#MARSOC
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foggyi · 1 month ago
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figures4fun · 1 year ago
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Why can’t the branches of the military just get along?
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tarasthesauceboss · 1 year ago
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MARSOC and Force wearing Multicam
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longloststories · 4 months ago
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Colt M45A1 🇺🇸
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casbooks · 1 year ago
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Book Review: Tough Rugged Bastards
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Just finished Tough Rugged Bastards by John A. Dailey and I have mixed emotions. There were some parts of this book that were written incredibly, but taken as a whole… overall, it wasn't. While the title states that this is the memoir of a life in USMC SpecOps.
The overwhelming fact is that you don't really realize WHAT the book is about until you're almost done, and you're left asking… that's it? It's not a memoir of a life, though there are elements of that. It's really just the story of how Det 1 came to be and their single deployment to Iraq. Which is fine! I love that as a topic! Except… it does such an uneven job covering that, that you literally learn almost as much, if not more, by a quick glance at the Wikipedia article about it.
The author is a GOOD writer, very deft with prose and storytelling, which comes across page after page. The problem is that he has a tendency to constantly digress away from the point of the story and wander all over time and thought without any sense of cohesion. He has the tendency to play loose and fast with time, ex: you're talking about his first days in the marines, and the next you're getting a lecture on ultramarathon running after his retirement, and it's such a jarring left turn that you're scratching your head wondering WHY, why is that here and not at the end? It starts off with a tale of Afghanistan and you're like GREAT! Let's hear more about that, but don't expect to because he'll only reference Afghanistan here and there, but not really discuss it. Same with his Embassy duties.
But the worst part is that he has a tendency to be hyper specific about things that could be talked about less, and tends to wax poetic and barely glance at things that should have been the crux of the book! You'll learn a lot about Stoicism and how to be a good instructor but when he talks about the battle of Najaf where "proceeded to demoralize the militiaman by "wiping out" dozens of enemy combatants, confusing them as to the point of origin of the unrelenting lethal fire… kept their marksman on their SR-25s around the clock" (per wiki) you really only get detail about the first shot fired, and then… nothing else really. You get some good detail about looking for 3 bombers, but it's really just a small part of the book when compared to how deep he goes into selecting gear and training and whatever else is on his mind at that moment. Especially about what it means to be a warrior. He goes deep into that multiple times, and what it takes to be a good Operator and a good this and that and that's fine, but when that is such a huge part of the book, and being in Iraq, Afghanistan, a scout sniper, a member of force recon, and the rest isn't, well there's a jarring imbalance. It's not his memoir, it's a good overview of how Det One/Raiders started, the schools, and his thoughts… with a couple of stories about the rest.
3 stars
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dewszt · 11 months ago
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MARSOC
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vaszabi99 · 2 years ago
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Joker 4 The Mission Airsoft Larp Event
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tomassci · 4 months ago
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Martyn the Market Socialist, a personification of Market Socialism I made for now inactive Jreg RP.
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shiftingwithmars · 10 months ago
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OC introduction!!
(Not my pictures)
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Name: Katia “Kat” Floris
Hero Alias: Cosma
Age: 17
Sexuality: Pansexual
Gender: Female
Pronouns: She/Her
Race: Black Native American
Powers: Cosmic energy manipulation, “Star Magic”
Backstory: Her parents died when she was younger, leaving her with her aunt. Her powers started developing at age 7 when she saw a shooting star.
Inspired by: Storm and Forge from X-Men
Fc: Goblinseatme
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chaoticqueen33 · 8 months ago
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One Piece OC: Rams Kaleo
This is my darling little child of chaos~ She is a disgraced daughter of a Marine Captain, and is currently the Straw Hat Stylist! Rams is a punk with a heart of gold, and she loves any excuse to absolutely own Marines.
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I plan on writing some fics for her and posting some more art- I already have an AU where she gets adopted by Cross Guild
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figures4fun · 1 year ago
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A US Marine tries to decide between Halo’s battle rifle or Alien’s pulse rifle and if he wants to be a UNSC Marine or a Colonial Marine
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shiftingwithmars · 3 months ago
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How it feels cause I’m currently working on Puddles death scene:
My favorite thing is when I tell myself “I’ll just write a little bit” and suddenly it’s three hours later, I haven’t blinked, and I’m emotionally compromised over my own characters.
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casbooks · 11 months ago
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Book 40 of 2024 (★★★)
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Title: Tough Rugged Bastards: A Memoir of a Life in Marine Special Operations Authors: John A. Dailey ISBN: 9781637587355 Rating: ★★★ Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Middle East-SWA.Afghanistan.US.USMC, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Middle East-SWA.Iraq.OIF.USMC, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.SpecOps.US.USMC
Description: Tough, Rugged Bastards is the memoir of an ordinary guy who seized an extraordinary opportunity to become one of the most elite warfighters in America during the most volatile times in the Global War on Terror. Following the 9/11 attacks, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed the Marine Corps to establish a unit that would answer to US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The eighty-six-man “Detachment One” was formed with a two-year charter to train and deploy as a “proof-of-concept” to assess the viability of a larger Marine Special Operations contribution in support of the Global War on Terror. For such a departure from the norm, a special leader was needed. The Commanding Officer—Colonel Robert J. Coates, a Marine Force Recon legend—was given his pick of personnel. One of the four team leaders he selected was Gunnery Sergeant John A. Dailey. Coates gave Dailey and the others free rein to select their men from a crew of proven Force Recon Marines with the sole stipulation that they be: “Tough, rugged bastards with strong backs and hard feet.” These men built a unit from nothing, trained for unknown missions in an unknown location, and deployed amid controversy and skepticism. Once in Iraq, they were dubbed “Task Unit Raider” and quickly won over the naysayers who doubted the Marine’s ability to operate successfully in the fluid and unconventional special operations environment. This book tells Dailey’s story of the creation, training, and volatile 2004 Iraq deployment of Task Unit Raider that led to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Det-1 served as the bridge between the Raiders of WWII and the Marine Raiders of today.
My Review: Just finished Tough Rugged Bastards by John A. Dailey and I have mixed emotions. There were some parts of this book that were written incredibly, but taken as a whole… overall, it wasn’t. While the title states that this is the memoir of a life in USMC SpecOps.
The overwhelming fact is that you don’t really realize WHAT the book is about until you’re almost done, and you’re left asking… that’s it? It’s not a memoir of a life, though there are elements of that. It’s really just the story of how Det 1 came to be and their single deployment to Iraq. Which is fine! I love that as a topic! Except… it does such an uneven job covering that, that you literally learn almost as much, if not more, by a quick glance at the Wikipedia article about it.
The author is a GOOD writer, very deft with prose and storytelling, which comes across page after page. The problem is that he has a tendency to constantly digress away from the point of the story and wander all over time and thought without any sense of cohesion. He has the tendency to play loose and fast with time, ex: you’re talking about his first days in the marines, and the next you’re getting a lecture on ultramarathon running after his retirement, and it’s such a jarring left turn that you’re scratching your head wondering WHY, why is that here and not at the end? It starts off with a tale of Afghanistan and you’re like GREAT! Let’s hear more about that, but don’t expect to because he’ll only reference Afghanistan here and there, but not really discuss it. Same with his Embassy duties.
But the worst part is that he has a tendency to be hyper specific about things that could be talked about less, and tends to wax poetic and barely glance at things that should have been the crux of the book! You’ll learn a lot about Stoicism and how to be a good instructor but when he talks about the battle of Najaf where “proceeded to demoralize the militiaman by "wiping out” dozens of enemy combatants, confusing them as to the point of origin of the unrelenting lethal fire… kept their marksman on their SR-25s around the clock" (per wiki) you really only get detail about the first shot fired, and then… nothing else really. You get some good detail about looking for 3 bombers, but it’s really just a small part of the book when compared to how deep he goes into selecting gear and training and whatever else is on his mind at that moment. Especially about what it means to be a warrior. He goes deep into that multiple times, and what it takes to be a good Operator and a good this and that and that’s fine, but when that is such a huge part of the book, and being in Iraq, Afghanistan, a scout sniper, a member of force recon, and the rest isn’t, well there’s a jarring imbalance. It’s not his memoir, it’s a good overview of how Det One/Raiders started, the schools, and his thoughts… with a couple of stories about the rest.
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alanisstonedd · 8 months ago
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okay bluecollar!rafe but yall. can we make it MARINE!RAFE?? or more specifically MARSOC!rafe* who works for ward at cameron construction co. on leave?? like hello i need him bad guys.
cw: MDNI smut, cursing, stuff in public, food play, cum eating, military stuff, ass play, manhandling, 1 mention of fighting, recording
*marsoc: Marine Forces Special Operations Command - basically what COD men do
like he starts off as a standard private officer after enlisting when you guys graduate high school. he works his way up from private to corporal to sergeant major, and then eventually to captain, colonel, then general. i mean hes fucking unstoppable, hes blowing thru these ranks like nobodys fuckin business, and he not stopping anytime soon baby he in his primeeee.
he moves on to MARSOC and leads a small team on SPEC-OP missions in like borneo. hes literally the best of the best. his full file is like 4 pounds, full of successful recon missions, confirmed kills, successful captures of enemy targets, accurate tracking efforts, successful counterterrorism efforts, successful hostage rescue and successful direct action raids. when theres a REAL threat? they call LT Cameron. callsign? RAIDER
NOW. when baby comes home on leave he works at the family construction company ward owns, building giant beach houses for rich kooks. he eventually inherits cameron construction when ward gets too old to work and he helps ward retire bcs of the cash from being the most elite soldier in the US military. bae is tannnn bcs of construction work ofc, but also since being in the military he likes to go on runs and be in nature to clear his head. and yall alr know hes yatteddddd, both sleeves done by his boy at home on the cut, who happens to be a very talented tattoo artist (barry...)
