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Spy Gadgets for the Average Joe

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Ever dreamed of being Ethan Hunt (lead role in the Mission Impossible series)? Well, now you can make those dreams a reality with this civilian accessible spy technology. With these gadgets, you’re destined to success with your latest espionage missions (or just getting the best VA loan rate possible), of course only if you choose to accept the mission.  This blog post will self destruct in 10 seconds…

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Spy Technology for the Average Joe

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How VA loan officers can show their appreciation to Veteran and Military clients.

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Being in the mortgage industry for the past 8 years I have come to realize that showing appreciation to your clients is a must. If I were running my own company I would even make it mandatory for VA loan officers. If you think about the process of buying a home it would seem like the Broker holds all the cards, but in reality it’s the Solider or Veteran.

The Loan Officer works for them, not the other way around. At any time during the process of completing the application and closing of escrow, the client – if they want – can find someone else to work with. I don’t want to sound like VA loan officers have no value or bring nothing to the table, its just good to understand what my responsibility is – WHICH IS HELPING THE SOLDIER/VETERAN! Without them I cannot put food on the table, but they can still get a VA loan without me.

I hope that did not sound like a rant, I just want to get the point across of how important the Veteran is.

There are many ways that I can show appreciation for Veterans and Soldiers buying homes. Let me list some of what I have done:

1. Give them the service they deserve. When talking with them on the phone or in person be sure to thank them for their military service. Sometimes address them using their Rank – this shows respect. Be prompt in your timelines and expectations.

2. Offer the best rates. Be competitive in the marketplace. Veterans and Soldiers will know if you are giving them higher VA interest rates and higher fees. I’m not suggesting doing the loan for free, but don’t “stick it” to them either. Trying to back pedal after you’ve been “caught” offering a bad deal is not a fun situation to be in.

3. Communicate. This is key. The best clients I have are the ones where I talk with them about the process of buying a home. I always try to educate Veterans or Active Military. Before closing explain to them how the final settlement statement looks and if there are any changes regarding rates, fees etc. NEVER DO A BAIT AND SWITCH!

4. Give them something of value. This is not too much to ask. Something simple like a Home Depot gift card or a house warming gift. The most recent purchase I did was here locally in UT. There were some speed bumps along the way to say the least. At the closing table I brought in a gift basket full of over the counter medicine as a joke. I also had some dish towels for the wife. They did not expect this, but they were very grateful because it was going above and beyond the call of duty.

5. Follow up. After the dust settles and your clients have moved in or completed their refinance, call them and ask how they like their new home or lower monthly payments. Send them birthday cards or Holiday cards.

In order to be successful in this business, you must always show your Veteran/ Active military clients that you care and appreciate them. Before you know it they will be sending referrals to you and that’s when you know you have created a business partner for life.

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Posted in For Fun, General Veteran Information, VA Loan, Veteran Service | No Comments »

America is THE Beautiful but this country needs to WAKE UP!

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

I have always been proud to be an American but seriously the past couple of weeks have really hit a soft spot and I have got to tell you that at times I wonder what in the world is wrong with this country and more importantly those that are making and enforcing our laws.

The video that I am sharing in this blog post is of a group of 4-5 yr old pre-school children performing for their parents.  As I filmed this video I found myself conflicted.  I had a strong feeling of pride as a parent and also as an American living in a great country where we are free to worship how we want and to wear what we want.  At this same time I felt a bit sick to my stomach as I realized I was hearing this at a private school, not a public school!  Do you think our kids can sing a song with the words AMERICA and GOD in it?  There is no way.

In the past week alone on the news I have seen of kids getting kicked out of school for wearing old navy shirts with the American Flag on them.  I have heard of kids of other races, yet still living here and claiming to be American, being allowed to wear shirts with a flag of another country.  I don’t have any issue with diversity and I think others should be able to wear flags from countries of their roots and nationalities, however why the double standard?  It is absolute garbage and in my option one of the major reasons this country is losing its luster!  How about a recent news story where the ACLU is suing the Federal Government for allowing a white cross to be in a national desert?  Here is what the ACLU says…

“Contrary to what some believe,” said Peter Eliasberg, staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California and First Amendment specialist, “it is not the role of the federal government to advance Christianity or any other sectarian belief. Americans are perfectly competent to make such decisions for themselves without government interference.”

