Maj (Ret) D. A. Thomas

As a retired member in good standing I should have permissions to see a great many more threads than I am currently seeing. I was sent a message by the Perscom that I was no longer in the unit. Can someone please explain this to me?

Maj D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Francisco, California 96519 Patti and kids- I got the package of cookies you sent the other day at mail call, most of them were intact but some of them were a little worse for wear due to the hazards of shipping them a few thousand miles. It was a great taste of home and Lt Bruce and the Ops planners loved them. We had an issue with one of the Lance Corporals last week. He was assigned mess duty and didn't like working with the Navy mess men. He was told to clean the bulkhead and overhead in Officer's country and decided it would be a good idea to fill a bucket of water and throw it into to air to "clean off" the pipes in the overhead. He didn't think it through very well as the water got into an electrical junction box some electricians had left open while they went to Mid-rats. Needless to say the Marine in question had an appointment to speak with Maj Murphy this morning and the electricians are still trying to get the lights working in that area. India Company has been tasked with a mission, you have probably already heard, and have taken some casualties. I will be flying into the AO this afternoon to get HQ a report on the situation. What started as a show of force with a single company may turn into a full Battalion deployment. We had hoped the aggressor forces would see Americans and decide it wasn't worth the effort but it looks like they have a bug up their ass and we will need to remove it. I'm tired baby. I'm tired of watching young men full of promise go off to a foreign land and leave a huge part of themselves there, if they even make it home. I've been lucky. I have seen the elephant and seen it again and again, but every time I leave a little bit more of my soul behind. It takes longer to snap back to the man you fell in love with every time I come home. It was easier when I was leading men into the fray, sharing their danger and their pain. Laughing at the gallows humor with everyone else when all I wanted to do was curl up in a corner and lose myself in the horror I see in my mind. I had to be strong then. These guys were looking to me when they were scared. I had to have the answers even when I didn't I had to look like I did. Now I sit in an office or fly in for a day or two and then fly back out. I don't share the hazards of their every day life and it's all I can do to keep this up. The looks I get from these tired filthy kids who a few days ago had never heard a shot fired in anger when they see me fly into the area they just fought for with my clean, crisply pressed uniform and my security detail make me ashamed to have it so easy. I try to be the best I can be but it is getting harder and harder. I will write soon, until then know I carry your pictures in my plate carrier and think of you often. Dave

*****OPERATIONAL URGENT***** TO:HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS COMMANDER, COMPHIBRON ONE COMMANDER, USPACFLT COMMANDER, USMARFORPAC COMMANDER IN CHIEF, USPACOM CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF SECRETARY, UNITED STATES NAVY SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PRESIDENT, UNITED STAES OF AMERICA FROM: 15TH MEU(SOC) OPERATIONS OFFICER, BY DIRECTION COMMANDER 15TH MEU(SOC) BEGIN MESSAGE 22JUL18, 0930 LOCAL- LEAD ELEMENTS OF 15TH MEU(SOC) IN CONTACT WITH STRONG HOSTILE AIR FORCES. AT THIS TIME INDIRECT FIRE AND AIR ATTACKS TARGETED ON USMC FORCES CONFIRMED AS ORIGINATING FROM DRB POSITIONS. STRONG AIR ATTACK ON AMPHIBIOUS READY GROUP VESSELS UNDERWAY. ALL FORWARD DEPLOYED UNITS PREPARING FOR OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF BORNEO FORCES FORWARD DEPLOYED ON THE ISLANDS OF TANOA. MARITIME AND AIRSPACE EXCLUSION ZONES TO EXTEND TWENTYFIVE (25) MILES AROUND THE NATION OF TANOA. INDIA COMPANY DIRECTED TO OFFENSIVE POSTURE TO THE SOUTH AND WEST OF THE MAIN ISLAND. KILO COMPANY DIRECTED TO OFFENSIVE POSTURE TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF THE MAIN ISLAND. LIMA COMPANY DIRECTED TO DEFENSIVE POSITIONS (COIN OPS) IN ALL AREAS TO THE REAR OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE BATTLE AREA. ACE UNITS DIRECTED FOR AIR SUPERIORITY MISSIONS IMMEDIATLY. LAW ENFORCEMENT DETACHMENT WILL CONTINUE EFFORTS IN THE AREA OF FOB CENTER FOLDS. SECOND PLATOON, DELTA COMPANY AND FIRST PLATOON BRAVO COMPANY WILL CONDUCT OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AS DIRECTED. EQUIPMENT LOSSES AND CASUALTY REPORTS TO FOLLOW. END MESSAGE ****OPERATIONAL URGENT****

