Look, you think it’s not political? When, after Tet, the Army presence was beefed up in I-Corps
with the 82nd and 101st and the 1st of the 5th Mech, the Army demanded a Corps designation
and got it, just to compete with Lt. General Chapman over at IIIMAF. It was designated 21st Corps, under Lt, Gen Crossen, USA. with HQ up at Hue-Phu Bai. To say that a pissin’ contest ensued between the two 3-stars with the USAF in control of all the air, is an understatement. And, while “jointness” has gotten better through the years (hey, I even managed to sneak in a Joint Service Commendation piece of bright colored ribbon thingee myself!) don’t tell me that the differing philosophies and force structures that follow from that and, in turn become part of the feedback loop that drives further policies, don’t
serve to create tensions during ANY joint ops.

All I was trying to do was to note the tendency of the Marines to remain independent–despite the fact they are often op-con’d under the Army as in under MacArthur in WWII and again in Korea. The CG of the 1st MARDIV in Korea is on record, btw, as saying that he never wanted to operate under the Army again, so difficult a time did he have with the differing philosophies of the Army Corps CG that he was under.

SOoooo…….All I was doing is observing that some things never change–much.

Here’s another noteworthy place to go and donate, with actual interaction not only required but gratefully responded to: Marine You can branch out from there to donate to the Service and member of your choice. I’ve found it a great opportunity to make the whole OIF/OEF a very personal matter.

So many wonderful folks overseas really do enjoy hearing from us, and whatever we can send is always gratefully received. Take a moment, Gang. You’ll not be sorry.

Lex, a comment sent your way elsewhere.
V/R