I have to wonder if they would have sued or tried to pull down a monument of the Menorah or perhaps something representing Islam?  I bet the would not have.  Again I am all for religious freedom and freedom of speech, but this double standard in our country is utterly ridiculous.

People need to also realize that they have the RIGHT TO NOT GET OFFENDED SO EASILY.  Political correctness is destroying this Nation that so many are fighting for, have fought for and hopefully will continue to fight for.

Feels good to get this off my chest!

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Posted in For Fun, VA Interests, Veteran Service | 3 Comments »

10 Free Military Benefits You May Not Have Heard Of

Friday, May 7th, 2010

To serve one’s country demands a sacrifice for which no gift seems sufficient enough reward. The men and women of our armed services do enjoy certain perks however, most notably the GI Bill, The VA Home Loan Guarantee Program, and the Veteran Pension and Life Insurance Service. But the perks of service hardly end there. Many veterans and or active duty military personnel would be surprised to learn of the varied and substantial array of benefits, discounts, and non-profit organizations that exist to honor those who serve. The following is a sampling of some of the most interesting.

1. Free Security Alarms for military –  Protect Our Troops is an  Organization that installs wireless, two way voice security systems and provides 24hr monitoring for active duty service persons. With many soldiers stationed in areas requiring communication blackouts or reception issues (as in the mountainous highlands of Afghanistan) knowing their spouses, children and property back home is being monitored can be a great comfort.

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2. Free Credit Repair Assistance – www.vacreditsolutions.com Credit Reporting is perhaps the only American institution where you are guilty until proven innocent. Statistics suggest that as much as 70% of all credit reports have errors on them, and as many as 25% contain errors serious enough that would preclude an otherwise qualified borrower from access to credit they deserve. Many veterans are unaware that the burden of contesting this information not only rests on them, but that most companies advertising credit repair operate illegally. VA Credit Solutions is a free service designed to assist veterans and active duty military personnel with self directed credit repair.

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3. Free Concerts & Sporting Events – http://www.vettix.org/aboutus.php the Veteran Tickets Foundation is a non-profit distribution entity that collects donations of tickets from individuals, corporations, celebrities and professional sports teams. These tickets are then distributed to veterans with service connected disabilities and active duty servicepersons.

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4. Private Disney World Resort – http://www.shadesofgreen.org – Shades of Greens is a special resort situated on the Walt Disney World property reserved exclusively for veterans, active duty servicepersons and their families. In addition to substantial discounts on basic lodging, meal plans and transportation to and from the park, guests of the resort .  are treated to special activities that honor their military service.

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5. Free Admission to Theme Parks – On select days and seasons, veterans and active duty military personnel gain free admission to a host of top tier amusement parks and attractions, including (but not limited to) Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm and many others.

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6. Free Meals – Veterans Day is a time for remembering the contribution and sacrifice of those Americans who have served and continue to serve our nation. It’s also a day that, should a vet or active duty soldier find themselves hungry, that a host of popular restaurant chains including Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, and Krispy Kreme will provide free meals in their honor.

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7. Free Plastic Surgery – http://www.capsmi.com/newsEvents/index.html As part of their self styled “Veteran’s Project” The Center For Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids Michigan aims to assist veterans with service connected disabilities by providing them with free reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to help ease the psychological and physical scars of wartime violence.

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8. Tax Free Plus Discounted Construction & Building Materials – Lowe’s Home Improvement http://media.lowes.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1036 & The Home Depot 10% Discounts on purchases up to $5000 with both Lowes Home Improvement and The Home Depot on select days throughout the year, most notably on Veteran’s Day Weekend.

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9. Free Wedding Gowns for Military Brides – Viva Amore Boutique – http://www.vivaamoreboutique.com/dresses-for-military-brides/ For those engaged women either serving in the military or preparing to marry an active duty soldier, this boutique helps young deserving couples celebrates one of the most important days of their lives in style with a price that’s hard to beat – Free.

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10. Free Personalized Military Doll for Children of Deployed Soldiers – Operation Military Kids http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/getInvolvedBy.aspx?state=Utah This non-profit organization focuses on the war at home fought by the families of deployed soldiers in the absence of their loved ones. OMK provides personalized dolls with real pictures of their parents representing the faces.

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Posted in For Fun, Military discounts and savings | 1 Comment »

Why I am grateful for the service of our troops!