strictly keeps a buzz for deployment but will grow out a mullet when hes home. signature gold chain is always on, and has a tat on his ring finger for you and maybe one on his forearm. does he have both ears pierced with fake diamond studs in? yes.
is currently in the blueprint stage for a beach house he wants to build you on figure 8 (and one in florida... and will probably start planning another one if he ends up having a long ship-out next deployment) even tho he despises rich fucks and is suchhhh a country boy. i mean hes like pogue!rafe but hes more of a mudding, dirt biking, bonfire, shotgunning beer, lifted truck, bar hop, football game kind of guy. and the most elite soldier in the US military ofc.
takes you on stargazing dates and fucks you in the truck bed, a big beach towel set down and his head in your neck while he ruts into you short and fast. occasionally gets into bar fights when some dick is tryna say sum to u. is such an ass man and will smack and grope that shit wheneverrrr whereverrrr - has zoned out of convos with people while feelin HIS booty up + loves to grip your pussy with his big ass paw when no one is looking.
has a super firm grip due to years of being a marine and WILL manhandle ur ass around - into various positions, onto the bed or couch or counter or etc., up over his shoulder when you gettin on his nerves. gets actually animalistic when yall fuckin, and yk that boy a munch. growls and grunts sooo loud the whole time.
will take you to the dock and fuck you on the family fishing boat. will christen any new bar yall go to by fucking you in the gross bathroom and carving both your initials in the wall with his pocket knife that ward gave him when he was 15. is kinky af but lets u bring it up bcs he feels awkward talking about it. is sooooo nasty - will eat his cum out of you with his whole mouth, eyes locked on yours, sucking your lips into his mouth. then, when it’s not enough, he drags you up to sit on his face and rubs your clit, watching you clench and letting his cum drip from you right onto his tongue.
will stick a thumb in your ass during doggy, while reaching for his phone bcs the way u throwin that ass back on him? yall bout to make another movie. loves watching you clean him up after round 5, when his dick is covered in his and your cum - will not let you miss a spot, even where it dripped down over his hefty balls to his ass. and he rarely shaves - uncut.
if it’s a hot day, he’ll turn the ac off and find you so he can lick the sweat off every crevice of your beautiful body while he’s fucking you over the counter. both of you completely butt naked bcs it’s hot. has a sweet tooth - will interrupt you while you’re baking and strip you, laying you on the counter like the dessert you are and eating the frosting off his favorite parts. get especially excited when it comes to sweets on your nipples.
honestly if that aint a FEASTTTT i dont know what issss
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nahimjustfeelingit-writes · 2 months ago
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[Sneak Peek]
Southern Hospitality
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Summary: Sort of a synopsis. An introduction of Terry. This sneak peek will be two parts.
Warnings: Violence, Smut
Terry Richmond entered the basement of his townhome in Charlotte, North Carolina and opened his ruck. After a long, harsh winter, he decided to organize some things to prepare for Spring. Swiping dust off of totes with his calloused hands, he situated himself on his knees for a better look. There, folded neatly on top, were his old cammies. Desert cammies. Ratty and bleached by sand and sun and blemished with the petroleum rain that fell from the oil-well fires in Kuwait.
Terry rose to a standing position again, shaking out the camo pants. He slipped off his black ball shorts and stepped into them, memories suddenly returning. They still fit. He can’t shake the habit of staying in the best shape and active, especially with him being an MCMAP Instructor. During his earlier years as a Marine Raider, he exercised thirty hours a week. He buttoned the top and stroked the embroidery. Honorary pins still clung to the fabric.
Terry delve deeper and pulled out maps of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Patrol books. Pictures. Letters. His journal with its sparse entries. Coalition propaganda pamphlets. Brass bore punch for the M40A2 sniper rifle. A handful of .50 caliber projectiles. Terry wondered what he must look like to the late night walker passing by his basement windows: the mad old warrior going through his memorabilia, triggering his unresolved PTSD and looking for trouble.
No, he isn’t mad. Some days are better than others, but he isn’t mad. He’s after something. Memory, yes. A reel. More than just time. It’s almost a year since. Just at the end of April he’d be turning thirty–three. And a year prior he spent it with his fellow soldiers over drinks that lead to him dropping nine inches of whopping girth in seasoned pussy. Flashes of her haunted his mind like the sound of grenades and cries of pain. Then his thoughts drifted to a vibrant thing that wanted to see the world. Using his pleasure stick for her own no good reasons.
And there, amongst many photos with comrades, is the man that saw something in him. His own version of a super soldier. Like a son he never had. Terry blinked slowly as his thick fingers smoothed over the edges of the photograph…
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August, 2021:
Lieutenant General Swanwick’s authoritarian voice could be heard over the public address system within the base gym. Terry Richmond was currently lifting a few hundred pounds over his chest with another Marine named Rodney spotting him. Terry was just twenty–nine years old then. Sweat poured from his body and onto the gym floor and his dog tags clung to his chest as if his sweat were glue.
Terry blew air from his cheeks that sounded like the low whistle of an exhaust pipe, “Six…seven…eight—”
“All personnel from MARSOC are ordered to report immediately to battalion headquarters. Get some, Raiders!”
