I was taking my mom out for an early birthday lunch to Sticky Lips Barbecue. As we got into the parking lot I saw that another car came in behind us. He followed as I went around the lot once and got a spot. Then he sat there about 20 feet back with his window rolled down.
I could see a slightly chubby middle-aged man, he had light colored facial hair, glasses and a bright red jacket.
"What does he want?" I asked aloud. I was thinking he might want to chew me out for that little bit of e-breaking I did in the lot. (My mother was NOT pleased with that.) Or maybe I had a break light or signal out.
No, it was my bumper sticker. I usually don't like bumper stickers. I tend to be fairly low key and like my car the same way. But there are some I just have to have. The Car Talk "Drive Now, Talk Later," one was the first- followed by an "Isotopes" sticker giving a little plug fro my favorite local band. But this was about the blue and white one that says, "Israel, you do not stand alone."
The guy had some rather strong feelings about that one and as it turned out he had very good reason. He introduced himself and said that he had been shot up by Israel. He was on the USS Liberty.
On June 8, 1967 as the 6 Day War raged on land the USS Liberty was in international waters off the Sinai when it came under attack by Israeli aircraft and petrol boats. 34 American sailors were killed and over 150 wounded. No one has yet come up with a convincing answer as to why it happened.
Relations between our two nations continued along as if it hadn't happened. This former navy man wanted to make sure I hadn't forgotten. How could I?
That's pretty much what I told him. That's all he wanted. To know that his shipmates won't be passed over by history and forgotten by their countrymen. It hurts me to remember this. I do not like the feelings of conflict it brings up in me, the sense of an impossible choice between loyalties. I'm glad that I don't have to shoose. But I do have to remember.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
I don't walk onto military posts often and when I do I am always overcome by a sense of being distinctly out of place. Whether I am photographing, acting as OPFOR or going to do odd jobs as a Sar El volunteer, even though I have a job to do I always feel as if I am an interloper. In a way, I am. I can wear my hair as long as I want to, dress as I see fit (within reason), I don't salute and I don't have to do push ups. (Thank G-d.) Even though the circumstances are not everyday, I am quite familiar with the feeling.
It is the same feeling I used to get when I would go out on assignment for my photo classes. The heightened self-conscious feeling of other people's eyes on me wondering what I'm doing at their place of business or event. It's a feeling that a few years ago overwhelmed me and put me in a cheap, overstuffed chair across from a psychologist. (Not a psychiatrist. Mine wasn't able to prescribe drugs. It was probably better that way.) Of course it's different now. For one thing I've grown up a lot on five years. For another thing when I'm on a military installation I've got people I can point to and names I can drop.
But the initial discomfort is always there, as well as the, "What the fuck are you doing here?" looks from the people who have to be there. But after a while it fades. I observe them, they observe me. I see something in them I want to photograph, and after a while, they see me acting professionally, doing my job, without interfering with theirs. A few jokes ("One more for "Soldier of Fortune!""), a few images shown on the back of a digital camera, and a quick explanation tend to go a long way.
But the initial nervousness is always there and in this situation and others I don't see it going away.
Now it's time to step away from my issues for a while and get into the basics of my last weekend with the NY Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program in Buffalo NY. Here's my weekend:
17:15- Arrive at the armory. Find the sergeants I'm working for. Introductions with the ones I don't know, bring in all my stuff (Four trips), then dinner. Photograph the recruits doing maneuver training outdoors. A couple other OPFOR guys show up, we shoot the shit until about 0200 then get to sleep on some cots.
06:30 Saturday morning- a very unpleasant wake up, followed by breakfast, equipment checks, and briefings. I have two sets of gear to check, photographic stuff and my airsoft gear. I lend out one of my guns to the RSP. I photograph one group running the gauntlet of sniper fire, bombings, civilian mobs, thug-ish police and the room clearing from hell. Then i follow them inside and photograph them as they learn to cammo their faces. I talk with them a bit and they are a lot more comfortable with me, and with getting shot to hell by my friends. I tell them next time they see me I'll be gunning for them too.