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

I have often wondered why someone would willingly leave behind their families, their friends— basically their life—to serve their country. Why would someone “volunteer” to get deployed for a year or two and put themselves in such danger? A lot of troops serve their country way beyond that time span. Others for their entire life. I have concluded that their bravery, their honor, and their vision and sacrifice for America and our freedom runs deeper than a lot of people can comprehend. I believe soldiers have such a profound gratitude for the freedom of our Nation and their loved ones that they can’t help but serve our country.

I have also tried to imagine what life would be like if we couldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have. What if it didn’t exist in our country? What if we didn’t have men and women who were willing to enlist in the army today? It would be a disservice to those veterans who served in the past, who fought for their lives and freedom with many dying in the process.

I’m in awe when I think of the soldiers who trust in and rely so heavily on those they serve with. Their lives lie in the hands of the person next to them. I’m amazed at the strength and resilience of these forces. Their unity must be a great thing to experience, just as we citizens of our country must be united and take care of each other. We too must do our part.

I believe in Freedom. I believe in the right to choose. I believe in self-government, the right to bear arms in self defense, and free conscience. The right to free speech, a fair trial, and to assemble. I believe in the right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor and to provide nature’s necessities. I believe in a United Country (hence, the “United States of America”). I believe in our Soldiers to help us accomplish and sustain this. I also deem that we as citizens have certain duties we are held to—both public and private. Such duties include not stealing, being honest in all our doings, abide the laws of the land, to provide for and protect our families, and of course to help those who are less fortunate, in need and sick. We as citizens need to become economically independent. We need to participate in our society, vote, volunteer, and be family-oriented. Doing these things will help our soldiers keep our country strong and standing. They can’t do it alone.

In today’s world it is starting to become more real to me the way our government and economy is going. And I, like many others, have had an awakening of how truly grateful I am for those men and women who are willing to stand and fight those who dare take our liberty and our rights from us. It has taken me a while to understand what independence means to me personally, but I am now forever changed by it. My appreciation for the thousands and millions of troops who serve now and who have served in the past runs deep. We need to show this appreciation more, not just on Veteran’s Day. They need and deserve that.

I am so proud to be an American. We are all truly blessed to live in this great country. Our soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors are a force for good in the world. This really is the land of the free because of the brave. Let’s not forget that. I am grateful for troops who protect our freedom, who create our freedom, and who support our freedom.

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Posted in For Fun, VA Interests, Veteran Service | 2 Comments »

Leave no Man Behind

Monday, April 12th, 2010

These immortal words have become part of the American lexicon. Though the phrase has become synonymous with the US Armed forces, there is some debate as to the origin of its use. The film “Black Hawk Down” lays claim to these words as the motto of Delta Force, the legendary (and still officially unrecognized) special forces unit, a claim supported by Chuck Norris, starring as a Delta Force operative in the eponymous 80’s action flick. Despite this, a simple Google search of the phrase reveals that many contest this fact, including but not limited to Marine Reservists serving in Iraq, Army Rangers, and even armchair historians who claim that the earliest derivation of phrase was coined by none other than Alexander the Great. Whatever the source, the message seems to resonate most with those who have served in combat. With reverent stoicism, it is a pledge of allegiance to the fraternity of soldier hood. Their fears are less tied to notions of self preservation than how they cherish the lives of their friends, for some the last family they will ever know, and thus the truest reminder of home. They are not motivated by the protection the unit offers, as much as they are compelled by the nobility of their membership to it. Theirs is a nobility born amid chaos, when the trappings of their normal lives erode, and their consciousness distills into a clear purpose. They serve our country, they serve our values, but most of all, they serve one another.

These tough economic times have made the line between soldier and civilian blurry at best, particularly when one thinks of “leaving no man behind”. Don’t our veterans deserve better than this? What about the veteran borrower returning home after his second tour in Afghanistan, only to find that the home he bought in Detroit for 80k is now worth less than $15k and the manufacturing job he was counting on died with the rest of the city’s work infrastructure. As he falls behind on his payments, how can he not feel even just a bit slighted by the system?

The intent of this post is to offer a hand out to government loan borrowers wishing for assistance on their va loans. Though there are many options available, few are being utilized effectively. Even if you are only using this post as a means to expand and clarify your options please feel free to contact James at any time and I’d be happy to answer them.

I. COMMON ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO FORECLOSURE THAT WORK

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.” Benjamin Franklin

Before exploring any foreclosure option, I would recommend checking out the free credit repair for veterans. This is an internal division that provides basic credit management education, and assists borrowers with disputing and updating their reports to the greatest point of accuracy. It is said that 70% of all credit reports have errors on them and an astonishing 1 in 4 have errors on them serious enough to prevent someone from getting the credit they are rightfully entitled to.

