I live right off of the ocean.

I live on the edge of one of the largest Marine bases on the East Coast. And a variety of Marine Corp Air bases.

That being said, it is a typical day to see a line of Light Armored Vehicles tooling down the road.

10 or 15 in a row cruising along at 45 mph going from one training area to another. No biggie. In all of the times that I have been on base for one thing or another, though, I have yet to watch the tanks go about their business.  This is something that I have really wanted to witness.

But imagine if you will driving down the highway. A warm breeze coming in the window. Your favorite choice of music in your ears. And as you start up the next hill this rises in front of  you…

And imagine that along with this behemoth, on either side of it, rises a couple of these….

You know that they are your protectors. You know that they are just training. But the few times that I have had to face these attack helicopters coming straight at me as I drive down the road it has always tightened me up some.

It is not uncommon to hear the Marines practicing with grenades, the various small arms, and tanks. The explosions at times rattle the windows. But when you live close to a training base you have to expect it. Besides, as the sign says…..