With the old year winding down, there is a natural tendency to look back and reflect on the accomplishments and even the failures.  The hard part is to ignore this natural tendency, and instead, to look ahead at what is “next.”  This is why we also use this time to make “New Years” resolutions, which more likely than not, we’ll break by the first of January.  For me, they usually don’t last much past ten minutes after midnight when the ball drops.  This year will be no exception, as I will look both backwards, and then forwards, with hope.  Every year when I do this process, I realize yet again, that the view isn’t all that dissimilar from the previous year’s view.  The treadmill of life moves ever forward, and I like millions of others, will make the most of it.

This leads to the inevitable, making of my own resolutions.  So, like many years of the past, I will again make those few resolutions, and hopefully this year, I can craft them so that they won’t be broken so quickly.  For example, I want to be a better husband, father, grandpa, and son.  I think I can do this, not sure how yet, but I’m going to at least give it a shot.  I guess maybe the key is patience, or it could be that I just need to shut up more.  Either way, I’m going to at least give it a shot.

Some other things that might be good resolutions.  I want to excel at my profession.  We learn all the time, so this isn’t as hard as it sounds.  I may get kicked in the teeth a few times, but so be it, from each poke, you learn.  Okay, got that one covered.  Now then for the really hard stuff.  I’d love to finish the third book, and I need to get the second book revised one more time, and then have it published.  Those seem like realistic goals, and a far cry from the usual.  We all ask for world peace, but who are we kidding.  Is that really attainable?  Maybe the real key is to set a goal that can be reached easily.  This stuff about quitting smoking, drinking, or more exercise, never happens.  Hell, who has time for that kind of thing.  I’m too busy trying to finish the third book..... which naturally leads to more smoking, drinking, and very little exercise.  If I did it all, then I would fail at the more basic stuff, such as being that better husband, father, grandpa, and son.  Nope, this year is different.  I plan on keeping it simple. ~ Michael S. Pauley

During this joyous season, we are still faced with those who feel compelled to complain about anyone saying “Happy Holidays” as opposed to a hearty “Merry Christmas.”  I myself have caught such grief, since I am one who is quite prone to use the phrase “Happy Holidays!”  It isn’t a lack of religion, and it is not an attempt to be politically correct at the expense of Christmas.  Oh, and I certainly am NOT attempting to remove Christ from Christmas, nor am I declaring a “War on Christmas.”  The answer is much simpler for me.  I have traveled extensively around this globe, and I have friends who are representative of several different faiths, religions, and holidays.  I also happened to notice that the relatively universal “New Years Day” is also part of the season.  

Now comes the confession, the honest truth is that I’m just too damn lazy to remember who does what in my circle of friends.  I’m doing good to remember what I’m doing for any particular holiday, so the ubiquitous “Happy Holidays” seems to cover my bases.  Now if you wish me a “Merry Chrismahuanakwanza” or a “Happy Festivus for the Restofus” then that is what you’ll get in return.  For my part, I’ve not declared war on any holiday, religious or otherwise, with the one possible exception of “Columbus Day.”  I think we should probably rename that one the “Hose the Native Americans” day, or “Cheat the Norse out of a holiday” Day.  Aside from that, if I wish you a Happy Holidays, then take it in the spirit in which it is delivered, since for my part that includes all of the holidays in the season, not just mine. ~ Michael S. Pauley

“The soldiers were facing withering fire as they moved into position to screen the American and other foreigners who were to be evacuated from the city.”  Oddly enough, this is not a new sentence by any means.  During the Boxer Rebellion in China, the mission of rescuing American citizens, often times missionaries, was not at all uncommon.  It was so common in fact, that the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, remained in China until November 1941.   The strength number would go up and down, but the Yangtze River fleet was a presence right up until the United States entry into World War II.  This presence was so moving that it spawned books, movies, and one very interesting precursor to the War itself, when aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked and sank the river boat USS Panay.  Some might recall the USS Panay, but many don’t know that there were other attacks on various ships from Britain, and at least one other American Ship, all prior to December 7, 1941.  The attacks were particularly vicious, and were even noted by their strafing attacks against the men in the water who were attempting to abandon the USS Panay.  

