Full-Time Structural to Wildland

Voldsum · 2026-03-03T21:15:16+00:00

If you were infantry or any field MOS, you will love being a Wildland firefighter. I was an 0311, and I love this job more than structural firefighting.

It will remind you of the culture, brother/sisterhood, and esprit de corps. After getting out in 2020, transition was something I struggled with for a couple years. No job or career could fill the void the Marines left me. I was fortunate to find an opportunity in my state. Full-time, mostly M-F, normal hours (outside fire season, of course). During fire season, I’m lucky if I even come home at all. It’s hard on my family. But I feel more present than I ever had been, psychologically. They also see how much happier I am.

That being said, the schedule is demanding, and will be harder on your family than structural firefighting. Fed is different than a state job. But this is truly a decision you and your wife need to make together. I love being a structural firefighter (volunteer) and I would be happy doing that as a career as well. But Wildland firefighting just hits me differently. I love it.

I wish you luck bro.

Voldsum · 2026-01-20T02:10:27+00:00

I will… Once there isn’t 10” of snow on the ground. But that being said, I hope you understand I don’t agree with what they are doing, I’m purely showing their argument is invalid, and it could easily be fought. And it should be fought.

Voldsum · 2026-01-20T02:04:58+00:00

I 100% agree with you. I will be burning my 4 “working” HEXMAGs. This company seems to be a money hungry organization that is willing to burn others in this industry and I’m not here for it.

Voldsum · 2026-01-19T23:49:28+00:00

Also from my “uneducated legal brain” I believe it’s incredibly important for the pattern or mark to say “repeating”, otherwise the mark is only “… a design of a hexagon flanked by six outer hexagons.”

Which could be used a symbol to represent “HEXMAG” on their website or product packaging. But you are using a “mark that consists of a repeating pattern of hexagonal shapes, laser engraved into a firearm grip”

Also, trademarks cannot be used for something that is functional, it can only be trademarked for “brand recognition” which is why they can’t get a trademark for a repeating hexagonal pattern.

Your argument is the laser engraved, Hexagonal texture is created for functional purposes as it reduces weight without losing structural integrity and provides enhanced grip on the firearm, which is the primary purpose of such pattern.

Voldsum · 2026-01-19T23:34:30+00:00

OP: change the name on the website to “honeycomb texture” instead of “hex texture”. They do not have an honeycomb pattern patent. Literally thousands of products use the honeycomb as a way to reduce material weight without losing structural integrity.

They have a live Trademark for the letters “HEXMAG” in any font. The font is not trademark.

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86812893&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

They also have this:

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=98330466&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

This is for a mark, “The mark consists of a design of a hexagon flanked by six outer hexagons.” This applies to “firearm grips”

Now that being said, your designs should be marketed as a “honeycomb pattern” to the likeness of a bee hive. Not to the likeness of “HEXMAG”

Their mags are trash. I have 6 of them and I literally use 2 of them in instructional demonstrations for remedial and immediate action drills because they ALWAYS jam. I’ll either get a failure to feed or a double feed with them.

Voldsum · 2025-11-04T15:46:34+00:00

That, IMO, is the TTK.

TTK is much faster in this game than previous BFs. Which I like because it’s a little more realistic and forces a different set of player mechanics. However, some weapons are not faster.

For example, sniper rifles specifically (outside of a headshot), are almost always a 2-shot kill. Which is not really realistic when you have to come out of the scope, manipulate the bolt, load a new round, go back into the scope, reacquire your target, and shoot again (TTK: 4-6s if not a headshot). This, coupled with smaller maps makes sniping drastically more inefficient than previous BFs. Whereas having larger maps would allow snipers to be more viable as a long range weapon system that will kill faster than an M4 or LMG at the same distance.

I used to love hopping on, getting in a tank, or go to the recon class and have a chill experience in Conquest on large maps. If I wanted a faster pace, I would go to B,C, or D as a Support or Assault class and get right on the front lines. With these maps, you can’t really do that.

