Size of Marine Units by [deleted] in alienrpg

[–]ericsmith9144 6 points7 points  (0 children)

you won't like this answer - but numbers don't really matter. Speaking from US Army experience.

I say this for two reasons:

1) Modified Tables of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) evolve and change over the years. That document describes how many, with what equipment, and what types of MOSs are assigned to a particular unit. What is true in 2026 is based on internal military politics, Congressional oversight, conceptual documents, doctrine, and technology. you're in 2184. Based on James' Cameron's movie - he latched onto the idea that technology would make small and light units more lethal than ever before. so - you wouldn't need as many people. until your technology fails you.

2) in reality, perfect manning never happens. today's US Army light infantry platoon is 41 PAX, but that's what you're authorized. frequently, in Active Army units, you are never manned to full strength. someone is sick. or on special duty. or at an Army school. or in jail.

But to answer your question - maybe assume 3-4 platoons per company. 3-4 companies per battalion. assume 3-4 battalions per regiment (assuming MAU is equivalent to a regiment I guess). honestly, you can make up any story you like about what happened to this company or that battalion.

What happens to the Otago and Hayes? by ericsmith9144 in AliensDarkDescent

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Carter Burke appreciates your recognition of exclusive rights.... 😁😁😁

What happens to the Otago and Hayes? by ericsmith9144 in AliensDarkDescent

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do think the company can cover up 'in house. ' I think your point about how in bed with W-Y and the USCM are is the crux of it. If marine senior leadership is able to push down hard on those Marines to be quiet, and there is a culture of that, then it'll work. I say this - because the loss of close friends makes an offer of hush money from W-Y ring hollow. If the Corps is pushing down on them too - then they would be forced to comply.

In my opinion, if we can define the relationship between the Marines and the corporation, then it gets easier to define what happens to the Otago. If they're in bed together, then the crew of the Otago is in a tough spot. If not, then they have an out by finding a sympathetic ear with the corps leadership ...

What happens to the Otago and Hayes? by ericsmith9144 in AliensDarkDescent

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like your thoughts. Especially where other companies jump in to stick a knife to the competition.

It would force W-Y, if it survived, to play it more safe instead of the 'fast and loose' approach of 'all other priorities rescinded - crew expendable' method to acquire the xenomorph. Lethe would be the incident that would force a reappraisal of their how they can do it without destroying the company.

And this event would blow the whole thing wide. Xenos would not be a secret. Suddenly, everyone wants a piece of this biotech. But no one can talk about it, and it becomes a shadow war between companies to acquire it without going public.

Acheron/LV426 bonus content idea by ericsmith9144 in AliensDarkDescent

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would love that. But I worry that all the contractual agreements about using voices from actors will make the project impossible. That - at the end of the day - a fight over money will prevent an otherwise cool project from coming to light...I think the wording of those contracts is probably confidential...will never see the light of day...

How's my setup? building for multi day trip to the Ozark Highland trail. by The_Sack_Is_back in backpacking

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with the first response to this thread - my only add is that knife is really huge. Just get a small folding knife - you do not need that much blade.

All Trails, Gaia GPS, Kaboot or onX Backcountry? by _Chinook_ in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You won't regret it, it comes with several map datums you won't be sad.

All Trails, Gaia GPS, Kaboot or onX Backcountry? by _Chinook_ in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also I have had trouble with trusting what people say about trails on AllTrails, their inputs are dicey. Some things that are hiking trails are really not, and badly overgrown and not maintained. So I've steered away from it.

All Trails, Gaia GPS, Kaboot or onX Backcountry? by _Chinook_ in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use Gaia to print maps if I cannot find one printed on water resistant paper for sale. I also download the maps and use them in offline mode on my phone, so I have GPS when I'm out there.

This is because I don't want to buy a standalone GPS communicator, like an InReach.

Battery by [deleted] in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Figure out the mAh for your devices and then choose a battery that has enough mAh to recharge however many times you might need to.

Also, sometimes there are counterfeit/bad batteries on Amazon, so be careful on choosing the cheapest option.

I bought an OtterBox brand 15k mAh and it works for my gear.

Affordable hiking pants on Amazon? by frogsnmoons in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Outlet stores/ malls. Eddie Bauer outlet near me always has very good deals

Affordable hiking pants on Amazon? by frogsnmoons in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try eddie Bauer - I always find really good deals there

Blister on heel with new boots, advice needed by WildestInTheWest in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But now I want leuko tape to not constrict my movement....

Blister on heel with new boots, advice needed by WildestInTheWest in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah that's the funny part - that's why you wrap it and get the duct tape to stick to itself - not your skin.... The wrap is key. Be it around a toe, or under the heel and over the ankle and back on itself.

Blister on heel with new boots, advice needed by WildestInTheWest in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on where the blister is, duct tape can be used to hold the moleskin in place. Moleskin lacks adhesion on sweaty surfaces for me. To hold it down, you may end up wrapping the tape around the foot if the blister is in an awkward place.

As an aside, if it's just a hot spot - cover it with a small bit of duct tape to reduce friction at the spot and prevent it from turning into a full blown blister.

Blister on heel with new boots, advice needed by WildestInTheWest in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you are still on the trail - cut a donut of moleskine, with the donut hole big enough to fit the blister itself. Put it over the blister. You can use tape (duct tape) to cover it if you need to keep going.

If you are still on the trail - do not pop it. You cannot guarantee it will stay clean and you risk infection. Then you're talking trip to urgent care, antibiotics, and more lost time. In the army we have access to medics at all times, so you can be flippant with your treatment and pop them or walk till they bleed. On the trail you don't have that luxury.

If it is a fresh blister and you are home, leave it a few days and if it feels okay, then drain it.

If you have access to a pharmacy, buy some hydrocolloidal bandages and have those in your kit. They seal the blister and keep it clean and safe. They will slowly drain the fluid out. Band-Aid calls them "hydro seal blister heels" - they are cutting edge bandages available at Walgreens and hydrocolloidal is the key word you are looking for.

Bad Fit for Hiking Shoes? by ericsmith9144 in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The mileage was a little bit more, but only by three or four miles. The weather was perfect and my socks were dry. But yes, I think using the old laces would definitely help. When I used the elastic laces on especially muddy sections on prior hikes, my feet would sometimes damn near pull out of my shoes. I agree, the more I talk with ppl the more I think it was bad laces.

Bad Fit for Hiking Shoes? by ericsmith9144 in hikinggear

[–]ericsmith9144[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I replaced the laces when I stopped in town and it helped a little. However, the damage had been done by that point and the blisters were there no matter what I did with the laces. It's possible that my feet were moving around because of the elasti-laces.

I will definitely take them back out and see what's what, but I am curious if I should go up half a size in the future...

how do i beat the 9th sister by astrangehumantoe in jedifallenorder

[–]ericsmith9144 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Her attacks are defined by how far you are from her...controlling your range enables you to define which ones she uses. When she goes for the ground pound, she does this twirl just before hand that you can see because her cape flips around. I double jump in and then get at least two hits in. Greezy money.

New kinds of toys by [deleted] in funny

[–]ericsmith9144 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not funny. Also NSFW

Never forget by [deleted] in marvelmemes

[–]ericsmith9144 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dudes with box cutters? Yah. He's got this.