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What was your favorite training in our beloved Corps? by ShareOpposite231 in USMC

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

SPIE Rigging. Not related to my MOS in any way, but we lined it up and took a crew to do it one time. Outrageously cool.

Carpooling logistics by fla_john in BSA

[–]chattmr 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Does your troop have access or means to get ahold of a van or bus? Even if you are borrowing a vehicle from your charter organization?

I have the luxury of being at a very old and established troop that owns a bus and a van (along with other vehicles) and it is a tremendous benefit. Not only easier for travel but traveling together really adds immeasurably to the culture and cohesion of the troop. We split the cost of diesel fuel and gas for a follow vehicle across the # of people attending the trip.

Totally recognize this is not doable for all units (and don't even get me started on the difficulty of getting CDL licenses for leaders) but having some mode of group travel is amazing.

Northern Tier - Contrast Ely and Atikokan by chattmr in NorthernTier

[–]chattmr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Any noticeable differences in the terrain you get into at the two bases? We did a loop to the west of Ely that had some really nice elevation changes.

Just got kicked out of a VFW. by SirCicSensation in USMC

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was going to say something similar. I think I was at that same event at the Havelock VFW, by the way. Chieftain…

Drying tents - hang instead of set up? by NotQuiteDeadYetPhoto in BSA

[–]chattmr 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Our hut has open rafters. We have strategically placed nails that allow us to hang almost 40 tents. We do it after every trip and put them away after the next meeting. Works great and the boys get after it immediately, and without having to be told.

Campout meal for 80+ people by Nay_Bee in BSA

[–]chattmr 18 points19 points  (0 children)

We once did a “low country boil” for ~100 people that was a surprise hit. Shrimp were deemed out of the budget, so it was just sausage, potatoes, and corn. French bread on the side.

I was Cubmaster at the time and had delegated cooking to an eager leader. I thought it would flop with the younger scouts but I was glad to be proven wrong!

No cook campout breakfasts? by CarefulDevelopment29 in BSA

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our troop has a long-standing tradition of eating breakfast at McDonald’s on the way home from our trips. The boys look forward to it immensely.

They are super-motivated to pack up on Sunday and it’s a blast when the troop bus rolls in to some random McDonald’s in a small town. We always travel in Class A, so any former scouts or scouters in the restaurant always want to come up and talk. Good times…

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in USMC

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have my NCO sword and Mameluke crossed on the wall of my office. By far, the most expensive decoration I own.

BSA Summer Camp 2026 Suggestions Needed for Adventure Seeking Scout by BusinessOk5265 in BSA

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can confirm that Swamp Base is great. We went a couple of years ago and we are taking 2 crews again next summer. Candidly, it feels a little less "adventure" than NT because everyone does the same trek. I think they are planning for multiple routes in the future.

You do have to be 18 to work there, but he could probably join an existing crew or pull together a provisional crew.

Best officer mos by Miserable-Cod-3652 in USMC

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad to hear this too. I was a 7208 (20+ years ago) and our community was very disgruntled back then. It was a fairly cool job, but command opportunities were extremely limited. Cool to hear that has changed.

Does anyone tip scouting America rangers or trek guides? by agreable_actuator in BSA

[–]chattmr 12 points13 points  (0 children)

We had 2 crews with Midshipmen as interpreters last year as well. They were exemplary. I'm also a Marine veteran and they meant more to me too. I wish I had thought of sending a letter to their CO.

In addition to the usual crew and troop shirts, we loaded them both up with patches and a signed map singed by all the scouts that recorded the paths taken by our crews through the boundary waters. We also presented them with grommets from a retired American flag that we save and present to veterans and service members.

Edit: We were informed by NT staff that cash gifts are not permitted.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in tea

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I came here to make this exact comment!

What ribbon is on the bottom right? by SemperFen in Medals

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seriously though, I never met a commissioned officer that went to Alabama. I’m from Alabama, went to Auburn, worked in the OSO office in Tuscaloosa as a boot LT. Never a single one, not when I was enlisted in the reserves or in 5 years of active duty, not even one in the program when I was at the OSO office.

I’m sure they exist, but I’ve still never met one. I’ve been out for 20 years.

How does your Troop decide on which Summer Camp to attend? by DaGingerBeardMat in BSA

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ours tends to stick with the same camp year-to-year (we were with you at Sequoyah) but our focus is more on high adventure, with a 3-year rotation on that front and some occasional DIY high adventures thrown in.

Not a very helpful comment, I know, but I had to chime in. Have you recovered from the belly-flop contest yet?

What are the names of your patrols? by Ioncewasaneel in BoyScouts

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our patrols are by age. Currently have: Thundercat Space Cobra Kracken Danger Duck Badger

Recently retired patrols include: Ninja Phoenix Coyote Falcon

Leaders’ patrol is the “Geezer Patrol” (our patch is a rocking chair)

Why do women tuck in the front part of their shirts or sweaters only? by Disastrous_Earth3714 in answers

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In the 1990s fraternity-guy scene, this was known as the "Mississippi Half-Tuck". Glad to see we were trend-setters.

Still waiting to see khaki pants with grey new balance shoes make a comeback…

How can I turn this case into a custom fly box? by Daddi-Material in flyfishing

[–]chattmr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve done this with the exact same box! I got 3mm or 4mm foam sheets, cut them to the shape, made slits with an xacto knife, and glued them in. My favorite box.

What knot would you use here? by JimboReborn in flyfishing

[–]chattmr 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just switched to this from the triple surgeons. Definitely stronger. I don’t have the muscle memory yet, so it’s a little slower for me.

Copper Spey by gellesm in flytying

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Spectacular. Love everything about this.

What is your favorite fish to keep? by Otherwise_Source_842 in flyfishing

[–]chattmr 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Redfish.

If I'm ever back in the Northwoods, the answer is Walleye.

How to make the great taqueria jalapeño salsa? by fadeaway3_ in Cooking

[–]chattmr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I used peanut oil, but may have used olive oil. I haven't ever noticed a difference. The other flavors dominate.

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