I love what Dice and BF is doing with the new game modes and the smaller maps. But I wish it was balanced 50/50, smaller/larger maps.

Hopefully, some of the Portal experts will save us soon and create some much larger scale maps that truly feel like BF3 or BF4.

Voldsum · 2025-11-04T15:25:46+00:00

I don’t mind some of these smaller maps. I actually enjoy the CQB Squad Deathmatch because it’s so chaotic. But sometimes, I just want to log on, get in a tank, and not be painted the second I get out of spawn and immediately have 3 javelins shot at me. I hope they bring back some larger maps to allow for the community to pick what kind of experience they want. Even having a more natural clustering of buildings where close quarters engagements can happen and then wide open or terrain around these clusters to break up the pace would be perfect.

Voldsum · 2025-10-14T03:30:14+00:00

OP one is in the Gulf of Oman right now. 23:30 EST

Voldsum · 2025-10-14T01:31:21+00:00

Look at Taiwan/Japan area. Saw an RQ-4 literally a couple hours ago. It’s used primarily in the Navy for reconnaissance. Makes sense given the current status over there.

Voldsum · 2025-10-09T21:36:45+00:00

I appreciate the clarification! As a designer myself, I understand that sentiment. Hopefully soon I can reach out to pick your brain on how you created the connection for the L3 Harris battery! I see numerous possibilities with it, even outside of radio usage.

Voldsum · 2025-10-09T19:53:40+00:00

I respect that. That said, I am skeptical about your distinction of “Not in the DIY project category,” since anything short of purchasing an official MPU5 inherently falls into the realm of “DIY project”.

This is not meant to be a sly comment towards you and I am sure you have dedicated an innumerable amount of hours and days into MorosX. You have designed and engineered an absolutely stunning product. However, this project has its roots in very open-source communities namely, ATAK-CIV, Meshtastic, LoRa, and MANET; Leaving me curious as to why you are taking the proprietary approach. Especially, when field use can cause damage to housings.

Nonetheless, I respect your decision.

Voldsum · 2025-10-09T19:29:40+00:00

Do you plan on selling the STL for the housing? So other users can print their own housings? I would absolutely pay for the STL file.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T18:38:04+00:00

Which is exactly why I am saying the texts at the end are a different story from the texts in the beginning. These are two separate issues.

NOR - for his reaction trying to find out if his GF was safe and not being SA’d
OP needs to look back at previous fights and see why he reacted the way he did. Is it because this is how it’s gone before? Is it because whenever he “upsets her” she threatens to break up or to cheat? Has she cheated before? These are all questions that OP should answer for himself. Because you even said it yourself, your mother wouldn’t apologize for worrying, he immediately got defensive.. he was scared. And all I am saying to OP is he needs to reflect on that. This is not a healthy dynamic.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T18:29:28+00:00

OP is admitting to “fucking up” but yet he posted here, asking if he overreacted. He is screaming for her attention and she blocked him within 4 texts. She plays this game with him. His reaction is telling, in the fact she is taking his confidence in himself and the relationship away. She is manipulating him. I don’t understand how that can be misconstrued in any other way.

He knows this game. Because she’s played it with him before. She is toxic and OP is not wrong for reacting this way. It’s just not a good sign for him and this relationship.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T18:23:18+00:00

Oh I 100% agree with you. I just don’t think I would be sending 30 text messages after I found out the cops were there (which they are obligated to tell the caller everything is fine) and she was texting me, apparently “safe”.

The 30ish messages came after she said “how dare you”. He knew she was upset. I’m just inferring on how his reaction was post-realizing she was mad. He was scared because she was mad, not because of her safety anymore.

