Andrew W

So, I am in the terminal phase of my international affairs masters degree (one year left) and I have a great, innovative idea for a research project that I could potentially write my thesis on (thesis for my degree is optional). I just am not sure where to start, what plan I should follow, and most importantly, where to get funding for it.

I have a very coherent idea of what I want to do which I won't bore you with it here, but know that it involves measuring the bureaucratic efficiency (time/cost/difficulty of certain processes such as getting a replacement ID, bank account, passport, etc) within a government for a specific list of developing countries, and then measuring the correlation between that and level of development. Basically, the idea is that bureaucratic efficiency is involved in creating positive civil society and successful democratization. I have developed a specific plan and parsimonious way of doing this research in the various countries. I have myself and two other graduate students on board to conduct the project (US and EU citizens), but I'm not sure where I need to go from here. Ultimately, I would like to spend a semester doing the actual research within these countries, and compile my finding in my thesis.

So I guess my question is how do I go about getting things in motion? Is there a good guide or process on how to set all this up? Do I need a tenured academic sponsor to even do the research? where are the bets places to get funding? is there a generic format for my proposal (outside the standard political science research design). The big focus for this question is on the field research side, and how to set up my own... and get it funded. Thanks!

So I had this discussion with a freind fo mine, but it only led to basic common sense analysis because neither of us had any real knowledge of the law of the sea. Here is the question:

Could these merchant companies that operate off the coast of East Africa legally, say, purchase a bunch of old 40mm Bofors cannons and place them of their ships for self-defense? I would think that a few shots across the bow of an approaching pirate vessel would be sufficient to drive them away, and be enough to take them out if necessary.

What kind of ramifications does this have on international law, especially law of the sea? Can merchants legally arm their ships, and if they do, does that make them a "vessel of war"? Even if the merchies acquired these weapons legally, would it make entering foreign ports a nightmare when considering all of the paperwork and inspections and what not concerning these weapons themselves?

Any useful, intelligent insight would be greatly appreciated!

I am a junior at the University of Georgia and I am planning on studying at the American University in Bulgaria next semester. I am looking for any advice or thoughts from any other American students or professors that have studied here or other places in the region? How was it? Was it a waste of time? Best time of your life? Any input would be appreciated!

I have noticed that when people call in to radio stations to request songs, the song itself always starts playing even before the DJ hangs up the phone with the caller... how do they find the song and play it so quickly?

Do they have computerized software that allows them (or the support crew) to search for the song on a digital database and then play it, similar to a consumer version of iTunes or Windows Media Player?

I guess the bigger question to ask is from where does the music we hear on the radio come from? Is it a CD that is played and broadcasted?mp3?some other digital file?

This is just something that I have always wondered about. Thanks for any help!

I am wondering if there are federally-sponsored foreign engagement programs similar to the Peace Corps that are much shorter in duration, such as a summer or a semester? I am a full-time college student with strict active-duty military commitments after I graduate, so I am unable to do a normal Peace Corp tour. However, I am very interested in doing this type of work if I can do it over a summer or during a semester. Do these shorter-term programs exist?

I am interested in purchasing an old, used police Dodge V8 Charger. I know these cars have not been on the road for that long, but I know there have to be some out there for some reason that aren't used any more and up for sale. Where do I look for one? Do I need to find a police auction?

I know all the sensitive police equipment (electronics, lights, etc) will be removed, as this would be a project car for me. Any help would be appreciated!

I am an Air Force ROTC cadet trying to plan weapons training for my Detachment. I have secured M-16A2s and M-249 SAWs for our use from the local Army Reserve Center, along with an appropriate range to use them, but my problem comes with acquiring ammunition to use. Unlike the Army, the Air Force does not not see it pertinent to allot us any 5.56mm rounds for training. How can I go about getting ammo for us to train with?

Am I allowed to simply purchase commercial 5.56mm ammo to use with the government weapons? If so, is belted 5.56mm ammo available commercially (for the SAWs)?

Should I see for myself if I can get any from Robins Air Force Base, our support base?

I have my Commander's support, and he is checking his channels. However, I feel he is unsure of how to go about this and properly place his inquiries, as again, BRM and standard infantry weapons training is not part of our curriculum or even our culture. How do I get my ammo?

Thanks for your help!

As of right now, the Dawgs are at #7 in the BCS. If Kentucky beats Tennessee this weekend, Georgia will go to the SEC Championship against LSU. If they beat LSU (which Herbstreit says is certainly possible) and Kansas loses to Mizzou, what are the chances that Georgia would get a chance to play Ohio State or Mizzou for the title? What if the Sooners beat Mizzou? Btw, the Trojans just knocked off #6 Arizona State... badly. Give me an unbiased, realistic opinion of this set of circumstances and outcomes. Thanks!

I am interested going into Air Force Special Operations as an STO (CCT). I am well-aware of the training pipeline and requirements necessary. I need to know how to prepare for such a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. I am a very athletic person and I usually max my Air Force PFTs but I would like some suggestions on how to get to that top physical level of a special operator. How do I reach that level?

I am looking for specialized special forces workouts and not the elementary fitness stuff that is usually included in those purported "SEAL Workout" Books. Are there any truly "hardcore" military workout books out there? Recon Ron? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a few years to train for the PAST Test and the training pipeline. Also, because I am on Air Force curriculum, we do not have any substantial small arms, combative, or infantry-based training. How do I get my hands on CURRENT FMs for these subjects or whats the best way to learn these skills?

What type or brand of cigar did the (in)famous General Curtis "Bombs Away" Lemay smoke? He was known for this habit and there are lots of pictures around of him with one in his mouth. I am planning an Air Force event and this information would be greatly appreciated!

