As a teacher, I often remember that old saying, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask". For that reason, I try not to use the word "obviously", but I feel that it is condescending. Well OBVIOUSLY you can interchange 7 and 9 chords most of the time. For anyone who is not a musician and has not studied music theory, that last sentence is not obvious and I would be a snob to assume that anyone who does not know that is stupid, especially because I ask so many questions that are obvious to other people.

Don't forget when TSHTF (The Sh*t Hits The Fan) it won't matter how many "stupid" questions we asked if we haven't taken the time to assemble a BOB and PSK not forgetting the FAK...speaking of which, maybe some of these should be put in the FAQ on the ETS site PDQ.

Biggzie brings up a good point though. Reading SAS books, I often run into phrases that I'm sure Brits find commomplace, but I have a hard time deciphering. It amazes me that between the US, the UK and Austrailia, we all speak slightly different forms of English. Maybe I just need a spot of tea. Or I'll just go home and throw some tucker on the Bar-B.

After being brought up on c-rations, compliments of the USMC, MREs are a remarkable improvement. I actually like them. I have trouble keeping them stored in the truck, as I am tempted to eat them.

Most kids die from exposure. I'd strongly suggest they carry some kind of "shelter" with them too. A 33 gallon plastic trash bag is compact and simple. Bright orange ones are great and are likely available from your local highway department. If lost the boys should tear a face-hole just below one corner.

Go through Doug's Survival for Kids section on equipped.org with the boys. Have them practice putting the bags on.

The most important thing for them to know is to carry their kit with them at ALL times when "in the field" (it won't do them any good if they don't have it), admit that they are lost, stay put, and make themselves "findable". The most important thing for leaders to know is to be willing to call for professional help sooner rather than later.

I have read through and will read again and again the kids section and yes shelter is very important. I will also make sure that in addition to making the kit they know how nto use it. "wow this is cool wire I wonder what it is for?" is not going to be heard. When I was about 12 or 13 I went on a "one hour" hike that lasted about 12 Turns out we walked past the camping area about 3 or 4 times. No one had a whistle and the adult that was leading us didn't have a compass. Needless to say. I quickly learned what I could at that young age about survival. I wish the web was around when I was a kid because getting the information wasn't as easy as it is today.

I think reading phrases used as everyday terms elsewhere is harder than watching them used on TV or the movies. TV gives a vissual context to hear the phase so its very easy to understand. I have no problem watching British or US TV/Movies.
We all tend to type as if we are talking everyday. I usually glance at peoples location before reading what they have typed, because I tend to understand better that way. (Hint to those without locations <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )
In the past week reading refferences to Cheese Puffs and Pop Cans had no meaning to me because I had no visual refference to put them into context. One I had to ask, the other was worked out from someone elses post who worded it differently.
Im sure people tend to take my responses differently than I intend sometimes. I know I have a more sarcastic style that Americans sometimes sometimes dont quite understand.

So what do you call "pop cans"?

In the States, most people refer to carbonated syrup ladened beverages as either "pop" or "soda". I hear some folks down in Texas call all of those kinds of beverages "Coke", which is a brand name. Rather different, those folks.

We dont call it soda pop.
We call it 'softdrink' or sometimes 'fizzy drink' to kids.
So we call the softdrink cans or beer cans depending on the contents.

Hard drink is reffering to drinks with alcohole content.

Seen this?

Here's Bob and from now on all your TPS post should have proper covers.

I like the MRE also. I guess it dependes on wich ones you eat all the ones I have had have been great! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />