newspaper published in Ringling -- not surprising since there are only 1800 people in that whole county.

John

01 September 2003, 04:25

vapodog

Swede.....right on!!

01 September 2003, 05:40

huntsonora

Jealousy will kill this sport faster than poachers and PETA together. Somebody posed the question, "Why is Boddington always brought up?", and its simple, he is a high profile hunter that writes numerous magazine articles and books and is extremely SUCCESSFUL. These people will look for anything to try and discredit people that are successful, I am sure that it is not just Boddington. People that kill big animals on a consistant basis are poachers, if they write articles then they have no idea what they are talking about, if its an outfitter and they kill big animals then they have got to be doing something illegal. Its really a joke, there is such a "machoism" that is associated with hunting, hell, go to any hunting show across the country and see how many dudes are walking around with their chests stuck out, legends in their own minds. Its hilarious to me but it is a serious problem and posts like these are just spreading trash across the internet and do nothing but harm. Some guys like to "gossip" as much as the bluehairs in the salon. I hope you "old ladies" grow up and not spread junk because of your jealousy. Unless somebody is found guilty in a court of law keep your traps shut, you all are worse than tree-huggers and poachers combined!

Drummond

01 September 2003, 05:51

gotogirl3

Look, I know him well enough to call him Craig when dealing with him personally but have enough respect for him and my country to call him General at other times. And by the way, I've talked to him and I doubt he'll be back on this forum because of threads just like this. Like others, I thought this was a site for people who hunt, want to hunt, like guns, etc. Boddington's rank aside he deserves respect for what he has done for the hunting community at large and I'm sick of seeing all this bs - we should all be pulling in the same direction, not taking pot shots at someone who is in more of a position to help our cause than most other people. Grow up and get over it.

01 September 2003, 07:51

<allen day>

The way some of these two-bit, jealous, petty little jerks have treated Craig Boddington on this forum makes me ill and ashamed, and some of the harshest criticism has come from characters who don't even have enough guts to reveal their true identity. They'll take cheap shots at a man of accomplishment and notoriety, but they hide behind a phony stage name to do it.

What a display of courage, sportsmanship, and integrity..........

AD

01 September 2003, 08:11

Michael Robinson

WyomingSwede,
gotogirl3,
allen day,

Right, right and right again.

01 September 2003, 10:56

HenryC470

Peter (who is the one who started this):

Can you post a link here or something? I am not finding any verification that Craig Boddington has worn anything or written anything to the effect that he's a general.

I've seen that he has been recommended for general, and I've heard the slightly exaggerated rumor that he is a general, but I've not seen anything that amounts to Boddington's claiming to be a general.

Please go ahead and provide whatever evidence you have about any claims Boddington has made and any disciplinary actions or recommedations that have occurred. I suspect nothing of the kind has happened and that someone has fabricated enough of this story to make it a scandal. What is the name of this "local paper"?

H. C.

01 September 2003, 12:20

hightechredneck

Howard & Frazier

Not to put too fine a point on this, but east of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, the ground squirrel is regulated as a small game animal because of the tilling of the soil it performs when digging its burrow, but mostly because it also is an important food source for the grassland wolverine, an endangered species that most people have never even heard of.
The Ringling Herald has no web site, its owner Elgin Ladd doesn't even allow his staff to use computers, but has carved out a very profitable niche selling newspapers covering issues important to wealthy people living in rural areas.

01 September 2003, 14:13

jorge

I'll believe this when I see it in writing. As an active duty naval officer, ALL officer promotions have to be approved by the senate. ALL, from 0-1 to 0-10. Granted, most are rubber stamps, but until that confirmation message comes out from the Congress, it's not official. This was a painful experience, particularly after the Tailhook "Witchunt" started by all the femenists and democrats in the Congress which led to the lifting of Title 10 restrictions on women serving in the combat arms.

THAT decision, In an of itself, the WORST thing that happend to our armed forces since Pearl Harbor, Bataan and Corregidor. Now, if one is selected for the next higher paygrade AND you are POSTED to a billet commesurate with that rank, theSea Services ( Navy, Marines and Coast Guard) have a process called "frocking," where you are allowed to wear the rank, but your salary remains at the lower paygrade until your promotion is both confirmed by the Senate AND your lineal number is promoted ( that happens in monthly increments).

Also, a Commanding Officer has the latitude where in certain circumstances, you are allowed to "spot promote" an individual to the next highest rank if he is working in that capacity. He is then allowed to be paid according to his rank ( unlike frocking). Lastly, a battlefield promotion is also an avenue for promotion.

