ranger tab
An updated (8/8/089) collection of my certificates:
posted by rangeragainstwar at 7:44 PM
Thursday, January 11, 2007
posted by rangeragainstwar at 7:44 PM
43 Comments:
Sir,
I'm looking at all of your documents and don't see a Ranger School Graduation Certificate or an SFQC Certificate although your blog name and graphics on your blog suggest both. Your DD214 is not in the correct format for your timeframe (which could be a PAC mistake)so we thought we'd enquire.
Could you please come over to SOCNET and post your credentials for us to verify? As you are 'one of us' I'm sure you understand. If you are who you say you are, you'll find a family of folks that would welcome you with open arms, and likely quite a few folks you already know.
http://www.socnetcentral.com/vb/
Many thanks for your time and your service to our country.
- Michael Kirk - B Co 3/75
email: michael_a_kirk@hotmail.com
Ranger Kirk, thanks for your concern re. my DD214.
As for your SOCNET they will not register me for comments because they do not support my right to freely express my beliefs.So much for the SOF Brotherhood.
I really do not feel the need to defend myself, if you don't like what i write then don't visit RAW.
Ranger Hruska
Your SSN is visible on some of the documents.
Sir,
I'm a moderator on SOCNET and have corresponded with the Administrators.
After a thorough search we can find no record that resembles your name or credentials. If you have registered previously, please email me your screen name. We will reactivate your account if it has been deactivated for whatever reason (lack of use, etc).
In addition, if you haven't registered, please do and email me your chosen screen name. We will then 'fastrack' your membership within hours.
www.socnetcentral.com/vb
We have a number of members that are prior service personel and civilians that are 'against the war'. We welcome all views as long as they are posted respectfully and maturely.
We look forward to your reply and seeing you on SOCNET Sir.
Regards,
-Michael Kirk - B Co 3/75
michael_a_kirk@hotmail.com
Sir,
I am an Administrator on SOCNET.
I have checked our records and spoke with other Admin's on our site and no one has deleted, or banned you.
I am not trying to get into the middle of a conversation between you and Kirk, just clarifying that you (as are ALL SOF) are more than welcome on SOCNET, regardless of viewpoint.
As an SOF soldier, I understand that we do not all think alike, that's what makes the world turn.
I encourage you to join our site and possibly find others you have served with.
I will insure your account is fast tracked so that you can post when you arrive.
Take Care
Ace
SOCNET Admin
Why doesn't the Ranger Training Brigade have any record of you attending Ranger School fuck nut?
Trying to pump up your resume to gain legitimacy that you don't deserve?
Have you ever heard of the Stolen Valor Act?
I'm not SF, not a Ranger. Just a run of the mill Airborne Infantryman, and I can tell you this is some major BS. You need to rename your blog and pull down all these graphics before someone decides to dime you out to the FBI.
Loathe,
Jim says by all means go to the FBI if this matter so concerns you. In fact, he recommends a point of contact for you--SAC Al Beiner of the FBI Tallahassee office, as he is familiar with this case.
He served in the same Ranger platoon in Class 7-69. I'm sure he'll investigate your complaint thoroughly.
Best,
Lisa
Thank you Ranger for your distinguished and meritorious service. I too served, as have most of the members of my family. My mom retired from the Navy in 2000, dad served in Korea, uncle served in Vietnam, and my grandfather was a Pearl Harbor survivor on the USS California.
My husband is currently active duty USAF on his way to Iraq in July. We are both very opposed to this war but his commitment has four years left in order to repay his medical school education.
I was proud to serve but find myself so torn about the current state of our military and am especially disillusioned about its leaders, civilian and military alike.
I just wanted you to know that you are the reason I served. I believe in protecting that and those whom I care about. Thank you for your service--then and now. Your opposition to this senseless warmongering is true bravery.
HSAT, thank you for your kind letter which is warmly received and appreciated.
I reciprocate and salute your families military devotion. It seems that we both grew up with the same influences.My best vibes are sent to you and yours hoping for a calm future. jim
Michael Kirk said: “We have a number of members that are prior service personel [sic] and civilians that are 'against the war'. We welcome all views as long as they are posted respectfully and maturely.”