Flash now to December 20/21, 2013, as the Rebel forces in South Sudan encircle the city of Bor, American citizens send out a call for assistance.  The Embassy security forces in the Capital of Juba are reinforced, and the need to send in further assistance is the Order of the day.  On December 22, 2013, the UN announces that they are pulling out non-essential personnel.  Against this high drama, four aircraft make the attempt to rescue the Americans in Bor, until they were faced with that “withering” fire, and are forced to turn around.  With one aircraft shot up and damaged, along with the flight crew who are now also wounded, this was but one more page of an ongoing story that dates far back in our history.  This is what our Armed Forces face, and have faced, since the Marines stormed Tripoli in the 1800s.  This is what we are and what we do, much to the criticism of many around the world.  

After any such operation many ask the question, “why?”  In 1900, many asked why China?  For the answer to that one, just take a look at a history book, and then wade through the tons of material about colonialism and religion.  While a fascinating topic, that isn’t the relevant question now.  Instead, the more relevant question for today is why South Sudan?  For the answer to this question, you must first examine the geography, the geopolitics from history of both the country and the region, and then there was the split of the Sudan into a North Sudan and a South Sudan.  This split is a very new development against a back drop of the massacres in Darfur (part of Sudan), the clash of religion, the ever popular ethnic cleansing, and a turmoil that has its roots in that old colonialism.  Yes, that thing that is from the deep past is still rearing up and biting people.  A simple computer search will show you maps of the colonial powers in Africa, and how it all went back and forth before the First World War, and even now into the 21st Century.  While the colonialism might be the root cause, it still doesn’t explain why?  To find that answer, we keep looking.

Americans often have a hard time understanding the concept of Colonialism.  Even though the United States started as a colony, we like to think we’re beyond it.  After all, after World War II, we couldn’t wait to get the beaten countries back on their feet, and we sure didn’t want any part of turning Japan or Germany into an American colony.  The view of taking turf, and then giving it back after a war, is pretty ingrained in our consciousness.  Many of us think that we are not inclined to having colonies, and with a notable few exceptions, they would be correct.  A great example?  The Philippines after the Spanish American War.  After a number of years of exploring our own colonialism, and quelling revolts that still simmer under the surface today, we were rather anxious to get out of that business.  We had taken over someone else’s colony, and after almost 40 years, had decided to give the people their independence.  While it is perhaps a little remembered fact, we were well into the process of “giving the Philippines back to the people,” with a legislatively mandated date for their independence set for 1946.  This legislation was passed well before Japan’s invasion of the Philippines in late December 1941.  There are but a few examples where we didn’t give it back, with the most notable of these being Puerto Rico and Hawaii.  

So, what does this have to do with South Sudan, and why would we care?  If we’re not going to keep it, and colonialism is not a factor for America, why does it matter?  The answer to this is a pretty simple one.  You only need to read the Report of the 9/11 Commission.   Granted, it is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination, but it does set out the ground work and history of the evolution of Al Qaeda.  In simplest terms, Sudan was the first organized home for Osama bin Laden, and where he was allowed to initially develop his terror network.  In other words, with the pull out of the Colonial governments, there was a vacuum, and as things descended further into chaos, it became a perfect breeding ground for lawless activities, to include terror.  Naturally, because nature abhors a vacuum, Sudan was one of the birth places of Al Qaeda, and what we now call the “war on terror.” 