Terry felt his chest grow tighter with anticipation. Deployment was inevitable. Terry rushed to gather himself, throwing on his tank top and buttoning his camouflage jacket. All things in order, he and the remaining MARSOC stationed in Virginia mad their way to Headquarters. He could sense the anxious energy from everyone in that room. Terry’s turquoise eyes veiled with dark lashes never blinked as Lieutenant General Swanwick’s outline of their battle against Iraqi and Kuwait unfolded. Terry gritted his teeth and tightened his jaw.
It’s war time.
On August 8th, the MARSOC arrive in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Terry debarked the plane, the oven heat of the Arabian Desert gripping his throat. In the distance the wind blows sand from the tops of dunes, cresting beige waves that billow like silk through the mirage. The tarmac is filled with American civilian jumbo jets—American, Delta, United. They flew United. The scene at the airfield is how any busy international airport would be, only they were dressed in fatigues and carrying loaded rifles, their gas masks strapped to their hips.
Just beyond the tarmac, artillery batteries point their guns East and North. Fighter jets patrol the sky. During the dreaded twenty–hour flight, their mode of debarkation was debated—tactical or general—and Terry hoped for a tactical approach—live rounds and a defensive perimeter could be the only authentic introduction to a theater of war. They marched in a single–filed line towards a series of large, bright green Bedouin tents. They entered and immediately went to retrieve bottled water and attempt to stay cool by draping wet skivvy shirts over their heads.
“Ya’ll better drink up enough water. I don’t need my Raiders passing out from heat stroke when we gotta keep our eyes open and on our targets,” Swanwick drilled.
His hat remained low enough to cloak his eyes, giving him a no–nonsense look. He meant business. Terry caught his eye while gulping down cold water. Swanwick motioned for him to come over. Terry came face–to–face with the Lieutenant General.
“Aight there, son?” Swanwick quietly said.
“I’m chill, Lieutenant,” Terry replied with confidence.
“Good to hear. Don’t let these fools throw you off your game, Richmond. You’re one of the best. And I need you alive.”
“After a rigorous seven–months to transform into the elite, I don’t plan on it.”
“That’s right,” Swanwick gripped Terry’s shoulder firm, “now, let’s show ‘em who we are.”
Terry cracked a smile filled with hunger for what was to come. He knew just how much the others despised his presence. Some felt he wasn’t worthy or qualified to be among them.
After an hour in the tents, colonel calls a battalion formation and proudly announces that they are taking part in Operation Desert Shield. He explains that the Kuwaiti–Iraqi conflict in not yet their concern, but currently their mission is to protect, to shield, Saudi Arabia and her flowing oil–fields. Low grumbles could be heard throughout.
“HEY. Not every day blood is shed!”
Terry chuckled while kicking away at sand beneath his boots. He was surrounded by a bunch of antsy men. That energy alone could get them killed.
“One step at a time,” Swanwick motioned to his men, “Let’s get to it.”
They dispersed to get a sense of the area, laughing amongst themselves with jokes about going from the Marine Corps to Oil Corps. Beneath the loud sounds of chuckles and belly laughs, they knew that reality was near, and death could be knocking on their door. Terry’s laughter drifted away like the swirling sand that painted his golden skin an ashy color.
As days stretched out, it consisted of sand and water and piss. They walk and drive over the sand and drink gallons of water. Six times a day they gathered for formation and swallowed two canteens per man, and between formation they consumed more water.
Six weeks later and Terry found himself sitting in a chow hall and watching Lieutenant General Swanwick talk closely with other high ranking officers. Terry tucked into his beans and sausages with a steady gaze locked on their table. His skin had browned so deep it was akin to burnished bronze. It made his eyes pop vividly and the ink on his arms more bold and daring.
His eyes were dry and irritated from staring at maps all day, his muscles ached from the makeshift equipment they used to pump iron. He grew tired of sleeping amongst men that couldn’t go a night without jacking off to crumbled polaroids of their women back home. Terry wanted to get in the field. He’d already gotten into several fights and the skin beneath his left eye had just began to heal from a nasty bruise.
Swanwick’s shoulders tensed. What could that mean? Were they heading for battle? He watched the father figure walk away and out of the chow hall. Terry scarfed down the rest of his meal before cleansing his palate with water. He made his way towards the exit in search of Swanwick. He was standing a few feet away, staring up at the full moon. Terry glanced up himself, his eyes taking in the pale white moon. It was beauty surrounded by an impending chaos.
“Lieutenant General…”
Swanwick glanced over his shoulder.
“Richmond. Enjoy your meal?”
“You can only have but so much beans.” Terry complains.
“Good fiber fuels the body.” Swanwick replied.
A stillness surrounded them for a minute.
“What we lookin’ like, Sir?”
Swanwick dipped his head.
“Can’t tell you much…but it’s looking like rifles at the ready.”
Terry’s back stiffened.
“I know that’s music to your ears, soldier.”
“Music to all our ears.”
No showers, no rack, no wadi in sight, no oasis.