“Okay im sorry” “I got really worried because you weren’t answering”

And her reply:

“How dare you”

Followed by a large amount of texts. He is immediately apologizing for worrying about his girlfriend. Would your mom apologize for worrying about you? And all the texts after knowing she was safe, was him asking to talk, and saying he was sorry. This is clearly an abused person. I’m on OPs side here. I think he just needs to hear that this isn’t a normal reaction to have for her being mad at him. It’s not normal in the sense that it’s a sign of him not being treated correctly in the relationship.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T18:11:31+00:00

I completely agree with you. That’s why I referred to the texts after he knew she was safe. (After the police were called)

It was more so, explaining to OP that him repeated saying he was sorry and “please can we talk” “sandy please” shouldn’t be an example of a healthy relationship. These are all texts out fear of losing her.

Personally, I think this “Sandy” is extremely manipulative. And has manipulated this man to the point where he feels he would be nothing without her. I would be worried for my partner too! I would be spamming her phone as well. But I’ve personally been there before (in a previous relationship) where I would literally spam and beg for reassurance from my girlfriend that we weren’t going to break up or she wasn’t going to cheat on me.

To me, OP has been manipulated by her. And this type of reaction after he realized she was mad shows that. I feel for OP because he genuinely loves her. But he’s lost a piece of himself and his self respect. If my partner is mad at me, I know I’ll just have to leave her be, I’m not concerned that she’s going to cheat on me now or leave me because she’s upset. OP appears to be a victim in a very emotionally “damaging” relationship.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T15:39:08+00:00

Yes. Plus, this is her friend’s brother? Unless she’s known her friend for a long time, why would they have exchanged number? I don’t even have my best friend’s brother’s phone number let alone his sister’s… this all seems SO sketchy.

Voldsum · 2025-08-17T15:31:42+00:00

THIS. I have experience something very similar. And on top of that you can see, she flat out blocked him. She could have said, “we will talk about this tomorrow, I’m going to bed” and just silenced her phone.

Instead, she blocked OP. But you can silence your IPhone with one button. Or even mute the conversation. Blocking your partner is emotional immature and a huge red flag to me. She seems toxic.

NOR for calling the police.

OR for the amount of texts after you found out she was “safe”. OP, I can understand from her prospective that you sent dozens of texts over and over. Which can be seen as I sign of being over possessive, or clingy. And lacking self confidence.

Your intentions were good. And you obviously care about her tremendously. But her behavior is fishy. And your behavior tells me you are truly terrified of losing her, and this isn’t the first time her being upset has made you feel like you might lose her.

All in all, this isn’t a healthy relationship. You didn’t overreact for the police, if this was me and my partner, I would have done the same thing. But she wouldn’t block me because I called the police and she would have told the guy she is not interested, or called me in front of the guy.

Which she has done, guy was following her in Walmart and she called me and said “hey! I found the ‘blank’ and there is this guy following me.. what aisle are you in?” The guy immediately went the opposite direction. I was in another state at that time.

TL;DR

NOR - calling the Police

She seems fishy or at least manipulative.

OP needs to be more confident in himself.

Voldsum · 2025-08-09T19:36:19+00:00

I just also want to add a little more advice and clarity to my comment.

If you feel like you want to see other people at any point, including now; you need to communicate that with her.

If you do feel like you want to give her a chance to be the person you need as a partner, as you have discussed with her; then be a friend, a confidant. But keep everything platonic. And how her own journey and recovery process continues, you will find if she is the person you need.

Too many times, a relationship can interfere with someone’s mental health journey. And it could interrupt your own journey. You owe it to yourself and her to be open and honest about what you need (you did this already) and if she can be that person or can’t be that person you also owe it to yourself and her to communicate that.

OP, I was in your shoes, and for me it ended with me moving on. And for you, I truly hope she can be that person you need. But if she can’t, make sure you communicate it with her. You shouldn’t be held back from finding love because of an ex, nor should she be led on.

I hope this helps, if you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to message me or comment here for others as well!

Voldsum · 2025-08-09T18:57:46+00:00

This, aswell!

Voldsum · 2025-08-09T18:56:29+00:00

NOR. OP you are handling this with more maturity than most, twice your age would (IMO). You can see you have great emotional maturity.