As we reach this holiday season, where most of us are thinking about what we should get our wives, girl friends, children, and friends, or what time is the party, I would only ask this one thing.  Please remember those who are following one of our oldest global missions of protecting our fellow citizens.  Especially while they are “facing withering fire as they move into position to screen the American and other foreigners who are to be evacuated from the city.”  It is these men and women who keep us safe, to worry about the mundane, while they carry the weight of the nation on their shoulders.  God Bless our men and women who serve our country, and may they return safe and sound. Happy Holidays! ~  Michael S. Pauley 

What the hell happened?
I wonder if anyone reading this remembers when the Weather Channel showed the weather at night, or when Headline News actually had news after say 7:00 p.m.?  Don’t get me wrong, the Coast Guard in Alaska is fascinating, but seriously?  Why not break down and give us some weather, instead of some silly little box in the corner of the screen that requires you to have a magnifying glass to even find it, much less read it.  Now it takes a calamity or significant weather event to have them deviate from their regularly scheduled programing.  Why not just call it something other than the Weather Channel?  How about we rename them the “Obscure Weather Related Crap channel?”  

While we’re at it, HLN, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc., have their constant news cycle crawling across the bottom of my screen in fine print.  This is great, assuming I have nothing else to do but read that scrolling text twenty thousand times, before I get the entire headline that tells me little to nothing.  Thank GOD for the internet, otherwise, you’d never have a clue about what might be happening after 6:00 p.m., or at least until a local news program pops up at 10:00 or 11:00 in the later evening.  Sadly, even the “local” news is not very satisfying.  Over the course of a 30 minute broadcast, the local weather person will pop up a half dozen times, only to tell me what he WILL tell me, later in the broadcast.

I guess I’m “old school,” but I really wish they would all stop trying to entertain me, and just start telling me what is going on in the world. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Politics and Military Professionals

Some people have asked me the question, “what is your opinion about the President?”  My response is the same, regardless of the specific man that might actually be in the office.  I am a professional soldier, and as such, my job is to enforce policy, not make it.  Does this mean I’m a mindless robot?  No, it just means that the expression of my opinion is driven by discipline and professionalism, which dictate that I keep my mouth shut in public.  I will not speak ill of any Commander and Chief, regardless of my personal feelings, nor would I expect anyone else to speak ill of their boss in a public setting.  (My parents made it clear when I was growing up that you never air your dirty laundry in public, and as a matter of professionalism, this holds true even in the age of the internet.  Maybe especially, in the age of the internet/twitter/facebook/etc.)  So, for anyone who wants to know how I feel about an issue, save yourself the trouble of asking me.  It is highly likely I won’t respond, and then you think I’m opposed to what you just asked.  My silence on any particular policy does not mean that I either agree or disagree with it, instead, it means that I will not divulge that opinion outside where it is appropriate.  

There are tons of examples of people who didn’t exactly follow this paradigm (e.g. General of the Army MacArthur attacking President Truman), and even in some military circles, this notion is becoming somewhat more “arguably justifiable” for some.  (E.g. in several articles, including one provided to Quarterly Parameters, a publication of the United States Army War College.)  Regardless of how someone tries to shine that fresh turd, I personally refuse to go down that road, and I also refuse to believe that this is a direction that a professional in the Armed Forces should follow.  Instead, if things are so bad you can’t live with it, then you have an obligation to both yourself and your country, to either walk away or keep your mouth shut.  Personally, through the years, I’ve always taken comfort in having an ample opportunity to voice an opinion, but it was always at the proper time and in the right setting.  I have done it on several occasions throughout the last 30+ years, where I have not only voiced an opinion, but I have voiced it with the appropriate level of true vehemence.  I can assure you that it isn’t always a popular thing to do, which is true with any boss not just our political leaders.  After all, no emperor wants to be told he isn’t actually wearing anything, especially when he thinks he purchased “new clothes.”