Terry needed to feel as if his skills were being used. Tested. He felt trapped. Isolated.
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Sergeant James and Lieutenant General Swanwick gathered the platoon in a school circle under the plastic infrared cover. It’s before zero nine and already one hundred degrees.
Their platoon commands three Humvees, and the vehicles are under IR cover. Ideally, weapons, vehicles, and personnel shielded under the netting will avoid detection by enemy infrared devices. Terry wasn’t convinced. Why believe in the effectiveness of IR netting when the drink tube on your gas mask breaks every time you don–and–clear during a training nerve–gas raid? When the best maintenance for the PRC–76 radio, the Prick, is the Five–Foot Drop?
Apparently, press will visit for a few days, and Sergeant James and Lieutenant General Swanwick already recited a list of unacceptable topics. No divulging data concerning capabilities of their sniper rifles or optics and the length and intensity of their training. They’ve been ordered to act like top Marines, patriots, shit–hot hard dicks, the best of the battalion. As the scout/snipers, they’ve been handpicked by the executive officer and the s–2 officer to serve as the eyes and ears of the battalion commander.
“Listen up,” James says, “I’ve gone over this already, but the Lieutenant wants to go over it again. Basically, don’t get specific. Say you can shoot from far away. Say you are highly trained, that there are no better shooters in the world than Marine Snipers. Say you’re excited to be here and you believe in the mission and that we’ll annihilate the Iraqis. Take off your shirts and show your muscles. We’re gonna run through some calisthenics for them. Doc John, give us a RAIDERS workout. Keep it simple, snipers.”
Terry spoke, “it ain’t simple. This is censorship. You’re telling me what I can and can’t say to the press? Why are they even allowed in this space anyway?”
Kuehn, a fellow marine says, “Not our place to say what we can and can’t do—”
“Wasn’t addressing you, Kuehn.” Terry quipped.
“I speak for all of us when I say this. You got a mouth on you, Richmond.” Kuehn argued back.
“Aight now,” Swanwick warned.
The tension between the Marines grew to a fever pitch.
“Oh, so you the voice of war now, huh? You call the shots? How that happen?”
Soft chuckles coming from the other Marines seemed to embarrass Kuehn.
“Shut the fuck up, Richmond! You don’t even belong here!” Kuehn shouted ragefully.
“My reputation for accuracy says otherwise, Kuehn. But you wouldn’t know about that though. Too much piss on your boots.”
The chuckling intensified.
Kuehn approached Terry with his chest puffed out. Terry stood at 6 '3 with his arms folded, towering over a 5' 9 Kuehn. The tallest man there. Terry’s stony eyes never faltered. Beady glacial–blue eyes stared up at him filled with rage. Kuehn’s usual pasty, alabaster skin was sun–burned and red from the scorching Saudi heat.
“You think you’re better than me, Richmond?! Huh?!”
“I know I am, pissy boots—”
“RICHMOND!” Sergeant James shouted.
Kuehn wouldn’t get out of Terry’s personal space.
“Don’t get your ass beat again, Kuehn, get up out my face—”
Kuehn shoves Terry and immediately a fight breaks out. Fists flying with connecting punches and heavy grunts. The circle widened and cheers amongst fellow Raiders drowned out the high ranking officers trying to call it off. Terry forced Kuehn into a headlock and slammed him to the sand, his eyes suddenly burning from the minerals coating his lashes. He repeatedly punched Kuehn, causing him to shield his face with his forearms. It took three men to get Terry off of him.
Terry was ushered into one of the green tents by a frustrated Lieutenant.
“RICHMOND! STAND DOWN!”
Shirt bundled up revealing a taunt six–pack, bottom lip poked out and bleeding from a hairline slit, face dusty and jet black hair stained with sand, he kept his fists balled and his eyes locked on Kuehn as he was lifted from the ground.
“You lost your mind, Boy?!”
Sergeant James marched up to Terry and pressed his face so close to his Terry could smell the nicotine on his breath.
“Swanwick you better get your star pupil in line before I do. You put your hands on Kuehn again, I’ll send you back to Virginia, understand?”
Terry remained silent with fury. Only his heavy breathing could be heard.
“Terry?” Swanwick called out to him, “You hear that?”
“Yes, Sir Serg.” Terry said through gritted teeth.
“You don’t like my orders?”
Swanwick pressed a firm hand against James’ chest.
“I got it, James. We’ll be out.”
James’ lethal gaze never left Terry as he backed away. Terry didn’t falter.
“What was that, Richmond?” Swanwick whispered.
“Self–defense. Kuehn put his hands on me first, Lieutenant. You don’t see Serg talking to him do you? I know what it is…”
Swanwick shut his eyes.
“Which means that you gotta be on your best behavior. I want you to succeed, Richmond. I already know you're the best of the Veteran Raiders. Stop letting them get to your head.”
Terry was released. He fixed his army green T-shirt that clung to his body like a second skin from the sweat. He rearranged the dog tags hanging from his neck. Swanwick grasped his shoulder.
“Terry…”
“I got it.”
