I’ve always joked that if I did a book about the art we do here at OO-RAH.com, I would have to title the book, “Skulls and Bulldogs,” since those two subjects dominate the themes. Lately, I think the book would have to be called, “Skulls, Bulldogs, and Spartans.”
Cam pointed me to an article about how the Marines will train to help put out wildfires in the wake of latest outbreak of fires in California. You can read the full article here:
Marines to Train for Calif. Wildfires
I think this is a good idea, but nothing new. I talked to Marines from 1st Battalion 8th Marines who helped with the Katrina relief right after returning from Iraq. I also had a few designs put on hold a while back when Marine units went to help with the tsunami relief in south east Asia.
Marines can be counted on in emergencies, and I think Marines will do a great job the next time there are wildfires in California. You’ll be able to tell which fires the Marines put out because there will be American flags hoisted at the top of the charred hills they conquer.
Today I learned that six Eagle Scouts have earned the medal of honor. One such Eagle Scout was a man named Mitchell Paige who, according to usscouts.org, “walked 200 miles to enlist in Marines on his 18th birthday in 1936 . . . Presented his eagle award in 2003 after it was verified that he’d not received it in 1936 because he’d joined the Marines.” You can read more about him on Wikipedia:
Thanks to Paul Herring over at Chaos Scenario for the post the lead me to this information.
Seth Godin wrote an interesting article about the value of going to a big name school versus a lesser-name school that set my gears in motion. In it he writes:
I’ve pondered the same question about whether a degree is important at all in my essay titled “To Degree or Not to Degree: That is the Question.†In my essay I state that when it’s free or nearly free, you should pursue a degree or at least sign up for classes. “Is college worth it?” is a relevant question to a civilian, but largely an irrelevant question for a veteran, because as a veteran YOU’VE ALREADY EARNED THE RIGHT TO GO TO COLLEGE. The debt is paid in advance by your service and participation in the GI Bill. The question is whether or not you will call in the debt owed to you or forgive the balance.
Unfortunately, too many Marines are forgiving the balance. Only 57 percent of veterans use any portion of their GI bill benefit and this pains me. Out of the people that I know personally that have used the benefit, few attain a four-year degree with it, as there is an upper limit to the amount of money and time associated with the GI Bill. So if you want to use your GI bill to further your education, and you want to stretch it to a four-year degree, you need a plan. It helps greatly if you can start while on active duty. Because of operational commitments, it is difficult for most Marines to attend classes regularly or even do online classes. However, most Marines have room for a book or two wherever they go. For this reason, studying for test-outs is the most sustainable strategy while you’re on active duty.
HERE IS MY OFFER
For the first 10 Marines that contact me and tell me they would like to take the History of the United States I CLEP Exam, I will purchase a college textbook, and study guide for them. You can see the books I will purchase at the following link:
The History of the United States I CLEP Exam
The History of the United States I CLEP exam is a good first test to take. It’s worth three credits, and with all the military history Marines are required to study and retain, every Marine should be able to study and pass this test. Furthermore, the college textbook I’m offering will also cover the History of the United States II CLEP exam as well. Since taking the CLEP exam is free for active duty Marines, you have an opportunity to get 6 credits for free. More importantly, you’ll start to develop the study habits required to learn in and open-source environment, which will help you no matter what you decide to do.
Three rules:
1.) One set of books per company-sized unit
2.) You must be serious about studying and taking the CLEP exam
3.) You must pass the resources on to another Marine when you are finished with them.
If you’re interested, contact me (gannon at oo-rah.com).
Tony Haynes, a Marine I served with once showed me, through his example, how to use test-outs as a part of an education strategy. He learned it from a lance corporal. I didn’t apply it until I was out, and I never got to pass the strategy on to any Marine. I would like to remedy that.
Gannon Beck's Blog 