Skyraider Maniac
-
Content Count
988 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Posts posted by Skyraider Maniac
-
-
"MY TACOS!!!!"
-
PM sent on HE111 and HE177!
-
What a mess this whole beret thing has become
Exactly.
-
Right now it seems it comes down to unit.
82nd wears the maroon. I would not be surprised if the future brings all Sky Dragons wearing maroon.
Green Beret and Rangers are also airborne.
I would need to check but I think 101st might still have jumpers and if they do, they might be wearing black.
Maroon Bearers are all units that are active Airborne jumpers - hence why 101st doesn't wear it. their LRS units would be able to, however. So LRS units wear it, 4th BDE 25th, 82nd, 173rd BDE, XVIII Airborne Corps. and some reserve units that are on jump status (i think it's a psyops unit). SF support soldiers also wear Maroon berets.
By rights IMO, Paratroopers should be red/maroon. Commandos should be green, special operations should be brown/tan. Armour should be black and some shade of blue that fits the color of dress should be for all and light blue when UN peacekeepers.There's no way in God's green earth that you could ever get me to wear one of those UN berets. UN can all go straight to H-E-Double Hockey Stick for all I care....
If I recall, Cavalry troops wore black berets before the Rangers did (late 60s early 70s). I do think the berets look more "professional" in BDUs/ACUs/other, especially compared to other forces, not crazy about them in greens or the blues. I do agree the utility of the beret is minimal. The old patrol caps were great from a utility perspective, but they would get trashed. As well, different folks wore them different ways.As for the Berets, I think the Cav troops have always had the "Cowboy hats" the entire time. One of their traditions. Though, I'm not sure when the Rangers first adopted the Beret. Though I disagree with your opinion on your Beret in ACUs. Class A's I don't mind so much; but in my duty uniform, yes, I do mind. On the grand scale, there are many that can't seem to grasp the whole "how to wear a beret", and come off looking very unprofessional. They disgust me. Its an embarresment in the uniform. So I do disagree - I think the P.C. is a lot better for wear in ACUs and looks a lot more professional cause you can't screw it up! Unless one is a total screw up, and goofing up the simplest things comes naturally.
Thanks for your guys responses about your opinions of the CAB, I appreciate the arguement against it. However, I disagree with you guys as far you making it out to be this mostly happens with the CAB (false awards). I'm not gonna say it doesnt happen, I've seen this happen with the CIB as well. I've also seen purple hearts handed out for paper cuts and back injuries, bronze stars with the V device to people who were'nt even on a particular mission. So, in the end I think all of these awards have been cheapened to some degree by things like that but if you have any of these, enjoy the fact that earned them the right way.B-17 Guy,
First - no problem. You earned it, you deserved it. And I agree with you more or less on your statement. This is exactly why the EIB is my cup of tea. You can't fake that, period. Seems like we are more in agreement than it first appeared. Bronze star is another good point - seems like all the leadership Platoon LT and above would get Bronze stars for just doing their job, everyone else got ARCOMs or AAMs - I don't see why that was particularly necessary, if nothing else, MSMs are the perfect way to go for them. Thats just throwing out Bronze stars just cause they can - the folks that really deserved them didn't get squat - just an ARCOM and a handshake. My platoon Sgt was the only one to get an MSM; which was about the only award (awarded to higher leadership) that I thought was necessary. Especially in his case, he actually did stuff to earn it. Bronze star should only be handed out in darn good cases, not just cause someone was Company Commander for a year, seriously now.... and like you said, Purple hearts are just as bad. I still think CAB's are handed out way too much; while you are correct that some CIBs have been handed out incorrectly; the criteria for them makes it a lot harder to fake it. My top five over-used awards are CABs, Bronze Starts, Purple Hearts, ARCOMs and AAMs. MSMs, I'm not sure why I haven't seen those handed out a lot - I think I've seen it awarded 2, maybe 3 times total. Maybe it's a forgotten medal? I don't know....
