This is C.J. Grisham's Typepad Profile.
Join Typepad and start following C.J. Grisham's activity
C.J. Grisham
Recent Activity
Not in my case. While I was in Afghanistan, I was basically forbidden from being honest. I had to have every single post vetted through both JAG and PAO and if I so much as questioned how something was being done, it wasn't approved. I wasn't even allowed to opine about the level of award a Marine got for identifying a life-saving flaw in choppers. And, I now have to post the following disclaimer on every social media platform where I post:
This comment is comprised of my personal opinion and does not reflect the opinions or positions of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, III Corps, RC-S, ISAF, or the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.
Military Blogs Are Everywhere!
Um, that title up there is a gross exaggeration/mis-statement (i.e. lie) on my part. While our traffic here is still strong (but not as strong as it once was), there is no doubt that blogs in general have less attention than they used to enjoy due to the every day addition of new social media p...
I'm getting ready to go through this process. My docs and I have agreed that a medical retirement is the best thing for me. As someone who has tried to end the stigma and reshape the discussion in the Army, I can say that we've failed. Soldiers are not necessarily any better off in my opinion than before 2009 when it was a career killer to seek mental health help. When general officers refer to PTSD as "emotional indiscipline" and "emotional immaturity" you know we haven't gotten anywhere. When senior NCOs continue to refer to Soldiers who go to the combat stress clinic as "fucked in the head," we've made no headway. When THE senior NCO in a unit refers to the procedures as "fucking with your heads" it's hard to be honest about it. Soldiers are shunned, ridiculed, mocked, and harassed for seeking help. In my opinion, we've failed. And our greatest advocate has just (deservedly) retired.
PTSD battles after the war
I wrote yesterday about some problems with how PTSD is being diagnosed and sometimes minimized or downgraded in the military medical system. There are some bright spots in the over all awareness and treatments available, but there are also some gaping holes in how it is being handled. If it soun...
As one of the bloggers that have been shut down by military leadership, I just wanna say....never mind. I need to get this comment approved first.
Where the @#$% are all the MilBlogs?
Over at the Thunder Run, the Military Blog discussion continues. Do you wonder where all the blogs went that were being written by the soldiers on the frontlines? I do, I’ve been tracking these blogs for close to a decade now and for information on what is happening on the front lines you are p...
There's actually a whole other part to the origins of this story. About a month ago, Yon accused me out of the blue of wanting to "murder" him. He made very serious allegations to the Army of "communicating a threat" and also filed or had filed a congressional inquiry. Both investigations are currently ongoing, so I can't be specific about them yet. Both are taking away resources from our combat mission here in Afghanistan, but Yon levied the charges then left the country without answering questions under oath as I was required to do.
Drive by accusations and intimidated are the modus operandi of Mr. Yon. Because of his allegations against me and subsequent fallout with RC-S PAO and command group, Yon began this attempt to discredit as he usually does when he's removed from an embed, alleging misdeeds as they relate to MEDEVAC procedures. ISAF even went so far as to release a full statement refuting his claims, showing that he was either blatantly incorrect or lacked the full context of his writing.
Yon Crosses Special Forces
What does Yon do when people, including current and retired Troops oppose his rhetoric? He attempts to shut them down. What does Yon do when he is caught in a lie? He makes allegations in an attempt to shut up those with proof of the truth. Recently, an online forum of Veterans and Actively...
http://www.soldiersperspective.us/2011/02/25/rolling-stone-targets-another-general
The Men Who Stare At Goats Senators
By now, you all have probably heard about or read this story from muckraker Michael Hastings about Lieutenant General Caldwell utilizing Psy-ops resources (personnel) in order to influence American politiicans - specifically some very key Senators. ...The list of targeted visitors was long, acc...
LTG Caldwell is one of those Generals I'd follow to hell! He's a GREAT leader and competent officer in IO, PA, and Training. I'm sure that's just the beginning. Even after reading the article, I cam to the same conclusion - this LTC is on a vendetta and grasping at straws. Obviously, these two officers DON'T understand that fine line between the two.
I find it hard to believe that a LTC and a MAJ don't have the balls to do what private and NCOs are doing all the time - reporting violations of law, policy, or regulation to superiors or IG.
I'm also interested in reading that 15-6 and i know that LTC Caldwell will come out clean.
The Men Who Stare At Goats Senators
By now, you all have probably heard about or read this story from muckraker Michael Hastings about Lieutenant General Caldwell utilizing Psy-ops resources (personnel) in order to influence American politiicans - specifically some very key Senators. ...The list of targeted visitors was long, acc...
Shayna,
The military prescribes the same anti-depressant medications that the civilian world does. For example, I'm on Celexa. Others are on Zoloft or whatever works for them. We have frequent visits with our docs to ensure that the medications are doing what they are supposed to and in the proper doses. That doesn't mean it's a perfect system nor that some Soldiers are abusing them or using them improperly.
There is all kinds of off-post help available to troops. By calling Military OneSource, troops are put in contact with those resources, which augment the numerous resources available ON post as well. It's all very discreet and confidential. If one form of counseling doesn't work, there are other options. The problem here is that some troops feel like something isn't working and simply give up instead of seeking helping from other avenues.
Ft. Hood soldiers ordered to disclose private weapons, placed on watch list
Last week, Bob Unruh at World Net Daily reported that Fort Hood soldiers were told to list their privately-owned firearms stored off post, including the make, model, serial number, and the location of the firearms. Those soldiers with weapons were reportedly placed on a "watch list." Ft. Hood so...
WND is wrong. Being a senior NCO stationed at Fort Hood, I know this isn't happening. What has happened is that all Soldiers are simply being asked if they own weapons. They aren't being asked what kind, how many, serial numbers, or anything like that. Additionally, senior NCOs are visiting the homes of all our troops to visit them in a non-business and relaxed environment.
We are really trying to find out what is causing all these suicides. According to media reports, III Corps leads the Army in suicides, which isn't something to be proud of.
Ft. Hood soldiers ordered to disclose private weapons, placed on watch list
Last week, Bob Unruh at World Net Daily reported that Fort Hood soldiers were told to list their privately-owned firearms stored off post, including the make, model, serial number, and the location of the firearms. Those soldiers with weapons were reportedly placed on a "watch list." Ft. Hood so...
One more thing. If you ARE a friend on Facebook, kindly unfriend me so that you aren't bothered by my postings there. I'd hate for you to be constantly disappointed in what you perceive I should be.
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
Ahhh. In that case, I owe you a complete apology. I so missed the part of joining the military where I was supposed to be a robot without a sense of humor or shred of humanity about me. Can you show me on my blog where I've mentioned being a SGM? I'm a little corn-fused about where I've made mention. If you're talking about my PRIVATE Facebook page, that's another issue that is not open to the public but to people I allow to friend me.
I have IG complaints because people don't know to disagree with my OPINIONS without going on a power trip. It's really that simple. You seem to have the same issue and think that "discretion" means basically keeping my opinions to myself. We are just going to have to disagree with that. I didn't sign up to be a robot and I didn't throw away my rights when I became a Soldier. I've proven that through my battles with the IG and JAG. I demanded a court martial and strangely wasn't given one.
I don't like Yon because he's dangerous to our troops. If you don't like that I don't like Yon, wonderful. In this country, you're entitled to that belief and I to mine. I treat my subordinates the same way. They are free to live their private lives however they see fit as long as it's legally, ethically and morally right. I don't judge their personal opinions and could not care less what they put on their Facebook pages.
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
Rsta05, perhaps you can explain how I've acted "childish and immature". How would I not want my subordinates to act? Not call it like they see it? How have I brought the spotlight on my unit?
For what it's worth, I'm kinda glad I'm not your leader. You'd be one of those 10% I have to spend 90% of my time on.
And for the record, I don't blog as a Master Sergeant or a Sergeant Major or anything. I blog as CJ. You won't ever find any rank before my name here. I don't speak for the Army, my unit, or my team. I speak for me! If you have a problem with that, I suggest Venezuela where you'd fit in better.
