A Worthy Rebuttal on REMFs

Rebuttal To:  REMF's: by Tom Peck (June 20, 2014)

"WarHippy"

By Lawrence "WarHippy" Blouir

Even though I disagree with your views of REMFs, Tom, I support your right to have them, and I salute your courage to carry out your job. 

However, if all the grunts in the Army and Marines were to magically disappear, those REMFs that you insulted with your post would step forward and fill your ranks -- and they would do as good, or better, than the soldiers they replaced. 

I arrived in Vietnam as a mechanic, but I didn't volunteer for the Nam to be stuck under a jeep.  So, I made myself such a big pain in the ass that, after I'd get an article 15, the company commander was more than happy to reassign me to a less-civilized job, with just my word that I would be a good soldier, if I was doing a soldiers job. 

And I kept my word. I was assigned to three different units, during my two years in-country, each time as a mechanic, and each time reassigned after I got another article 15 and busted to PFC. 

My first extension, I did exactly what you described.  I wanted to be a door gunner, and to be specific, on a ready reactionary slick. 

The battalion surgeon interviewed me.  He said, "Life expectancy for the job you want is only six months."

I replied, "I'm only extending for six months."  He called me crazy and denied my request. 

The company sniper was short, and my company commander was a little more agreeable.  So, I was sent back to the rear and trained on the match quality M-14.  That became my constant companion until the Cavalry stood down, leaving one brigade in Vietnam, and I was transferred up north. 

My long-winded point is this. You won't gain much respect here, by puffing your chest out and stating that you had the only important job in the war. Would you be alive today, if all the REMFs took the day off on the day you were wounded?  

Everybody did their job. There were areas designated 'rear'. My Division's R&R center took a direct hit from an ARVN 105 round the day after I left on R&R, killing everybody unlucky enough to be in the hootch at the time. 

Rockets and mortars could reach any place we thought was safe -- and Charlie made sure we knew it. The infantry wouldn't be shit without support. You should thank God you had it, instead of insulting it ...

Lawrence "WarHippy" Blouir
MOS 63B20 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

Vietnam ’69, ’70, ‘71

1st Cavalry Division (AIRMOBILE)

The First Team
8th Engineer Battalion
1st Air Cavalry Division
24th Duster Battalion
24th Corp Artillery
23rd MP Co.
23rd Infantry Division

(MONGOLS Motorcycle Club)

Other Articles by Lawrence “WarHippy” Blouir:
The Ultimate Cost of "Freedom"

Memorial Day: The Changes Through Life

Vietnam Veteran Speaks Out

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale

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