As far as uniforms go, my favorites dress uniform is the old style army dress uniforms (WWII era), but even then there were so many variations of that. The marine dress blues are nice but I like the marine greens much better. I like the army greens and hate the dress blues, especially since its for everyone now. And why the hell is the unit patch on the front?! Stupid!I AGREE TOTALLY! I would've loved to see the Pinks and Greens make a return for class A's instead of making the Blues our "new" A's. I thought that was crap. Especially after I had to shell out $400 for my set several years ago. I think my Blues look bad-a**, but now I'm highly annoyed that my "special" uniform isn't so special anymore... "Hooah" (thats not the good kind....)
The patches do look stupid in their "new" location.
Berets, eh....I dont mind them. When worn properly they look good and professional, unfortunately that doesnt happen very often. Plus, I could fold up my patrol cap and it went in my cargo pocket perfectly, cant do that with the beret.Yep, though I am of the opinion the Beret is better off for the dress uniform and not my work uniform. PC's all the way! It was always annoying having to carry both with me cause I would go between the range and main post a lot. Plus, like you said, the "professional" look doesn't happen very often. (This one major comes to mind, lol....)
Justin
-
Hahaha, well... we're deployed in two major combat zones and stretched thin and...
we have a bunch of current and retired/former military sniffing glue and paint all day putting plastic pieces together.. Hahahahha :)
AS FOR THE MULTICOLORED BERETS: The SF guys had to switch from Black berets (which were originally their color) to the Tan beret to separate them from everyone else. It'd be nice if everyone just had service caps or garrison caps and the SF guys still kept their black berets. Minus-1 colored beret the Army has to deal with if that were still the case.
By 2100 the Army will have every color in a crayola crayon box for berets I bet :)
That wasn't SF - you're thinking Rangers - SF has always been green. :)
-
Yuk is an awesome trader! Deal with confidence
-
Hang in there Ric! You'll be over this in no time flat!
Justin
-
Airborne
Actually, I think the correct term is "Airborne High-Speed Death Machine"...... <_<
-
One thing that might help is to teach the troops how to wear a beret.
Oh we do - that's something they learn in basic when they first get theirs, and then their unit is responsible for maintaining the standard when they arrive there. Mostly its a failure in their Chain of Command to not enforce the uniform standard; and a big problem with that is from Officers and Senior enlisted who don't care about it, cause they can't figure it out themselves. it's pathetic. Most of the issues occur in Non-Infantry type MOS's, in non-Infantry units. I've never ran into an issue like this in any of the Infantry units I've had the pleasure of serving with; but no doubt we get some like that from time to time - thankfully there's enough self respect (as Infantry) to square that private away before he looks like a** in battalion formation or higher.
Justin
-
You nailed the "everyone's a winner" mentality. Don't know why the Generals get the impression that doing crap like that motivates people, as it is it makes me feel less motivated... Though I stay that way anyway as an Infantryman.
Whats up with those earrings?I really feel bad for the Army because the merry go round on the uniforms is just sad. The whole everyone gets a black beret is the most visible sign of the "everyones a winner!" mentality that seems to be a matter of course for a service that has done its share of butt whooping the last 9 years... lots of folks who have won legitimately --no reason to make up "improvements"
They're unacceptable if you ask me - but she's a POG... they're lax in uniform standards as it is (heck, you see the girl behind her with the whole beret issue. I rest my case.
More or Less, I thought going to the ACU's was pretty gay in the first place. We kept saying the colors stand out way too much (HINT HINT), and finally they went with the multicam. Thank God it's here, but still, how many years of joe saying "this sh*t sucks" does it take before the Colonel in charge of this uniform debacle (sp?) finally goes "oops, we made a mistake." I've thought the whole time duty uniforms like the Marines is what we need - a seperate woodland and desert combat uniform, not one "universal" camo that sucks bad. I find it humorous that they claimed to have "tested" it before going with it, and yet for whatever reason it sticks out like a sore thumb in just about every environment known to man except gravel pits and office furniture.... sigh... As for the beret thing, as I stated in an earlier post, its stupid. I prefer my P.C. any day of the week. As far as I'm concerned, I'm ok with Airborne, Rangers and SF having them; everyone else, if they're not one of those three, too bad. I'd rather wear my Patrol Cap in garrison any day of the week - last I checked I wasn't.....well, I oughts to refrain from that comment I suppose :P . As far as changes to the dress uniform.... WHY???? What the heck was wrong with them in the first place that we....oh yeah, the whole "everyone's a winner" deal....almost forgot for a second....