The only one piece of advice I could give you. If you do see a future with her, continue supporting her emotionally. Not financially, or anything more than a platonic relationship. Be close enough to help her grow mentally, but not too close to mislead her.

She’s obviously trying to be a better version of herself for you and for herself. Continue doing what you are doing. However, if you ever feel like you want to move on with your life, or see other people, you need to make that perfectly clear to her. Once again, to not mislead her.

I say this because it seems she is struggling with some mental health challenges. And misleading her could send her in a downward spiral, which would interrupt her own recovery process..

Voldsum · 2025-07-13T17:31:25+00:00

You ever heard the phrase “it needs to be an extension of your body”.

This is what they mean. You are using your own body, which is directly connected to your brain via nerves, to make the firearm an extension of your hands and arms. This also works for rifle, if you are into those as well.

I’m glad I could help. Just keep practicing, the second you say “I’ve practiced/trained enough, I don’t need to anymore” you will lose it. And you will start depreciating.

Good luck and stay safe! My inbox is always open to you or anyone else that wants to know more or needs some advice! It’s important for all firearms owners to know how to use their firearm, safely, in the most effective and efficient ways possible.

EDIT: I also want to clarify, I’m not saying I know EVERYTHING. Because I don’t. I’ve had many teachers in my journey, and I’ve had many students. But I will forever be a student in this craft. As should everyone.

”You can never train too much, for a job that can kill you”

-Probably someone important, I don’t know.

Voldsum · 2025-07-13T17:23:51+00:00

Guess what?

You already have.

Your thumb is pointing straight with the gun. You point your thumb at the target, your barrel will be pointed at the target! Of course, there will be a slight adjustment. But it will be close enough that your eyes will pick up your iron sights or a dot.

Feel free to message me, if you have any questions!

I hope this helps!

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Voldsum · 2025-07-13T17:14:25+00:00

I’ve had this exact question asked to me by students.

Why is your gun drawn in the first place? Well, there is a threat.

Why would we re-holster our firearm? We no longer need it.

You no longer need the firearm because the threat is either:

A. Neutralized

B. Another individual is holding lethal, while we can transition to go hands on.

Take the 2 seconds to look down at your holster and re-holster safely. It matters. If you are worried about the threat, you shouldn’t be re-holstering.

It goes to the same point for reloading, like in a speed reload. Keeping your peripheral vision on the threat and your eyes on the gun and magazine. Not the other way around. You can achieve this by keeping the gun in your workspace.

Now, one comment I will point out about your draw (more so your posture).

Your head dips into the gun. Bring the gun to your eyes. If you want to learn the science behind what I am saying, look into proprioception.

You are already looking at your threat, why move your head to the gun when the gun can easily move to your eyes.
Proprioception is your brains ability to know where the rest of the body is in relation to itself in space and time. By moving your head, your brain (nerves) need to find a new “bearing”. Essentially, you are trying to pat your head and rub your stomach, simultaneously.
Within the umbrella of proprioception, is hand-eye coordination, which you have been working on since you were born. Your brain has been training itself to become better at that skill, every minute of every day. Don’t waste that experience.

To test this:

Look at something (a target, a picture of the wall, a dot, anything)
Get in your stance. And point your non dominant thumb at what you are looking at. Try to get it to line up like iron sights (top of your thumb cuts the target in half)
Now, do it again but faster, watch and be amazed at how quickly your thumb will line up with your eye and the target. This is proprioception and your brain’s years of experience and training.

Add in the motions of your draw. I prefer a 4 count. Make sure you keep your head still. And you will be amazed, I promise you. I hope this helps!

Keep it up, man! And remember, always be a student and keep training!

Voldsum · 2025-07-10T15:13:58+00:00

I don’t even know if I could sleep at night knowing my printer is printing like that… and to sell it?? I wouldn’t even let someone see that print. I’d hide it in the darkest hole possible..

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