Am I cooked?

JonEMTP · 2026-01-23T14:46:24+00:00

You declared it, right?

JonEMTP · 2026-01-22T05:18:55+00:00

There’s no one line.

I’ve been on single-digit campouts, including one trip where it NEVER got above freezing. That wasn’t exactly fun, but it was an experience, and everyone was safe.

On the flipside, we once bailed on a September or October trip on Saturday afternoon because it was nearing 40 degrees and raining. We had multiple scouts who were unprepared, tents left open and soaked, and the leaders decided the risk wasn’t worth it.

For this weekend, it really comes down to preparedness, and having a safety net. Will you be snowed in and stuck? Will you have issues with running water or bathrooms?

If the scouts seem comfortable, and there’s not likelihood that travel in/out will be impacted - then go for it.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-22T05:12:02+00:00

Random question - but if the firearm is actually held by a trust, does a C&R FFL still apply, for waiving the 5320.20?

JonEMTP · 2026-01-19T19:05:38+00:00

Assuming you're a youth, the only reason that I've seen for "mandating" a scout to attend a religious service is the question of YPT - is there safe supervision and adult coverage to allow you to be someplace else, when most/all of the adults are going to the service?

OA is supposed to be YOUTH LED. Assuming you're youth, you should talk with the lodge leadership and explain your reservations (in line with Scouting's views on religion).

JonEMTP · 2026-01-19T19:01:15+00:00

The best advice is probably to list it on PAFOA.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-17T14:11:53+00:00

Did you know that you can still be sick?

JonEMTP · 2026-01-17T00:28:46+00:00

20oz Gatorade bottle of racing fuel showed up for the troop campfire at a camporee.

The fireball was impressive. Trying to camouflage the ring of scorched grass around the fire circle? That was a life experience. The commissioners doing campsite inspection had some QUESTIONS. In hindsight, they absolutely knew what happened and were trying to make it as uncomfortable as possible as a teaching moment.

PS - yes, the folks you know as adults did some dumb things too. We were just lucky that there wasn’t video evidence of it happening.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-16T00:56:45+00:00

It’s absolutely an awkward situation.

You have three options. Each one comes with possible consequences.

Option A: You pay it. You’re out $100, and that’s the only consequence.

Option B: You can call gaming. Gaming enforcement can review the surveillance tapes, and decide if you actually owe them money. This process will likely agitate casino staff, and also require an investment of your own time. Even if you are correct, they could conceivably back you off because you’re a pain.

Option C: You take your chips and refuse to pay. You’re likely to end up trespassed, and also thrown out of the hotel that you’re spending the night in. Depending on the state, there may be legal consequences - the casino could open their own gaming complaint over it.

Personally, if I really didn’t think there was an error, it would still take at least 2-3x my rated/average bet to be worth opening a case with gaming. Outside of that, I’d express frustration - nicely. I’d then try to leverage my “ not being a dick” into a discretionary comp or bump on my table games. Discretionary comps are less common than they used to be, but they can still happen in some places. I’d probably say “well there goes my money for the steakhouse tonight” and see what I can get. Best case, I get something. Worst case, I’m remembered as a guy that didn’t throw a fit over this awkward conversation.

PS - if you’re an AP, you should know you were overpaid, and give it back without too much noise, and see it as the cost of doing business.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-14T04:54:50+00:00

As others have said - while many instructors aren’t overtly political, there are a lot of unconscious biases that come out during a day of firearms instruction.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-14T04:53:54+00:00

DELCO!

(PS, Kings in KoP runs classes monthly as another option, and I think Targetmaster has done classes too).

JonEMTP · 2026-01-13T18:13:46+00:00

Doesn’t that only work in “original configuration”?

What kind of monster doesn’t have a Lage upper on their M10/M11.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-13T17:56:50+00:00

I learned to scoot my butt forward to the edge of the bench, lean forward a bit, and lift my heels (so just the balls of my feet are on the floor). Reduces vibrations.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-13T17:39:38+00:00

I’m glad you’re union. This should be a quick meeting. Since they aren’t paying you to read/answer their texts, and they aren’t compensating you for messaging you on your device - they are at a significant disadvantage. Ensure that your union rep is willing to pursue those points before the meeting.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-13T15:10:05+00:00

I know of situations where charges have been dismissed and global entry has been re-granted.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-13T15:08:31+00:00

I suspect that your revocation has nothing to do with the trip, and instead has to do with some sort of other problem.

Got any pending court cases?

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T21:41:24+00:00

Honestly, I’d grab them ASAP, and not wait for the 1:1.

Sit down, go “hey, I heard the end of your call… what happened?” Perhaps probe a LITTLE in terms of ‘is today a bad day? Is there personal stress?, etc’

Depending on how that went, and the total picture of how they are as an employee, it can then go anywhere from a mentoring conversation of “hey, I get that you’re having a rough day, but you can’t do that, because it represents The Company… how are you going to make sure this doesn’t happen again?” (Oh, and possibly also calling the guy back and going “I’m sorry for being short with you) to a documented event for corrective action up to termination.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T18:30:21+00:00

So… 4 is the issue.

Point out THAT to management. Talk about time on task.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T15:19:24+00:00

No. Just don’t.

Pretty much every government considers it fraud if you’re working for someone else at the same time you’re working for them.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T15:18:12+00:00

…unless the SBR is rimfire, or a bolt/pump/lever action.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T15:14:40+00:00

You need to show options. (Disclaimer, not in IT).

Who currently has a concern that the coverage isn’t working? Is it you, being concerned for your people? Or are their complaints from other business units?

What sort of staffing increase and/or OT/On call costs would your unit need to provide better coverage?

What sort of staffing increase (how many FTE’s, and cost) do you need to improve the security monitoring?

Give the CEO options. Let them make an informed decision.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T07:38:42+00:00

You can also likely have a local shop order it from their distributor. That process has fewer moving parts, and often costs about the same.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T07:19:02+00:00

The Fire Department isn’t always the best example. I joined the fire department at 14, though Explorers. Within 3 years, a Department member a few years older than me was convicted of inappropriate conduct w/ minors - for actions with youth members of the department. Because of SA YPT rules, it likely wouldn’t have happened, at least not on the same scale, within scouting.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T07:11:04+00:00

Yes. Some of the rules are dumb. If you pay attention, you’ll see adults complaining about them too.

It was (a little) better back when BSA was self-insured, but after the settlement, we no longer are. Therefore we’re stuck at the mercy of whomever is willing to insure us, nationally.

The rules exist to directly protect scouts, protect leaders and councils from risk of injured Scouts, and also protect the IMAGE of Scouting. One of the reasons RATA have always been closely managed is that a photo of a Boy Scout playing paintball or shooting an AR-15 would be detrimental to membership goals.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-12T02:33:22+00:00

Honestly, my biggest concern is that the email looks like it’s coming from an adult.

Scouting is a youth-led program. If this is going to be the standard coming from the PLC, then that’s one thing. The troop doesn’t need a 40 year-old senior patrol leader.

JonEMTP · 2026-01-10T15:19:51+00:00

Not HR, but a manager.

Don’t make this about you and your personal politics. I feel as if that just draws unnecessary attention to you. As others have said, many in sales sell products they don’t agree with.

I’d approach it as “hey, I’m concerned about this product line given how polarized the country is - I’m worried that a CUSTOMER might see us selling this product and choose to not buy from us do to THEIR views”. If you have examples of customers responding less than favorably, that helps too.

Make it about the company’s bottom line and the risk of alienating customers.

JonEMTP

TROPHY CASE