*****OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE***** TO: HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS FROM: 15TH MEU(SOC) OPERATIONS OFFICER BEGIN MESSAGE 19JUL18, 1800 LOCAL- INDIA COMPANY AND ATTACHED ELEMENTS LANDED SUCCESSFULLY ON THE SOUTHEAST ISLAND OF TANOA. HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS CONTINUING AS FLOODING CRESTS. CONTACT WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES INITIATED. LED DETACHMENT TO CONTINUE EFFORTS BUILDING AND SECURING FOB ATLANTIS. VERY LIGHT CONTACT WITH INDIVIDUAL INSURGENTS. SAID INSURGENTS CAPTURED OR KILLED IN OPERATIONS AREA. END MESSAGE *****OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE*****

*****OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE***** TO: HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS FROM: 15TH MEU(SOC) OPERATIONS OFFICER BEGIN MESSAGE 19JUL18, 0500 LOCAL- MSOT RAID ON OIL PLATFORM SUCCESSFUL. ALL OPFOR ELIMINATED, MINOR CASUALTIES, PLATFORM AND IT'S INFRASTRUCTURE INTACT. AS OF 0500 LOCAL, PLATFORM OFFICIALLY IN GREENFOR HANDS. END MESSAGE *****OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATE*****

Major D. A. Thomas Headquarters 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Patti- Once again I find myself in harms way leading the finest troops in the Corps. What started out as a humanitarian mission to a cyclone ravaged group of islands has turned into a dick measuring contest between the US and a regional power. I'm sure you will see the incident or reports of it in the news but know that I am safe and the pilot from the shot down Helo is safe also. I'm not at liberty to discuss the incident more than that. What I can tell you is that the troops are ready, we will be going into full ass kicking mode and Woe be unto those that would wish us harm for they shall fell the wrath of our righteousness. We will be bringing the fight to the enemy and they will fall before us like wheat to the scythe. Don't worry for me, I where I need to be. Love to all, Dave

Nicolas75 or Lynk, Typically, when someone has been banned and they post an unban request, it is with an eye to actually being unbanned. This post does nothing to explain your actions, show contrition for those actions or generally explain what happened in a coherent way. I read this for the first time last night and thought that perhaps I was just tired from a long day and needed some rest to understand it better. When I just read it again I realized you need to work on it. I am posting this to enlighten you on how this works so you can better prepare yourself for what may eventually happen. If the CO or XO of the unit does not respond shortly, I will be the one deciding your fate in this situation. When someone is banned, there is a report that goes along with it. I have already reviewed the reports (plural) and seen video evidence of the incident you were banned for. What we look for in an unban request is basically, what happened, why did it happen and will it happen again. None of which we got in this post. When the CO, XO or myself respond to this post, we will typically ask for a meeting in TeamSpeak and give you the chance to respond to the allegations leveled against you. It will go a long way if you have a post here explaining your actions. Please keep in mind, second chances are sometimes given but I have never seen a third. Major D. A. Thomas Operations Officer Edit to acknowledge the XO has responded while I was typing this message.

Major D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Patti- Its only been a few days since leaving you and the kids and I can't get the picture of you guys at the pier out of my head. It was a nice send off and I am already anticipating my return, even though it is seven months away. Colonel Penny and LtCol Alexander have decided we will surprise the troops next month with a video conference during one of the family days, allowing the families to see and talk to one another as a morale boost. Once we left port, the ACE element flew to the ship, the Gators met us as did the Titans in the LCACs. I know you know this but we have three amphibs making up the ARG and we have a destroyer assigned to us for the duration of the deployment. Usually we get one assigned as we need it but it looks like the powers that be have noticed that when ever we deploy, we get into a scrap. Operations is already busy, setting up training with the Korean Marines, Japanese self defense forces and Australian army for a war game scheduled next month. It is always great to work with other forces, it gives us a chance to see what they do differently and steal their good ideas. Anthony Luepold is my contact with the Australians, yes that Anthony, ("Don't call me Tony, ya cunt, Tony is a girls name") so we should be able to have a few beers on liberty once the training is over. The ship is in good shape. The Navy just had it refitted and Officer's country is pretty comfortable. You may remember last deployment, the Intelligence Officer Maj. Delgado and I shared a cabin, well this time we each got a cabin to ourselves. The Captain of the ship decided non pilot Majors and up did not have to share space. The ships company has to share up to Commander, LtCol equivalent and the CO of ACE is the only pilot with his own space. The Colonel asked the officers to pop in on the troops once in a while and I have been walking through the berthing areas chatting with them. Their spirits are high and I think they are as ready as any troops I have deployed with to meet any challenge. I went into the Goat Locker to talk to SgtMaj Hoagland and the Master Chief in charge of the Boatswains mates read me the riot act. The Goat Locker is where E-7 and above are berthed and this chief was highly aggravated that I would sully their air with my presence. Hey, I'm all about traditions, and the Navy holds many traditions that are great, but I am not going to delay an important discussion because you want to walk around with your dick out and not have an officer see it. Cover that shit up, I guarantee we Marines don't want to see it. Anyway, this letter has gone on long enough. I have to get some sleep, we are expecting a long day tomorrow. Give my love to the kids and make sure Alex sends me pictures of his Franken-finger. The Colonel and his wife like to make sure he is doing well. Missing you, Dave

Wrong section of the forum fellas.

Some more details as well such as, what are you doing when it crashes, running, flying, driving or just standing there trying to get a load out. I had had a huge issue when I first bought the game where it would work fine in vanilla but any mod caused issues. How does it work with no mods? Post all the detail you can. We have some smart and experienced folks here willing to assist.

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 6APR17- 1900hrs (Local)- Task force Alpha has successfully seized the fortified town of Pepinal and have moved to defensive positions outside the town. Casualties were light except for Titan which lost both tracks. Task force Bravo eliminated the FOB at OP Zimmer and swung South to stop a counter attack from the FOB at the land bridge eliminating 2+ enemy infantry platoons and supporting attachments. The Law Enforcement Detachment swept the route from Skelter to friendly lines. USMC contact with civilians frosty, many towns are in need of logistical support for basic humanitarian needs. Details to follow. Force Recon was inserted again into enemy territory to eliminate an enemy EWR site and gather intelligence. They have not been compromised. ACE assets report limited to no SAM presence but enemy fixed wing CAP and rotary wing CAS is present in force. ACE aircraft uptime at 93%. All casualties within acceptable limits. End message *****Operational Immediate*****

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 6APR17- 1400hrs (Local)- Task Force Alpha in heavy contact from NRC Armored and infantry forces attacking from the West. Task Force Bravo successful in seizing EWR site and adjacent enemy FOB. Task Force Charlie held in reserve ready to move to relieve Alpha or Bravo as needed. Task Force Recon successfully raided enemy recon HQ capturing recon officer and material intelligence. Task Force LED successfully rendered airfield Voccu safe for USMC personnel and equipment while transporting five (5) EPW's to the rear for debrief. S2 indicates large enemy presence in newly constructed FOB on the neck, armor, infantry, SAM and logistics identified. Satellite pictures requested of site for comparison against current drone and HUMINT pictures. Kilo on orders to move West to hold territory taken by India, Lima holding the line in the South. End Message *****Operational Immediate*****

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 6APR17- 0830hrs (Local)- All task forces engaged in direct contact with enemy forces. TFA and TFB moved from defensive position into attack posture. TFC assaulting enemy positions. EWR site destroyed. Enemy TOW missiles highly effective against BLUFOR vehicles. Airfield Voccu seizure imminent. Enemy minefield located but attempts to clear were unsuccessful due to enemy presence and size of field. Logistics train will move through alternate route. Kilo Company currently holding the Southern line. Lima Company in reserve holding Northern Island. Casualty reports to follow. End Message *****Operational Immediate*****

Just to confirm, you are running the recruit server mods and not full 15th ones right?