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
Have you seen Yon? I doubt he's got a better PT score than anyone on this site. Did you even READ this post and the links? How much more clear does Jimbo and the rest of us "milkooks" have to make what he's done to us, specifically our active duty troops?
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
cmarii, Yon has violated OPSEC guidelines, whether he wants to admit it or not. Just because this person or that person or Yon's little circle of 10% of people that he trusts didn't call him out on it, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
But, thank you for the blessings.
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
I'm done with Yon because he's using bullying and strongarm tactics that caused my family a lot of stress and frustration at my last duty station. His "FANatics" are sending me very threatening emails against my self, my job and - yes - my life. I can't tell you many are encouraging that I die when I go to Afghanistan shortly. Some have even offered to "Taliban" my ass before I leave. I emailed Yon for an official response to these emails and was met with silence. Silence = acceptance in my book.
But, as an active duty Soldier, I'm fed up with and tired of fighting IG complaints and morons contacting my command for stupid shit. I'm fed up with my career being used against me by people who simply don't agree with me. You asshats who support Yon and these tactics are no better than the enemy we fight.
Forcing me to respond to blatantly baseless IG complaints and calls to my chain of command takes the entire leadership chain away from our mission - which mission reset and preparation for forthcoming deployment. The fact that you people WANT our mission degraded and compromised speaks volumes about the person you support. THAT is why I won't mention Yon again on my blog. I'm not running away from him, I'm supporting my troops. As an Operations SGM I have a LOT to do and defending myself against zealots doesn't help them at all. I could care less what you do to me, but don't drag my troops into your mud slinging campaign. And I'm talking to Yon's fanatics.
Thanks for hammering this, Jimbo. He can't get away with what he's doing, but I just can't be a battle buddy in this one.
Apologizing to Yon
I truly am trying to avoid the topic, but I got an unexpected question from Gordon Liddy during a discussion of the WikiLeaks wankers. The G-man asked me about Yon's connection to this and I said I knew of none. Then he asked further about Yon and I mentioned Mike's recent breach of OPSEC in pub...
I used an easily searchable name of my Nigerian Scam busting alter ego, David Sneakers, and he still posted the information. In the email I sent him, it even had "CJ" right next to the addy! It took him over 24 hours to even contact me - AFTER he had published the information and gotten his readers all riled up.
Michael Yon- The end game
If you are sick of this topic, trust me I am with you but when someone starts exposing our security vulnerabilities to the world I can't just ignore it and hope it goes away. Yon published an email chock full of information that had no business being discussed in a public forum. I wondered just ...
Oh, snap! Sounds to me like Michael Yon believes that his audience (what's left of it) lacks the intelligence of reading or memory recall. If Yawn wants to speak about libel, maybe he should review his own writing. By the way, is he a blogger or a reporter? Maybe a new category called blogporter?
Michael Yon and the cards he has dealt
Mike Yon has apparently taken some time in Thailand to address what I wrote about his exit from Afghanistan. Though I am working on Afghanistan dispatches, during breaks over the next days I will address some those who took part in the blog lynch mob. Will start with BlackFive since it's fairly ...
I don't know, Jimbo. I don't see any pics of YOU with those girls. Were you court ordered to stay a certain number of yards away? Could this be one of those military dating scams from Nigeria?
Did I mention the Miss America contestants?
Because if I didn't I should have, here they are. It was a ton of fun, and all for a good cause, with thanks to our boot sponsor Rocky. So hate me and love them. And a huge thanks to the pageant and the ladies. Much more to follow. Uncle J, Humanitarian.
I’ve updated our post with a list of all the medals he is wearing! You’ll be appalled!!
http://www.soldiersperspective.us/2010/01/18/wanted-for-stolen-valor/
Poseur Alert- Do you know this wanker?
UPDATE: Got Him. I pulled the post before because we were trying to get him on our fake radio show Blue Falcon radio, no luck. For the wicked beatdown, head to This ain't Hell. It's pretty awful. The guy in the picture below is wearing a one star General's mess dress uniform w/ so many medals a...
C.J. Grisham is now following The Typepad Team
Jan 18, 2010
Subscribe to C.J. Grisham’s Recent Activity