The State Department thinks there may be a security problem at U.S. diplomatic facilities aound the planet

U.S. Embassy guard

A security problem? At U.S. Diplomatic facilities? Gee, what was their first clue?

"The review follows September’s deadly attack on a U.S. consulate in

Benghazi, Libya, and revelations there was no Marine Corps presence at the compound — 
or anywhere else in the country — when heavily armed attackers laid waste to the facility,
killing U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevensand three other Americans."

Oh, that might be the clue. Duh.

"Marine Corps officials say there’s been no call to boost the size of its Embassy Security Group.
But when asked if the State Department is assessing whether the number of Marine security
guards needs to increase, a spokesman for the agency indicated that remains to be determined."

Yeah, State's (Hillary's folks) gotta get that “determining” thing taken care of. You know, committees, Power Point presentations, graphs and charts, meetings, discussions... that stuff.

A pointed follow-up. Or a follow-up with a point?

USMC Current Issue Bayonet Knife

Whatever. America's Sergeant Major, (a blog I follow) sent me this suggestion as an idea for another post about a comment made during last night's debate. He (the Sergeant Major) being a US Marine with extensive knowledge (and experience) in the fine art of Bayonet Usage, is someone whose suggestion I will follow have followed.

The story, titled "The Need for Bayonet Training in the 21st Century," gives insight as to why the weapon is in use today (despite rumors or "mis-speaks), why the weapon is important (more than what you first thought), and the training involved in its proper use. 

"In today’s technology-driven battlefield there is a misconception on the value of

bayonet training. The main focus of bayonet training is not to prepare Marines to

'go over the top' in a massed bayonet charge as in World War I or the Civil War.

Bayonet training is a physical means of developing and reinforcing a combat mindset.

There are several factors in developing a combat mindset, some of which are hard

physical training and mental training. The bayonet provides a physical vehicle for

developing these as well as providing Marines with additional time handling weapons

and moving with weapons."

The story also speaks to the subject of how even the simplest of weapons can be used in an involved, well-thought-out process... Training our military to be the finest fighting force in the world. Physically and mentally equipped to a degree that surpasses any of our country's enemies. Learning how to best protect we civilians and, equally important, themselves.

Thanks, Sergeant Major! Semper Fidelis.

Dear Mr. Commander-in-Chief: Do Not. Mess With. The United State Marine Corp.

Bayonet training

Not only do they have bayonets, they most certainly do know how to use them, they watch Election Debates, they have internet access, and they tweet.

Maybe you just "mis-spoked?" Again.

When you have a question, look around for the horse's mouth. Not the other end.

We've all been hearing a lot of talking, arguing, discussing, debating, speculating, guessing, and other things, lately about the Behghazi, Libya, attack on our US Consulate. Good folks died. Blame is being placed. Politics are being played.

Something was said tonight that triggered a memory...

I frequently read a blog written by a US Marine. He's been around and knows things. When I first heard about the attack and murders, I went to his site looking for any information he might be sharing. No, the man does not mouth off about stuff he knows shouldn't be mouthed off about. He's a Marine, for cryin' out loud!

If you'd like some insight as to the duties, manpower, etc., of the USMC at our diplomatic facilities in foreign countries, I recommend you read this.

Marines test new helo camouflage scheme

You know them as fearless fighters. You know them as the first to be called upon when our nation requires a Show of Force. You probably don't know, though, that in the little downtime they have, they aren't just lounging around the barracks. Or tent.

As example I offer an example of their cunning ingenuity...

Problem:  Helicopters, when not aloft, require camouflage. Not satisfied with the run-of-the-mill paint scheme, an inventive Marine developed a diabolical pattern.

As seen from a distance.

As seen close up.

I found the pictures here.  The original poster noted that he thought the guy had been "staring at the back of a semi-truck for too long."

Semper Fi!