With phrases like: "What are you freakin looking at you fucking little fag?"... Ooops!

Just received and watched a newly released DVD entitled: "Ears, Open, Eyeballs, Click" by Canaan Brumley. www.canaanbrumley.com

It is a 95 minute, un-narrated, uncensored flick of today's Marine Corps Boot Camp, starting with the bus ride to the receiving barracks at MCRD San Diego and ending with the presentation of the EGA on the parade deck.

It is being compared to "Full Metal Jacket" except this one is real. There is no narration nor does it follow any particular individual on his quest to receive the EGA. This flick isn't sanitary enough for general public viewing, and, I doubt you would see this on the Military Channel.

I get the impression that the target audience may have originally meant to be the anti-military pukes, or, as an attempt at putting the U.S. Marine Corps in a bad light, depicting them as inhumane makers of "trained killers".

I found it entertaining. Could have used some more footage from the rifle range, some bitch slapping, scenes of recruits hanging from wall lockers while holding their rifles behind their heads etc., but all in all, it shows why the Corps is still considered the best at what it does, even in today's times. This flick may actually help the U.S. Army meet it's recruiting goals by keeping today's softer kids from wanting to join the Corps. We will see... As for me, I'm ready to do it all over again! Oooorrrahhh!

As far as I am concerned, if it sways the softer kids, then good for the Corps -- don't need the soft ones anyway! Will this flick be available for purchase (guess I should check out the web site!)? I would be very interested in owning it! It's kinda scary, but I've been out now for 20 years, and I still have very vivid dreams about it!

Semper Fi, play or fry!

Just went to the web site and it is indeed available for purchase for 22 bucks -- I do believe that I will order it!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Just went to the web site and it is indeed available for purchase for 22 bucks -- I do believe that I will order it!

I received the notice on a bulk Marine Corps mailing list and ordered the DVD sameday on 4/1/06. I received the DVD on 4/5/06. Good service.

On a related note, I watched FOX news yesterday morning and it appears that the Army is going to relax their basic training tactics even further, to include allowing the personal use of cell phones, by recruits during down time. What next, weekend liberty during basic training? I do hope the Marine Corps does not follow suit.

Doubt that they will. The Corps still takes pride in difficulty -- difficulty for the sake of difficulty!! I'm going to order the flick as well.

What a concept...Tough Training for men about to go to war. Geez, next they might even teach them how to actually kill people with their rifles. What is the military coming to???

quote:

I do hope the Marine Corps does not follow suit.

Amem! I saw the same news bit and it is ridiculous. I work for the Air Force and it just amazes me how soft their training is. Timeouts if a TI (training instructor) gets in their face, a ribbon for finishing basic training (I thought the uniform was proof of that)! A co workers son was dropped because he couldn't handle the stress of basic! It is sad to see the capabilities of the avg. first termer drop because of their training being soft. I have 39 yrs total military service (22)/DOD civilian service(17) and see it first hand everyday. I am not saying our troops can't do the job, they are doing a great one. However the difference between the fresh troop and one who has deployed and returned is tremendous. I really feel we are doing them a disservice by not keeping their training at a high level.

Everything has softened a bit. That said, the current crop of troops we have are outstanding. For the first time in a long time, we have nearly an entire military that has combat experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the video in order to compare it to what I went through 23 years ago. Should be interesting to say the very least.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Everything has softened a bit. That said, the current crop of troops we have are outstanding. For the first time in a long time, we have nearly an entire military that has combat experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the video in order to compare it to what I went through 23 years ago. Should be interesting to say the very least.

As the father of a currently serving career soldier I would only point out that we will never know how many of these fine young men and women died or were wounded due to the “OJT†that is necessary when the training back home slacks off and becomes woosiefied!

I agree with you Rick. Unfortunately it will take a long time for those statistics to become known when military historians look back at the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know the Marines are doing a lot of heavy lifting in Iraq and have been since the initial assault. When did you serve, Rick?

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:
As the father of a currently serving career soldier I would only point out that we will never know how many of these fine young men and women died or were wounded due to the “OJT†that is necessary when the training back home slacks off and becomes woosiefied!

As you know, my 2 kids are in the Army and now just back from their 2nd tour in Iraq. And since the Army wouldn't let "dad" go over with them, we spent a week on the range and at the bench going over the function of both the M-16 and AK47. They learned shit that they were never taught in the Army. I felt pretty comfortable in knowing they could handle themselves if in a jam when they deployed.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
I agree with you Rick. Unfortunately it will take a long time for those statistics to become known when military historians look back at the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know the Marines are doing a lot of heavy lifting in Iraq and have been since the initial assault. When did you serve, Rick?

Back in the dark ages of the 60’s.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
I agree with you Rick. Unfortunately it will take a long time for those statistics to become known when military historians look back at the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know the Marines are doing a lot of heavy lifting in Iraq and have been since the initial assault. When did you serve, Rick?

Back in the dark ages of the 60’s.