I trade my camera for an Echo 1 Vector Arms AK47, put on a plastic badge and go out to play Iraqi Police. I'm mostly passive. I do some communicating which I aim at getting them to remember what they're supposed to be doing or presenting a minor speed bump in that process. There is one situation where they are slow to enter a room. We go in to "Show them how it's done,' and promptly get shot to pieces by our fellow OPFOR. As I write this I still have the welts.
After lunch, more of the same.
After dinner there are 3 hours of scored challenge events. By now my feet are killing me and I'm dead tired, but I do the best I can. I run, I scream I get pushed to the floor at gunpoint and searched.
After the recruits are bedded down we tear through six large pizzas and 3 18 packs of Labbat's beer. I fall asleep on a cott in between to cars in the cavernous motor pool.
Sunday was more conventional airsoft. We did more shooting than acting which we discussed at length in out AAR. But it still had training value. The recruits communicated well, moved as a team, supported each other and did a number on us.
When I got home on Sunday I promptly called in sick to work and passed out for about 13 hours. I really was sick. When I woke up I had my first full on cold of the season. Runny nose, congestion, the whole deal. I can't help thinking the lack of sleep and long hours held the door open for the germs. Still worth it.
It is the same feeling I used to get when I would go out on assignment for my photo classes. The heightened self-conscious feeling of other people's eyes on me wondering what I'm doing at their place of business or event. It's a feeling that a few years ago overwhelmed me and put me in a cheap, overstuffed chair across from a psychologist. (Not a psychiatrist. Mine wasn't able to prescribe drugs. It was probably better that way.) Of course it's different now. For one thing I've grown up a lot on five years. For another thing when I'm on a military installation I've got people I can point to and names I can drop.
But the initial discomfort is always there, as well as the, "What the fuck are you doing here?" looks from the people who have to be there. But after a while it fades. I observe them, they observe me. I see something in them I want to photograph, and after a while, they see me acting professionally, doing my job, without interfering with theirs. A few jokes ("One more for "Soldier of Fortune!""), a few images shown on the back of a digital camera, and a quick explanation tend to go a long way.
But the initial nervousness is always there and in this situation and others I don't see it going away.
Now it's time to step away from my issues for a while and get into the basics of my last weekend with the NY Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program in Buffalo NY. Here's my weekend:
17:15- Arrive at the armory. Find the sergeants I'm working for. Introductions with the ones I don't know, bring in all my stuff (Four trips), then dinner. Photograph the recruits doing maneuver training outdoors. A couple other OPFOR guys show up, we shoot the shit until about 0200 then get to sleep on some cots.
06:30 Saturday morning- a very unpleasant wake up, followed by breakfast, equipment checks, and briefings. I have two sets of gear to check, photographic stuff and my airsoft gear. I lend out one of my guns to the RSP. I photograph one group running the gauntlet of sniper fire, bombings, civilian mobs, thug-ish police and the room clearing from hell. Then i follow them inside and photograph them as they learn to cammo their faces. I talk with them a bit and they are a lot more comfortable with me, and with getting shot to hell by my friends. I tell them next time they see me I'll be gunning for them too.
I trade my camera for an Echo 1 Vector Arms AK47, put on a plastic badge and go out to play Iraqi Police. I'm mostly passive. I do some communicating which I aim at getting them to remember what they're supposed to be doing or presenting a minor speed bump in that process. There is one situation where they are slow to enter a room. We go in to "Show them how it's done,' and promptly get shot to pieces by our fellow OPFOR. As I write this I still have the welts.
After lunch, more of the same.
After dinner there are 3 hours of scored challenge events. By now my feet are killing me and I'm dead tired, but I do the best I can. I run, I scream I get pushed to the floor at gunpoint and searched.
After the recruits are bedded down we tear through six large pizzas and 3 18 packs of Labbat's beer. I fall asleep on a cott in between to cars in the cavernous motor pool.
