Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

Frederick Stanley Mockford, a senior radio officer

at Croydon Airport in London circa 1923

I found this interesting as I like trivia. The subject of the origin and meaning of the voice-procedure radio communication distress signal "mayday" came up, somehow, in beer conversation. This is what I found;

"The "mayday" procedure word was originated in 1923, by a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. The officer, Frederick Stanley Mockford, was asked to think of a word that would indicate distress and would easily be understood by all pilots and ground staff in an emergency. Since much of the traffic at the time was between Croydon and Le Bourget Airport in Paris, he proposed the expression "mayday" from the French m'aider ('help me'), a shortened form of venez m'aider ('come and help me'). It is unrelated to the holiday May Day.

Before the voice call "mayday", SOS was the Morse code equivalent of the mayday call. In 1927, the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Washington adopted the voice call mayday as the radiotelephone distress call in place of the SOS radiotelegraph (Morse code) call."

That was an excerpt from the full article Mayday - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, which includes actual recordings of mayday calls.

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Origin of the Term "Bug Out"

M*A*S*H "Bug Out" Episode - 1976

This is an excerpt from Fighting Words: From the World Wars to Korea by Christine Ammer on the origin of the term “bug out” amongst other terms. It’s an interesting article and worth a look-see.

THE SLANG OF “THE FORGOTTEN WAR” as the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1953 is often called, has not been forgotten. Much of it originated in World War II, because many of the American troops in Korea were World War II veterans.

One such term was to bug out, or simply to bug, meaning to run away and hence play the coward. Its origin is unknown, but it may have come from the sense of being obsessed or desperate. The term was first employed during World War II, but it did not gain wide usage until the Korean War.

It had multiple but related meanings. In noun form, often hyphenated (bug-out), it denoted a hasty retreat, an escape route, and the person beating such a retreat. A 1951 New York Herald Tribune article had: “Men talked of ‘bug-out gas’ and ‘bug-out jeeps’ and ‘bug-out routes’.” The military film D.I. (1957) used it denoting a person: “We’ve got a bug-out, Owen”.

The term gained further currency with “I’m Movin’ On”, a popular song of 1950 by Hank Snow that aired on the Armed Services Radio Network. Some soldier—it is not remembered who—changed the words to commemorate a major U.S. retreat.

It was supposedly first sung by black soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment, and one line went, “When them Chinese mortars begin to thud, the old Deuce-Four begin to bug.” There were numerous other versions of the song, but many had the refrain, “We’re buggin’ out, We’re movin’ on”. It was renamed “Bugout Boogie” and officially forbidden but nevertheless became the unofficial anthem of the Korean conflict. From it also came the expression to pull a Hank Snow, meaning to bug out. In time, bug out entered the civilian vocabulary with the similar meaning of quitting or abandoning some enterprise.

Joe Doakes'/Kilogulf59's Note: I feel the TV show M*A*S*H probably brought the term into the popular vernacular, thus the picture.

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Online Basic/Beginner's Handgun Course

I watched it and thought it is a very good video for those of us who are new to handguns or simply as a refresher for those of us who are not.

They wisely disabled posting comments for this video as all the easy-chair experts from cyber-tactical will nitpick a video like this to pieces. With that said, and I wouldn't bother to post this if I could, nonetheless, my only nitpick-ish comment would've been that I would have greatly emphasized the fact that simply removing the magazine from a pistol does not mean it's unloaded. CHECK THAT CHAMBER! I have witnessed this potentially lethal mistake more times than I care to think about.

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Online Basic Handgun Course

Published on Apr 27, 2013 at 11 Bravo Training, we pride ourselves in delivering high-quality firearms safety, tactical and survival training. This video is the lecture component of our Online Handgun Safety Course. You can purchase access to the test by visiting us at http://www.11bravotraining.com/courses, and clicking the "Buy now" button under the Online Basic Handgun Course description. Successful completion of this course fulfills the competency requirements for the Virginia Resident/Non-Resident Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This course may also be used to fulfill the competency requirements for Iowa, Colorado, Oregon, and Idaho Concealed Handgun/Weapons Permits. The course video totals about 40 minutes in length and is available to view anytime, as many times as you need, free of charge. In-person training is also available.Our goal is that you retain the information we teach you; therefore, watch and re-watch our training video and visit our blog for a steady stream of tips and tricks to help you BE PREPARED.

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Correct, Safe, Trigger Finger Placement

This is the correct procedure from the NRA’s GunRange Etiquette: Simple Steps to Safe Shooting
“3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.” * - Col. Jeff Cooper's original Rule 3. Apparently, this rule needs clarification and, perhaps, updating? As for myself, I feel this rule strongly implies, to any reasonably intelligent person, that it means “till your sights are on the target…and you are ready to shoot.” Moving on.

When you have time, I'd like you to watch the video shown below. For those of you who may not know, this man, Mas Ayoob, is an old time firearms instructor. He explains the importance of trigger finger placement, the when and where to place it. I feel he explains it quite well.

