[stash247]

[QUOTE=sabashimon;312191].
They take us grizzly old guys, kit us out, give us a day at the range, then we are basically there to support the standing army guys (18-21yrs old). It really helps to have more experienced and "cooler" heads out there, and the younger guys seem to appreciate it.

They get the wisdom and experience of fighting 30-40 years ago, in the older way, for free; a bargain, in my book! Things like navigation, by the stars, and compass, rather than GPS, the difference, between cover, and concealment, regardless of body armor, the reality of the 'human element', in all things.
I spent nearly four years, in Viet Nam, and the only electronics I saw were a radio (that sometimes worked), and my Starlight Scope, which was reliable as the sunrise, IF YOU COULD FIND BATTERIES!
Mine was one of the first in country, converted to AA's, which I could buy at the PX; today, our troops have, individually, more electronics aboard than a regiment had, back then.
But, could they fulfill the mission, without them?
Not without help from the old guys, I suspect.
An old buddy of mine, retired, US Army, E-9, name will not be disclosed,as his retirement might be at stake, decided, one night, pretty 'alcohol inspired', to challenge a project 'Masseter', an computer served, electronic 'battlefield'. at Ft Hood, Tx. We not only beat their system, but 'tagged; the CP wall, before leaving, with a 'rattlecan'.
We were arrested, 3 weeks, or a bit more, later, with the sole issue being how we beat their system!
They had no clue, except the paint on the wall.
Reminds me of an old song, with the tag line, "a country boy will survive".
Old soldiers have much to offer, as to "how we did it, back then", with the obvious advantages, to their younger companions.
Keep on doing, what you are doing, as long as you are able; both sides benefit, and greatly.