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Terminal Lance #149 “Intent”

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No, I’m not suggesting everyone join the infantry. I think it’s been quite a while since I did a strip that actually brought up the subject of POG’s and grunts. Keep in mind, if you read the “About” section of the site you’ll find that I was, in fact, a POG for a little bit (ComCam). During my infiltration of the POG megaverse, I found that this was a common thing brought up amongst those who hadn’t yet deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. While the boat has certainly been missed for Iraq, Afghanistan remains a viable spot for the adventure-seeking types to explore for a couple more years at least.

I understand (vaguely) that there are “non-deployable” jobs within the Marine Corps. Frankly, the idea itself kind of boggles the mind. Call me crazy, but no matter what your MOS is, it seems like at some point over the last ten years, you should’ve went somewhere.

I suppose my point of view (or Garcia’s) is that if your intention on joining the Marines was to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, there’s probably at least two round-trip tickets to the warzone of your choice in the 03XX field. Obviously, I only speak for myself, but when I was enlisting my intent was entirely devoted to going to Iraq (where the cool kids were going in 2006). Even after scoring in the 90’s on my ASVAB, I told my recruiter, “I want to be a grunt”. His comical response of, “Are you sure?!” went largely ignored, but I had promised myself I wasn’t going to join the military without the possibility of going to a warzone.

If your intent is entirely outside the realm of going to war, whatever. If you’re going to suggest you really want to go, but can’t due to powers beyond your control, I think most grunts would question your motives. If you’ve been enlisted in the Marines in the last ten years for more than a few years, regardless of your MOS, and you haven’t been somewhere… you’re doing it wrong.

Outside of comical things, Sergeant Dakota Meyer was officially awarded the Medal of Honor yesterday. While perusing the many online articles about the ceremony, I happened across this image:

Sgt. Dakota Meyer receiving the Medal of Honor

While this is a stupidly cropped version of the photo, I would say it is arguably one of the most powerful photos I’ve ever seen, at least as it relates to OIF/OEF and wartime in general. They say a that every photo is worth a thousand words, but I don’t think a thousand words would be enough to describe the look in Sgt. Meyer’s eyes. Those are the eyes of a man who bears more burden than I can fathom.

Myself and the entire Marine Corps is honored and proud to see Sgt. Meyer receive the Medal of Honor. I can only hope that some day I can be half the man that Sgt. Meyer has proven he is, and I’m sure many others feel the same way.

In other news, we’re looking at doing book signings next weekend around Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms. I have absolutely no info on it other than that right now, but I’ll be updating as soon as I know. If you haven’t ordered your book yet, click here!

Other than that, have a great weekend and wash your dick afterward.

Maximilian
Infantry Marine turned Combat Artist turned animator turned bestselling author turned dad.

Terminal Lance #148 “The Mr. E Mystery 3”

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