AllMilitary.com

nguirado talks about his milblog Asymmetric Thoughts on the Military

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

There are many, but none of them are very interesting. They’d be something like “My last D&D character was a twentieth level barbarian.”

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about nine months. It started with my friends and me exchanging emails. We would discuss issues and make jokes. I loved those emails, but it got to the point where we would receive 20 or 30 emails a day, which was both confusing and a little annoying. So, we started a bulletin board. After everybody agreed that it was a success, I decided to take the plunge and get a domain for us, www.magnasquids.com/forums. I still wanted to go beyond a bulletin board and start a full-featured web site between us that would feature all of our viewpoints and interests.

After a while, I noticed a difference in enthusiasm between the other “squids” and me. So, while I continued to post on magnasquids, I started my own blog and, after a little success, I stayed with it.

I blog for two reasons. First, I find a blog a wonderful way to express my ideas and share any talent I might have in this medium.

The second reason is that blogging is a little like the computer games I would play (I wasn’t addicted, but I might play an hour a day) in that you can “level up” your blog like you would a character in a game. In fact, blogging has completely abrogated almost every other fun computer activity.

Question: What is your military experience?

I’m a lieutenant in the Army reserves, Engineer branch. I was a sergeant in an AG battalion when I was deployed to Iraq (OIF 3) in 1994. I spent seven of my months in Kuwait and Iraq, most of those on the airfield at FOB Speicher. For the other five months, I was a liaison officer at Walter Reed hospital where I spent my time helping the soldiers and their families.

I switched to Engineering because it seemed more of a challenge.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

It’s funny, but since I started blogging, I’ve hardly had time to read others’ blogs or even very many opinion sites. I plan on reviewing some soon.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

One of the factors in any successful blog is having people link to you. Some people have asked me, but I mostly ask people whose blogs I’ve run into and enjoy if they’d like to link to me.

The second factor is that I try to be interesting and write well. Why else would anybody read a blog? Anyways, I’m not at where I want to be yet, but it’s grown. I guess I’ll see if I do write well or if people do find me interesting. I’ve tried to improve it by correcting grammar mistakes, something I didn’t do early on.

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

I’d like to thank you for the very nice questions.

Bookmark to:

Karl talks about his milblog Learning Straight Up

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

I am a die hard fan of Firefly and Serenity, I collect useless trivia and I used to be a free lance wedding photographer.

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I started blogging 4 years ago as a vent and outlet, a personal journal, really. In 2004, however, we had the farcical Governors election in Washington and I started paying more attention to blogs locally as they unraveled the elections mess, as well as the national blogs regarding the presidential election. So I widened my perspective from personal issues to political ones, and essentially lit my own fire. I discovered I liked being a part of a national debate, and kept getting more involved until I finally launched my own domain in March 2006. It has been a great experience.

Question: What is your military experience?

I was a C5 and C141 Mechanic at Travis AFB for 12.5 years of Active Duty, and 2 years of Reserve Duty at McChord AFB.I left the military in 1995, and I am now a disabled veteran. Yes, as odd as it sounds, I did all my Active Duty service at one base. I reached the rank of E5 and was one of a few chosen to attend the NCO Academy at Norton AFB. The NCOA was normally reserved for E6 and higher.

My military experience was what most would regard as mundane, and not glamorous or flashy. The closest to war and danger I got was providing Chemical Weapons briefing to aircrews during Desert Storm as a member of the base’s Disaster Preparedness Support Team. But my service while boring was important as a part of the whiole picture. It made me appreciate the logistical challenges the military faces, and the essential nature of the support services that enable our Military to be the finest in the world.

It also made me a much better person.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

I think I have read more at Blackfive then most, but I enjoy hitting the Random Link button and seeing who all of the various bloggers are. I also have a great admiration of Michael Yon.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

The kindness of some established bloggers, notably Sister Toldjah, who has been a great influence, has given me great advice, and has been a solid friend. Aside from that aspect, the biggest personal factor has been a refusal to give up, because some days you are weary of the efforts it takes to research and publish information daily. Then, some positive feedback comes in and you remember that maybe somehow you are making a difference and that all the work is worthwhile. Blogging takes work.

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

I think my blog speaks for itself. I welcome all readers form all ideologies, and hope I have something to contribute to everyones benefit.

I would like to personally extend my gratitude and admiration to men and women of the Military (US and other), for their dedication and service, and for fighting for the freedom of us all.

And on the heels of that, my appreciation and admiration to all the Mil Bloggers, active duty, reserve, veteran or civilian alike, for all their hard work and determination to keep the information flowing, and for their overall support of the Military.

Bookmark to:

Where The Heat Is! Iran!

Iran has become a hot topic. Allegations that Iran is supplying Iraqi insurgents with weapons capable of shooting down our helicopters, plus fabricating metal used to make advanced IEDs that can slide through a tank has become a concern for many in the military such as milblogger Kevin of Boot On The Ground. http://bootsonground.blogspot.com .

The 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery Vietnam Veterans brought to our attention that Iran may be supporting Shia insurgents in Iraq and Sunni insurgents in Iraq and that Iran may be on both sides in the so-called civil war. The details of this milblog can be found at http://294fa.blogspot.com .

Mark Partridge Miner is a National Guard Infantryman has expressed concern in his milblog Boots In Baghdad over the way the Bush Administration has been handling Iran and Syria. He discusses that weapons and fighters have been entering the country of Iraq from neighboring Iran and Syria since the coalition invasion. He writes at http://www.bootsinbaghdad.blogspot.com .

Iran is a problem made up of many problems. What do you see as the greatest problem with Iran? Supplying weapons in Iraq? Do you see them as a nuclear threat?