As a Marine one thing I just do not get- and I think this is the main problem with Army uniforms- Is they just don't look uniform As Mr. Maniac described there is just too much variety, add the multi colored berets, unit badges, jump boots, etc and no two people look dressed alike. the recruiter tab is too much...do like the Marines and just make it a ribbon. Keep the Ranger Tab as a tab but only for troopers who are or have served in the regiment the other 8 week wonders can just wear a ribbon...Ribbon bars- Where all the been there, done that stuff is supposed to go! :D
As far as Tabs go - I think only Infantry should be allowed to go to Ranger school in the first place; their "letting POGs in" has caused it to go downhill a bit (much like letting women in SAPPER). Seriously, 2 MRE's a day?... TKeep them out would solve the non-infantry types from wearing something they shouldn't.
As far as the other kinds of chest candy go - ribbons get lame to me; I'd far rather wear my CIB/EIB/Airborne/Air Assault/Pathfinder/etc... badges than ribbons. In fact, for the most part we're not required to wear any ribbons if we don't want to (can always go less, just can't wear stuff you ain't got). I'm pretty cool with that.
The different Berets are for SF (Green), Ranger (Tan), Airborne (Maroon), and Black (all the other "winners"). So it's not all mix & match as one may think.
Jump boots are a Airborne/Ranger/SF only deal. It's a longstanding tradition for them (much like the current Corps dress uniform has the old school collar and officers have those special belts (which the name escapes me for whatever reason at the moment). If you're not one of those 3, don't even think about it. (Airborne can only wear it in an actual Airborne unit)
The other gripe I have is this:
I was basically told that the service A uniform (Class A) was roughly equivalant to a three piece suit and the dress blues like a Tuxedo... so my question to the army is this... Why on earth are you wearing combat boots with your suit legs tucked into them? Marines wear black dress shoes, simple. It just doesn't make sense to me.
As for you comment here, I just answered it for you above; Airborne/Ranger/SF Tradition. Only they can wear it, plain and simple. I think he looks like a "high speed super stud" myself. Thats Rangeriffic if you ask me.... It's good to be Infantry :D
My last rant about the Army and their uniforms is this... And again this is a gripe with a Marine accent.The Army wears their ACUs waayyy too much. The maternity uniform proves it. Other services have a Maternity uniform (Hint!) its not the camo ones. Utilities, in the USMC it is a work uniform, to be worn at a minumum outside base and not at all during leave or liberty. Service uniforms are the supposed to be the norm for all activities off base. Cammies, ACUs are just not flatering uniforms and typically fit like burlap sacks. Everytime I see someone in ACUs at the mall or wally world I wonder if they realize what a NO GO that is in the USMC and how bad it looks. Even the Army Chorus was on TV the other day wearing them... Come on now. Wear your class or dress uniforms you are representing your service.
Rant mode off I am not trying to offend or cause an interservice war.
THIS IS THE SAME FREAKIN' GRIPE I HAVE! I think it's total BS for an woman 9 months pregnant to be wearing the same combat uniform as my guys who are fighting in the action. I can't stand it and it makes me sick that they would belittle the fighting uniform of my Brothers in Arms (My wife hates it when I rant to her about it - she's military too). Either make them a stinkin' maternity outfit or put them on profile and make them wear PT's to work till they can be "duty qualified" again. One of those reasons I despise army women....
as for the whole ACU's deal out in public - we frankly don't care; it's a duty uniform much like someone would wear at any other job; if you gotta stop somewhere on the way home to pick up stuff, so be it. You probably don't want to be in it anymore than the dude in the 3 piece suit coming home from his job; or the landscaper in dirty clothes who smells to high heaven... So I don't see that in itself as such a big deal. Honestly, it doesn't look that bad. I just think they condition you Corps guys to be uber sensative about it. As far as the "Army Chorus" goes, they're nothing but a bunch of REMF POGs. I'm Infantry - they want to look like a** on tv, let them - they "don't" represent me. Seriously.... but a bunch of infantry guys looking stupid on the other hand, and let me be the first to mete out some corrective action. thats UNACCEPTABLE.......