Ace said: “ . . . just clarifying that you (as are ALL SOF) are more than welcome on SOCNET, regardless of viewpoint.
As an SOF soldier, I understand that we do not all think alike, that's what makes the world turn.”
These statements are not true. I’ve been banned from Socnet so many times I’ve lost count. In each and every case, my banning was due to my failure to subordinate myself to senior members and, more specifically, for returning fire when fired upon. Further, my return fire was merely proportional and was *always* responsive. The subject matter was either politics, or a philosophical and questioning probe into areas which make many on that site feel “uncomfortable.” Opsec and persec were never an issue.
In fairness, it seemed one sailor and one Marine were, generally, the individuals who ran afoul of the statements above, by Kirk and Ace. Army mods were somewhat more professional. But if the site can’t police its own moderators, then I’m afraid the whole site must be painted with the same brush.
Physical courage is one thing, and admirable, but intellectual cowardice, and pulling the mod card, is, well, it is what it is.
Also in fairness, Socnet does not (now) pretend to be a level playing field. I just hate to see so many men, some operators, subordinate themselves to intellectual cowards just so they can maintain membership. It’s like watching a wolf pack with two Alphas, and the rest walk around with their tails between their legs and rolling over to expose their bellies. Sad, really, considering those Beta’s are supposed to be some of America’s best.
Lone wolf.
Lone Wolf-it's really nice getting a reasonable reply to my writings. these socnuts mistake substance for image. even if i didn't have a tab(either sf or ranger)my viewpoint is still valid.
In addition i don't need a tab of any kind to verify my manhood. you appear the same , so there's at least 2 of us.
it's funny that they question a tab that predates them shitting yellow.
welcome to my blog and i hope you visit often. jim
Respectfully, I believe the problem exists in that you are falsely representing something that you are not apart of. Blood, sweat and tears have been produced for these men to have a brotherhood of physically and mentally strong individuals. You would have people believe that you are a member of the SOF community in order to attach validity to your statements. Regardless of politics, breaking this down to it’s basic level, you are dishonest.
Benjamin,
I appreciate your restraint. I co-write with Jim and have met his fellows and seen his citations, so I wonder how it is you mean he is "dishonest"? Is it that he does not subscribe to the more conservative political point of view that most of your fellows at SOCNET do?
He is not dishonest in terms of claiming for his tabs. He is every bit a "member of the SOF community," though his views do not accord with most of your fellows.
You all did fight for liberty and freedom of speech, right?
Benjamin.
you start your reply off with-respectfully and then fill my messkit with passive aggressive crap.Do you not have a reading comprehension test for your sacred little ranger school?If so you would obviously not make the cut.
Exactly what would you accept as proof since you don't accept official documents?Do we live in the same universe ?BTW -what are your awards and decorations? jim
benjamin, coming back at you.since you took the effort to write let me ratchet down-see my reply to Kirk.if this really is of concern to you and you are sincerely in belief that i'm disresecting the tabs b/c i'm not a ranger then i CORDUALLY INVITE you to my home and i'll open my records to your inspection-i'll even show you my official fiche that was given to me upon retirement.i'll meet you at bragg or benning and we'll go to the oracle and get verification-but this seems childish to me. i'll do whatever satisfies your mind. that's it.
whatever side of the political arena we all love America-we simply express it differently.
Again i will meet you as a friend anytime you desire-thats all -hope to see you someday. hruska class 7/69-sfoc 3/70
Benjamin and any one else:
I was spec ops, but not Army. So I don't know what vetting process you have for Rangers or Special Forces or D. However, it seems, at least from what I've read here, that Hruska has stepped up to the plate and provided a rebuttle in the form of documents. There has been NO reasonable response to date.
Are you saying these documents are false, or fabricated?
I once saw a Ranger vetting occur on some other site (can't remember which one) and they (Rangers) had some file somewhere that filled the bill. If you can't access that, or come up with something better than what is posted here, I suggest that you are dishonorable. The ball has been shifted to your court and it is incumbent upon you to respond with some kind of evidence.
Also, I've heard Rangers discuss a distinction between the tab and Batt boys (guys who actually served in a Ranger Battalion). If that is a distinction, then I think it needs to be drawn before folks go down a road of mis-understanding (something else I have often seen in these pissing contests).
