I picked up the encrypted mobile device and quickly type up a text to the team.....
Scout, text back quickly as usual while we both knew it would be a while if at all before Sniper responded....
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As we waited I as Supreme Leader and Captain of the great and patriotic F. R. O. G team contemplated the mission.
It would be an extremely dangerous one, with a high degree of casualties, preferably of the dreaded Viet Frogs and their partisans.
But alas I knew we as a team could as well.
You see in recent day our Commander in Chief changed our more mundane and weak moniker from the Division of Defense to the more manly and rightful name of Division of WAR!
A more fitting name for strong warriors as my self and most of the team. Won't mention names like Sniper but he needs to man up!
Tonight our mission would take us to a familiar haunt of the Viet Frogs and one that has led to many battles.
As Scout and I waited on Sniper I hear a "Ding" over the phone.....
Finally I get the call from Sniper and after a breathless explanation he explains he can't go?
Me: "What do you mean you don't have your papers?"
Sniper: "Well somehow I goofed up and now I can't get them. They think there's two of me"
Me: "Two of you? They should thank Jehovah there's not, so you're not able to go?"
Sniper: "Yes sir"
And with that Sniper is out, again. I don't know why we put up with him :biglaugh:
Without Sniper our odds of success was greatly diminished.
Although Sniper is independable, unreliable, lazy, and just plain allergic to the grime and slime of warfare he is a valuable asset.
You see he earned his name for a reason, he shoots lights out! And for this he's a fixture on the team....at least until I can replace him...
Our mission brief completed and orders in hand Scout and I set out...
While driving over to merge with Scout and perform final preps before operation times my phone Ding's
And this conversation takes place, as we're throughly disgusted with Snipers lack of preparation and concern for team unity.
So, we arrive at the entrance of the Pascagoula WMA and speak briefly on final coordination and best approach to Boggy 1.
We park and Scout takes final coordination headings looking every bit the expert Scout one would think he is.
But, you'd would be deceived into believing this 😂
Scout talks in hushed tones 32.6 west by 45.2 east Cap.
I respond back it's Captain! Or Supreme Leader and never Cap...
He says as he hit save will be ready to easily find our way out once done.
All we need to do is pull this heading marker 172 and easy peasy we're heading out!
Like saying after strapping down a load " that's not going anywhere"
Famous last words!
Awesome so far John! I pray you guys aren't still stuck out in the swamp somewhere!
Randy,
As a longtime follower and reader of the F. R. O. G, team adventures you do realize that Scout's name has absolutely nothing to do with his abilities or skillset in compass reading, mapping, the actual use of a GPS (way easier than other methods) or woodsmanship skills?
One would thing so, but they haven't spent a night and a day traipsing around in a swamp with him :laughing:
We buttoned down our HAMPSTER's (Heavy Armored Multi Purpose Service Team Emergency Response) vehicles and set out.
I follow behind Scout providing back up support and instructions..
As Scout says " I know the trails here somewhere, or was it on further down the road?
Scout, you do know the way? Right?
Well it was here last time..
After a few criss crossings we finally arrive at the edge of what used to be Boggy 1.
Now late in the season it not much more than an oversized mud puddle.
Shiluck, whoshing sounds come from every step as the muck and slime attempts to suck our knee high battle worn boots off at every step.
I scan across the horizon and see multiple eyes of the Viet Frogs closest ally the alligator.
Everywhere I scanned shown multiple eyes from large to small.
We would need to be especially careful we didn't get caught stuck in the muck and not be able to evade a partisan attack.
Scout moves ahead slowly as in stealthy mode, but really it's because he can't move any faster.
I whisper "HEY SCOUT IM GOING TO LOOK OVER HERE FOR SOME FROGS" this may have sounded more like I was hollering and you may be correct :thumbsup:
As Scout can no longer hear due to the sustained roar of battle.
After a few feet further I see a submerged Viet Frog snorkeling his way to the bank. I call for Scout to bring back up support.
"Hey I have a nice one over here" I holler louder the second time " Scout, GET OVER HERE!"
He finally makes his way over but on the wrong side allowing the frog to jump to shore and into a tangle.
We both worked our way around the tangle of roots and Lilly stems exposed by the dryness.
Me at 3 O-Clock and Scout at 9 O-Clock position as we rotated around.
There Scout, see him get your arrow ready and shoot him.
I can't see him you shoot your in the better position.
I load an arrow and draw back...
At the release the frog wilted under the power of the Centaur!
I checked the tangle for any partisan moccasins or other unexpected surprises and reach in and claimed our first kill of the night.
We moved on around searching in the tangled root balls, and tunnels that are found in the exposed root system of cypress tree and other vegetation.
Many frog simply evaded us by darting down these holes before we could react.
It didn't help that Scout moves like cold molasses 👀😂
As we eased around I located a somewhat less alert one with it back turned a way from me not wanting to expose its gleaming eyes.
Scout get an arrow ready!
Slip up while I hold the light.
Slurppp, shiluck, slurp, shiluck Scout trying to ease quietly over.
You see one? Yea get an arrow ready, see it?
Finally he locate its and get set.
He draws back and misses...get another arrow on quick!
He draws back...
At the release a loud smacking sound!
I think one of the coolest sound around in the midst of tree frogs croaking and chirping of creatures of the night that Smack sound deafening!
We slosh on through the muck and slime for about an hour taking turns sniping at the dreaded Viet Frogs.
Some fought back :biglaugh: and Scout had to shoot more than once. I may have or may not have had to myself.
The swamp keeps its secrets guarded well!
The ones that didn't evade as well..
As we turn to leave I hear Scout talking to himself about waypoint 172 where is it at?
Then next thing I know he's floundering on the ground. Bow flung one way and frog sack in another.
"Get up stupid!" "Can't you walk like you're an adult?"
"Stupid idiot, I can't believe you fall down like that!"
Now I know you think I was being extremely harsh on Scout for a simple misstep.
But a misstep could cost the life of a team mate mainly Me!
But this conversation wasn't being undertaken by me and Scout, no but these words were emitting from his very own mouth :biglaugh:
The big idiot!
After another half an hour looking for waypoint 172, "the easy peasy" way back to the HAMPSTER's I pulled out my phone and walked us out..
I am still recruiting new members who want to be Scouts or Snipers as these are coveted positions and come at great sacrifice.
As neither current Scout or Sniper really meet these high demands.
Finally here's the last remaining pictures of the first and maybe last F. R. O. G team adventure for 2025.
Glad to see you guys did make it out safely! Great story telling and some good eating! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well told Captain you did the battle justice. I must say I was relieved you didn't get a pic of my crappie flop as I would have had to pay an admin to take it down 😂.