Justin <_<
-
B-17 Guy --
I don't think any of us are trying to belittle your experiences or your service in combat. We're just rambling about how the Army has lessened the value on these badges by making it a "feel-good" reward (along with other awards the Army has created). Your CAB was earned meritoriously, but the same can't be said about others wearing it, sadly. This comes back to the argument that the badges have lost its meaning because so many people fall into the loop holes and end up wearing the badge through technicalities, not through the blood, sweat and tears that the badges originally required for recommendation and awarding.
"III. AWARD ELIGIBILITY
The Combat Action Badge (CAB) may be awarded by any commander delegated authority by the Secretary of the Army during wartime or the CG, U.S. Army Human Resources Command and will be announced in permanent orders.
1. The requirements for award of the CAB are Branch and MOS immaterial. Assignment to a Combat Arms unit or a unit organized to conduct close or offensive combat operations, or performing offensive combat operations is not required to qualify for the CAB. However, it is not intended to award all soldiers who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area.
2. Specific Eligibility Requirements:
1. May be awarded to any soldier.
2. Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized.
3. Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
4. Soldier must not be assigned/attached to a unit that would qualify the soldier for the CIB/CMB."
That ONE sentence in bold basically allows anyone in the vicinity of combat (as long as they were attached to a Combat Action unit) to be qualified for the badge. The Army does also say that the badge wasn't intended to be rewarded to all soldiers, but the Army has obviously been lax reinforcing that fine print. I wished the Army cracked down on these instances, it'd honor those who wear it a lot more. It's almost like giving everyone the Medal of Honor... when the MOH is handed out like Halloween candy, I'm sure it's significance is diminished by a tenfold.
In case this thread comes off as an attack on awards and decorations given to you (or any other member on ARC who has served in the military), I thank you guys for your services
and am sorry if you guys feel attacked. We're just criticizing the military's current policies with these badges, ribbons and other decorations. It seems like uniforms, as well as these decorations, have been spinning out of control in almost every branch of service minus the Corps, who are strict as ever with their traditions.-Bosco
Well said Sir, well said!
Couldn't agree more.
Justin
-
I'd like to know why the CAB is a bunch of crap. I have one that I earned the old fashioned way, by getting shot and damn near blown out of a truck ( more times than I care to count) while delivering fuel to you infantry guys. I am a bunch of crap for getting awarded this?
Seams to me the ONLY difference between a CAB and a CIB is the 11 series MOS. And furthermore, the one that means the is the CMB, you infantry guys get a rifle, medics get band-aids and a few IV bags.
First, I congratulate you on earning your CAB the old fashioned way. And no, I don't consider you a bunch of crap at all; on the contrary, only the award itself.
My distaste for the CAB comes from too many stories from different people I know (mainly FA for some reason) about folks getting it for stupid crap and not actual groundfighting. The point of the CIB is that you took and returned fire in an actual firefight, not that an IED went off and you were nearby. The CAB deal came along with the other weak changes in the awards structure - stuff like going from combat patches to overseas patches (or whatever the heck they're called now, all I know is that they're no longer officially "combat patches"), and combat bars going to overseas bars (so those lousy officers could get their awards too, and not just the combat guys. Seriously, combat patches for Kuwait??? Thankfully they put and end to it [Kuwait patches] a couple years back), and that whole mess with people with PTSD being considered for purple hearts (which thankfully got sacked). I see it as a weakening of the army system much in the same way the beret went from being a thing for special units, to "everybody gets one" (*gag*). So as an Infantryman, I am disheartened by the demeaning of our tradition (much in the same way that I hear "Infantry is everbody's basic MOS" BS, I don't know if I should laugh or feel sick when I hear it.) And as far as your calling the only difference between the CAB and CIB is being 11 series - I disagree.
As for our medics go; mine were never "that" helpless. They always carried a M9, and periodically a long rifle (only as necessary). Additionally, I respect them greatly; my Doc was always a really good guy and I'd have covered his a** in a heartbeat. Our CLS guys in the platoon were always really good as it was, not to mention we mostly rolled out with them on patrol more than the medic.