II. COMMON ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO FORECLOSURE THAT WORK

If you wish to stay in your home but have fallen behind on your VA mortgage payments there may be a way to save you from foreclosure. Contrary to popular belief, most lenders don’t want to have to resort to a costly and time intensive foreclosure process, particularly in a housing market such as this one. The following alternatives have been recommended from the VA Borrower Delinquency Page

A. Repayment Plan – The borrower makes regular installment each month plus part of the missed installments.

B. Special Forbearance – The servicer agrees not to initiate foreclosure to allow time for borrowers to repay the missed installments. An example of when this would be likely is when a borrower is waiting for a tax refund.

C. Loan Modification - Provides the borrower a fresh start by adding the delinquency to the loan balance and establishing a new payment schedule.

D. Additional time to arrange a private sale – The servicer agrees to delay foreclosure to allow a sale to close if the loan will be paid off.

E. Short Sale – When the servicer agrees to allow a borrower to sell his/her home for a lesser amount than what is currently required to payoff the loan.

F. Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure – The borrower voluntarily agrees to deed the property to the servicer instead of going through a lengthy foreclosure process.

III. Non-VA SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVES TO FORECLOSURE

A. Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA SCRA may provide a lower interest rate for up to one year, and provide forbearance, or prevent foreclosure or eviction up to nine months from period of military service. In order to qualify for certain protections available under the Act, his or her obligation must have originated prior to the current period of active military service.

B. If VA is not able to help a veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether a VA-guaranteed loan or not), the HOPE NOW Alliance may be of assistance. HOPE NOW is a joint alliance consisting of servicers, counselors, and investors whose main goal is to assist distressed borrowers retain their homes and avoid foreclosure. They have expertise in financial counseling, as well as programs that take advantage of relief measures that VA cannot. HOPE Now provides outreach, counseling and assistance to homeowners who have the willingness and ability to keep their homes but are facing financial difficulty as a result of the crisis in the mortgage market. The HOPE NOW Alliance can be reached at (888) 995-HOPE (4673), or by visiting www.hopenow.com.

IV. DIRECT ASSISTANCE with non- VA Guaranteed Home Loan Veteran’s Affairs

A. For a veteran or service member who may have obtained a conventional or sub-prime loan, VA has a network of eight Regional Loan Centers and two special servicing centers that can offer advice and guidance. Borrowers may visit VA’s Loan Guaranty website at www.homeloans.va.gov or call toll free (877) 827-3702 to speak with a VA Loan Technician. However, unlike the case of a veteran or service member with a VA-guaranteed home loan, VA does not have the legal authority or standing to intervene on the borrower’s behalf. Therefore, it is imperative that a borrower contacts his/her servicer as quickly as possible.

B. VA Refinancing of a non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan

C. Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a VA-guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the property, which is up from the previous limit of 90 percent.

D. Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan amount for these types of refinancing loans to $729,750 depending on where the property is located (this limit is significantly higher in Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii). These changes will allow more qualified veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest costs and avoiding foreclosure. A VA refinancing loan may help a veteran who is facing a big payment increase.

V. DIRECT ASSISTANCE on VA Guaranteed Home Loan Veteran’s Affairs

C. When a VA-guaranteed home loan becomes delinquent, VA provides supplemental servicing assistance to help cure the default. The servicer has the primary responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve the default. However, in cases where the servicer is unable to help the veteran borrower, Loan Guaranty has Loan Technicians in eight Regional Loan Centers and two special servicing centers who take an active role in interceding with the servicer to explore all options to avoid foreclosure. Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call (877) 827-3702 to reach the nearest Loan Guaranty office where loan specialists are prepared to discuss potential ways to help save the loan.

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Jungle Book of Financial Truth for Veterans and VA Loans

Monday, April 5th, 2010

In his classic short story, the Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling attributes the ability to manipulate fire as the dividing line between man and beast. Man’s “Red Flower” is understood by the animals as power, a means to dominion over those that fail to grasp its secrets. For years any further subtext into the metaphor was lost on me, probably reinforced by the (admittedly awesome) Disney animated film.