Sunday was more conventional airsoft. We did more shooting than acting which we discussed at length in out AAR. But it still had training value. The recruits communicated well, moved as a team, supported each other and did a number on us.
When I got home on Sunday I promptly called in sick to work and passed out for about 13 hours. I really was sick. When I woke up I had my first full on cold of the season. Runny nose, congestion, the whole deal. I can't help thinking the lack of sleep and long hours held the door open for the germs. Still worth it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Renewal
Over the past four years my airsoft fortunes have waxed and waned. The first year i played I had a horrible retail job which would only occasionally grant me a Saturday off in order to play. But on the rare occasions I could play, it sustained me. I walked a little taller for a week or so afterwards, felt a little better about my life, and just wasn't as easily annoyed.
The next year with a new job I could play more frequently. The good post game feelings were still there (Along with the occasional hangover.) but it just wasn't as special. Instead of a rare event, airsoft was working it's way into my [screwed up] routine. From there the inevitable happened. As the airsoft scene got larger and some people grew more vocal about how they think things ought to be run the fun took on an aspect of a chore. Of work.
I began to feel airsoft as a game wasn't all that much fun, but merely presented an opportunity to be around like-minded people. This past weekend I had a chance to rediscover playing. Not only that, but I was able to, in many ways play the kind of game I enjoy.
There were perhaps 25 people total divided up playground style into two numerically equal teams. I say, "numerically equal" because quantity does not equal quality, and in that respect there were some sorely mismatched rounds. Most of the day i was on the receiving end of that, but I gave about as good as I got.
For most of the day I found myself alone, so I reverted to my old standby of sneaking around. I was patient enough to make certain as possible that when I moved into the open the other team was occupied with something else. I tried to strike a balance between moving fast, loud and conspicuous, and slow, overly cautious and vulnerable. I got some nice shots in and when I wasn't able to take anyone out I certainly gave them a fright.
During the last game of the day I was together with four guys from my team. Now, I feel it's important to mention something at this point. My team is not just the side I happen to be on for that game. They are people I know, trust and can predict. When I work with them I am more aggressive, more communicative and an all around better player. I know they will back me up and act as they should when given information. (ie: When I call out an enemy location I know it will be suppressed immediately, not in a minute, immediately. And, overwhelmingly.) When I am on my own, I have to be on the lookout for much more, I have no one watching my flanks, no one to provide suppression. So when on my own, I tend to be as stealthy as I can. Low crawl, climb steep slopes and generally try to be where I'm not expected. Sometimes I'm lucky and that works. Sometimes I get pegged in the head five minutes in before I even get a shot off.
It's worth noting another thing about this past weekend's game. I had planned on running with just my AEG and a hicap. No tactical gear at all. Too bad the hicap decided that it didn't want to feed. I did have some mid caps and I was able to carry two of thos in my shirt pockets, and one in the gun for a grand total of 300 rounds. I used semi most of the day which added greatly to my stealth and to the fun.
Here are some general things I try to do:
1) Before playing test your gun(s) for range and accuracy. Know how far they can go under the best of circumstances. Only engage someone within that limit. (In general most airsoft guns are accurate to about 100-120 feet. I like to engage at between 75 and 90 feet to ensure a hit.)
2) Do not fire until your target is well within range or until forced to by the following:
Detection
The need to cover for a teammate
Nuisance fire to keep an enemy off balance
3) When unsure of a hit and still unseen, engage with semi. In case of a miss this makes it harder to zero in on your location by sound.
4) When there is little cover, simply hugging the ground can work. Most people's visual scanning tends to look for something at or near their level. Not on the ground or up a tree.
5) If you are exchanging fire with 2 or more individuals try to use cover so that only one can target you. Even if it is only for a second or two that may be all you need to hit one and then evade the other. Of course Kamikaze runs are always an option.