Ah yes, the old Corps! Back when we actually had serial numbers and had to spit shine our leather.

malm,

I’m sure you remember the story about the guy at the back of the line of the first Marine recruits at Tun Tavern? As he approached the door to go in and sign up for the just formed Marine Corps a couple of the guys that had been at the head of the line that day came up started telling him about how it was in the “old-corps.â€

Yes, but I like to think of the old Corps as the time they could still physically beat you and as long as you didn't die from the injuries, no one said a word. To me, that's the old Corps.

My folks came down for graduation day and while visiting with them, a platoon limped by with guy's in casts, on crutches and with their heads bandaged, and my dear Mother asked me if those were guy's back from Vietnam. "No", I said, "those are guy's that haven't made it out of boot camp yet."...

Here we go! Old Corps -- where is the line drawn?? I was in under Ronald Reagan, we spit-shined our boots, and got our asses kicked in boot camp and damnit, we enjoyed it!! Now I understand that they're not supposed to cuss at 'em in boot camp -- let alone touch them when they are out of line, and that to me is a real shame Now, my friend's dad was a China Marine, and when he was still alive, I dare say that we were all boots to him!! You gentlemen are older than me, were in before me, and my hat's (cover!) off to you!

The official time frame for the “Old Corps“ is the enlistment date of the one telling the story!

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
You gentlemen are older than me, were in before me, and my hat's (cover!) off to you!

Rick is older than me... and you, are our younger brother!

Yeah, back when old Presley O’Bannon and I were riding our camels accross the desert into Tripoli we discussed how the newer guys just didn’t understand the “Old Corps†way of doing things.

Squat thrusts until you die, motherfuckers! Ah yes, the good old days in the good "Old Corps".

Semper Fi

Ha if you look at the last picture on the webpage, that's a fellow marine of mine who came out on deployment over here a little while ago. He's not a DI anymore. Actually I have the original copy of this movie

[QUOTE] Rick is older than me... clap and you, are our younger brother! beer


I'll drink to that!

I ordered a copy of this myself.

I was never a marine, but growing up it's probably one of my few regrets.

One of my Uncle's was an AF Colonel, and he talked me into going to college instead. I had full scholarships, and he thought I'd do better as an officer.

I listened to him, and midway through college my grandmother came down with cancer, and I stayed local, and eventually took a job with Sikorsky and started helping build a lot of those '53 Super Stallions and Sea Dragons you guys fly around on.

The best guy I think I've ever worked for in my life at Sikorsky, was a short little guy, 27 year retired USMC Colonel named Don Schwartz. He was gruff, crude, and rough around the edges, and he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. Don demanded results, but at the same time, if any of us had a problem, he'd listen, and there was no doubt that he was there to do everything he could to resolve whatever problems his men had so they could get their job done. I saw Don one morning in a meeting with an Army General regarding government inventory and we needed parts for some Army H60 we were repairing for them, but there was an issue getting the parts. The general had dropped by unexpectedly to inquire about the progress of his bird and when I went by the breifing room later, Don was standing ON the briefing table, red-faced, veins bulging in his neck, finger out, and that General were sitting way back in his chair white as a sheet.

He was crude sometimes sure, but at the same time he believed in his men, and we all knew and admired that in him, and it made a difference. I'm pretty sure that anyone at that plant would have walked through hell for that man. And on another note, there's nothing quite like the feeling to me whenever we'd finish a bird and get the DD250 sign-off on it, and see it flying off into the horizon. I took a lot of pride in that, and I hope all our servicemen took as much pride flying 'em as I took helping build 'em.

Back to the present. I've got a real good firend of mine that's a retired USMC MSgt, and after I watch this video, I'll share it with him as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
[QUOTE] Rick is older than me... clap and you, are our younger brother! beer


I'll drink to that!

Hey, you might as well drink to me being old, I do every chance I get!

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
[QUOTE] Rick is older than me... clap and you, are our younger brother! beer


I'll drink to that!

Hey, you might as well drink to me being old, I do every chance I get!

I will actually be in your part of the world in about July to do some diving so I will stop and we can drink to each other being old!

malm,

Where are you going to be?

I sent you a PM about some diving gear if you’re interested.

quote:

Originally posted by malm:

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:
Just went to the web site and it is indeed available for purchase for 22 bucks -- I do believe that I will order it!

I received the notice on a bulk Marine Corps mailing list and ordered the DVD sameday on 4/1/06. I received the DVD on 4/5/06. Good service.

On a related note, I watched FOX news yesterday morning and it appears that the Army is going to relax their basic training tactics even further, to include allowing the personal use of cell phones, by recruits during down time. What next, weekend liberty during basic training? I do hope the Marine Corps does not follow suit.

Tell me this part about the army and cell phones is a joke please?

quote:

Originally posted by Jarrod:

Tell me this part about the army and cell phones is a joke please?

No joke, I’ve seen it reported in several different places.

Somehow I can just picture an inspection and when the officer steps in front of a guy his cell phone rings and he asks the officer if he can wait just a moment while he takes this important call from his stock broker!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:

quote:

Originally posted by Jarrod:

Tell me this part about the army and cell phones is a joke please?