Recently however, I re-read this story and found a more profound meaning that resonates with my job as VA loan specialist. In the story, and the cartoon for that matter, Mowgli ultimately decides to return to live in the village among humans. If we were to assume that the author meant fire to be a metaphor for something as base and abstract as “power” the ending would seem sad. But when Mowgli watches those in the village from afar, they are hardly laying waste to the land with fire. Humans in the story are not maniacs, hell-bent on lording over their domain with flaming branches. They are living out a tame existence, using fire to cook, to heat their homes, to clear land for villages, to protect themselves from creatures, etc. This juxtaposition demonstrates how shifting ones perspective can alter the fundamental nature we attribute to something. Fire as a barely bridled weapon of fear, destroyer of life when viewed narrowly. Fire as a sustainer of life for another providing heat, clearing land for shelter, cooking and perhaps most relevantly to keep animals at bay.

Regarding VA loans, the metaphor is less obvious at first glance but ultimately resonates with a similar meaning. For the majority of veteran borrowers, a VA mortgage is a partially understood vehicle that can provide a means to homeownership. An unfortunate few realize that a VA mortgage (like fire) is not something to be feared but rather a tool, which, if mastered can provide more than crude shelter, but a means to unlock financial opportunities to lead a freer more enriched life. While the responsibility rests ultimately on the veteran buyer (“Caveat Emptor”) to learn of fire, a more critical look at our society might suggest the basic principles of lending are adequately disclosed but not adequately transmitted to those people to whom mortgages are made available. This tragic phenomena is less exclusive to veterans, than it is to the access to debt we offer young and inexperienced borrowers. Billions of dollars are made each year at the expense of borrowers to whom the concept, power and scope of debt concepts are adequately explained. Like fire, as the recent American debt picture suggests, many have been “burned” by the lure of seemingly easy access to debt. However, more millionaires and Fortune 500 companies have been built on carefully leveraged debt models as a standard practice of modern business.

Looking back on the novel with this in mind, I now understand that maybe the solution set to the balance equation presented between fire/debt is less important than the scale by which it is measured. A scale that is one in the same, one I try to keep in mind when I discuss loan options with my clients. Though I was never a financial scholar, the knowledge I’ve accrued about basic finance working with VA home loan borrowers has and will serve me for the rest of my life. Therefore, I understand that the best and most honorable way for me to faithfully execute my responsibility as a VA loan Specialist isn’t to push a rate or an agenda, but to determine what the borrower knows, to demystify the concept of debt, to speak openly of its potential and liability, and to guide them to a place where a confident application can be made. It’s always surprising how a simple perspective shift can open doors of understanding to opportunity, just as re-reading a childhood classic can

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10 Modern Weapons That Kick Ass!

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

It’s simply amazing to see the inventions and firepower that our modern era has provided.  Take a look below to see just a few of the kick ass weapons we have decided to feature in this post.  Of course, there are more we could cover, but we had to be a bit selective or this post could go on for days.  If you like it, share it!

1.  XM-25 Airburst

You can run, you can hide but you can’t get away from the smart bullets propelled by the XM-25 rifle. Equipped with a revolutionary microchip-embedded in the 25mm ammunition itself and an onboard ballistic computer and laser rangefinder, the user can program the bullet to detonate at precise distances, causing an airborne spray of shrapnel in all directions. Developed by Alliance Techsystems, this is a weapon of proximity and to designed to kill hostiles that are hidden behind barricades or around the corner of a building.

2.  Predator UAV

The military is an advocate of working smarter rather than harder. Predator UAV’s are unmanned planes that can be flown via satellite from hundreds or thousands of miles from the point of conflict. Earning the nickname of “death from above,” these planes are armed with laser guided “hellfire” missiles and bombs and able to target and kill hostiles from the sky by way of infrared cameras. The planes can fly for up to 40 hours at a time and because they are unmanned, the pilots can be rotated to keep them fresh during even the longest missions.

3.  M32 Multi Grenade Launcher

When it comes to handheld havoc, this unique grenade launcher is as effective as it gets. The cartridge has low pressure chamber that causes virtually no sound and minimal kickback, all while being able to launch six 40mm grenades in less than 3 seconds time (18 rounds in under a minute). Equipped with “hell hound” fragmentation grenades with a kill range of 10 meters, this weapon is lethal from 440 yards away from the target. The hand-cannon also allows for attachable cameras and infrared flares for versatility and added protection against the enemy.