It is my fervent belief that the time for a military professional to voice their thoughts and opinions is at the time of a plan’s formulation.  In public, and when you have to execute that plan, is not such a time to start complaining.  So, regardless of whether you’re politically to the Right, Left, or in the Middle; or if you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, or even just wholly apathetic, please do not bother to ask me if I think “bombing such and such” is a good idea.  While I will have an opinion, I will not share it outside the proper setting.  I’m not trying to be rude, it is just me personally embracing what I believe to be a time honored professionalism required of the profession of arms. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Urban Sprawl, Tractors, and the Holidays

When my lovely bride and I first purchased our home, we made the conscious decision to live in a small town away from the city.  Granted, we were about 14 miles from an urban center, but it was a remote 12 to 14 miles near a large lake.  When we arrived, we had plenty of trees, space, and things were peaceful and quiet.  It was a longer commute than many like, but at least it was a restful commute.  Unfortunately, it appears that we didn’t get “far” enough out!  Over the last 15 years, what was once a small town near an urban center, became a suburban enclave, inside an urban center that was growing like a hydra.  No question, the “Urban Sprawl” is killing us, and what makes it especially bad is that, with the sprawl came a complete absence of any real improvement to the local infrastructure.  (This includes the power grid, which is second only to Venezuela or Uganda for being really horrible.)

My bride and I were obviously ahead of the curve when it came to our home selection.  What was once a quiet location, is now subjected to the constant sirens of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.  What was once a remote and peaceful drive, is now choked with our new “neighbors” as they commute from the “city.”   What was once a farmer’s field, is now a “Super Wally World” or “Target” or whatever sort of commercial operation that requires about a zillion square feet of concrete or asphalt.  In other words, we are now part of the dreaded suburban population, along with all the madness that accompanies that notion, especially at this time of year.  At certain times of the day, usually from 7:00 a.m. until sometime around 8:00 p.m., you will enter this massive traffic flow at your own risk.  The two lane roads existing when we moved here, are now four lanes that still can’t keep up with the sheer volume of traffic.  Where before there were only a half dozen traffic lights within a 5 mile radius of the town center, there are now too many traffic lights to count.  Yet, nestled within this bustling and overflowing town is a man who refuses to let go of the small town or to accept the new reality. 

No, it isn’t me, although that would be a good guess.  Nope, instead it is this fine old gentleman who is an ancient farmer and more than a local “institution.”  He is an “old school” stand alone kind of man, mainly because everyone is terrified to get near him.  I must admit that this terror also appears to include the local constabulary, who overlook a lot of things when it comes to him. Regardless, he is my personal hero, mainly because he is as cagy as a fox.  For the purposes of this Blog, he will remain nameless, but he is truly a sight to behold in our town.  Personally, I love seeing him, mainly because of what he represents.   This individual, clad in his bibbed overalls, long sleeve shirt, and ratty old ball cap, usually will be operating an ancient tractor through the middle of “rush hour” traffic.  Using only the turning lane, between the onrushing and outflowing traffic, he will cruise along at a bustling 5 mph, making odd turns while often times drinking a beer (Busch beer is his brand of choice).  These sojourns all take place at the height of rush hour, otherwise, why would he go anywhere at all.  Does he frustrate me?  Sure, a little, but never as much as he frustrates the hordes of “Young Urban Professionals” who will yell, scream, blow horns, and drive off the road to avoid him.  

You ask, well isn’t he a hazard to himself and others?  Probably.  Was he here before they even paved that road, which is now four lanes wide and packed with commuters?  Damn right he was there, and in fact, he owned the property before they built the road.  He also owned the land where they stuck the “Target,” “Wally World,” and at least another couple dozen business sites.  Does the tractor belong in a museum?  Yes it does, and I even know where a tractor museum is located in Virgina, but this thing actually runs, well, at least most of the time.  When it isn’t running, he will stand by the road and just wave at people flying by him at Mach 5, as he sips on the ever present beer.  (I have actually seen him with a beer in his hand as early as the 7:30 a.m. commute!)