Bookmark to:

Highlights From Milblogs Around the Net

• She blames herself. He apologizes to everyone….except her. Not the way it should be. [Akinoluna] 
• A new appeal for redress. Support the troops. [Media Lies]
• Greg Bear, SIGMA member, on the Daily Show to talk about “near-future threats.” [Mountain Runner]
• A petition against the immigration bill. [Big Dog]
• Interesting development of the student loan debate. [California Yankee]

Bookmark to:

I was very disturbed today when I read that insurgents are not only putting themselves as risk, but also their families.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces killed two terrorists and detained 29-suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq and its foreign fighter network Friday.

Two coordinated operations in Mosul targeted a Kurdish extremist known for helping al-Qaeda in Iraq facilitate foreign fighters and conduct financial and media operations. Coalition Forces entered the first targeted building, isolated the women and children and moved further into the house. While maneuvering through the target building, an armed man engaged the ground force with small arms fire, endangering the force and the innocent family members. Coalition Forces defended themselves and the women and children by killing the armed terrorist.

…

“Al-Qaeda in Iraq members continue to threaten the safety of Iraqis with indiscriminant violence, even deliberately endangering their own family members,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, MNF-I spokesperson. “Al-Qaeda’s operatives, many of them foreigners to Iraq, do not represent the will or the desires of the Iraq people.”

Families are scared and the al-Qaeda operative paid the ultimate price for his utter disregard for their safety. That is why we must continue to fight the bad guys no matter their location.

Bookmark to:

LK talks about his milblog Alpha Mike Foxtrot

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

I enjoy Star Trek, am a long suffering university student and a diet coke addict.

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now. I can’t say what exactly made me get into blogging, I just felt like I had a lot of things to say.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

Mierable Donuts, The Torch, Tanker Brothers, Military Parent, From a Canadian Cadet to an American Soldier, Rouge Gunner.

Question: What is your military experience?

Its been four months since I joined the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve. I will be heading off soon to do my Basic Military Qualifications and Soldier Qualifications. I also come from a proud military family, I will be the fourth generation to serve in Canada’s military.

Bookmark to:

Highlights From Milblogs Around the Net

•  The weather in Kuwait is “like sticking your head in an oven while somebody takes sandpaper to your skin while at the same time pouring gravel directly into your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.” [Half a World Away]
• Kicking ass from a wheelchair. [A Soldier’s Mind]
• Lizards. In the latrine and on the head. [Jack Army]
• The body armor war gets political.  [The Captain’s Journal]
• Code name “Sani-flush” gives new meaning to dropping a bomb. [SandGram]

Bookmark to:

Should the Army hire more psychiatrists

There has been debate over the years on subject of post-traumatic stress disorder and how much it really affects soldiers who have been in combat. The Army is currently planning to hire 25 percent more psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, which will amount to an increase of about 200 mental health professionals. Surveys have shown that 15 percent to 20 percent of Army soldiers returning from Iraq have symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Are theses surveys correct or do we simply have a generation of soldiers who are complainers

Here is a blog that looks at the military from the view point of a psychology student: A Pittance of Time.

Bookmark to:

Jake talks about his milblog Jake’s Life

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

I used to live in Europe, I’m really a big nerd,

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about 2 years now. I really got into it just because I was bored and wanted a way to keep in contact with friends and family, kind of like a myspace page, but a little more personal and unique. I certainly did not plan on it turning into anything like it has.

Question: What is your military experience?

Not much. Right now I’m just under my 2 year mark with the Marines. I’m a Corporal in the infantry, in a basic line platoon.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

I have really actually never read another Milblog, and have actually never heard the term, although I guess that’s what mine has become.

Question: What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

I couldn’t even tell you. I haven’t actively tried to get mine out there. I started it two years ago and no one read it, it was just about my day to day life. When I came to Iraq I emailed some family and friends and told them that’s where they could get updates on me, and from there it just spread by word of mouth. It really started to get big when a Wisconsin Football board posted something about it.

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

I never intended for this to be anything other than correspondence with my family and friends. Where it’s gone, I really didn’t foresee. I’m not trying to make any statements, or paint any picture other than the one I see every day.

Bookmark to:

Victoria Parnham talks about Victoria Parham’s Military Spouse Blog

Question: What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

1. I’m interested in learning to ride a motorcycle, preferably a Harley
2. I’m an Humanitarian
3. I’m an introvert

Question: How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I’ve been blogging online since 2003. As an active duty military spouse, I found sharing my relocation experiences with other spouses therapeutic. I’m also self-employed and maintained an online blog to keep my clients up-to-date with my military travels and their projects.

Question: What is your military experience?

I’m an Army veteran. After 20 years, my husband retired in October 2004.

Question: What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

ArmyWifeToddlerMom
Hooah Wife

Question: Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

In lieu of maintaining my blog, I also host a talk radio podcast created exclusively for military spouses called Military Spouse Talk Radio, I’m always looking for military spouses to come on the show to share their stories, experiences and lessons learned, they can learn more by visiting: www.militaryspousetalkradio.com.

I’m also involved in a new video sharing website called Military Spouse Channel, created exclusively for military spouses, soldiers and families. The site allows you to share videos, photos, and audio (for free) with the public or privately, to learn more visit: www.militaryspousechannel.com.

I also train military spouses (through Department of Defense Contract) on how to start, grow, and manage an online business in cyberspace. I invite any spouse who has always dreamed of starting his/her own business to apply at no cost: www.vsscyberoffice.com/vbo.

Even though my husband retired back in 2004, I’ve remained actively involved in the military community even till today: providing mentorship and resources.

Bookmark to: