My Path to the Tab (An Introduction)

Draco · Post by **Draco** » June 17th, 2006, 7:54 am

Welcome!!!

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » June 18th, 2006, 10:33 pm

Thank you for all of the great welcomes, highly appreciated. I can't wait to get into the Army and start the path to earning a place in one of America's greatest legacies: The U.S Army Rangers.

God bless America, and God bless those who protect it.

289sotherhalf · Post by **289sotherhalf** » June 21st, 2006, 3:46 pm

Welcome.

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » June 22nd, 2006, 11:15 am

OK kid, you've received some very positive welcomes. Not an easy feat on this site. However one undertone of your post strikes me - I want you to tell me what this phrase means: "Dulce bellum inexpertis". Post your answer here. If I don't get back to it right away, exercise patience, I'll be back in a few days. Welcome.

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » June 22nd, 2006, 9:46 pm

Everett Ruess wrote:OK kid, you've received some very positive welcomes. Not an easy feat on this site. However one undertone of your post strikes me - I want you to tell me what this phrase means: "Dulce bellum inexpertis". Post your answer here. If I don't get back to it right away, exercise patience, I'll be back in a few days. Welcome.

Ranger Everett Ruess, the phrase "Dulce bellum inexpertis" means "War is lovely for those who have not experienced it", or "War is sweet to the inexperienced", a quote from Erasmus Rotterdamus. This is a phrase I've been taught to by my grandfather when I was very young.

AbnRgr289 · Post by **AbnRgr289** » June 22nd, 2006, 10:08 pm

Dulce bellum inexpertis <--- click me.

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » June 27th, 2006, 11:23 am

Very good. I'm glad your grandfather already taught you this concept. You seem a bit eager to go and do heroic things. Don't get me wrong - I don't believe war is wrong or evil in and of itself, but it's also not how Hollywood portrays it. I'm willing to bet that every soldier on this site has lost someone to war - many of them were right there when it happened. It's not glorious. You seem like a smart kid with good motivation. Don't get caught up in the glory/valour/honor of war. Those of us who are warriors do it because that's what we are - we're sheepdogs, we couldn't be any other way if we tried. We have no illusions about combat - sometimes it's necessary - it's our job, that's all.

Dragon master - interesting read. Don't agree on all points but I really like the parallels that were drawn. Food for thought.

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » June 27th, 2006, 11:38 am

Let me add I've never been in combat and don't want to give that impression. Those of us who have worn the uniform for a while simply look at things a little differently than others do.

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » June 29th, 2006, 2:42 am

Ranger Everett Ruess, I regret if my introduction shows a sign of "eagerness" or "haste" in regards to war. I can assure you that is not the case. While I have not been in combat or in any life-threatening situations, I am fully aware of just how serious and devastating war can be. I'm not looking for medals, nor am I looking for John Wayne situations. Veterans have told me in painful detail their experiences in Normandy and Bastogne during WWII, and the horror of those experiences completely floor me. I understand that my time in the military is not a video game, and I understand that there's always a chance I may never be able to come back to my loved ones.

But I chose the Infantry. I chose to start my journey of becoming a Ranger because I wouldn't have it any other way. Since the age of 5, the idea of donning the U.S. Army uniform and conducting myself in a respectable manner to serve the finest nation in the world has been an ongoing desire that could not escape my thoughts. People ask me "Why Infantry? You're gonna get shot at!" and I give them the same response: "Someone has to do it, and I'm capable of filling that role. Its something I've always wanted, so why waste the opportunity?".

Like I stated before, I understand this isn't a game, and I'm sure I'll be in for a suprise or two once I'm in the service, but its all apart of the job I've wanted for close to 15 years. Once again, I appreciate the support, and I look foward to serving my country. God bless.

Jim · Post by **Jim** » June 29th, 2006, 6:54 am

Cosmo wrote:Ranger Everett Ruess, I regret if my introduction shows a sign of "eagerness" or "haste" in regards to war. I can assure you that is not the case. While I have not been in combat or in any life-threatening situations, I am fully aware of just how serious and devastating war can be. I'm not looking for medals, nor am I looking for John Wayne situations. Veterans have told me in painful detail their experiences in Normandy and Bastogne during WWII, and the horror of those experiences completely floor me. I understand that my time in the military is not a video game, and I understand that there's always a chance I may never be able to come back to my loved ones.

But I chose the Infantry. I chose to start my journey of becoming a Ranger because I wouldn't have it any other way. Since the age of 5, the idea of donning the U.S. Army uniform and conducting myself in a respectable manner to serve the finest nation in the world has been an ongoing desire that could not escape my thoughts. People ask me "Why Infantry? You're gonna get shot at!" and I give them the same response: "Someone has to do it, and I'm capable of filling that role. Its something I've always wanted, so why waste the opportunity?".

Like I stated before, I understand this isn't a game, and I'm sure I'll be in for a suprise or two once I'm in the service, but its all apart of the job I've wanted for close to 15 years. Once again, I appreciate the support, and I look foward to serving my country. God bless.

As part of your education, I would like you to read the Ranger Creed and think about what it means to live within the parameters laid out there. It is a tough, disciplined framework that many of us still strive to achieve daily. Tough talk is not necessary; making difficult decisions is. Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. One of the things you will learn shortly is that you have entered a small world where you are judged on your merit. Your race, color, or creed are irrelevant -- what matters is that you must complete the missions given you to the best of your abilities. Never, never quit.

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » June 29th, 2006, 10:42 am

Jim wrote:
Cosmo wrote:Ranger Everett Ruess, I regret if my introduction shows a sign of "eagerness" or "haste" in regards to war. I can assure you that is not the case. While I have not been in combat or in any life-threatening situations, I am fully aware of just how serious and devastating war can be. I'm not looking for medals, nor am I looking for John Wayne situations. Veterans have told me in painful detail their experiences in Normandy and Bastogne during WWII, and the horror of those experiences completely floor me. I understand that my time in the military is not a video game, and I understand that there's always a chance I may never be able to come back to my loved ones.

But I chose the Infantry. I chose to start my journey of becoming a Ranger because I wouldn't have it any other way. Since the age of 5, the idea of donning the U.S. Army uniform and conducting myself in a respectable manner to serve the finest nation in the world has been an ongoing desire that could not escape my thoughts. People ask me "Why Infantry? You're gonna get shot at!" and I give them the same response: "Someone has to do it, and I'm capable of filling that role. Its something I've always wanted, so why waste the opportunity?".

Like I stated before, I understand this isn't a game, and I'm sure I'll be in for a suprise or two once I'm in the service, but its all apart of the job I've wanted for close to 15 years. Once again, I appreciate the support, and I look foward to serving my country. God bless.
As part of your education, I would like you to read the Ranger Creed and think about what it means to live within the parameters laid out there. It is a tough, disciplined framework that many of us still strive to achieve daily. Tough talk is not necessary; making difficult decisions is. Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. One of the things you will learn shortly is that you have entered a small world where you are judged on your merit. Your race, color, or creed are irrelevant -- what matters is that you must complete the missions given you to the best of your abilities. Never, never quit.

Ranger Jim hit it right on the head. Live this and you will succeed.

"Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required..."

Kick it in the balls kid.