You’ll have to click here to watch this video as we are not able to embed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX-99a1JCc4

4.  HIMARS

An acronym for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, these mobile missile launchers are pure power and potency. One of the newest members of the multiple-launch rocket system family (MLRS), these units offer extreme firepower and accuracy, all on a wheeled chassis. Making them even more impressive is the fact that the rockets are laser guided for pinpoint precision that can land a missile through the window of one house without hitting the other.

5.  AC130 Gunship

Call it the big brother in the sky but the AC130 Gunship is a fully loaded airplane that is used primarily for close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Just like the video game, these planes are loaded with Vulcan cannons, 20mm Gatling guns, 105mm howitzers and a host of other artilleries that can deliver an enormous blow on anything in its sites. Whether it be used for escorting convoys, supporting ground troops or defending an air base, these machines are very protective of their territory and not to be messed with.

6. MOAB

Though they are considered the Mother of All Bombs, this acronym actually stands for Massive Ordnance Air Blast. Second only to the nuclear bomb, the makers cared less about shrapnel and focused more on the damaging effects of the bomb’s blast itself. Equipped with 18,000 pounds of explosives and considered the largest guided weapon ever created, this bomb’s effective blast radius is an unparalleled 150 yards.

7.  GE Quadruped

Though this may not be a weapon of a destructive nature, this robotic pack-mule deserves its day because of the support it offers soldiers on the battle field. Currently being tested in Afghanistan, this machine is a durable version of man’s best friend and a magnificent representation of modern marvels. While an ATV may be able to haul equipment all the same, good luck trying to roll one of these Quadrupeds.

8.  Corner Shot

The concept is simple but the benefits of this innovation are extensive. Rather than face head-on gunfire, this modified gun is hinged and allows the user to shoot sideways when facing forward. The benefit is obvious; soldiers can stand in protection behind building walls while firing the weapon accurately through a camera that is attached to the barrel. In addition, the creator argues that it allows the soldier to make a calculated firing decision while in safety rather than being forced to fire chaotic survival shots. Available as pistols, rifles and rocket launchers, this weapon is all about keeping the soldiers as safe as can be while delivering a deadly blow to the opposition.

9.  DREAD Weapon System

Taking the concept of the machine gun to the next level, the DREAD weapon system is a vast improvement on the classic. Because it is powered by electrical energy, this unique gun can fire 120,000 rounds per minute that are only 1/3 of an inch apart without sound, recoil, flash or a heat signature. The amazing benefit of these stealth qualities is that it can provide cover fire for troops without lighting like a beacon for return fire.

10.  Redback 40mm Weapon System

This multi-barrel weapon is a power packed multitasker with a mean streak. Using 40mm rounds, it is controlled remotely and able to target attack multiple targets with the various munitions at a stellar range of 5,000 meters. Because it is somewhat nimble and can be fitted to most any vehicle, the system is most commonly used for vehicle and convoy protection as well as intercepting rockets. It’s a rather compact unit but it delivers when needed.

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Posted in For Fun | 7 Comments »

Top Military Generals of all Time

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

When discussing some of the top military geniuses recorded in the history of mankind, a lot of people have similar opinions, but many do vary. There are leaders that have been very successful for the good they’ve accomplished and others have proved to be tyrannical to their own nation as well as their enemy. It is important to understand both sides so we can learn from our history and build our society rather than experience another downfall.

Some great military leaders might include Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Hannibal, George Patton, George Washington, Napoleon, or Ghengis Khan. They are known for the mastermind of their military tactic and strategies, whether on defense or offense. I will discuss the latter three, starting with George Washington, who we have all heard about.

george wI talk about George Washington being one of the greatest military leaders not because he was the greatest in battle or the most intellectual strategist, but because he was one of the most influential. His soldiers were in rags, starved, and not paid. With this inexperienced army, he still managed to conquer the leading armies in the world and give the United States its liberty.

Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia. He mostly studied agriculture, geography, military history, mathematics, and surveying when he grew up. He led his first expedition in 1754 where he was forced to surrender. After more experience, he found himself in command of the western Virginia frontier. He then served in the House of Burgesses where he stayed for seventeen years. In 1775 Washington was appointed commander in chief to the Continental army due his is ability to unite the American people. He became well-known for his attack on Christmas night on the British in 1776. His mere army of 3,000 (against 34,000) continued to grow. In 1778 the French declared war on Britain and supported Washington’s men with 7,000 soldiers and 36 ships. They went up against Yorktown and forced the British to surrender in 1781, ending the American Revolution.

