OPERATION GREEN HELL

Saturday, June 2nd, 2007

Camp Stasa, MI

Weather: Hot and humid with temps in the mid-to-upper 80's, rain and storms developing in the afternoon.

Bug report: Thrillions of mosquitoes, eager and anxious to devour every drop of militia blood available.

The weather was hot and humid, the bugs were a-plenty, and we had a hell of a time. A green hell of a time.

A couple of Pioneers had stayed Friday evening, and worked with The Camp Commander himself, WW2 Infantry Veteran Frank Stasa, on sprucing up the range, the road, and mowing the grass. This displays exceptional dedication that we all can learn from.

Jester also provided a new set of flags, which flapped majestically in the warm breeze.

Above. Majestic. Flapping. Flappingly majestic.

Above: Hellion, Mad Hatter, and Weapon M. Work detail fell under the capable leadership of Cpl Punishment.

No, it's not always fun and games. The Camp Commander tasked us with using some wood chips to try and fill in some of the low muddy spots. After shoveling two loads from the back of the blue beast, and spreading a load from the skip loader (I kept calling it a bulldozer or back hoe...), we were thoroughly exhausted and roasted. This seems like a good start. Had the heavy equipment up front been successfully re-animated, we could have gotten more. Big props to everyone involved in this, especially Bob, who provided some guidance and motivation, and, despite having had rotator cuff replacement surgery a few months back, a sturdy bit of shoveling. The crew kept re-hydrating as needed, and even got a nifty boost when Chuckwagon showed up with some lemonade, which is a cool, refreshing drink.

D2 had an interesting rifle/water bottle combo set-up. Cool.

Whilst this was going on,  Bishop, Doc, Razor, Thumper, Jester and the rest were running a handful of new folks through some Level One introduction and basic rifle marksmanship.  It's always good to see new folks at the range, especially when they show such promising interest. 

Above left: Newer folks on the firing line.                                            Right: A subdued Michigan flag.

After some BRM, which is always a good thing, everyone took a re-hydration break and scored some of Chuckwagon's vittles. I took it upon myself, as did others, to remind everyone, to the point of complete aggravation, to keep drinking water, all day. As long as we are out there, we will remind you to drink, drink, drink more and more water. Most of us bring a case or two every time out, for the purpose of helping everyone, this includes all of the humans at the range, to stay hydrated. In a pinch, the well can be placed into service, and we can purify some local creek water if absolutely necessary. 

Above: Ambush training, including the use of a tug rope for silent communication.

We then participated in the second of a multi session series of patrolling classes, this time covering setting up a linear ambush. Bishop continues to excel in giving these classes, sometimes on a short notice. As usual, Jester and the other Pioneers were there to help out their fellow citizens learn a thing or two.

We covered having 360 degree security, how an ambush is used and how it is initiated. We also discussed how enemy (whoever the heck that may be...) forces may react to an ambush, and what measures that could be taken to assure that your ambush is a successful one. (Kids! Have the best ambush on your block!!!) We also discussed how silent communications and a very high state of alertness will make a better ambush. After a class, we then did a walk through, and then took to the woods to put the whole thing together.

Tank was on point.

As with most things, the success of an operation will depend on preparations made beforehand. Knowing your signals, rally points and escape routes, are all essential to the success of any operation. Knowing what to do with any enemy persons or material encountered after a successful operation is very important as well. It does not just fall on your unit leaders to cover these. You, as an individual militia person must, must, must ask for any information that you feel is important to your success. The only dumb question is the one that you fail to ask.

One point that I am happy to make here is that this militia squad of nine, including at least one brand-spanking-new militia dude, took their positions for the ambush quietly, and then, while the bugs bled them bone dry, they waited patiently. I kept waiting for one or more of them to spring up and complain about being bitten. Nobody did. I was there being bitten. I know I wasn't the only one experiencing major discomfort. These folks waited patiently for the opfor to come. This shows the type of mental discipline that may some day be needed. I was delighted at this. However, let us each remember to bring lots and lots of bug spray next time.

Interesting note on the ambush: When the "end of exercise" signal was given, and Bravo Team stood up, the Opfor was surprised. "We didn't know that team was even there," they stated. Good job for this team!!! That's the key, to stay so well-hidden that the enemy doesn't know you are even there. 

Our next patrolling class in July will cover point recon. Read up on it. Learn it, know it.

I would like to personally thank the new and sort-of-new folks for showing up. Spread the word, spread the readiness!

Rear security, left.                                                                             Jester was with the Opfor today, right.

Alpha team leader Razor 67.                                                               Weapon M.

We hope to see you all out there next time. Bring lots of water and bug spray. Also, we were close to 100% face camo, so find a veil or an old t-shirt or even (gasp) some paint.

And remember to always conduct yourself safely, so you can go home to the ones you love, and maybe even get some apple cherry crisp.

Stay ready.

-Weapon M

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT

Operation: Down and Dirty

June 2, 2007

Today is what I consider a Working/training day. And a good one at that.  We had little planned but a lot to do.  Sunny skies, High humidity, and near 90 degree temperatures kept things interesting.  Mosquitoes, dehydration, and sunburn were all potential threats today. 

  SMVM regulars, ECVM members, Friends from Ohio who have become regulars, and a few new faces popped in today.  Viper, Weapon M, Cpl Punishment, and BBT formed part of the crew charged with the much needed task of filling in the holes in our road which turns into a soupy, sloppy, muddy mess of epic proportions. And that's on the good days.  When it rains, It's nearly impassible to all but 4 wheel drives and, somehow, Chuckwagons two-wheelin' Tahoe (Must be a special option that's included on formerly state-owned vehicles)

  Two truckloads of woodchips were dropped in the road and spread out filling in some of the more major hazards and the legend that is Mr. Frank Stasa dropped a load from his front-end loader.  Mechanical problems with the loader prevented us from using it further.

  While this occurred, Bishop and Thumper took the reigns at the range and helped the new folks begin the sometimes frustrating process of sighting in a new rifle.  The ever popular Mauser and the equally well represented Nagant rifles made an appearance, Very appropriate for our budget-minded militia weekend.  Also A Beretta Cx4 Storm made an appearance in the hands of one of our newer visitors. 

  Then came lunch, Chuckwagon took pity on our spouses and our lower digestive tract as his ever-popular beans were noticeably absent today.  Instead, Grilled Polish sausages and potato salad graced our plates.

  It is here where I must make an observation.  As I said before, It was hot.  As always, I brought a case of bottled water. I pick them up at discount at my job and provide them to all who need it.  As the temperature climbed, I was afraid I didn't bring enough, but I had a hard time giving them away.  It seems everyone brought more than enough for their own use. Several others outside of our always well-prepared support staff also brought cases of water which they willingly handed out to anyone who looked like they might merely be thinking about sweating.

  After Lunch, Bishop taught a class on preparing an ambush, Discipline over ones assigned sector of fire was emphasized. Possible reactions to the ambush and appropriate reactions were covered.  Then these lessons were put into practice.

  The threat of severe weather and approaching lightning punctuated our training day.

  Thank you to all the new folks who came out today.  I look forward to seeing all of you next month as you bring one or two others with you.