Personally, I admire him.  He reminds us about what is important in our lives, and about how things used to be, before the sprawl ate up the personality of our home.  (There is also the argument that perhaps I admire him for annoying the hell out of these “newbies,” that run everyone off the road whenever given half a chance.  Okay, maybe a little.)  That aside, I also admire him for being completely unchanged by events around him, especially in his own life.  Does he drive a fancy car, wear nice clothes, or have a lot of stuff?  The answer here is a clear, nope!  Despite his financial wealth, this man is still quite simple in both his living and his outlook.  As he cruises down the road on the old beat up tractor, past his sign that says, “Chiken Comp 4 sail 4 UR flours,” he can be found sipping on his beer and waving at anyone who dares make eye contact.  He is my hero because he is a reminder of another time and another age.  I won’t apologize for it either, because it is always hard not to admire a man who can live like this, especially at this time of year. Besides, if I apologized, I’m pretty sure the old guy would probably hunt me down and kick my teeth in.......  ~ Michael S. Pauley 

ADIZ Games and the “Kid”

Back on December 3, 2013, I did a blog post about the dueling ADIZ in the South China Seas.  Since then, several events have transpired that reinforced that posting, and demonstrated just how complicated things can be in that part of the world.  The first event took place on December 5, 2013, just two days after my posting, when a PLN or Chinese Navy vessel almost collided with the USS Cowpens (CG 63).  The USS Cowpens, or CG, is a Guided Missile Cruiser and clearly an armed warship.  The smaller PLN vessel (also an armed warship) was attempting to “Stop” the USS Cowpens in what should be international waters.  This is posturing and we’ve seen it before, but make no mistake, this is very dangerous posturing.  The last time this happened, back in 2009, there was an attempt by several armed PLN ships to stop the USNS (United States Naval Ship) Impeccable.  The USNS Impeccable was an unarmed research ship, so the PLN’s attempts to stop it clearly did not require the same courage of this latest incident.  This one took some guts, since the USS Cowpens will employ not only great seamanship to get out of the way, but she also packs a pretty good wallop if threatened.  This is just one of what I’m afraid will be even more incidents arising from the Chinese unilateral expansion of the ADIZ into International Water.

Then, in a completely unrelated incident on December 12, 2013, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, had his very powerful Uncle, Jang Song Thaek, tried and executed.  Ostensibly, he was killed for “Crimes against the state,” but his “real” crimes were related to his negotiations and extremely close ties to the Chinese Government.  Despite the execution, the very next day, December 13, 2013, it was reported that the North Korean and Chinese Governments entered into an agreement to build a high speed rail line between  Beijing to Kaesong via Pyongyang.  When was this Agreement signed?  On the same day as the execution of Jang Song Thaek.  Now, if you are wondering what all this means, I can only say that right now things are fluid.  Most experts will say that this is Kim Jong Un eliminating any threat to his power base, and that he is consolidating his position as the “head cheese.”  This makes sense, because North Korea’s economy is beyond awful, and the leadership transition between the old regime of Kim Jong ll, into the much younger Kim Jong Un, is creating a real dangerous landscape internally in North Korea.   It also makes sense for Kim Jong Un to make a deal with the Chinese the day of the execution, if nothing else to demonstrate “friendship” and that there is a new guy in town.  This calms the waters with the Chinese, while still showing them “who is boss.”

Now then, what is next?  My guess is that we’re about to see even more dangerous encounters in the South China Sea.  Whether they are the result of China flexing muscle into their unilaterally declared ADIZ, or if they are a result of internal turmoil in North Korea, the potential for some sort of negative event in that part of the world is probably pretty high.  If it is a Chinese incident, then it most likely will be in the form of an encounter at sea, or a significant incident involving a commercial aircraft.  North Korea, on the other hand, loves to lash outside their borders when they need to “demonstrate” their resolve in holding onto the reins of power domestically.  I personally am waiting on either another missile test, or more nuclear reactor activity, or maybe just a good old fashioned torpedo attack on an unsuspecting US or South Korean vessel.  Then again, they can always fire more artillery rounds at an island somewhere in what they claim are disputed waters.  Regardless, keep an eye on that part of the world, since there will be no shortage of potential problems. ~ Michael S. Pauley 

Seriously?

