Little blast from the past.....
During 2013, the US army and US Marines were sent to South Africa to assist our local soldiers with some training. The US soldiers were entrusted in teaching our local boys a couple of tricks. As not many of you might know the South African army, use to be one of the most feared armies in the world.At one stage, they were ranked 3rd best Army in the world, behind USA and Israel.

Sadly, those days are past now, with compulsory service no longer being enforced. Being a soldier has now become a job, simply another means of income, instead of the respect and honor of serving your country that use to be the drive behind these men.

The US army and Marines were each granted one day’s leave during the training exercises. They were given a couple of options on how they wished to spend their rest day. Hunting was one of these options.

KMG Hunting Safaris were entrusted in making this happen, and ended up guiding 68 hunters over a space of 3 days. The 68 hunters were split over 13 PH’s, over the 3 days, each going in different directions.

I have to say, and as all who have hunted with us know, I still guide myself and will for many more years, but guiding this hunt, must have been one of the most challenging 3 days that I have ever experienced in all of my years in hunting.

Starting at 5a.m in the morning, we would collect our soldiers who were allocated to us during the previous night. The organization from the CO’s was exemplary and we have to commend them for that. Without them, our job would have been a nightmare. They grouped the soldiers together as per species, so we could know exactly who was hunting what. This made it simple to allocate each group of soldiers to a PH and also know exactly which area they would be hunting the next day. The soldiers conducted themselves exceptionally well, and formed great teams with their PH’s. I think the discipline and respect that gets demanded from them daily and that gets drilled into them, really showed. They were always willing to learn about what we do, why we do things in certain ways, and were just a pleasure to guide and spend time with.

After each day’s hunt, we hosted a traditional “braai” or BBQ as most know them, treating the soldiers to some of the local foods and a brew or two.

Our day would usually end around 12a.m, after completing the PH registers, taxidermy forms and paperwork, ready to start the next day for the next group of hunters. Here are the five men that hunted with me personally over three days.

Crack! Thump! Set up for photo. Offload animal with my tracker to skin. Carry on hunting…...

Outstanding! I, personally, appreciate you and yours for taking care of our Men. You are to be commended!

Thanks Marius for taking care of the Marines and Soldiers. Where was that duty when I was in?

Jim

Marius,
Thank you for spending your time and treasure entertaining and hunting with our troops in the RSA. I appreciate your role as a host and wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

As a retired military man, I greatly appreciate the chance for adventure you gave these men.

thanks for what you have done

Thank you so much for taking such good care of America's best.

Bravo!! Hats off to you Marius and all those involved.

Thank you gentlemen. The respect and discipline that these men showed, made our job easy.

Thank you sir for taking care of our brave soldiers.

Good Job Marius. Your one of the good guys. Bruce

WELL DONE MY FRIEND ,IM A SOLDIER TOO SO I HAVE TO VISIT YOU

Marius..You are a good man..Thanks for what you do.

The Staff Sergeant with the wildebeeste is wearing my old unit patch: the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade. The big difference: I wore mine on the left shoulder, not the right.

Thank you Marius for the kind and generous gift to our service people.Your spirit and willingness to extend your hospitality will not go either unnoticed nor unappreciated by those looking to return to RSA. Jerry Hoover

Thank You!

-Army Dad

Thank You!!

Rich
Army Ranger, RVN

Thank you gents.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
The Staff Sergeant with the wildebeeste is wearing my old unit patch: the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade. The big difference: I wore mine on the left shoulder, not the right.

Any particular reason why there would be a change in sides?

quote:

Originally posted by KMG Hunting Safaris:
Thank you gents.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
The Staff Sergeant with the wildebeeste is wearing my old unit patch: the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade. The big difference: I wore mine on the left shoulder, not the right.

Any particular reason why there would be a change in sides?

A big one: you wear the patch on the right shoulder if you have been in combat with that unit. Your normal unit patch is worn on the left shoulder.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by KMG Hunting Safaris:
Thank you gents.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
The Staff Sergeant with the wildebeeste is wearing my old unit patch: the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade. The big difference: I wore mine on the left shoulder, not the right.

Any particular reason why there would be a change in sides?

A big one: you wear the patch on the right shoulder if you have been in combat with that unit. Your normal unit patch is worn on the left shoulder.

Awesome. Even more respect to him then! He was a great guy and the appreciation showed for the stalk and downing this bull with one shot was clearly evident.

You fellas can be very proud of these men. They accounted themselves exceptionally well, and it was not difficult to see that they were extremely proud to represent the USA.

Well Done! My thanks for showing our service people the rewards they so deserve. Jerry Hoover

quote:

..... 68 hunters were split over 13 PH’s, over the 3 days .....

Chapeau to you Sir!

Very well done.

Thank You!