NGAI and Major John

The National Guard Association of Illinois (NGAI) is a lobbying group that supports the NG in IL (duh).

They put out a monthly newsletter / newspaper and what did I find in it when I flipped through today; the photo on the left here.

I believe this was the night fire portion of what they described as the .50 caliber machine gun. I can't tell from the photo if it is MJ's nemesis, Ma Deuce or some new fangled replacement. I never had the opportunity to fire the M2 so I'm not that familiar with it.

This went with a nice little article about the unit and their deployment. I'll be sending that to MJ by email.

News of Iraq - Building the Army

Welcome to the new feature. I will address an aspect of Iraq each week, as I am able (net access and all...).

First up, and the subject I have the most interest (self-interest, no doubt) in:

How long to make an NCO Corps?

Once, talks like this would not necessarily have included the ISF.

How is the Iraqi Army organized?

A little history on the New Iraqi Army.


Good sources of information and discussion:

Small Wars Journal is here.

Strategy Page is here.