Swanwick hesitated before stepping aside while Terry walked out of the tent with his usual gait. Just as he was attempting to simmer his anger, Sergeant James was giving another speech.
“…You do as you're told. You signed the contract. You have no rights, you can’t speak out against your country. We call that treason. You can be shot for it. Goddamnit, we’re not playing around. Training is over. Tell your complaints to Abdul Latif Rashid. See if he cares.”
He bit his tongue. Terry wanted to come to the defense of free speech, but he knew it would be useless. The language they own is not theirs, it is not a private language, but deprived from Marine Corps history and lore and tactics.
The Marine Corps birthday? 10 November 1775, The Marine Corps is older than the United States of America. Birthplace? Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, a gang of drunks and big balls. Tarawa? Bloodiest battle of WWII. Dan Daly? He killed thirty–seven Chinese by hand during the Boxer Rebellion. Deadliest weapon on earth? The marine and his rifle. Terry had to conform to those standards, speak like it.
Reporters are arriving to ask what they thought about the desert, waiting for war. He’ll answer that he likes it; he’s prepared for anything that might come his way. They’re due at their position by 0900. Terry leaves the free speech argument and walked to their straddle trench. He needed to empty his bowels. There’s no seat in a straddle trench, but he’s been punished many times, for hours on end, in the squat position. It reminded him of Korea, where he spent a month of his last deployment. Most public restrooms in Korea had straddle holes, he’d spent many times there emptying the contents of his stomach after walking away from a bar booth.
Terry looked at the sky, blue like no blue he’d known before, and at the desert that would not stop. This is the pain of the landscape, worse than the heat, worse than the flies—there is no getting out of the land. No stopping. After six weeks of deployment, the desert is in him, one particle at a time—his boots and belt and pants and gas mask and weapons are covered and filled with sand. Sand invaded his body: ears and eyes and nose and mouth and piss hole. The desert is everywhere. The mirage is everywhere. Awake, asleep, high heat of the afternoon or the few soft, sunless hours of early morning.
The destination to free Kuwait.
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The following day, the press–pool colonel and his driver wait in the Land Rover, the air–conditioning blowing the colonel’s hair into fine white wisps of artillery smoke. Terry nibbled on his full bottom lip, gnawing at the tender spot where he’d been clipped while fighting Kuehn. He wore his blacked–out shades, a white tank, and his camouflage pants with sand–covered boots. They gathered under the IR netting and the reporters introduced themselves. There’s a man from the Boston Globe and the woman from the New York Times.
Terry recognized the woman
Toccara Chester. Broadcast and Political Reporter and Journalist. She’s committed to factual reporting, but known for being competitive and headstrong, which tended to rub people the wrong way.
Terry aligned himself next to Rodney, a friend and fellow Marine. He clasped his hands behind his back and looked around him before focusing his gaze on Toccara. They took turns going down the line, shaking hands and urging them to speak freely, but they know about the scripted preparation. The answers to their questions have already been written on the Raiders faces, though maybe not in their hearts. Toccara Chester looked bored, or at least not very interested in what they might tell her.
She stood before Terry, reaching out a hand to shake his. He glanced down at her almond–shaped nails painted red. She wore a white tank as well, her layered blunt cut hair swept away from her face. Fitted, khaki cargo pants hugged her hour–glass shape and hiking boots in various earth–toned colors were on her feet. The beauty mark on her right cheek made her look glamorous like those old Hollywood actress’. A small smile teased her sultry lips.
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“What’s your name, Marine?”
“Richmond.” Terry responded with an unreadable expression.
“I’m Toccara. Happy to be here. Looking forward to seeing how things go in your camp.”
Terry dipped his head slightly, his eyes trailing behind her as she moved on.
Rodney leans into Terry to whisper, “You see that ass on her? Fatter than I expected.”
Terry chuckled softly with a shake of his head. He never took his eyes off of Toccara as he tilted his head to whisper a reply.
“Calm down, Rod. She ain’t fuckin’ you.”
Rodney nudged Terry in his ribs.
“I ain’t have pussy in months! She just might work.”
“Chill, man,” Terry said with a laugh.
After the introductions, the MARSOC dispersed to train and perform for the reporters. Much to Terry’s displeasure. Toccara sashayed up and down that camp, recorder in hand and a camera hanging from her neck. She had a little spiral notepad in her back pocket. Beyond her aviators, Terry had a feeling she was watching him. She was positioned within his proximity too often. Like there weren’t many other Marines on duty. Swanwick and the other officers stood by with a hawk–eyed look.
Terry finished his workout and now he was busy cleaning his sniper rifle. The dainty sound of a throat clearing to gain his attention made him pause. Terry peered down over his shoulder at Toccara with her recorder at the ready, pointed at his face.
“Tryna keep from being interviewed, Terry?”
So, she got his first name, huh?
“Tryna stay on track, Toccara. If you didn’t notice by now, we’re pretty busy.”
“Mind giving me a few minutes of your time, Marine?”
Terry exhaled. Rather loud. She overlooked everything he said. Busy. As in leave him alone.
