Few questions re: US military

[Saintaw]

I've seen this in most books, I have a rough idea what they mean, but i'd like to have a clear one.

"Garry Owen": I take it it's a way of saying "GO", am I correct? What is the story behind this?

Specialists (Spec 4, Spec 5, etc...): Is there a list of what these lads are specialised in? or does this mean something else?

[SOB]

It's a top secret plan to lure French types into asking stupid questions on Intardnet bulletin boards.  I think it's working!

[anonymous]

Originally posted by Saintaw
I've seen this in most books, I have a rough idea what they mean, but i'd like to have a clear one.

"Garry Owen": I take it it's a way of saying "GO", am I correct? What is the story behind this?

Specialists (Spec 4, Spec 5, etc...): Is there a list of what these lads are specialised in? or does this mean something else?

garry owen was irish song popular with seventh cav back in cowboys and indians days. lots of guys in seventh cav back then were irish so song was popular. as for the specialists i wasnt army best bet is to go to us army web page and look for explanation of ranks there.

[Naso]

Originally posted by SOB
It's a top secret plan to lure French types into asking stupid questions on Intardnet bulletin boards.  I think it's working!

LOL

[Rolex]

A Spec-4, Spec-5, etc are ranks equal in grade to Corporal or Sergeant, but they are used in certain MOSs (Military Occupational Specialties - the job for which they received  advance training for after basic training) because there is no leadership responsibility associated with the job at that rank or pay grade. The person may be involved in a technical, maintenance or other position as a 'specialist.'

A 'Specialist' is also not considered a 'Non-commissioned Officer.'

Only a few combat-arms related MOSs use the rank of Corporal, but most use Spec-4 and then switch to Sergeant after reaching E-5.

[Nilsen]

Originally posted by SOB
French types/B]

hehehe

[Finrod]

Rolex is very close but just a bit dated, the Army has gotten rid of the specialist rank with the exception of Spec-4, which is now only referred to as Specialist. Otherwise he was right on, the specialist were ranks designed to recognize technitians and admin folks, and the rank went all the way to Spec-8. The Army eventually realized this duel rank system was bad business and began phasing it out.

Gary Owen was, like mentioned, an Irish drinking song that was adopted for the 7th US Cavalry, it is still considered the official music of the 7th US Armored Cavalry.

[Saintaw]

Thx a lot lads, the reference to a CAV unit makes sense now (re-reading "We Were Soldiers Once... And Young" - Galloway / Moore)

TOB... I am speechless

[Arlo]

Gary Owen invented the helicopter.

[CavPuke]

The song Garryowen has been associated with the U.S. Army Cavalry since the Indian wars of the mid 1800's.  http://www.indianwars.org/Misc/garyowen.htm

[Rolex]

Very dated, Finrod. Thanks for clarifying.

I really should have qualified it with "as far as I remember from over 30 years ago..."

[demaw1]

Rolex

   Damn rolex shut up,man more and more i am realizing how old we getting.When I read your post I just felt weird,I mean the early 70s is old news I wonder if anyone knows what a m 14 is.lol

[Maverick]

demaw, I know what a M14 is. I also know what a M1 is too.  Damn, the 70's don't seem that long ago to me.

[demaw1]

maverick.....M 1......M1 what?.....Tank?............................. ..........lol

[hawker238]

Garand...