On a personal note, over the holidays we had my oldest Grandson out back shooting, all three Grandkids actually. He wanted to try my G19 (the Gen 4 is outstanding - thanks to 7677 at ICCF for the recommendation ). As he brought the pistol up, he placed his finger on the trigger and then he discharged it. Nerves and excitement I’d assume as all the kids are extremely well versed on the safety rules. All was fine thank God, he was well supervised and was facing down range before he even picked up the pistol, but shit happens and happens quick. His Dad was behind him and I was off to the side watching. It scared the hell out of him and his Dad and I straightened him out ASAP. Since there was no harm, no foul, it was, perhaps, a good lesson for him and the rest of us as well. Enough said.

Interestingly, his Dad and I told him (and the others) that you keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to actually shoot. In real life, sometimes you may have to be "on target" but you will not want to shoot.”  For the most part, this was how I always interpreted Rule 3. Perhaps because my interests were geared more towards self defense, IDK. Probably also why I tell people, when practicing their draw, don’t always draw and fire, vary it. I’m of the opinion that one shouldn’t train to make the act of pulling the trigger an ingrained reflex action. It should always, always, be a conscious intentional act.

Watch the video...

 

* From The Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety by Col. Jeff Cooper

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Firearms Safety Procedures - Please Read

Firearms Safety Procedures

Please peruse the entire thread. Each post contains vital and valid information.Remember, it's not just your life you can save...

Before you even pick up ANY firearm, let alone purchase or shoot one, you should know these procedures completely. Firearms are tools and like any other tool; they are just machines. They do not know right from wrong, do not operate themselves, and have absolutely no respect for you or anyone else…so you had better respect them or the consequences could be dire. Remember well only you are responsible for what you do and in the case of firearms usage TRUST NO ONE BUT YOURSELF.

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The Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety by the late, great Col. Jeff Cooper

1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. (For those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.)
3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.
4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

No one can explain them better that the man himself.

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Rule Number 5

I am uncertain as to the origin of the so-called Rule 5. It’s been around for many, many years. Although Col. Cooper certainly didn’t like his decrees to be trifled with, some felt this should have been amended to his four basic rules of gun safety, thus the “Rule 5” designation. I concur wholeheartedly.

5. Maintain control over your firearm(s) at all times. - This rule applies whether one is actively shooting, engaged in physical combat, simply carrying and/or handling, or has stored their firearm(s) in or out of reach i.e. unattended. To maintain control while shooting, engaged in physical combat, and/or carrying, at the very least, reference rules 1 thru 4. Control while unattended means, as a minimum, unloaded, cleared, and secured.

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Four additional items that I would like to mention, which were implied in rules 1 thru 5 above, but not specifically covered, are as follows:

1. Every time you touch a firearm CLEAR IT. Even if you’ve just cleared it and set it down, if you pick it back up, it’s loaded, CLEAR IT.
2. Simply removing the magazine does not mean the gun is unloaded – you MUST clear and proof the chamber as well.
3. NEVER hand anyone a firearm with the action closed. You should unload the weapon yourself and then, with the cylinder out or the slide or bolt locked back, hand over the gun with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
4. If you have no idea of what the hell you are doing, DO NOT TOUCH the firearm. Get someone who does, who really knows what they’re doing.

If you follow these simple rules RELIGIOUSLY, at ALL TIMES, from now on for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, you will NEVER HAVE A FIREARMS MISHAP.

One would be well advised to enroll in a simple firearms safety class prior to pursuing any interest in the shooting sports or combat shooting fields. Contact the NRA, your state rifle association, your local rifle/pistol club, or a certified firearms instructor for more information.

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SAFETY WITH DRY-FIRE PRACTICE Dry practice IS important especially with today’s artificially inflated ammo prices... But, for the sake of yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors, and the entire pro 2A community, please do the following:

• MAKE CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED.
  • CHECK IT TWICE, BOTH VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
• PUT ALL THE AMMO IN ANOTHER ROOM.
• IF, FOR SOME REASON, YOU NEED TO TRAIN WITH CARTRIDGES, SPEED LOADING FOR EXAMPLE, PURCHASE DUMMY TRAINING ROUNDS.
• PRACTICE IN A SAFE ROOM AND WITH THE GUN POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
  • ASK YOURSELF THIS; "IF THIS PISTOL WERE TO DISCHARGE, WHERE WOULD THE BULLET GO?"
• WHEN YOU ARE DONE, YOU ARE DONE.
  • WHEN YOU LOAD UP AGAIN DO NOT TRY JUST ONE MORE TECHNIQUE!!!

I cannot emphasize that enough...

Note: added are the Massad Ayoob Group's safety rules for dry fire practice in the post below.

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NRA Gun Safety Rules The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:

• Know your target and what is beyond. Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
• Know how to use the gun safely. Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
• Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
• Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
• Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
• Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting. Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
• Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.

• Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

• Cleaning. Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used.
• A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.
• Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.

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Clint Smith on Gun Safety Now Clint explains this in such a common sense, practical manner it's hard to argue with any of it...of course, I am positive there are those who will...

  

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Remember, "IT" can happen to YOU, Murphy is just waiting for you!

Please refer to this post regarding firearms safety for children: NRA Eddie Eagle GunSafe Rules For Children

For more information on this most important topic reference this thread: Firearms Safety Procedures

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Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.