No joke, I’ve seen it reported in several different places.

Somehow I can just picture an inspection and when the officer steps in front of a guy his cell phone rings and he asks the officer if he can wait just a moment while he takes this important call from his stock broker!!!!

Been off a few days and just saw this. Rick was a bit ahead of me but in HUE same time. Want to see the DVD. I will have to ask the army recruter down the road about the manual of arms for the cell phone as I saw that as well.

Now,a Drink to being old.(or 2)



Ser# 2252980 will never forget

This is no shit. When my son and his guys got blown up last September by an IED my son and two of his guys were wounded and one was killed.

On my son’s next mission he was giving his guys a pep talk and he said: “Let’s go out there get some for Silvaâ€...the guy that was killed.

His CSM overheard what he said and, I swear to God, made him attend a one week “sensitivity training secession.†If I’m lying, I’m dying!

This is what our Army is being turned into. I got sick at my stomach when my son told me about it.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick 0311:
This is no shit. When my son and his guys got blown up last September by an IED my son and two of his guys were wounded and one was killed.

On my son’s next mission he was giving his guys a pep talk and he said: “Let’s go out there get some for Silvaâ€...the guy that was killed.

His CSM overheard what he said and, I swear to God, made him attend a one week “sensitivity training secession.†If I’m lying, I’m dying!

This is what our Army is being turned into. I got sick at my stomach when my son told me about it.

You gotta be shitting me

Have these fools at the top forgot that when the
shit hits the fan it's about you and me brother.
If you ain't doing for each other it ain't getting done. You can't take feelings and beliefs out. This is sad shit.
Gene

My best to your son as always.

Yeah...and to go with the new Army they have a new code of conduct. If captured you are only allowed to give name, rank, and cell phone number!!!

Yea, the CO's & the CSM's Phone #

quote:

Originally posted by invader66:


You gotta be shitting me

Have these fools at the top forgot that when the
shit hits the fan it's about you and me brother.
If you ain't doing for each other it ain't getting done. You can't take feelings and beliefs out. This is sad shit.
Gene

My best to your son as always.

Gene,

I wish I was kidding...but sadly, I’m not.

I was stationed at Fort Aberdeen for a brief period of time and I have seen all of that, no shit with the cell phones.
And I hate to say this, but the Marine Corps is getting a little bit relaxed in boot camp as well. Just out of curiousity when that new PFC checks into my unit I always ask how was boot camp, and it saddens me to hear some of the things. They're making the crucible easier. If anyone remembers that event, it was pure hell. I only got 1 MRE during the whole period to survive on and it was painful. I heard from one PFC that now if they finish a event fast enough they're given a time to take a nap and they're given 3 MRE's! They've also changed the schedule to where the Crucible is in the middle of boot camp, and not at the end.
I have to say, I've seen a few tough soldiers during my stint at Aberdeen, but the training and professionalism is lacking. That is what is hurting them with the "sensitivity" crap. However, I guess that's what the Marines are for!

Okay, you’re talking to an old 1960’s era Marine grunt here...what the hell is the “Crucibleâ€, and why does it only happen once during Army boot camp??? I sort of recall every day for 13 weeks being Hell! A guy in my platoon even got choked out on graduation day by our senior DI for getting a bit to casual/friendly with a question.

The Crucible is part of Marine Corps Boot camp, not army. Okay maybe they didn't have that back than, but the Crucible is a week long simulation of a wartime enviroment. It's supposed to go at the end of training where once you complete it, you get your EGA's. Where did you go to boot camp?
Hell boot camp was hard, but the Crucible was a pure test of endurance. I broke my goddamn hip during that evolution! I've seen some crazy shit during boot camp, none of which I wish to mention here. But it's all part of becoming a Marine.

quote:

Originally posted by The Metalsmith:
The Crucible is part of Marine Corps Boot camp, not army. Okay maybe they didn't have that back than, but the Crucible is a week long simulation of a wartime enviroment. It's supposed to go at the end of training where once you complete it, you get your EGA's. Where did you go to boot camp?
Hell boot camp was hard, but the Crucible was a pure test of endurance. I broke my goddamn hip during that evolution! I've seen some crazy shit during boot camp, none of which I wish to mention here. But it's all part of becoming a Marine.

I was a 17 year old Hollywood Marine back in the dark ages even before Edson range was used for rifle qualification...and I don’t recall much in boot camp being “simulated.†The second day we were there one of the DI’s took a “simulated†M14 and butt stroked a guy for not paying attention and some “simulated†teeth and a whole bunch of “simulated†blood went flying all over the place! After that we all gave that DI all the “simulated“ attention we could muster whenever he was talking.

For my 17th Birthday I got my folks to sign, and one week later I was walking the fence line looking at the jets at Lindberg air field taking off. One of the most useful tools to teach young Marine recruits to keep their fingers off their triggers was the hinge butt plate on our M-14's.

I walked up to one of my DI's and mistakenly said " Sir, can I talk to you for a second"? The last thing I heard was the sound a human head makes as it is slammed into the corregated tin of a Quonset Hut...