My two cents.
Lone Wolf.
I would say that my only issue is calling this site "Ranger Against War". You should perhaps call this "Special Forces Officer Against War" or 'Ranger-Qualified Officer Against War".
I did not see any link between yourself and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Ranger School gives you a tab that you put on the same uniform that you wore before attending.
Ranger School = Ranger Qualified. Ranger Regiment = Ranger.
You have the right to free expression, so go ahead and use it. Just don't call yourself something that you are not.
Former Ranger:
Just for my eduation, how long has the 75th been around? What is the 3rd Ranger Company? Weren't there other Ranger outfits to serve in at any time?
I know that *within* your community, now, you guys like to distinguish between the tab and the 75th. Has it *always* been that way?
Is is possible that Hruska did serve as a Ranger?
As a lay person, I always thought the tab was good enough but even now that I know better, it still seems that Hruska was a Ranger.
Just curious.
"Ranger Qualified Officer Against War" is a little unweildy and no one out side of your community cares to split those hairs.
lone wolf- the comments rec'd at RAW indicate the maturiy level and age of the senders. i served in the 3rd ranger co. and published my oer's as proof. my tab and ranger service are documented. in fact i encourage sucnut heroes to go to the FBI and file their warrantless 'STOLEN VALOR" CHARGES. IN FACT I'LL ACCOMPANY THEM .All they have to do is tell me where mickies ears are pointing on their watches and we'll have a linkup of unfriendly forces.
these people will not come face to face and examine my docs. their leader kirk has spoken and he's cast libellous comments that my docs are phony in some way-hence the attacks.it's interesting watching the feeding frenzy.face to face is not their style- they prefer anonymous flame outad hominum atks.
i am somewhat curious as to their problem with me- my writings are clearly aimed at saving lives of all soldiers and as such i share my knowledge.see my art. on the moh's/rodgers ridge/ murphy's follow-up and the one on 9 kias/15 wounded 3 weeks ago.all of these share info that is required to successfully bring soldiers home from a mission.I FORGOT TO MENTION THE ARTS ON PAT TILLMAN-now thats a real tribute to the rangers.yah boy.
the frustration is palpable- it's not me-it's the fact that they can't imagine that range3r skills will not win a phoney wot.
jim
anon cmt to former ranger-please note you said hruska was a ranger-incorrect.HRUSKA IS A RANGER.present tense.my tab is still an authorized award .i'm an old man but still a ranger. hruska
lone wolf- what is going on here is elitism stuff. the 3rd was the ranger training command home unit at benning. all ranger training functions were housed here. this is before the time of my little ranger buddies.
3rd ranger was tradoc/training doctrine cmd.when 75 th was formed it was forscom/forces command or deployable units.i'd guess that's the equivalent of FMF in the Corps.
so it's snobbery.i'm better than you etc.
the rangers love that Bob Howard got the Tab after he rec'd a 5th sfg MOH and they have no trouble calling him a ranger even tho he's a school house type- he served in the MRC /mountain camp.their love is very selective.!jim
former ranger, your comment leaves me baffled- in my army somebody was called ranger qualified as a distinction to note that they graduated the ranger course WITH OUT the tab being awarded.My posted academic repot shows my award with tab.
my 2nd point. i am displaying the tab that i was awarded.I AM NOT DISPLAYING THE RANGER SCROLL which is the 75th authorized shoulder patch.i'm not steaking your patch- i'm displaying mine.
when i was in the 3rd ranger we carried the same colors that do the 75 th and we wore the same crest on our epilets and on our berets. pls bear in mind your ranger beret was first issued to school house rangers.
your snobery is phoney bullshit/nitpicking . jim
After perusing SOCNET for a few months I would have to agree with your assesment. An experienced SOF Operator that had disimilar opinions and did not cow-tow to the mods would not last long, typical cyber-bullies. I will pass. Seems that with the "long reach of SOCNET" someone would take you up on the offer to view your records personaly.
