WT Forums

Couldn't decide if this should be here or in Firearms.

30MM Jr had Guard weekend and was asked (and accepted) the position of CATM for the entire Maintenance group. I think his undefeated record for flightline security during the last 5 ORIs may have helped. Plus being a cop and on his dept SOG (SWAT) team. Then he was told he's being recommended for his Tech stripe, which should happen over the summer. He alluded to his supervisor and maintence Major, after all this, that he was really interested in bring a First Shirt, which pleasantly surprised them. They're losing 2 next year and hadn't really seen anyone they wanted, or had anyone come forward. Jr said they were smiling when they said they'd keep him in mind. All in all one his better weekends!

So, any advice for him from the CATM guys here?

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Don't you have to be an E-7 to be a Shirt? Or does the Guard blow that off, too?

Coach

He does, he's just planning ahead and making his position known. Plus, there are a lot of folks leaving in the next 18 months (medical, time, had enough, etc.) that he'll be one of the few \"old timers\" (10 years in June) left.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

As for CATM, let him know that it's a job you either love or leave. It's usually longer hours than the cops work, but you are much more independant, and the best part, YOU GET TO WORK ON A RIFLE RANGE, GET FREE BULLETS, AND GET PAID TO SHOOT AND TALK! Can it get any better than that?

I was what they call Core CATM, that is CATM before the Cops stole the field. Of my 27 year between AD and the COANG, I spent 21 of those years in CATM and held just about every position there is in a CATM unit. In the Guard, here in Colorado, we worked pure CATM except for exercises and deployments. At those times you still have to play cop, but the range time is always a blast. I also really loved the Maintenance part of it too. I've always been mechanical by nature and learning how to keep guns up and running, no matter how badly they've been abused by the cops, is a never ending challenge that really keeps the gray matter going. Teaching for me was also a blast. I like working with people, and helping them overcome their problems. I love teaching. To be honest, there was really no part of that job that I didn't love. GOD, BUT I MISS IT!

Please let him know that if he has any questions, he can drop me a line anytime. I'll shoot you a PM with my contact information.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

Thanks, IP. I'll forward your info and observations to him.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIoCDC53hzg

Questions?

How many times over my 27 years have I had those exact same talks.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

That is funny. When I was over at Scott for my M-16/M-4 quals last year there as female officer standing off to the side with the CATM having that same discussion. She lost.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

You know, one of the toughest things about CATM is maintaining your professionalisum in the face of such ignorance. One trick I loved to pull, when someone would tell me that their gun was broken and wouldn't shoot straight, is to call the line hot, load up a quick 3 rounds and fire them off through the student's weapon. Then clear, hand him the binoculars and just say, \"There ain't nothing wrong with THAT weapon,\" as he looked down range at a 3 shot group you could cover with a Quarter.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

10 years in already?

Jesus, i remember when he joined!

Tell me about , snipe.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson