Couldn't agree more.  Find yourself a recruiter who isn't really a recruiter.  I'm about to tell you some tungsten carbide-hard truth:   The galling majority of the public is ponderously unaware that MOST recruiters are forced into it for a 3-year period, possibly more, and they don't receive some sort of bounty for enlistment contracts.  Such recruiters endure a punishing, bleak, grinding ordeal, all the while hounded, abused by their command and the public alike http://nbcnews.com/id/wbna28354659 and in some extreme cases, are even shot at or killed: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Rock_recruiting_office_shooting   Their bosses, however, have things pretty groovy for the entire time they remain in the Army--they've "converted."  They're recruiting lifers who never deploy, get cold, get hungry (look closely at their waistlines), carry weapons, or go in harm's way.  That said, among the truly professional soldiers who are forced into the job temporarily, the plan is to recruit with extreme care--because the soldier they enlist will very likely be standing beside them when they return to the regular Army.     Under no circumstances should you believe ANYTHING a recruiter says if she or he wears a gold recruiting badge or a recruiting ring--it generally means that the recruiter has forsaken her or his career field and has converted to the recruiting career field--permanently.  NEVER trust or even speak to one.  They're professional scalp-hunters, and they don't care a whit if you're happy with your enlistment options because they're never going to serve beside you, deploy with you, or even talk to you after you've croaked, "I swear or affirm to obey the orders..," etc.    Why?  By design.  The Army knows that people who don't actually have to serve with you will usually have no mental roadblock over shoe-horning you into a job you don't really want, enlisting near-imbecilles, or telling half-truths, distortions, and outright lies.  "Yeah, man, it don't matter what you sign up for; just tell the drill sergeant you wanna change jobs when you get there.  No worries."   What's the issue with the gold recruiter badge or the recruiter ring, you ask?  Well, that's what lifer recruiters get if they enlist a whole lot of people.  Sounds crazy, right?  But it's true; check it out.  They'll practically kill each other over what amounts to 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15).   Converted recruiters aren't standard-bearers or gatekeepers; they're basically collaborators, turncoats, and slave traders.  They'll browbeat you into an enlistment to be a Shower and Laundry Specialist (real job, 92S, check it out) at Camp Armpit, Absurdistan for 5 years if it means they'll get their gold badge or ring.  These are the sort of soldiers who like to wear shiny military trinkets in a clean, well-lit office--but certainly don't care to actually get shot at.  But they'll proudly tell you that without recruiting, there wouldn't even BE an Army!     And when they retire, they're the first in line for the "Free Sh*t For Veterans Day" observances at various stores and restaurants.  Because being a warrior makes ya hungry...for French fries, specifically.  Don't entrust your career to one of these primates.  While you're deployed to some sweltering third world cesspool on Operation Fierce Indifference, the lifer recruiters will be enjoying a frosty from Wendy's while chatting up some nubile teenage jailbait, saying, "Yeah, being a warrior and a leader of men is a hard life; luckily I'm a big ol' hunk of man, myself."   A detailed, or temporarily assigned recruiter, has by definition a sincere desire to put good people in uniform.  People who don't eventually become discipline problems because "my recruiter lied to me."  So, be extremely cautious about what type of recruiter you work with.  Ask, "Are you an involuntarily detailed recruiter?" and if he does a lot of throat-clearing wharrgarbl, walk away.  Never talk to a career recruiter. When they see you, they just see points toward their recruiter ring.  And the higher you score on the ASVAB, the more points they get.   Now, before you or the mods tap out that angry, "I knew a great converted recruiter, and they're fabulous people, and they help coach the underprivileged lacrosse team at Inclusive High School, and they feed the homeless and comfort the afflicted" etc., just ask yourself...were you an involuntarily assigned recruiter?  Ever even drank a beer with one?  

That's a very cool image, MWalsh.  Looks like there is a Warney Swasey scope in the foreground with its leather carrying case with the shoulder strap.   Thanks for the post.   Charlie

What do Iranians vision liberty to be?    And what do you do with a religious minority whose religion incorporates death to those they don’t like? Is it even possible to make something of this?

Shown above in Post #91 was a Federal Monark brand box of 12 gauge shotshells with number 8 chilled shot.  Elsewhere on the web today I noticed a post of the wooden crate in which these particular Monark brand shotshells were packed in.  Here is that image with photo credit to Ken Goodall and a tip of the hat to Fede for the information.  

Aznation, I am speechless.   First for the vast amount of specific information you provided. I had no idea that something so simple could possibly encompass such an amazing, wide ranging story.   Second, for the lesson in inquiry. How to search, where, what to ask, even how to think outside the obvious questions when considering an artifact.    I've inadvertently come into a massive amount of "stuff" (far beyond just militaria) and have been trying to get it back into the hands of people who appreciate it, while recovering a reasonable amount for the time & trouble of it. The military stuff led me here & I've been amazed at the help I've received. The many lessons in your reply will help me across all genres of my stuff.   You clearly invested significant time and effort on my behalf. I hope this conveys my sincere appreciation for your response. 

Thanks for sharing your collection!   Here are two 10th Mountain related, one from Camp Hale, and one from a 10th veteran of I/86. 

Would "liberation" be the right word to describe what the majority of iranians/Persians want (75% say religion, aka, Allah, does not play a role in their daily lives)  and a return to the secular, pro-Western, consumer-oriented society they previously had?

Looks like a fine original. Congratulations on your recent addition. !

The Israelis have started to attack the Iranian militias checkpoints with drones.   There are unsubstantiated claims that Iranian soldiers and militia members have defected.   Hopefully they brought an arsenal with them because the people are completely unarmed.   Keep an ear and eye open for what’s happening in country because the whole success of this campaign centers on the Iranian people and their ability to wrestle away their country from a highly motivated well armed authoritarian regime that believes the destruction of their enemies is Gods will.   The regime has warned the people that they will be shot if they gather so it’s going to be very interesting how they change that reality.        

I was told navy type 3 ?