Originally Posted by
Boston_Bulldog
FlyingHoustonian Please re-read my reply / post. I NEVER mentioned anything about "troops" being "assigned" anywhere.
I specifically stated that there (was then, as there is currently) a specific team of U.S. military members in Austria as well as Belgium.
I also stated that we were / they are NOT attached to the U.S. embassy or consular offices.
I specifically did NOT state the specialization of the military members or identify to what organization they were / and are ATTACHED to, and for WHAT specific PURPOSE they are so tasked.
I understand several FTers are USG, but as you well know, day to day activities within certain federal organizations are highly compartmentalized for reasons that need not be, and should not, be discussed.
I am privy to all US "troop" listings in Belgium and you have no reason relating it the OP
not sure why we are bolding things now as no Belgiam RTF ops are linked to Austria at this time. Still curious as to why you are linking Belgium to the OPs response about Vienna (non embassy RTF teams not-withstanding).
That part is not SCI. Most is FOUO at best which at NATO means zilch.
But your response is your business, I am not casting aspersions, don't misunderstand or think the remark is off colour or too critical.
What years were you an Officer there? I was an officer at NATO through last year and things have changed a bit (much actually) in just the last 5 years. I still work for NATO in a diplomatic role as a part time advisor and can tell you Austria is not even playing in regional planning conferences like in the past. The Neutral swiss play more. But yes we digress.
I use a USG passport all the time withthe TSA. There are no rules prohibiting using it as ID or displaying it in such situations. I encourage more people to use them just for jollies. I like to flip them around from my Italian passport to the USG, and other things. It keeps the TSA guessing, which is fun.
Fliesway2much the currencies of the NATO exhchanges now is the EURO.
The Canadian's still "run" them though. The one at Geilenkirchen is a good example. I have spent my fair share of money there and the US has a small exchange at Schinnen in the The Netherlands so all bases are covered (no pun) with shopping reciprocity.
If the spotnik confused Austria and Germany he is a feckless hack.
The spotniks never find me it is sad. I want to play too
But CNN has video online of a new colour coded boarding system that Kip is introducing for various levels of travel experiance-that should be fun.
Ciao,
FH