Capt D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Patti- It has begun. Marines have landed on foreign soil and I was there at the beginning. Colonel Penny will be pissed when he sees I was in the first bird but I had to see with my own eyes the situation on the ground. I had to see how the enemy would react to fire, how they maneuvered and how well their command and control structure coordinates in the face of multiple threats coming at them at the same time. I was at a spot I felt crucial to the operation, right at the point of friction where RUC forces were retreating and NRC forces were gaining ground by the minute. We stopped them cold. I was surprised at the relative caution of the NRC commander in tasking his forces as we faced more of a probing attack than a determined one. I know they were not expecting such a strong blocking force but it looked like we got hit by a skirmish line rather that a balled fist looking to smash the final resistance of the RUC forces on the island. That is not to say we didn't have casualties. SgtMaj Masters was hit in an artillery barrage and knocked unconscious for a bit. I was moving through an area looking for him and almost stepped on him before I realized it was him and he was hurt. He was checked out by a corpsman and he is good to go. We sent forces to take an island to our north and blew up a bridge in the south to confuse the hell out of the enemy commander and we have a few more surprises planned. My main focus is keeping the momentum in our favor and keeping the enemy commander guessing. W are being relieved by Kilo Company and all of India will be moving back to Airfield Corium very soon so they can be further tasked elsewhere. I keep thinking of a quote I heard about the invasion of Granada - "We have two companies of Marines running all over the island, and thousands of Army troops are doing nothing. What the hell is going on?", this is what I picture when someone looks back on this operation. Our Marine all over the islands, popping up in unexpected places causing chaos in the enemy formations and plans. We will need to stay vigilant and watch for the enemy commander to do the same as he is confused now but will not stay that way long unless we continue to throw him off his game. I know you won't get this some time yet but I feel it is important for me to put this to paper. If for nothing other than to make sure I never forget it. I am fine and haven't even fired my weapon yet. Tell the kids I miss them and I will call as soon as I get satellite time. I will be writing my parents soon, let them know I am thinking of them. Dave

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 6APR17- 0700hrs (Local)- At 0300 (local) elements of the Law Enforcement Detachment landed at King's Landing and successfully escorted Geoffery to Dragonstone. 0500 (local), Task Force Alpha secured the towns of Serval and Skelter following amphibious landing. Task Force Bravo moved to blocking positions west of TFA holding bridge following amphibious landing. Task Force Charlie moved to blocking position east of Yolandi following heloborne insert. Task Forces Bravo and Charlie report achieving total surprise on enemy forces. Task Force Alpha reports NRC forces expecting assault with AAA threat high. All Task Forces report high enemy personnel, equipment and material losses with minimal friendly casualties. All objectives met. Casualty reports to follow. End Message *****Operational Immediate*****

I think Mr Harris is on the right track. I had a similar problem to the point I deleted my arma 3 profiles and rebuilt them thinking it would help (RIP all my money and gear from King of the hill and Wasteland). I finally figured out that when my son was doing homework on my PC he hit the game config button on my Logitech keyboard which disables the windows key. I hit the button and I am good to go now. Well, minus the profiles I was dumb enough to delete.

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 06APR17- 0145hrs (local), RUS HQ has advised 15th MEU of one (1) battery of 105mm Howitzers (5 guns) attached to 15th MEU HQ for tasking in upcoming operations. This battery has reported to MEU HQ as "UP" and ready to begin support operations immediately. Due to the various objectives of MEU forces, this battery will be supporting each of the task forces as an "on call" fire support asset. The remaining RUS fire support assets are currently supporting the withdrawal of RUS troops to tertiary defensive positions. RUS forces are falling back at all points of the current defense line with heavy casualties. Exact whereabouts of Geoffrey unclear at this time, other than in transit from King's Landing to Storm's End, final destination reported as Dragonstone but no firm sightings as of this time. End Message *****Operational Immediate*****

I have not had the issue at all...once you find a fix will you put it here so we can reference it if others have the problem?

*****Operational Immediate***** To: Headquarters USMC From: 15th MEU Operations Officer 6APR17- 0000hrs, FR inserted into CTO via helocast. Data collected and transmitted to fleet and rebroadcast via satellite to HQUSMC. Package delivered and set to open at 0545 local. All personnel green, awaiting visit from Taurus. Recommend movement of Geoffrey to Storms End, winter is coming. End Message *****Operational Immediate*****

Capt D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Patti- We have been steaming for two days faster than I would have believed possible for a ship this size and we are close to our destination. I will be disembarking soon but I wanted to give you what information I have (that's not classified). No doubt you will hear of these developments before this letter reaches you so this will come as no surprise, the 15th is being tasked with the defense of a friendly government and our troops are ready. I spent last night walking through the hanger deck chatting with some of the troops, a pat on the shoulder here, a casual joke there while India Company was cleaning rifles, loading gear and generally getting ready to disembark the ships for an unknown period of time. The ACE pilots and maintenance crews worked around the ground troops getting the aircraft ready for action. On the Well Deck the AAV crews and LED guys were readying their equipment too. I spoke with Capt Wiggin (LED) and 1stLt Velten (AAV) and made sure their troops were squared away. All of the men are in high spirits but it isn't hard to tell the new guys from the ones that have been through this before. The old hands are quiet and speculative, some withdrawn in their own little world. Most of the new guys are excited and talking bravely about what they are going to do and how easy this is going to be. I know from experience that will end as soon as the first rounds fly. For the most part the older men and women have been giving good solid advice to the new joins, the MEU is ready for whatever we see. I may be out of contact for a while but I will write as often as I can. I spoke with 2ndLt Frey (S1 officer) and made sure the SGLI is all set, you and the kids will be taken care of in the event something happens to me. The Will is set and in the safe deposit box along with the title to the cars and the Bonds we got for our wedding...hard to believe it has been 25 years. I know you hate this part but it is necessary. Love to all, Dave