He turns, craning his neck so she could reach his mouth better.
“Go on.” Terry said.
Toccara tilted her head with a grin.
“Do you believe that your Special Ops will defeat the Iraqi?”
“Yes, ma’am, I believe in our mission. I believe we will quickly win this war and send the enemy crawling home.”
Toccara nodded her head, “Sounds like you’re proud to be here.”
“Ye, ma’am, I’m proud to be here serving my country. Standing up to evil. Take ‘em all down.”
Toccara cracked a smile, “Well rehearsed, Marine.”
Terry clenched his jaw. He glanced to the left before fixing his eyes on her again.
“Where are you from, Richmond?”
“Born in Louisiana, raised in North Carolina, ma’am.”
“Uh-huh, what made you enlist?”
“I joined when I was eighteen rather than go to jail for a few years. Petty stuff. My grandfather was a Marine. And his father. And so on. It was this or a life of wrong choices.”
“What was the petty stuff?”
Terry quirked a brow at her. Toccara stood her ground, seemingly waiting for him to speak.
“Possession. Running behind my cousin.”
“Hm…over a little weed?”
Terry couldn’t help but laugh. Toccara’s high cheekbones shown.
“How ‘bout that shit? But I’m proud of what the Corps has made me.”
“What is it about being a Marine Raider? What struck you?”
“Uh,” Terry stroked his stubble, “This is about freedom, not about oil. It’s about–it’s about standing up to aggression…”
Sergeant James took his time walking around, drawing closer to Terry. Terry caught his eye. Toccara took notice at Terry’s body language. She felt Sergeant James’ presence on her back.
“…Like the president says. Nobody wants to go to war. We just got to be ready. I can shoot out someone’s eye ball from a klick away. Ain’t no better shot in the world.”
Toccara’s expression hardened.
“Are you proud to serve this country, Terry?”
Terry huffed, “Didn’t I answer this question?”
“Not really.”
Her response was met with dry laughter, “Ha…Okay,” Terry shifted his weight, “I’m proud to serve. This is what I signed for. I’m gonna make my pop and mom proud. I’m from Lincoln Heights. My mom talkin’ bout making a parade for me like they do back in NOLA. My mama say the whole neighborhood is behind me.”
“That must make you feel good.”
“Does.”
“Is your mother scared about you being here?”
“She don’t necessarily feel good about me being here. She writes me letters about watching my ass and don’t try being a hero and watch out for my buddies.”
Terry smoothed sand beneath his feet.
“And your dad?”
Terry’s eyes met hers. There was a momentary silence, one that created tension.
“I think our interview is over, Miss Chester. I gotta head back…”
Terry turned to leave. Toccara caught up with him and grabbed his arm to pull him back. Terry exhaled a frustrated sigh. Her beautiful face with wind–swept hair pleased his blue–green eyes despite his annoyance.
“Okay, okay. Didn’t mean to strike a nerve.”
Terry licked his lips, “aight. One more question.”
“Are you afraid?”
Terry blinked slowly at her.
“…I’m well trained and prepared to fight any menace in the world.”
“…so that’s a no?” Toccara sought clarification.
“RICHMOND!”
Swanwick ushered for him to come over.
“Looks like our times up. Hope you got what you needed.”
Terry jogged away.
“I STILL HAVE TWO MORE DAYS HERE!”
Terry rolled his eyes.
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The taste of pecans lingered on his tongue. The Times reporter brought a football. Rodney and a few others tossed the ball back and forth, putting on a performance for Toccara. When eye candy is hard to come by so willingly, the men tend to act a fool, so foolish it turns corny. All day while she sauntered about with her recorder held high and hips swaying, none of the Raiders could focus. Terry couldn’t deny her sexy himself. They’re shirtless and revved up with flirtatious energy. The Boston Globe reporter, a frail, young caucasian man with bifocals and a man bun, stood next to Toccara. He’s soft–spoken, eager to hear from them.
Terry sat on the hood of a war machine with his foot hiked up. Toccara’s skin the color of maple syrup didn’t take much time to deepen beneath the blazing sun. She snapped photos from her digital camera. The sun was setting and it was almost time to eat. Terry planned to have a dinner and then use the portable shower. He hated the water pressure, but it’ll do for now.
Toccara tried her hardest to get detailed answers from them, and Terry could sense the irritation in her face as the first day came to an end. Looks like she wouldn’t be getting that juicy story she was expecting. Terry hopped down from his place on the war machine and tossed his empty packet into a nearby bin. He swiped his tongue over his teeth as he strolled with his usual gait towards the chow hall. Rodney had caught up with him, sweaty and shirtless, rocking into him before tossing an arm over his shoulder. His armpit reeked of sweat and musk. Terry pushed him away, swiping the air.
Inside, they accepted their meals and took their seats. Toccara and the Boston Globe Reporter took a seat at a nearly empty table. While the Boston Globe Reporter talked, Toccara stared off into space, water canteen hovering over her lips. Terry continued to eat, drowning out the conversations surrounding him. Swanwick and the other officers laughed amongst themselves, the most relaxed they’d ever been those six weeks.