The next year with a new job I could play more frequently. The good post game feelings were still there (Along with the occasional hangover.) but it just wasn't as special. Instead of a rare event, airsoft was working it's way into my [screwed up] routine. From there the inevitable happened. As the airsoft scene got larger and some people grew more vocal about how they think things ought to be run the fun took on an aspect of a chore. Of work.
I began to feel airsoft as a game wasn't all that much fun, but merely presented an opportunity to be around like-minded people. This past weekend I had a chance to rediscover playing. Not only that, but I was able to, in many ways play the kind of game I enjoy.
There were perhaps 25 people total divided up playground style into two numerically equal teams. I say, "numerically equal" because quantity does not equal quality, and in that respect there were some sorely mismatched rounds. Most of the day i was on the receiving end of that, but I gave about as good as I got.
For most of the day I found myself alone, so I reverted to my old standby of sneaking around. I was patient enough to make certain as possible that when I moved into the open the other team was occupied with something else. I tried to strike a balance between moving fast, loud and conspicuous, and slow, overly cautious and vulnerable. I got some nice shots in and when I wasn't able to take anyone out I certainly gave them a fright.
During the last game of the day I was together with four guys from my team. Now, I feel it's important to mention something at this point. My team is not just the side I happen to be on for that game. They are people I know, trust and can predict. When I work with them I am more aggressive, more communicative and an all around better player. I know they will back me up and act as they should when given information. (ie: When I call out an enemy location I know it will be suppressed immediately, not in a minute, immediately. And, overwhelmingly.) When I am on my own, I have to be on the lookout for much more, I have no one watching my flanks, no one to provide suppression. So when on my own, I tend to be as stealthy as I can. Low crawl, climb steep slopes and generally try to be where I'm not expected. Sometimes I'm lucky and that works. Sometimes I get pegged in the head five minutes in before I even get a shot off.
It's worth noting another thing about this past weekend's game. I had planned on running with just my AEG and a hicap. No tactical gear at all. Too bad the hicap decided that it didn't want to feed. I did have some mid caps and I was able to carry two of thos in my shirt pockets, and one in the gun for a grand total of 300 rounds. I used semi most of the day which added greatly to my stealth and to the fun.
Here are some general things I try to do:
1) Before playing test your gun(s) for range and accuracy. Know how far they can go under the best of circumstances. Only engage someone within that limit. (In general most airsoft guns are accurate to about 100-120 feet. I like to engage at between 75 and 90 feet to ensure a hit.)
2) Do not fire until your target is well within range or until forced to by the following:
Detection
The need to cover for a teammate
Nuisance fire to keep an enemy off balance
3) When unsure of a hit and still unseen, engage with semi. In case of a miss this makes it harder to zero in on your location by sound.
4) When there is little cover, simply hugging the ground can work. Most people's visual scanning tends to look for something at or near their level. Not on the ground or up a tree.
5) If you are exchanging fire with 2 or more individuals try to use cover so that only one can target you. Even if it is only for a second or two that may be all you need to hit one and then evade the other. Of course Kamikaze runs are always an option.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Why?
I've gotten this question a lot since I got back. Two questions actually.
"Why did you go to Israel?" and, "Why did you volunteer to work with the Israeli Defense Forces?
I've got no shortage of answers. I'm a Jew. I'm a Zionist. I've got plenty of interest in military stuff, and I look good in a uniform. But those are all surface answers. They're the kind of answer that leads to more questions without really answering what you're asked.
"So you're Jewish, that doesn't explain why you (Someone who isn't very religious at all and tends to be a bit down on those who are.) would fly halfway around the world."
The more private answer is to pay off some old debts. Let's go back ten years shall we?
I was sixteen. I hadn't started shaving, hadn't learned to drive or how to get a girl to let me kiss her. I'd just gotten my first AP credits and I thought I knew damn near everything. For six weeks in the summer of 1998 I was with a group of around 30 other American Jewish teens and I got a hell of an education. Turns out I didn't know shit. Not about how the world worked, how people worked or how I worked. Turns out I was a whiny little dirt bag with some anger problems. (Yeah, go figure.) I was a whiner, a jerk and a dumbass. I got bullied, was a bully, fell in love, was heartbroken and generally got about a year of high school social stuff crammed into six weeks of youth hostels and Egged buses.