Good Luck Ranger Hruska
I have read a majority of the postings here. As well, I'm a member of Socnet. I choose not to fall on either side of this argument. I have only a couple things to offer. Firstly, the men that have been there do not need to validate themselves to others or themselves. In a hundred years no one will care about credentials. At the end of the day, one should be happy if the men/friends around them are alive. Secondly, Ranger school is a school and Battalion is a way of life.(Ranger Creed: "My Ranger Regiment") However, it seems no one in this blog is part of either of those any longer. The back and forth of this blog seems to not only discredit the authors of the posts but the organizations they are attempting to represent. At the conclusion of reading this blog I was ashamed. Be Men. Honorable Men. Everyone lays their head down at night and lives with the truths and lies which they create.
Once a Ranger- eloquently stated.thanks for sharing. jim
"Anonymous said...
After perusing SOCNET for a few months I would have to agree with your assesment. An experienced SOF Operator that had disimilar opinions and did not cow-tow to the mods would not last long, typical cyber-bullies. I will pass. Seems that with the "long reach of SOCNET" someone would take you up on the offer to view your records personaly.
Good Luck Ranger Hruska"
After 13 years as a SOF and many more as a IC I have to go along with with this view. And, as said, men that have been there and moved on need to prove nothing to anyone. I disagree with your politics but respect your opinion and those that try to stain your rep because they disagree politically show that in the end they are the weak ones, clearly.
anon,
We do not have to agree on issues, but as soldiers we must show a respect born of mutual experience. This civility could serve as a teaching point for our non-military brothers.
After all, we are supposed to lead the way. And then some.
Thank you for being on point,
jim
I find this piss-test back and forth sad.
I attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where one ROTC cadre was the Clarkson Rangers, at the time not one of us was Ranger Qualified nor had been in a Ranger Batt.
Having the chance to go to 4th Ranger BN on a visit I apologized for the use of the words " Clarkson Ranger" on our gear and the wearing of our black berets with patch, the response?
" OUTSTANDING!" and "DRIVE ON"...the Rangers at 4 BN did NOT bust our balls for our RESPECTFUL display of the term Ranger and furthermore encouraged us to live up to the Ranger name, in service and life.
One Ranger gave us a great history lesson on Rangers from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam, I never did become Ranger Qualified, I left the ROTC and college as soon as I could and while many decades have passed I have not forgotten the fine men we met that week nor have I lost the admiration for those who have the dedication and drive and opportunity to become Rnager Qualified and serve in a Battalion.
That said, the finest man I ever knew was not a Ranger, so until there is a way to "Vett" what a stand up honest to God man is then who gives two craps if some dink has a tab and a great man does not?
From what I've seen there are some flat out a-holes on here who have their DD214s in order...too bad they are still teenage jackasses at heart huh?
You either get it or you don't and it seems most here do not.
He is either a Ranger or he is not a Ranger.
If he is not Ranger Qual'd, served in a Batt or a Company or anything listed as fucking Ranger and he is using that word, then he is a shit bag. If he is trying to suggest he was in a Battalion, Company, etc... and all he is qual'd, then he's a shit bag also.
I could give two shits about any of your homosexual experiences with great men.
I mean seriously, if the guy is flying 3 Tabs, but is only qualified for 1.... What the hell is wrong with all of you for saying it's okay?
You've got to be shitting me. When is it okay to take what others have done and make it your own?
Anon sep 19,
It's always a pleasure to hear from another Ranger. I suppose you are tabbed up by your cmts. I suppose.
I'm a little confused by your personal comments and your brave SOF anonymity-brave guys you all are!
Do you know how to read?
Have a nice day.
jim
Anon,
Coming back at you .
I am not homosexual nor have i had any such experiences BUT if you're hitting on me then i'll consider your offer. I don't imagine trying a little dick fucker like you could hurt anything.
Your anger is inappropriate and I'd suggest counseling- you are way past the bounds of normal reaction. Fun is fun and yanking my chain is ok but you strike me as one sick fuck.
jim
Ranger Jim,
I agree with you on SOCNET. They have a few members and a few mods who bully members into submission and ban those who refuse to bow.
Funny thing is watching them bend towards any administrations whims like the wind and drink whatever the current administration in power puts out there.
Anon 5 may 11,
Welcome.
Please feel free to participate.
