I can't help but think that the portrayal of the VC is rooted in a view of the war with the aged lense of only the victories. In a sense, we look retroactively as if we fought and won battles, but the enemy was so elusive and enigmatic that there was no attainable goal in sight. And that this image of the poorly-equipped farmer in sandals represents the only moments where the American soldiers "won" overwhelming victories.. when they weren't actually fighting the legitimate strength of the army. It wouldn't be the first time in history that a losing side would then attempt to salvage some pride by bullying a weaker group or place simply to say, "ok, but we managed SOMETHING"
Two things: 1. The U.S. itself arguably won its independence by skillful retreat and surprise attacks on logistics hubs. Large set-piece battles are arguably what the U.S. does *worst.* 2. I know this is with the benefit of hindsight involving both Vietnam and the "insurgent math" of GWOT, but hasn't "tooth to tail" pretty much always been a thing that anyone who knows the slightest bit about logistics already understands? Even if you kill every soldier at the front line, the opposing army will *always* be able to pull fresh reinforcements out of the logistics chain now that they don't have to supply as big of an army over as long of a distance? Kill-to-Death ratio is an almost pointless statistic compared to the number of hours you've cut your enemy off from communication, reinforcement and supply.
There was a 💩 burger I used to make for hogs. It was three 4oz patties with 4 slices of cheese on a ridiculous stack of thin raw onion slices that made a chili reservoir with hot peppers and banana pepper slices, every slice a different cheese. Get it deluxe for mayo, pickle, lettuce, tomato and add bacon. It fell apart about 30 seconds after putting it together. That wasn't the good one. That was just a regular bacon and cheese. One dude would call in the morning to see if I was on the schedule to plan his 600 mile drive just for a real burger. If I have a tip jar, I want to have to empty it several times. That is my compensation for poor wages. Everyone gets salt and pepper, onion and/or garlic powder with a dash of Italian seasonings on their burger with extra fries, another slice of tomato, cheese and bacon. I was grilling buttered buns and pissing my manager off. People were walking away if I wasn't there. Fired for not wanting full time at that clown house. Best tip is to not use the same garlic butter that you'd make for grilling and putting that on buns, it's too strong. Just a dash is all. It doesn't cook long enough to turn it sweet and mellow, it can be bitter and sharp.
Love having Francis on the show. Great blend of firsthand vet experience and gnarly humor. Cheers
I can't help but think that the portrayal of the VC is rooted in a view of the war with the aged lense of only the victories. In a sense, we look retroactively as if we fought and won battles, but the enemy was so elusive and enigmatic that there was no attainable goal in sight. And that this image of the poorly-equipped farmer in sandals represents the only moments where the American soldiers "won" overwhelming victories.. when they weren't actually fighting the legitimate strength of the army. It wouldn't be the first time in history that a losing side would then attempt to salvage some pride by bullying a weaker group or place simply to say, "ok, but we managed SOMETHING"
That's how I feel about the Soviet flag. The country was a dystopian shithole, but the flag and the music fucking slapped.
This sounds painfully like an 180 degree Bien Dien Phu.
Two things:
1. The U.S. itself arguably won its independence by skillful retreat and surprise attacks on logistics hubs. Large set-piece battles are arguably what the U.S. does *worst.*
2. I know this is with the benefit of hindsight involving both Vietnam and the "insurgent math" of GWOT, but hasn't "tooth to tail" pretty much always been a thing that anyone who knows the slightest bit about logistics already understands?
Even if you kill every soldier at the front line, the opposing army will *always* be able to pull fresh reinforcements out of the logistics chain now that they don't have to supply as big of an army over as long of a distance?
Kill-to-Death ratio is an almost pointless statistic compared to the number of hours you've cut your enemy off from communication, reinforcement and supply.
22:00 how dare you offend the Grand Empire of Rhode Island!
There was a 💩 burger I used to make for hogs. It was three 4oz patties with 4 slices of cheese on a ridiculous stack of thin raw onion slices that made a chili reservoir with hot peppers and banana pepper slices, every slice a different cheese. Get it deluxe for mayo, pickle, lettuce, tomato and add bacon. It fell apart about 30 seconds after putting it together.
That wasn't the good one. That was just a regular bacon and cheese. One dude would call in the morning to see if I was on the schedule to plan his 600 mile drive just for a real burger. If I have a tip jar, I want to have to empty it several times. That is my compensation for poor wages. Everyone gets salt and pepper, onion and/or garlic powder with a dash of Italian seasonings on their burger with extra fries, another slice of tomato, cheese and bacon. I was grilling buttered buns and pissing my manager off. People were walking away if I wasn't there.
Fired for not wanting full time at that clown house.
Best tip is to not use the same garlic butter that you'd make for grilling and putting that on buns, it's too strong. Just a dash is all. It doesn't cook long enough to turn it sweet and mellow, it can be bitter and sharp.
ham buger 👍