But when I came back with a really dark tan, lots of photos, some peach fuzz on my cheeks a slightly different walk and a sense of self that I didn't have. Maybe it was the people I was with. Maybe it was the place. I think it was both. But I felt like I'd done some things wrong. I'd done them wrong by the people I was with and by myself. So I resolved that within ten years i'd go back. After I'd grown up some, gotten myself reasonably squared away I'd go back and show my people, show myself what I could really offer.
Mission accomplished.
I did good. I didn't complain. I put myself in adversity and I triumphed. I put myself in a dangerous place and I didn't flinch.
So why did I go? Why did I do what I did?
To prove it to myself. And, simply because I said I would. Promise made, promise kept. As for the politics, Zionism, religion, etc. I'm simply not accustomed to explaining why I believe what I believe. Just that I haven't drank the Kool-Aid just yet.
"Why did you go to Israel?" and, "Why did you volunteer to work with the Israeli Defense Forces?
I've got no shortage of answers. I'm a Jew. I'm a Zionist. I've got plenty of interest in military stuff, and I look good in a uniform. But those are all surface answers. They're the kind of answer that leads to more questions without really answering what you're asked.
"So you're Jewish, that doesn't explain why you (Someone who isn't very religious at all and tends to be a bit down on those who are.) would fly halfway around the world."
The more private answer is to pay off some old debts. Let's go back ten years shall we?
I was sixteen. I hadn't started shaving, hadn't learned to drive or how to get a girl to let me kiss her. I'd just gotten my first AP credits and I thought I knew damn near everything. For six weeks in the summer of 1998 I was with a group of around 30 other American Jewish teens and I got a hell of an education. Turns out I didn't know shit. Not about how the world worked, how people worked or how I worked. Turns out I was a whiny little dirt bag with some anger problems. (Yeah, go figure.) I was a whiner, a jerk and a dumbass. I got bullied, was a bully, fell in love, was heartbroken and generally got about a year of high school social stuff crammed into six weeks of youth hostels and Egged buses.
But when I came back with a really dark tan, lots of photos, some peach fuzz on my cheeks a slightly different walk and a sense of self that I didn't have. Maybe it was the people I was with. Maybe it was the place. I think it was both. But I felt like I'd done some things wrong. I'd done them wrong by the people I was with and by myself. So I resolved that within ten years i'd go back. After I'd grown up some, gotten myself reasonably squared away I'd go back and show my people, show myself what I could really offer.
Mission accomplished.
I did good. I didn't complain. I put myself in adversity and I triumphed. I put myself in a dangerous place and I didn't flinch.
So why did I go? Why did I do what I did?
To prove it to myself. And, simply because I said I would. Promise made, promise kept. As for the politics, Zionism, religion, etc. I'm simply not accustomed to explaining why I believe what I believe. Just that I haven't drank the Kool-Aid just yet.
Monday, August 25, 2008
I now hate Iron Man
Through some massive cock up, EL AL had the same movies going from NY to Tel Aviv as they do from Tel Aviv to NY. I have now seen Iron Man about 10 times, Prince Caspian about 4 (I still find it odd that EL AL would choose to show a movie that's pretty much Christian allegory. But as I've learned, many subtle things don't translate too well.). I've also finally seen Dodgeball, again 4 times. Alan Tudyke (Spelling?) makes a good pirate, although the lady next to me didn't appreciate me saying, "Hey, that's Wash!" when I realized who he was.
I'm in Newark which seems about as far away from Rochester as anywhere right now. But at least everyone speaks nominal English. Mostly. (EMFDYSI?)
After the wedding we're going to do some sightseeing in NYC and I am personally looking forward to a nice juicy American steak.
I'm in Newark which seems about as far away from Rochester as anywhere right now. But at least everyone speaks nominal English. Mostly. (EMFDYSI?)
After the wedding we're going to do some sightseeing in NYC and I am personally looking forward to a nice juicy American steak.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The FAMAS
As I mentioned earlier, one of my bunkmates, Jean has served in the French army. (He's also going to give me a website where I can buy French camo- eat you heart out Evin.) So, me being me, I asked him what he thought of the FAMAS. Here are the main points:
1) The version in use by most of the French Army is the G1, this is the model with the built in bipod and which utilizes proprietory magazines. The G2 version which takes STANAG magazines (That's M-16 compatible, NATO standard magazines for those of you who are not airsoft. gun junkies.) is mostly used by the French Navy and by special units.
2) It's heavy. With a magazine it wieghs in at around 4 kilos, compared with the 2.5-ish and M4 weighs. This is Jean's only complaint.
3) The paddle safety in front of the trigger switches the weapon from safe, to semi and auto. An additional knob on the stock toggles either full auto or 3 round burst.
4) There are flip up rear sights. Open for up to 50 meters and two apertures for medium and long range respectively. Mounting optics is a pain in the rear and needs major work.
5) The barrel is on the heavy side to allow the firing of rifle grenades. The current issue grenades have a bullet-proof plate in the back allowing the to be launched with regular ammo rather than a special cartrige.
As an additional note on French Army kit, he reccomends avoiding French military boots at all costs as they are extremely uncomfortable.
Well I'm off to lunch now, just having cleaned up rom a morning dip in the Med. The water's fine. Also Israel finally has an Olympic medal. Bronze in windsurfing.
1) The version in use by most of the French Army is the G1, this is the model with the built in bipod and which utilizes proprietory magazines. The G2 version which takes STANAG magazines (That's M-16 compatible, NATO standard magazines for those of you who are not airsoft. gun junkies.) is mostly used by the French Navy and by special units.
2) It's heavy. With a magazine it wieghs in at around 4 kilos, compared with the 2.5-ish and M4 weighs. This is Jean's only complaint.
3) The paddle safety in front of the trigger switches the weapon from safe, to semi and auto. An additional knob on the stock toggles either full auto or 3 round burst.
4) There are flip up rear sights. Open for up to 50 meters and two apertures for medium and long range respectively. Mounting optics is a pain in the rear and needs major work.
5) The barrel is on the heavy side to allow the firing of rifle grenades. The current issue grenades have a bullet-proof plate in the back allowing the to be launched with regular ammo rather than a special cartrige.
As an additional note on French Army kit, he reccomends avoiding French military boots at all costs as they are extremely uncomfortable.
Well I'm off to lunch now, just having cleaned up rom a morning dip in the Med. The water's fine. Also Israel finally has an Olympic medal. Bronze in windsurfing.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A brief word on weapons
Most of the weapons I saw in use with IDF soldiers are not in fact M4's as they appear initially. Closer inspection reveals that they lack the brass deflector, have a slightly different forward assist and have a different barrel. I got a close look at a few and the factory mark reads "M-16 A1." However, they do have an M4 length barrel (or shorter) the telescoping stock (aslo slightly different from the M4) and the barrel has different external charectaristics. The hand guards are also A2 style.
True there are M4's in service, but not as many. I also saw far fewer red dot sights than I thought.
I only saw 4 or 5 Tavors. I talked with Ron about them and apparently they are not quite as soldier proof as people would like. Something which may be slowing the adoption.
Gotta go, people waiting to use the hotel's compter. Later I'll have feedback on the FAMAS from a French Army veteran.
True there are M4's in service, but not as many. I also saw far fewer red dot sights than I thought.
I only saw 4 or 5 Tavors. I talked with Ron about them and apparently they are not quite as soldier proof as people would like. Something which may be slowing the adoption.
Gotta go, people waiting to use the hotel's compter. Later I'll have feedback on the FAMAS from a French Army veteran.
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