Not to “beat the dead horse,” but I saw a news item that does drive home the point of my last blog post.  Days before anyone else, the Stars and Stripes dropped another big story of interest to all of us, not just those in the military.  (Which may be why it is on the alleged budgetary butcher block.)  On December 6, 2013, Stars and Stripes and AP pointed out that a Senior Civilian Intelligence Advisor to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence resigned because he was also receiving money from a Chinese Technology Company as a member of their international advisory council.  This strikes me as important news, and certainly worthy of notice in an age where the Intelligence Community, as a group, is wearing a lot of egg on their faces.  With that in hand, I will defy anyone to tell me why the Stars and Stripes is not worth the subsidy from DOD to keep it up and running. ~ Michael S. Pauley 

Stars and Stripes

I normally stay away from politics, but there is a rumor afoot, and I am compelled to express an opinion.  With sequestration, and Department of Defense cutbacks, I am appalled at the notion that funding for the Stars and Stripes would be considered as an alternative.  Having served around the world, this publication was often the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marines’ only real news or link to the “real” world.  It is often quite “unbiased” and contrary to popular belief, it is not propaganda.  As a matter of fact, the Stars and Stripes often break stories impacting the military and their families, well before the “main stream” media gets wind of it.  Most recently, their reporting revealed a pretty serious scandal in the Navy.  In fact, they were speaking of the suspension of several senior officers (as in Flag Rank senior), days ahead of anyone else in the news.  Similarly, they were reporting about the potential closing of commissaries in the United States, weeks before anyone else.  How is this not important?  It is my fervent belief that this publication is a vital service to both our military and their families, and it should be left completely untouched.  It is my further belief that maybe it should be mandatory reading for some of our civilian leadership.  If nothing else, it would educate them about the world where the men and women in the Armed Forces are now living. I would urge anyone who bothers to take the time, to read an issue.  It is online at http://www.stripes.com and readily accessible to anyone.  Once you’ve read it, pick up your phone to your Congressman or Senator, and tell them to protect the Stars and Stripes.  It might be about the only thing these days keeping our leadership honest.  ~  Michael S. Pauley

Crunch Time!

As kids we always looked forward to the holiday season.  Regardless of your religious bent, the holidays were something to look forward to enjoying.  As I’ve gotten older, okay much older, I have come to realize that the holidays are not just for celebration, but often times, they are that brief period of time for a quick sigh of relief.  (Albeit, a very brief period of time.)  Illustrating my point, we can take any professional or student, and notice how they are working towards that “end of year.”  Now is the time that the Court System starts the rush to complete all those loose ends, and the lawyers scramble to get all the deadlines covered.  The CPA is trying to get the “year end” numbers right, while the student is cracking the books for exams.  This year even the physicians are struggling with a higher volume of patients, as they scramble to treat more patients before the newly imposed deadlines related to the imposition of the Affordable Care Act, a/k/a “Obamacare.”  These are just some examples, because face it, everyone is impacted in some way by the “holiday crunch.”   

Now along with the work issues, you have to add those pesky family issues.  The parent who has everything already; the kids who need money; and that pointless search for the ever popular “perfect” gift for each of your loved ones.  Overlying all of this will be the inevitable horrible weather bogging down the transportation system.  This is all without adding at least one or more forgotten deadlines that are about to bite you in the ass.  Finally, after trekking halfway around the world (or so it seems, even if your destination is a half mile away), you run into that ONE relative.  You know the ONE, (we all have at least one), they are that relative who annoys you by their mere drawing of breath, and with whom you must make “nice” for countless hours.  

I generally define stress as:  “suppressing the desire to choke the living crap out of the person annoying me.”  Therefore, there is no question that this is a stressful time of year.  There are people who at work, on the road, and, even sometimes at home, that you would like to strangle, but don’t.  Finally, with all the build up, annoying specials on TV, and crunch hitting all at once, you realize that it still really all boils down to family.  As a result, you take a deep breath, down a stiff drink, and then hold on to the fact that with each year that passes, these moments are actually quite priceless.  So, despite the stress, just remember the true meaning of your holiday, and hold on to what you can.  Someday these things will be quite funny to you, and may well be all you have.  Yep, welcome to the “Holidays!” ~ Michael S. Pauley