I have been fishing since I could walk (mostly saltwater) but I have never been trout fishing before in a mountain stream. From what I hear, trout fishing is very tricky and requires a lot of skill and patience. I will be fishing in the Toccoa river in North Georgia.

What type of tackle should I use and what type of bait? Lures? Worms? Flies? How should I fish for them? What tactics should I use? I will be using a light spinning rod and I have chest waders as well. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

So I am currently a contracted Air Force officer candidate in Air Force ROTC I am trying to figure out all of the options out there for me. I want to do Intel and will hopefully have language proficiencies in Russian and German when I graduate.

However, I am starting to sniff that when I commission, I will will be grossly disappointed in my actual leadership position and the reality of my job on the AF and that maybe, just maybe, I chose the wrong branch. Granted, I won't actually know until I get there, and its too late for me to change course, but then I heard about the Blue to Green program where Air Force officers can cross-branch and become Army or Marine Corps officers. How does this work, and what kind of jobs can an Air Force Intelligence Officer transfer to in the Army or Marine Corps?

I am not your typical Zoomie in that I want to lead men in the field, shoot guns, lug around rucksacks, and have the need to wear body armor and helmet. How does this program work?

So I recently obtained my military ID and I want to know what programs and such are out there for discounts on various goods and services. I know about Oakley's US Government Sales program (which discounts their military line of products substantially) and I was wondering if there are other programs out there similar to that for other types of goods?

I am an Air Force ROTC cadet/ college student and I am interested in learning how to shoot... the right way. I'm very familiar with firearms as I have grown up doing lots of hunting but I have never received any formal instruction or lessons.

I have an old Colt AR-15 at my disposal I want to know the best ways to learn about it, train with it, and learn the proper range procedures in hopes I can use it to practice qualifying with it as if it were an M-4. As I am in the Air Force, people know tons about air power but not really anything about marksmanship.

Would it be best if I purchased Marine Corps and Army marksmanship manuals and a Colt factory manual and just try to figure it our on my own or would it be better or even ethical to hire one of the NCOs from the local Marine garrison to tutor me at the local rifle range in his free time? I know the AR-15 is the civilian precursor to the modern M-4, but how similar are they mechanically and performance-wise?

I am planning a long trip to explore Russia and the rest of Central Asia and I need some advice. I want to pretty much travel the expanse of Russia, starting in Murmansk heading south through some of the major cities to Kazakhstan and then through central Russia and Mongolia, ultimately ending in Vladivostok. I had trains in mind, but would economy air travel be better, and is it possible (or advisable) to rent a car and drive, or would that be a very bad idea? I want to stay off the beaten path for the most part and visit Russian towns that are not so well-known. This would take place over the summer. Is it possible to make that kind of journey in 3 months time?

I would appreciate any advice from anyone who has done something simillar or who is familliar with travel inside the former Soviet Union.

America has hundreds of Medal of Honor recipients. Every single one of them is a hero with an incredible story of sacrifice, duty, and undying adherence to the Code of Conduct. Read the stories of men such as James Stockdale and Lance Sijan and you will see. What are some of the baddest, most unbelievable, most HUA, Hooah, Hoorah, or Hooyah Medal of Honor stories you have heard and can vouch for? What are some stories that trully epitomize the spirit and honor of the American fighting man and woman?

In the United State, citizens get more rights as they get older: When one turns 16, they can get a provisional drivers license. At 18, they become "legal adults" and they get the right to buy firearms (but not handguns), pornography, tobacco, spray paint, lottery tickets, and most importantly, the right to vote and the right to serve in the military.

Now why is it that an 18 year old can join the military, recieve Silver Stars and Purple Hearts for valor in combat, but cant come home and go to a bar in downtown Washington, DC? How come the US government can trust the 18-21 age group with owning firearms, bearing the burden on defending freedom, and choosing the nation's leaders but can't trust them with the responsibilty of drinking alcohol? What is the reasoning behing this logic and why did the US government change the law back in the 70's from 18 to 21? Why did the government feel they had to hold federal highway funds from states that didn't obey?

In World War Two, I have always wondered why the United States Marine Corps never fought in Europe. Why didn't the Marines take part in the Normandy or North Africa or Sicily invasions? Was it because they were fully committed in the Pacific theatre because of their rapidly deployable nature (which was perfect for island-hopping)? Amphibious landings are the USMC's forte, so why weren't they used in any major landings in the European theatre? Were they too valuable in the Pacific?

"Superman School" is the nickname for the USAF's Combat Controller training pipeline. As a US Air Force officer candidate, I am interested in becoming a Special Tactics Officer (the officer equivalent of a combat controller). I know it is a very difficult path; with two years of training and an 80% attrition rate. I am looking for some insight and insider advice from former Air Force special operators as to what exactly the job entails, (duties and such), what the training is like, what exact schools are involved, and what general life is like as a STO or combat controller.

I would not go for it initially, but potentially cross-train into it a few years into my air force career, from intel perhaps. How hard is this to do and how often is it done? What kind of personality and body-types have you found, as special operations veterans, are best for this type of AFSC beside the required incredibly-fit, motivated, and well-driven individual?

Frederick the Great laid the groundwork for the unification of Germany and the formation of the modern German state which continues to dominate Europe, both politically and economically.

Napoleon Bonaparte created a French empire that took the collective military might of the rest of continental Europe to stop. He forever restructured the political formulation of Europe and changed the way France worked forever.

This Prussian and Italian-born Frenchman were both enlightened despots who, while creating and expanding their empires, looked after their own people and gave them for rights, freedoms, and left them better off. Military geniuses of their time, they rewrote the book on national defense and military strategy. The question is, who did more and was more influential?