I know that you have things to share.
jim
Jim,
I'm not sure how to participate other than just adding my views on SOCNET and some core members who think because they went to Ranger school they are some sort of God's gift to the net or some authority on something.
No offense, but most MEU(SOC) Marines used to come back from Ranger school saying it was a joke and wasn't as hard as a 6 month training cycle. Yet these Rangers and well one Marine run amuck up and down even the Marine grunts who won't kneel. I've read Kirk's bullshit, and Silver Bullet and so on. They want credentials from everyone, yet I don't see them posting their citations with Silver Stars like you have.
Those guys bitch about liberals, yet they demand respect for a communist president. They talk shit about liberty and freedom, yet they will jump on any DoD gravy train or military contractor job that would make George Washington turn in his grave and Jefferson have them arrested and charged. They are in actions supporters of empire.
I also like how they hide behind OPSEC and other bullshit. Right now on the Bin Laden thread they go on and on about how America don't need to know details of the raid. Well I think Americans should know Bin Ladens last words if there were any. This is still the United States of America.
Personally I think most those guys on there are more full of shit than the posers they run to the FBI over. As much as they post I wonder if they even have fucking jobs? Or maybe that site is their job?
Who knows? But to see you publish your records to the SSN and them still up your ass shows how pathetic they are. I stopped looking at your credentials when I saw a Silver Star on your DD214.
I like how homeboy says "We thought we'd enquire.".
Yeah okay.
I like how you sent him to a FBI agent you served with in response. My question is, did they ever STFU? Or are they still on your back?
Anon, May 7,
I DO NOT HAVE A silver star.
I never hung any shingle out claiming to be a hero, but thanks for the thought.
I just did my time in harness as did millions of other Americans.
The retired FBI agent was actually in my platoon in Ranger school. They split the class and 1/2 of us went to troop units and the other 1/2 went to RVN. Then we flipflopped.
Al Beiner went on the 1st rotation and was seriously wounded and then medically retired. He went to the 173rd directly from the 82nd.
I saw him again as we are both charter members of the MOPH in Tallahassee where he retired as SAC.
The socnuts, to wit Kirk said that my 214 was a fraud after i posted it. I also find it strange that they WILL NEVER refer to me as LTC(05)Hruska. It's always Mr. H.
They refuse me any military consideration, and thay have absolutely no personal knowledge of me. This is strange since i'm the kinda guy you must know well before you begin to hate me.
The socnuts lost me when they attacked me on a post that i did mourning my recently deceased friend and fellow officer/Ranger Joe Urbas. You can see the essay as it's posted.
People like this are scum.
I wasn't the best soldier , but i did my duty, and that's all anyone can do.
I'm a 2nd generation American and both my Dad, ww2 and i both have PUC's and combat action awards.
Again, come to Ranger and participate. I also write at milpub.com and we have a thinking group of participants. All viewpoints are solicted since we don't like to always preach to the choir.
We have several Active duty types dropping by to cmt.
jim
I meant Bronze Star Col.
I wasn't a Ranger, I was Navy. I'm thinking SOCNET is just an AIPAC propaganda site. Never have I heard guys with line time unless they were political suckasses talk the shit they talk.
In short you are cool in my book and fuck them.
Spent 24 years total in the US military, and most of what I read here is bullcrap attacks. Meaning, those from other sites coming here attacking this dude. Like little bitches trying to protect their bullcrap military stigma.
Those who are trying to keep a difference from the Tab and being in the "BATT" need to get a freaking life. Like little girls/kids playing games and trying to up onemanship.
USASOC/USACAPOC(A)
anon,
jan7.
welcome to RAW.
Have a HNY.
jim
ANON 7jan,
fwiw i wrote an essay called BAND OF BRATS about the socnet attack dogs who always shoot the messenger rather than address the issues.
jim
Hello Jim,
I would really like to talk with you about SOCNET and many other items on your site. Please call 303-215-0779.
Thank you.
SN,
I have no interest in discussing SOCNET further. You are welcome to discuss anything you wish on the open blog here in the comment section.
We don't know you personally, but we've already been down that "Hey Ole Ranger Buddy" road before. We're not interested in an ambush.
Anyway, the purpose of this site is dialog, and that's best done in the open.
jim
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