Accordingly, if Craig's name was on the General's list and his Commanding Officer saw it fit to frock him, Craig was not at fault. What really bothers me about all of this is why this post was even put up at all, if only to drag through the mud a very honorable man. Craig did his duty in the Gulf, so to those of you that seek to disparage Craig, well, it doesn't take a whole lot of guts to do it through this medium.

jorge

01 September 2003, 14:18

<Zeke>

What does Boddington's rank in the military have to do with hunting big game anyway?

ZM

01 September 2003, 14:32

Howard

quote:
Originally posted by hightechredneck:
Howard & Frazier

Not to put too fine a point on this, but east of the Rocky Mountains in Montana, the ground squirrel is regulated as a small game animal because of the tilling of the soil it performs when digging its burrow, but mostly because it also is an important food source for the grassland wolverine, an endangered species that most people have never even heard of.
The Ringling Herald has no web site, its owner Elgin Ladd doesn't even allow his staff to use computers, but has carved out a very profitable niche selling newspapers covering issues important to wealthy people living in rural areas.

You be fine, I will be blunt. I will believe the MT State Game and Fish before some small town paper or a hightech redneck. [Big Grin]

01 September 2003, 15:03

25CalNut

I have already made one post on this topic, but feel compelled to make another. On Mr. Boddington, the folks in here that are trying to take him out at the knees are just wrong and mean spirited. Does it make you feel good to take pot shots at a man that puts his life on the line to protect your nice cozy life here in the states? Give it a rest, and find something else to bitch about! As for his writing skills, can any of you complaining do better? If so, write us a story and let us be the judges as to your skills!

As for John Barsness and the ground squirrel issue in Montana. I spent about 30 minutes searching for information on "protected" ground squirrels in Montana. I tried the Montana Fish and Game website. They have a link to this address:
web page

I did not find any reference to any ground squirrel being protected, having an open/closed season, or an associated bag limit. The ground squirrel is listed as "small game" but no license is required for hunting them. As for "exporting the carcasses out of state". Who in their right mind would want to pick up all those dead squirrels and take them anywhere except to the burning pile. Is there "big money" in ground squirrel fur that I am not aware of?

I am not trying to say the story you are relaying is false, but would like to see some proof to the contrary. Such as a link to a Montana State Wildlife agency that states ground squirrels are protected and can't be shot for whatever reason.

Not trying to raise anyones hackles by this post, but "something" is getting deep in here and my waders are still in basement waiting for duck season to open!

01 September 2003, 15:31

<Peter>

Henryc470. I posted the original note. The newspaper is the Florida Times Union. If you look you will see where I am from. The attribution, as noted in my original post, was to the Associated Press. At least one other person who has posted has seen the same article and referred to it. I posted it on this forum because this is where the original discussion on Boddington took place. I am neither trying to tear the man down nor to build him up. I did not participate in the original thread. I am not hiding behind a "phoney name". The question is "is the story true"? No one seems to have disputed the article. In fact most seem to have said "I don't care, I like the guy". The question is: "If it were someone else would you have the same view?".
Peter.

01 September 2003, 17:05

lever Matic

quote:
Originally posted by John Frazer:
Howard,

Good eye.

I also can't find any evidence of any daily newspaper published in Ringling -- not surprising since there are only 1800 people in that whole county.

John

01 September 2003, 17:07

lever Matic

quote:
Originally posted by lever Matic:

quote:
Originally posted by John Frazer:
Howard,

Good eye.

I also can't find any evidence of any daily newspaper published in Ringling -- not surprising since there are only 1800 people in that whole county.

John

01 September 2003, 17:53

BusMaster007

quote:
Originally posted by Bakes:
Can't wait for 500grains to see this one.

Bakes

Funny you should say that.
Something in the back of my mind made it the first thing I thought of... [Big Grin]

01 September 2003, 18:24

Gatehouse

Has anybody thought that maybe General or Colonel Boddington might have some exprience to add here?

Frankly, I'm not a huge fan of some of his writing (especially when it concerns 30-06 vs .270) [Smile]

but some of his hunting stories are SUPERB!

I, for one would have no problem sharing acampfire with a man who has hunted about 50% MINIMUM more than most of us...

Disagree with his choice on cartridges, his hunting methods, his optics, if you want...But don't discount that he has hunted more than most of us put together! [Smile]

01 September 2003, 20:27

B17G

Howard and John Frazier:

Gentlemen, the post by High Tech Red Neck wrote
" Just last week, on the way Home to CALIFORNIA....." That should need no explanation. Even people who live in Ringling Montana, probably don't know who John Barsness is or really care unless they are into Hunting Magazines.

And As Far as Wyoming Swede states on Gen Boddington: How much more centered can you hit the nail on the head. Except Post!!!

Why are people on here, just to slander anyone they can for any reason! Are there really people with lives so trivial?? No wonder that book "Lord of the Flies" is still so popular.
[Razz]