IN THE CORPS

DOES BODY ARMOR ACTUALLY WORK? SEE FOR YOURSELF

In light of the Outer Tactical Vest(OTV) recalls and other issues regarding thes body armor we currently use, here's a perfect example of what the OTV is capable of.

IMPORTANT NOTE: WITH THE SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERTS(SAPI) INSERTED

If this doesn't motivate you, what does?  I'd be interested in hearing what was going through this guy's head when he got hit and was completely fine.  I wonder what happened to those cowards behind the camera.

FOX COMPANY TRAINING: BOAT RAIDS

Here's an article written about the BLT's Boat Company(A.K.A Fox Company) conducting Boat Raid Training recently.  It's a pretty cool article with a few good pictures:

Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray, Jr.
KIN BLUE BEACH, OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 29, 2005) -- Marines of Company F, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft training here Wednesday and Thursday as part of their preparation for an upcoming special operations capability test. The training was also conducted as a re-familiarization exercise for the company. Full Story

Coincidently, at least one of these Marines has his own blog, which is actually pretty interesting.  Click here to visit his blog. 

SOME CLARIFICATION

Wow, I'm getting lots of positive feedback on my blog!  I didn't even realize anyone was reading, other than my wife... LOL.  Anyway, I want to clear up a few things, so those who decide to read my blog don't get confused.

1.  I am not currently in Iraq.  If I mentioned Iraq, it is because my unit(2nd Bn 5th Marines) was there from August 2004 until March 2005, spread out throughout the city of Ramadi, Iraq in different  Forward Operating Bases(FOB).  Those were crazy days... I'll tell you about them later.

2.  Yes, I am currently in Okinawa, Japan, but will soon be boarding a large Naval Vessel along with the rest of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.  That's about all I'll say to that.  I won't go into detail as to days, locations, etc... I value my rank, LOL.  If you want to learn more, do a little research on the Marine Corps, the Marine Expeditionary Unit or Okinawa.  You'll find plenty of info.  Here are a few links to check out:

31st MEU Homepage

Official US Marine Corps Website

Official III Marine Expeditionary Force Website

TODAY'S MOTO PHOTO

KIF_0369
Originally uploaded by Villarrealsj.

I had to take a photo of this sign. It's posted right outside the exit from Camp Hansen.

ELECTRONIC W-2 AVAILABLE AT MYPAY

I just received an e-mail from the The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) letting me know that my W-2 is now ready for download through my "MyPay" account, so if you have access to your MyPay account, I recommend downloading and printing your LES to begin preparing your taxes.  Getting access to MyPay is now mandatory.  There's plenty more you can do with your MyPay account.  Just be sure not to lose your PIN.  Getting a new one is a headache.

I also highly recommend when you log into your MyPay account, sign up to receive any updates or notices to your MyPay account.  It's very convenient... especially thos of us on the MEU.

Here's some "official" word taken directly from my e-mail address:

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) implemented the myPay web-based system in March 2000.  myPay delivers pay information and lets you process pay-related transactions timely, safely and securely. The Web-based system reduces the risks of identity theft associated with postal delivery by allowing members to access electronic W2, LES and other financial information. myPay matches industry standards for the highest level of encryption and security to protect myPay users.

If you do not have a PIN for accessing myPay, you can obtain one via email by clicking on the New PIN button on the myPay website at the web address shown above.  A temporary PIN will be emailed to your official email address.  If you have any questions concerning myPay, please call our contact center toll free at 1-800-390-2348. If the information posted to your W-2 is incorrect, please contact your servicing pay office or your customer service representative for assistance.

SGT MAJ OR THE MARINE CORPS VISITS OKINAWA

This past Monday, myself and a few other SNCO's from BLT 2/5 took a bus down to Camp Foster(another base on Okinawa), where the Sgt Major of the Marine Corps stopped and visited with over 300 SNCO's at Club Chesty's, the SNCO Club.  Luckily, we were one of the first ones there because about 20 minutes later the place was jammed pack with SSgt's, GySgt's, MSgt's, 1stSgt's, MGySgt's and SgtMaj's from throughout the Marine Corps bases in Okinawa. 

At first, it seemed to drag a little, but after running into a few Marines I served with in the past, I began to enjoy it.  If you've ever heard SgtMaj Estrada, I'm sure you will agree he is passionate about what he does and it shows when he talk to his Marines.  It's apparant that he is genuinely concerned about his Marines and the Marine Corps's future.  He definitely pumps you up while he's talking.  Guess it's that Drill Instructor in him!  He ended up showing up quite late.  When he explained why, he asked all Marines in the room that had their spouses stationed with them here in Okinawa.  Lots of hands went up.  "You're wives made me late."  Everyone started laughing, but he had just came from speaking with the military spouses down the road.  He said he had a good time talking to the spouses, addressing their concerns and answering some questions.

Probably the best part of the night was when I ran into my very first 1stSgt in the fleet(after boot camp).  His name is SgtMaj Jackson.  Back then, he was a 1stSgt, but it's been about 10yrs now, so I was very surprised to see him.  This man is a heck of a leader and an outstanding role model.  Would you believe he looks exactly the same, but with more rank on his collar.  Back then, I was a young LCpl, so conversations between the 1stSgt and I were very brief.  Let's see... they went a little something like, "Good morning 1stSgt(in a loud tone)!"  and he would walk right by and say, "Good morning Devil Dog."  Yup, that's about it.  He did stop and talk to us as a group and while on duty, he would ask about the family, etc., but it's not what this man said to me, it was simply how he presented himself day-in and day-out in the most professional manner.  From the squared away uniform, to the motivating cadence when drilling... he just motivated me.

It's Marines like SgtMaj Jackson that help recharge my "moto" batteries when they seem to be running low sometimes.

WORK, TRAIN, WORK, TRAIN...

Well, it's been about 10 days since I last posted.  Since then, not much has happened other than working and training.  The endless cycle of 2/5.  Life really isn't too exciting here on Camp Hansen.  Hopefully things will get a little better once we're on ship.  Granted, the living space is said to be ridiculously small, but visiting these other countries may turn out to be pretty cool. 

NEW TOPICS(CATEGORIES): I've decided to periodically comment on other topics and issues around the Marine Corps, and in the military, for those times I don't have much to talk about.  There's always something going on the Marine Corps. 

I'm calling my first Category, "AROUND THE CORPS."  This is where I'll talk about random issues or news.  No particular area, just random issues.  Immediately after this post, I'll publish my first "AROUND THE CORPS" entry.

MY WIFE'S BLOGGING: If you ever get a chance, stop by my wife's blog called, "Blah-Blah-Blah."  Sounds like a weird name, but if you know my wife, you'll know why it's called that.  She's really doing good with it.  I'm actually impressed at the info she seeks and posts here for others to read.  Particularly the military spouses.

2006 NEW YEAR'S GREETINGS FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN!

It's a little late, but here's a short clip I put together for the Marines in my platoon to send to their family and friends back home.  Keep watching at the end... there's a little something extra at the end.

I was finally able to find an old video clip that I made for the Marines and their families during our last deployment to Ramadi, Iraq.  Unfortunately, their families weren't able to open the file, so they never got to see it.  It's never too late though.  Awesome clip!  Unfortunately, I can't find the original file.  I must have misplaced it during our return from Ramadi, Iraq last year.  I'm glad I uploaded it to Google Video when I did.  Too bad it's slow as heck.  Looks like VSocial is much better.  Hopefully, Google Video will improve soon.

Recognize any of the Marines?