Respectfully,
Justin
-
This is too good
I actually had to get out of my bed to jump on the computer cause the phone would've given me a fit trying to reply on here with it. (as far as ARC goes, it's good for simple replies and cruisin' the forum, but anything complex and it comes really close to becoming an airborne satellite...)Yeah let's just agree that the CAB is pret-ty ridiculous. I honestly thought the CIB meant more than the EIB since the Expert Infantry was basically handed to you at the end of the program. Yeah, the EIB would make sure you're capable and proficient but the CIB basically says to the world that you were actually in battle.By program, you mean the actual EIB course, or Infantry school? I've tried EIB 3 times already and kept missing it on grenades (my specialty is auto-weapons, not small things that go "boom" - then again, the "trench" was more like and "improved fighting position" than the alleged trench; jerks..... The last time I went and did it right off the back, didn't want to waste my time...). And then there's the "badge keepers" that are trying to "fail" people more than pass. So to me the EIB is worth far more than the CIB for the reason above (the CAB) and below (i'll get to that in a second).
On the contrary -- I read in "TIGER FORCE" (which is an interesting book actually) that during the Viet Nam War, a couple of brass came in on a Huey. Touched down. The brass, who were all senior officers, walked around the helicopter chuckling amongst each other. When they were done they loaded back onto the helicopter and flew back to base. It was later reported that those officers were all granted the CIB.... interesting isn't it.Officers and upper enlisted seem notorious for antics like this (simply that lower enlisted can't write themselves up for an award like that in the same kind of scenario). An FA buddy of mine told me about this CO and 1SG from his unit who got their CAB's for being in the same grid square as an mortar attack (I say grid square cause they weren't anywhere close to the actual attack)- they recommended each other for CAB and got it. And it's crap like that that really irritates me; one, because the CAB itself is a load of CRAP (much like the Beret and "new" class A's - "lets make everyone feel better"; the Barney mentality.); and because of their pulling that kinda crap with the CAB (not to say those things haven't happened with the CIB, I know of a few cases where that's happened, but once again we're talking officers..... I seem to notice an pattern here...), I just feel like it's lessened the significance of the CIB. Though I still think the CIB is pretty kick-***.
The Corps is pretty stingy on their decorations, and the majority of them are PFCs, LCpls. Making NCO is an impressive feat. The only things on Marines' chest after boot is the Nat'l Def and a shooting badge if they were skilled enough to get it. Not to hate on the Army but they come out and get 3 on the chest automatically -- the Nat'l Def, Army Srvc, and the Global War on Terrorism Srvc medals.It's 3 now, before it was just 2: NDSM and Army Service (the one I really can't stand). And if it wasn't wartime, it'd be just the 1 (Army service).
PS -- Here's why we should get rid of those berets
Try your best to ignore the Jessica Simpson look alike
The girl in the background is what I'm trying to get atLOL - One of many reasons I hate the beret (thank God they're POGs). I can't tell you the number of people who can't seem to get the concept of how to form a beret, especially officers (once again, I notice a pattern....) Also another reason why I joined the Infantry, no women (Not that I don't like women, I love my wife a lot; I just think they're better off in the AF - I've been rubbed raw by a lot of their BS in the army. though, there are the one or two that I've run into that were actually worth a d**n.)
For my "favorite" view of the military (Infantry), go on Youtube and look up "Ranger Promo" There's two videos (Ranger School Promo and Ranger School Promo 2). Mind you there's a lot of language in it, and some of you Corps folks might not appreciate the second video, but I think it puts the Army Infantry mentality very well (with lots of humor, some of it is dark, and probably would only be found funny by Infantry types, but what the heck...). Best youtube Army videos out there; They're Rangeriffic! B)
Cheers,
justin
-
I just know you meant to capitalize "Corps" and forgot to hit the shift key. :o Just kiddin'.
First, I am not trying to beat up on soldiers, far from it, but I just need to point out the Corps has marksmanship medals for pistol (if you rate one) and M-16, that's all. And they are two separate badges. The first time I saw a soldier's marksmanship badge up close, I thought "Whaaa...?" He was a new troop (as I was at the time), and he had a sharpshooter's badge with bars for pistol, M-16, grenade and rocket launcher. It was like "give out a bar for anything the kid can fire in basic infantry training". And then later I found out there were more bars out there, like "anti-aircraft artillery" or "flamethrower" or even "mortar". Maybe it is just me, but marksman, sharpshooter and expert quals for grenades and flamethrowers? Why not just throw in "Tactical Thermonuclear Weapons" while they're at it? Personally, I just thought it looked cheesy, having this ladder hanging form the uniform with nonsensical qualification bars on it.
