Old Boy's Rugby

The two dashing second row for the Illinois Men's Rugby Football Club Old Boy's... well, two of us anyways. We didn't do badly [we managed to beat the current University Club side] and my only harm of note was wholly earned on my part - I did not get away from a ball quick enough and was encouraged to do so by a player from the other team stomping on my left wrist. I did leave quite quickly after that. No major harm, and I deserved it.

Oh, and yes, I do feel a bit, um, not as flexible today.

DoD vs EMAC?

This little article from The Hill got me to thinking. Are the Governors right to be skeptical?

I am quite sure these folks would say "@#$% yes!"

I have to be very careful when I look at my past experience with Domestic emergencies - it was lousy and embittering. Well, I should say Katrina was, the Mississippi Floods of 1993 were not.

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is an agreement between States (and DC, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Guam) to provide assistance to each other - National Guard, police, and the like. It covers Command and Control, reimbursement and liability issues. It was blessed off on by Congress in Public Law 104-321, October 1996.The Governors feel they have a proper framework in place and the DoD is nosing in where it is not needed.

Anyways, I think the Governors are very correct to be cautious - they have learned the hard way, and through the EMAC, they have the means to get the help they need. I'd have to be convinced that this really is necessary. Anyone care to do so?

[crossposted at Milblogs]

If you happen to be in Phoenix, in October

Perhaps you could go see this show.

For more info on the group, see here.

Good, in-depth reporting from Afghanistan

In an ever shrinking media staffing environment, the Chicago Tribune has managed to send a pair of reporters/photographers to Afghanistan along with the large Illinois National Guard contingent. Their reporting is top notch - see this particular article as an example.



If you would like to see their whole body of work, go here.

Special Delivery

CSM Bones sends this picture of a mortar crew of the 1-178 INF sending their best to our enemies in Afghanistan, one round at a time.