Paddy's Gang, 1/39 Inf (M) 1987: SP/4 William Mauk
For a short while in 1987, SP/4 William Mauk was in the same platoon as me. He'd been on active duty once before, and if I recall correctly he was also in 1/39 Inf (M) back during the late 1970s. Wish I'd thought to ask him more about the differences in the unit across that decade.
As it was, back then the 1970s seemed like ancient history, and for some reason after twenty years it still does. Maybe that's because the Army of 1975 was a completely different than the Army of 1985?
I also got the strong impression that the Germany of 1975 (that I visited while in school) was utterly different than the Germany of 1985 (which I lived in for six years). Baumholder itself seemed to travel a few years behind the cities . . . anyway, other people are better placed than me to judge that.
AAAO!
As it was, back then the 1970s seemed like ancient history, and for some reason after twenty years it still does. Maybe that's because the Army of 1975 was a completely different than the Army of 1985?
I also got the strong impression that the Germany of 1975 (that I visited while in school) was utterly different than the Germany of 1985 (which I lived in for six years). Baumholder itself seemed to travel a few years behind the cities . . . anyway, other people are better placed than me to judge that.
AAAO!
posted by mhg at 2:36 AM
1 Comments:
When I was in 2nd, I think Spc Mauk was in 1st platoon as a SAW gunner. I disliked that SAW with a passion.The way the strap hung on the weapon caused the charging handle to dig into your side on patrol, it was very noisy when you walked, even when you tried to tape or secure the noises, and I had more trouble with the mags, the box was the only way to go.Now my sixty,that baby would get heads down and people moving. I could walk, run, shoot,shit and even have lunch on it. I did'nt mind carrying all that ammo, I think for pucker factor with small arms,only the German MG34, and 43 compared.
To comment on the topic of differences in Armies, the Army of today seems so much different than when we were in and first introduced to Bradley,Abrams,HUMMVEE,Blackhawk and the SAW,AT4,M9 and the new Baretta side arm+Gargoyle eye armor and Nomex- and all the toys we had trained on were being phased out. We were also at the threshhold of the PC age,rap music cross culture.Look at all the new ways to mess up somone else's day. We have come along ways since throwing rocks...
Sean P. Carpenter
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