Now that said, aside from the berets I do think the current Army uniforms are a lot sharper than the ones I saw way back when. I was so glad no part of any of my uniform options was in "OR Scrubs Green".
Haha - yeah - grenades is pushing it (last I checked it was just rifle and grenade that kids get out of basic). I don't mind stuff like "machine gun" or rifle, but the artillery stuff is pushing it as well, like you said, "tactical thermonuclear weapons" might as well be addded (I'd love to go to a range where that was a qualification; must be pretty hard to get anything less than expert with one, lol ).
Cheers!
Justin
P.S. I purposely didn't hit the shift key, don't want to leave you in suspense. :-). (just messin' back
) -
These two guys were outstanding to do business with! I heartily recommend them!
mgrandison
Yuk Kui Ng
Thanks again for the awesome business, guys!
Cheers! :o
Justin
-
First off, being Infantry, I don't care what other services (and specifically POG nasties - except Aviation, you're cool
Gotta love those blackhawks!) have to say about my uniform; it's kinda along the lines of "that's my little brother; only I can beat him up, hands off". That being said,I like my Dress Blues - I just wish with going to the new uniform, as far as class A's are concerned, they had gone back to a more WWII or WWI style uniform and kept the blues seperate; I just think it degrades the "special" status of the Dress Blues, and make it more of a "feel good" thing for everyone, just like the beret. And I utterly despise that Beret :o - i'll keep my Patrol Cap and bus driver cap any time of the week over that friggin' thing. Stupid Generals and their stupid "troop morale" ideas; here's a thought, how about we leave the uniforms alone, and with the money you would've used for that, pay us a little extra or maybe buy some better tools (I'd prefer that 7.62 scar over the lame M4 any day of the week...7.62 is pure awesomeness in a brass casing), that would certainly raise my morale
... But I digress....I guess what I'm trying to provoke with this thread is how we could improve the current US Army uniform. Dropping the Army Greens for Army Blues was a nice step back in the right direction, but there are some things that are still a bit... off... with the current Army service uniform (use of berets, overuse of ribbons, overuse of badges, overuse of emblems) The Army uniform's starting to become like my refrigerator collecting random magnets.All my stuff means something - I don't have the "tied my shoes right" ribbon like i've seen in some sevices (i'm being pretty sarcastic here, i know there's not a "literal" one). As far as what I have, I have a couple ARCOMs, some AAMs, different Campaign Medals, etc etc.... The only one I don't like is the "rainbow" Army Service Ribbon, that's the only one I have that's really pointless; well, the NCOES is too come to think of it, so make it two. Though, I have noticed that people have been getting more and more AAM's and ARCOM's for stupid ****. I know when we deployed, this one chick (so in my defense, she is obviously a POG, not Infantry) got an AAM for simply going to her "reclass" school. No comment needed.... As far as your over-use of emblems comment goes, I have a unit patch and Regimental crests, and my "U.S" and Crossed Rifles pins, that's it. as for your "overuse of badges", we have our marksmanship stuff same as the corps; additionally, I've seen driving badges. Then there's the ones for different schools (Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, etc...). There are also different tabs for those in Airborne units, and for Ranger's and SF that are worn on the sleeves. And lastly, CIB & EIB (I think the EIB means a lot more anyway since you actually have to prove your proficiency as an Infantryman, and with the addition of the "CAB", I think it takes away from the significance of the EIB), and the CAB - don't get me started on this one.... There are different cords that can be worn, mainly the French fourragère specifically for units which fought in France; units like 3rd ID, 82nd, etc... Then foreign cords like the German Schutzenschnur. and finally there's branch cords, which only the Infantry can wear theirs all the time. So most of the folks that actually have that stuff have "been there and done that". Folks who haven't been deployed and/or haven't been to any schools ain't got jack. For the longest time I had just 3 ribbons and my Airborne badge and that was it, then I did soldier of the year and got deployed, and my chest candy grew substantially. So plain and simple, not everyone is "super stud" with ribbons.
I have noticed that the Corps seems really stingy on medals/ribbons and such. Army can be that way depending on what branch and unit you are in. I've seen and heard of some pretty stupid stuff on the POG side of the house, like that story I mentioned above. Don't even get me started on the "combat action badge"... Seems like the Air Force and Navy tend to be the middle ground most often, can't say for sure on the Navy though as I've not heard much from my Navy friends (Most of my friends are either Army or Corps, and then AF and lastly Navy). So to each his own, just don't get jealous cause of all the Chest Candy...
The unit badges at the kidneys are ridiculous...I agree with you there, though I think those are Combat Patches. They're better on the shoulder. The other badges you're seeing, the ones that I do agree with you on are "Army Counselor" or "Recruiting" type badges and not unit badges - those are reallly lame, the Drill Sergeant one that goes on the left side looks pretty cool I think, and then there's the tomb guard badge which hardly anyone gets.
my two cents worth.
and if you wonder how an Infantryman is capable of building models - the directions have pictures and the kit parts have corresponding numbers, so I'm good!
-
Quick update tonight - Got the wings pretty much done - the rest of the resin work will be done when it comes time to attach the wings, so for the moment I'm done!
Here's what I got!
And that's it for tonight; more to come tomorrow or Tuesday - with the wings finished, I'll be tackling those CE seamless intakes next.
till next time,
Justin
-
Looking great!
thanks!
-
Moving on, I next attached the large bomb/fuel pod to the bottom of the fuselage after checking with pictures (it covered a good portion of the wheel well, which suprised me at first ; so I checked it online, and sure 'nuff, it really did.). That involved a large ammount of putty itself as it did, once again, have a rather large gap for where it was supposed to fit (surprise, surprise, surprise....
). I left it to dry overnight, which is where I'm at now. Here's the pics:
and a view from the front:
and overall:
So thats it for now, I'll spend the rest of my afternoon masking the aircraft so I can finish painting it tomorrow, and get decalling it by Tuesday - I think it'll be finished by either Wednesday or Thursday, and then I can focus my full attention on the Intruder so I can get it finished by 1 JUL.
Take care, and till next time... ;)
Justin
-
OK! So it's been a few days since my last update, but I'm finally down to the home stretch as all I have left is painting and decalling, yippee!
To recap, when we had left off I had primed the lower front fuselage section and the engines, and I've started on my SEA scheme. If I get time today, I'll finish masking so I can get the painting finished, think I'll do black and Dark tan next. Anyhoo....
So, I started Thursday evening working on my pilot, whom I've nicknamed "Big Red" for a callsign - he's my F-105 pilot whom I "requalified" for B-58 duty (seeing as how they didn't include any in the kit - such jerks
). I used the one from my F-105D kit because I figured that their gear, if Monogram did any research at all, would be similar since they're from the same timeframe (late Viet Nam era). That, and my Thud will be done as a static display at an airpark, so no need for the pilot. First thing I did was test fit the pilot into the cockpit which was great till I got to his legs, which wouldn't fit the confines of the lower part of the cockpit - so I at first tried bending his legs, which didn't go so well with Mr. Lighter; so I went and hacked his legs off at the knee so he could fit (not a good motivator for joining my "Air Force" huh? LOL). He fit so perfectly afterwards - I was quite pleased! So then I painted him and detailed him, using masking tape for the seatbelt harness (which is all I did as far as the harness goes, didn't know how to pull off buckles, any ideas?). I also painted his callsign on one side of his helmet, gave him red and yellow "racing stripes" and a red B-58 on the other side of his helmet. don't know if that's standard 1960's protocol or not, but it was fun! I also re-attached his legs once he was secured in his seat - I wasn't going to bother with it initially since his lower torso wouldn't be seen once he was installed in the cockpit - but I felt bad for him and had a change of heart, so he is once more more complete! It's sad that part of the escape pod hatch covers up all that helmet work, I thought it turned out relatively well. Here's what I wound up with:
and finally installed in his cockpit:
After that, I attached the lower section of the front fuselage. after much test fitting, I knew there'd be some (and by some, I mean LOTS) putty involved to make the line dissapere, and that's what I did. I used Tamiya White Surface Primer to do the edges and touch up on some of my scribing "oopses". Turned out really well after I got it all nice and sanded. Here's what I had:
and Big Red's new view:
I will continue this in a second post...
-
Good work on that
I KOVE FOLDING WINGS
ill be watching you
Cheers
Neo
Thank you Sir! I am just about finished with the wings - I'll have more pics up tomorrow.
Funny thing is, I have this exact same build planned with all the same bits. I came across two dilemnas though which caused me to put it back in the box. You may have more info or be able to shed more light on it.1. The Paragon wingfolds are for the composite wing Intruder. I believe the markings for the blue tail bird predate that particular wingfold/wing construction?
2. The Black Box cokpit is for the A-6E TRAM and I believe there are also changes needed to the instrument panel?
Craig,
Thanks for the comments! Good point on the blackbox pit, that hadn't dawned on me till you mentioned it; I'll think that one over as it is obviously for the TRAM. that being the case, I'll probably save my resin pit for another E and do the kit one since it has the pre-TRAM option. As far as the wing folds go; yes, the Blue tail pre-dates the composite wing by 14 years or so, but I don't think that would affect the look of the folds by that much, which is why I went with it (that, and its all I have :D ). Plus, the average joe that will look at it isn't going to know the difference anyway, so I'm not too worried about it.
Have a great weekend!
Justin
-
Greetings!
finally finished up working on models for the evening and decided I'd give a brief update (and in this case, start a new topic for my new build). I was working on my Hustler this evening, and I pretty much finished up all the construction, which left me with nothing else but painting and decals to do (update for this to come tomorrow as it will be long). Seeing as it was after dark and not feasable to painting, I opted to start another kit instead of just twiddling my thumbs. I was considering starting work on either my Trainer or Sabre GB projects, but recalled that I wanted to do this Intruder for a second entry in this GB; so knowing that I have over a month left to go till July 1st, figured I'd get cracking on this and see if I could get it finished before then! So I started work on it.
The kit, of course, is your standard Revell A-6E
I have a bunch of aftermarket for it, Impact Decals VMA(AW)-224 decals, Paragon wing folds, BB cockpit and CE Seamless Intakes.
Now the particular aircraft I'll be building off the I.D. sheet will be this middle one with the blue tail
This paint scheme is dated to 1976 to an aircraft stationed at Cherry Point MCAS, NC. I thought this would be a fun paint scheme to do, so I am greatly looking forward to painting this when I'm done!
When I first cracked open the kit this evening, I contemplated the kit, A.M., and time left in this build to work on this particular kit; so given that information, I decided to start with what I considered (in my own opinion) to be the hardest portion of the kit and tackle it first! So I started with the wing folds - but as it turns out, they look more intimidating than they really are.
First, I pulled the wings out and test fit them:
Then, starting with the right wing (saving the left for tomorrow), I marked them for cutting and cut them pretty clean:
Before:
after:
I did the same thing to the lower portion of the wing, and then I glued the two peices together (in hindsite, I should've taken out the spoiler before I did that, would've made it a heck of a lot easier; on the bright side, I still have another wing to go so I can implement it for that one!). Here's a pic of he spoiler removal:
After that, I cut the resin free from its casting block and began to test fit, fit, and then finally glued the resin piece and resin spoiler to the right wing tip section. and this is what I had:
I have one more peice to add to this and then it'll be done!
This is my end of day progress this evening before bed:
All I have left to do now is cut the resin casting block off the peice for the wing root section, and I'll be ready to glue it to the wing root so I can start work on the left wing!
Till tomorrow! ;)
Goodnight,
Justin
P.S. Sorry if my writing isn't so good, it's way past my bedtime and i'm struggling to stay awake to finish this :P
-
Could you please explain it a little? :D
Cheers,
Zoli
Hi Zolie, email sent
-Al
Al,
could I get info on your "grassinator" as well? I'm intrigued about it myself
Thanks! (and superb job once again
)Justin
-
Al,
Fantastic display! most impressive!
Great job!
Justin
Last call: F/S Kits available to transport to Dallas IPMS Contest
in Buy and sell - add scale to your title
Posted
PM reply sent!