Assalamu Alaikum!

[Troglodyte]

Peace be upon you, brothers!

I'm Troglodyte (Trog for my typing-challenged Ranger compatriots), a soldier since 1983. Still in because it hasn't stopped being fun, NOT (contrary to rumors) because of my lack of marketable job skills. Really.

I've spent the last couple of decades as a run-of-the-mill infantry officer. I haven't had the privilege of serving in a US Ranger unit, but I have soldiered in Central/South America, Asia, Africa, Iraq, and various depressed areas in the US. (Scariest location: Fallujah. Scariest tour: Leesville, LA.) Have visited Afghanistan a few times, but am expecting the full E-Ticket ride before too long.

Looking forward to hearing your stories and opinions, and learning how FOGs adjust to life on the outside. (At what point does it become inappropriate to strike somebody for wearing a hat indoors? At what age can you start getting by with it again?) Will probably offer commentary of my own. It always gets me in trouble, but darn it, I just can't help myself...

Best regards,
Trog

[K.Ingraham]

Welcome aboard. Sounds as if you have appropriately thick skin to enjoy this place.
Adjusting to civilian life is easy, adjusting to civilians is not. Making them adjust to you is an exercise in futility but the attempt can generate good stories for the next reunion.
Pull up a rock and remember: the new guy buys.

[Buzz]

Welcome Sir.

[Steadfast]

Welcome Ranger.

I think we have a few Advisors on site although they are from Rogers Rangers time period (I think).

PM inbound.

[Jim]

Indeed, I spent most of my wars (as did Lefty) with someone else's Army.

[RangerTee]

Welcome, Ranger...

[Troglodyte]

Wow!!! A place where even I can feel young!!! And at a time when I'm moments away from the jokes about "why C-130s have ramps" and "blue pills" and all the rest. I know 'em because I've used them often on my rating chain...

Joking aside, the Korea- and Vietnam-era Rangers I have admired all my life are a big reason for my current career. Your generation is the group of giants on whose shoulders my soldiers stand today. And you've protected them us the abuse you suffered when you came back home. Thank you.

But lots of you ARE oooooooooold...

Trog

[Troglodyte]

Regarding the hat question: I would say the point where it becomes inappropriate is when you find yourself picking yourself up off the floor every time you do so.

Jeez, Lunch, where were you when I needed you?!?

Had you been my 1SG I might have learned that before developing the "give the boss the contempt he deserves" ethos that characterized my time as a major... It was ugly, had to pick myself up off the floor too many times, metaphorically speaking.

Trog

[Troglodyte]

I spent most of my wars (as did Lefty) with someone else's Army.

Maybe I'll get to do it again. Loved my Iraqis! If so, I'll be scouring the board for whatever y'all have written on the subject.

Best,
Trog

[Troglodyte]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Best regards,
Troglodyte

[Slowpoke]

Had to play the "Age Card" didn't you youngster.



Welcome anyway!

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Yep, Slowpoke . . . Its not your hearing, I heard it too . . .I do believe he did.


RLTW!!!