Capt D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Dear Patti and kids- Training with the Mexicans was pretty good, liberty in Acapulco was phenomenal. It was great talking to you and the kids and I have already sent the kids a box with some things I picked up for them...and a little something for you. We have been back on the ships now for a few days and we have plans to stop in San Antonio, Chile and if we do I will call from there. More later when I have more for you. Well, it happened, LtCol Alexander called an all hands muster last night and they pinned on my Captains bars. I thought we were going to get a briefing about what is next in the deployment but he surprised me with my railroad tracks. It was nice and the troops all had very nice things to say about it, which I appreciate very much. It really gets to me sometimes when I think how lucky I am to be surrounded by these guys and girls. They really are more of a family than anything else. Hey baby, I know it has been a few days and I had planned on sending this letter off but we had a few things pop up. We bypassed stopping in Chile and are continuing South at best speed. I don't know much yet but will let you know what I can when I can. Keep in contact with Mrs. Penny and make sure the phone tree is up to date, I have a feeling we are going to be needing it soon. Contact the wives of the Company Commanders and make sure they are in contact with their respective platoon commanders wives so all information can be passed to everyone as soon as it is received. We have been through this before, hell you're an old pro by now. Stay strong for the kids and the younger wives that haven't been through it yet and help them where you can. I'm going to be mostly out of the line of fire so our main worry should be the troops. Remember, morale is key for the troops, remind all the wives, husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends to write uplifting letters as often as possible, it can literally save lives. I have to go, I'm mailing this now. Dave

Is this the first time it has happened? As in during the FTX last night? TFAR had a small update a week or so ago that was supposed to help the x64 change over, could that be part of the issue?

1stLt D. A. Thomas Headquarters, 15th MEU(SOC) FPO San Diego, CA 92102 Dear Patti and kids, It has been hectic getting everyone on the ships and all of the equipment stowed and ready to leave but we are finally underway. The ships are steaming South first, it looks like we should have our first liberty call in Acapulco believe it or not. We are scheduled to run a training exercise with the Mexican Marines next week and should have a day or two when it is completed to let the troops do some sight seeing. When that one is done it will be up to the CONPHIBRON Commander as to where we go next. Since becoming the Operations Officer for the MEU I have been watching trainings to get a feel for the battalion and specifically India Company. I think they are ready for anything that gets thrown at them and I know they will make us proud. It seems like the guys are all the same no matter what company you look at and I am seeing familiar faces everywhere. I guess that is the nature of the Marine Corps that since it is the smallest of the armed services, you run into guys you know from other commands. Looking around it seems like all of India Company 3rd Blt of the 1st Marines is made up of guys from the 2nd Blt or the 4th Marines. Isn't it funny how that works out? Anyway, I will call you from Mexico, doing the math you will probably get this letter the day before we get there or maybe the day after depending on how fast the Navy gets the mail bag off the ship. Let the kids know I will be calling and I will get them something from Mexico to send them. Love to all, Dave

Visitors to our forum- It has been a time honored tradition that during the deployment cycle the troops of the 15th MEU Realism Unit (Special Operations Capable) write letters to loved ones detailing missions, activities and thoughts as if they were away from home for the 6-7 months of a typical MEU deployment. This helps with the immersion of the deployment cycle and has, at times been very humorous for members and at times very realistic as they sometimes reflect actual content of letters written from real service members when they were deployed into harms way. These letters have, over the last few deployments been posted in the more public area of our forum to allow the casual visitor the chance t get a glimpse of what goes on in a realism unit of our size during the deployment cycle. This thread will be the "Post Office" for our deployment which will begin in April. If you wish to become part of the unit after reading some of these posts or watching some of our videos, don't hesitate to hit the join button, We are always recruiting.