From there George Washington became the First President of the United States of America in 1789 and served for two terms. He was very successful setting up civilization in the democratic government. He died at 67 years old in 1799. As mentioned before, George Washington wasn’t necessarily best-known for his success on the battlefield like most military leaders, but his “legacy of influence” and respect for becoming the Founding Father of our Nation is of equal value.

napolean_gary Another excellent military leader is Napoleon I, who ruled as emperor of France for over two decades. He conquered most of the Continent and even had control in part of Africa and Asia. He was able to influence governments and armies all over the world with his ideas.

Napoleon was born in 1769 and grew up as a normal child no different from any other. He first attended a military school as a teenager and graduated at 16, becoming second lieutenant in the artillery. He soon made his way up to the commander position. Due to his victory, he was made general at age 26 and was in command of the Italy army as well. He proved victorious against the Austrians at Castiglione, Arcola, Lodi, and Rivoli. He soon controlled all of Austria and Italy with his army of 40,000. This 5’2” leader was becoming very popular as he become the “first consul” and then declared himself emperor.

After defeating the Austrians in Ulm, Austro-Russian army, the Prussians at Jena, and the Russians at Friedland, Napoleon put into operation the Napoleonic Code. This “Code” assured their rights and liberties, freedom of religion, free schooling, and eradicated feudalism. Still, Napoleon’s ambitions weren’t content. He started blocking the routes of the British and caused trouble with the English. He took over Portugal and eventually found himself in the Peninsular War, with lasted from 1807-1813, and took a huge toll on the French with 300,000 deaths.

Napoleon was defeated in April 1814 and was banished to the island of Elba, where he escaped almost a year later. His freedom lasted only 100 days, when he was again put into exile on the British Island of St. Helena. He died from stomach cancer, or perhaps arsenic poisoning, at 51 years of age on May 5, 1821.

Though Napoleon spread destruction and death at incredible heights, he will always be known as one of the greatest military commanders. He was exceptional at adapting, giving instructions and letting his commanders self-govern themselves, taking chances, and always had his strategies and tactics planned perfectly.

genghis-khan The final great military leader is Genghis Khan, who, at birth in 1162, was called Temujin. He was born in what we call today Mongolia to a noble family, but he went through many early hardships in his life. It wasn’t until 1185 that he rose to power and in time experienced some victories. In 1206 he received his name Genghis Khan while he became ruler over Mongolia.

By 1211 he was in war with the Chin Dynasty, which eventually led them to invade central Asia in 1219, destroying the Empire. His army then attacked Xi-Xia, at which his horse reared up, surprised, and Genghis Khan fell from his horse. Though he kept fighting and beat the Tanguts, the internal injuries soon led to his death in 1227 at age 65.

Genghis Kahn was a military genius due to his brilliant line of attacks and organization. He created one of the most obedient and efficient armies in all the worlds history. Without him there would be no Mongolia—the Mongolians revere his as their founding father. Genghis Kahn managed to rule over the largest empire ever known: the Mongol Empire. He is known both for his military and non-military achievements (Uighur script).

There are many great military leaders in the history of the world—some known for the good they accomplished, and others for their autocratic and oppressive nature. George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Genghis Kahn are some wonderful examples of military leadership, each in very different ways. They have each impacted and changed the way the world thinks and does things today as we learn from their accomplishments and their mistakes.

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American History Of War And Death

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

(1775 – 1783) The Revolutionary War

Spawned when the American colonies rejected British Parliament as a suitable government and formed the Continental Army, this revolution was the apex of the colonial up-rise. Originally a conflict between Great Britain and thirteen former British colonies in North America, the war escalated into a global affair and eventually resulted in the independence of the United States of America.

AMERICAN CASUALTIES

WOUNDED: 6,188
DEATH: approx 8,000 in battle plus 17,000 due to disease fallout.

The Revolutionary War

(1812 – 1815) War of 1812

While Britain was already at war with France, they attempted the enforcement of a number of trade restrictions between the US and France, as well as, enacted forceful recruitment of US citizens into the Royal Navy. In addition to these annoyances, the Brits also offered military assistance to the Native Americans to impede colonial expansion into the West. As a response by the United States to stand up against what they believed to be “British insults,” the War of 1812 was fought between the US and the British Empire primarily on the Atlantic Ocean and the coasts of North America.

AMERICAN CASUALTIES

WOUNDED: 4,505
DEATH: 2,260 plus 17,000 due to disease fallout.

War of 1812

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