Terry peered over his cup of water and noticed Toccara was gone, leaving the Boston Reporter to his notes. Terry checked his digital watch.
“Aight, I’m heading for the showers.”
Terry hopped up before getting rid of his empty tray of food. He wiped his hands and made his way out of the chow hall and toward the tent he slept in. He entered, retrieved his towel and wash cloth with the soap he used, and made his way towards the portable showers. It wasn’t a long walk. He made sure it was clear to undress. He quickly pulled his tank up and over his head, biceps bulging and torso flexing. Terry worked on his belt buckle and pants hastily lowering them with his briefs. His soft dick with coiled pubic hair surrounding it met the warmth of the night air.
He kicked off his boots haphazardly and began his shower. The soft droplets of water covered his body from head to toe. Terry scrubbed profusely, ridding his body of the sand and grime of the day. The scent of eucalyptus rose from his soap sponge. It reminded him of his shower times back at home. Just for a second. Terry cleaned every crevice before rinsing thoroughly. He opened his mouth, allowing the water to flood through before releasing it. He knew he was damn near over his limit, but the water felt too good.
Terry turned off the water and grabbed his towel. He dabbed away the water but not completely. It kept him cool at night. Terry wrapped the towel around his waist and slipped his feet into his boots, forgetting to bring his sleep bottoms with him. He took long strides back to his tent, happy to find it empty still.
He slipped on some grey joggers, a fresh pair of socks, and dropped on his makeshift bed. There was a hole above the tent that gave him the faintest view of the moon and stars. As he star–gazed, enjoying the peace and quiet before some of his bunk mates returned, he could hear noise on the outside of his tent. Terry cut his eyes towards the opening of the tent, and noticed the silhouette of a woman.
Toccara.
Terry sat up and slipped on his boots. He had a feeling she was up to something. He gently opened the tent and looked from left to right. Everyone was still inside of the chow hall. Terry walked out and searched around the camp. As he made his way towards the weapons section of the camp, he spotted Toccara with her camera like a typical reporter doing whatever it takes to get the latest scoop.
The low flicker from her trusty camera teased his ears. Terry wasted no time charging up to her. Toccara heard his footsteps and dropped her camera in the sand. She whirled around, eyes wide with shock. Terry furrowed his brows disapprovingly. Toccara’s brown eyes did a quick sweep over his naked upper half. When she met his eyes again, she looked guilty.
“What are you doing, Toccara?” Terry asked with a tone of anger.
“Just having a look. I can do that, can’t I?” She replied sassily.
“Not when it involves taking pictures. Pictures that can compromise our mission.”
Toccara crouched down to pick up her camera but Terry was quicker. He snatched the camera out of the sand and took it upon himself to see what she’d been photographing.
“Terry! Wait!”
“You crazy?” Terry flicked his eyes towards her, “Taking pics of our shit like it’s cool?”
“It’s just guns and grenades—”
“And we’re on enemy ground. They can see this shit if it gets out, you know that, right?”
Toccara remained silent and looked everywhere but at Terry. His eyes were too intense.
“Look at me. HEY.”
Toccara snapped her attention to his.
“I’m deleting every single one.”
“That’s my property,” Toccara said with a grimace.
“And this is my shit, right here,” Terry picked up his rifle, “my rifle, my pistol. My assigned weapons. All of this shit is assigned.”
“Whatever, just hurry up asshole!”
Terry glanced over his shoulder to see if anyone was nearby. He walked up to Toccara, his chest almost touching hers.
“Oh, look, he wants to scar me.” Toccara replied with sarcasm.
“You’re dead wrong. Didn’t you sign a consent agreement? I bet you didn’t read the fine print, did you?”
Toccara glared at Terry with her arms folded.
“A fine up to a couple hundred thousand. Sound like something you wanna do?”
Terry cocked his head down at her. Toccara tapped her foot. She was pissed. Visibly seething.
“Sorry, Miss New York Times, but that shit don’t fly over here.”
Terry made sure to delete them all. When he finished, Toccara reached for her camera. Terry didn’t make any moves to give it back.
“You take any more pictures, I’m breaking this shit, aight?”
Toccara’s left eyelid twitched. She flipped her hair from her face with one hand before rolling her eyes.
“I get it, okay? Now give me my fucking camera back.”
Terry hesitated. Toccara pursed her glossy lips. Finally, he held it out for her. Toccara snatched it from his grasp, eliciting a deep chuckle from his lips.
“Little dick, motherfucker.” She fired at him with a vengeful whisper.
Terry cracked a smile, amused by her. He dragged his eyes over her frame before backing away, one hand over his supposed ‘little dick’.
“Have a good rest of your evening, Miss Chester.”
Toccara turned on her heels, marching away. She was mumbling something else that Terry couldn’t make out, and it made him laugh harder. She’s used to getting her way.
Little dick.
Pssst.
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projectreclaim · 4 months ago
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MARSOC Raiders are an absolute vibe.
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