"Ranger Beads"

[shurefire]

I need some help here. I know that these are used for counting paces and what not, but exactly how is the tool setup? I have only seen these things in photos and would like to make my own for collecting purposes. If anyone could tell me how to make my own as well as how they are used I would be very greatful. Also, is there an optimal way to paint the face with camo with the issue camo compact? I've seen so many different ways. Thanks in advance for yourhelp.
Jay

[TANGOisinKOREA]

First you need to get a pace count. That is how ever many steps it takes you to walk a certain distance. This is usually measured as one hundred meters. The beads are then used to help you keep track of how far you have walked. After you have wlked 100 meters slide a bead to the other side of the string. This way you can figure out in an instant how far you have gone. If you are going on a bit of a hike then use the beads to keep track of how many klicks youve gone.

On the camo paint forget the compact thats for women. Find yourself the sticks they work better. It applies easier if its warm so take a lighter and heat the end up your going to use untill its dripping hot. Then smear it on. It ill burn at foirst but youll get used to it. Use the darker color on your high points nose mouth chin etc. and the lighter color on your low points.

PS not responsible for any injuries sustained while using this technique. It is for expert level users of camo only. You may/will burn yourself. If you are not camo stick qualified find a tree an koala-fy before attempting.

PSS anybody have an chemlight batteries? Im all out and when I asked my first SGT he told me to elevate my feet.

[TANGOisinKOREA]

My bad shurefire I reread your question. You know how to "use" the beads you want to know how to make them. You could gut some 550 cord and use some beads from a craft store if you were into that whole arts and crafts thing. I just buy mine at www.rangerjoes.com (http://www.rangerjoes.com) they are cheap enough.

[recce_o]

Why not just add a little insect repellent to the cam stick? Softens it right up. Only problem is the odour may compromise you.

And on the pace counter, you could use the little spring loaded keepers like are found on the draw strings of jackets etc. Problems with beads:

1. They may slip;
2. Some are too small to manipulate with aviator gloves on;
3. Some are so small that you accidentally move two down, instead of just one;
4. Most are so small that it is difficult to count them by feel (especially with gloves on)

The spring loaded keepers have none of these problems, although they are big and clunky.

[Tracy]

Try using baby oil from Johnson & Johnson. Put a LIGHT coat on your face first; then apply the cammy sticks. The baby oil doesn't smell as much either. It also cleans off faster with the oil.

The cammy sticks already have insect repellent in them; so there's no need to try the bug juice first.

[RangerCharlie]

The skeeters down in Ft Stewart didn't mind the bug juice, I think they drank it to make them stronger. I swear nothing would stop those suckers. Most have been the years of practice on unfortunate souls

[Prof Moriarty]

You might not need to do anything to the camo, depends on how much oil your skin naturally has. If you do have dry skin go to the oils, but like Tracy said a LIGHT coat, too much and it makes your face shine. Which defeats the purpose. As for taking it off, I wouldn't know I can never seem to keep the stuff on for more then 10mins.

[TANGOisinKOREA]

Didnt the old Bug Juice contribute to cancer or something like that? I think I heard it was banned for having to much ddt? I always used skin-so-soft anyways. Nothing like the fresh flowery smell when youve been in an OP for a week and havent bathed.

[RangerCharlie]

I remember that it burned when you put it on, don't know if it had DDT in though. We started using Deep Woods no scent which worked pretty good. Problem is we may not smell it, but someone from another country may pick it right up. Our SOP was to not use anything when on an op.

[boomer]

When I went thru Jungle School we were hot on this stuff called "DEET" I still have some laying around here. Seemed to work alright, but when all else fails clay in wet form ususally found near river beds seems to shut 'em down cold. The camo sticks we got from the Aussie & NZ boys were the best we ever found.
Boomer

[boomer]

When I went thru Jungle School we were hot on this stuff called "DEET" I still have some laying around here. Seemed to work alright, but when all else fails clay in wet form ususally found near river beds seems to shut 'em down cold. The camo sticks we got from the Aussie & NZ boys were the best we ever found.
Boomer

[Mac679]

Tango, not DDT that stuff was banned in the 70's because of lingering effects on the ecosystem ( thank you Rachel Carson-I mean that ); the chemical you're refering to is DEET which can be unhealthy ( probably in the same way saccarhin causes cancer in lab rats ) but it's also pretty effective. It's still found in most of the insect repellents available out there ( I've seen repellents with near 100% concentrations of DEET ).
On the mud, just make sure you don't have any uncovered areas-I found that out when rucking in the park, horse flies find them very quickly. Mud is also great for strange looks from passersby and deer :-)
Mac

[redtight]

here another one for you to try dryer sheets (the sheets you throw in the dryer to prevent static cling) run a sheet over your exposed works for me!!!!

[infantry317]

We used sun-tan lotion before applying camo-sticks. The toothpaste tube camo isn't too bad. To each his own. Deet can be dangerous to use. They say you should only put it on your clothing. Also it causes seizures in some children.

[Cree Warrior]

To get back on the topic of Ranger Beads, there is another use for em', but its XXX rated, starts with A___ Beads, heh heh. If you're a real porn star Ranger that's how you use em in your off time. Chicks dig it.

Sua Sponte

[Whammer]

Outstanding!

[maniac]

Before there were Ranger beads...take about 15 pennies (or 1 for every mile you plan to hike) and put them in your left pants pocket. For every mile you walk transfer one penny from the left pocket to the right pocket.

[maniac]

Also...never ever smile around a Drill Sgt. with who has a camo stick (unless you LIKE GREEN TEETH). Trust me!

[Enfield]

For the cam sticks, I always found that applying sun tan lotion beforehand, or using bug dope worked very well. Without that, the sticks were a real bitch. I dunno if deet is bad for you (tho they say it melts gortex) but I had the bug dope-cam stick combo on my facer all summer and lived to tell about it - we were told not to use sun tan cream because it made your face shiny.
For patterns, dark on high areas, light on low areas is the rule, and no pattern - just random. A lot of guys, to be cool, have tiger stripes or other intricate patterns. A good idea is to bring a mirror - for those of us without compasses, bring a lady's compact.
For the Canadians here, you guys switch from the cam sticks to the little tubes? Any idea why? The rumour here is that the old sticks were unhealthy or caused cancer or something. I prefer the new stuff, even if it is a little bright.

Enfield