I am 35, sometime in the next few months, 36. And I've been in the Army for 17 years. Wow, 17 years. That's a long time for anybody to do the same job. I never used to understand why my Platoon Sergeants would complain about "the kids" coming into the Army. But, in the past few years, I've begun to have an idea. When I was first in the Army, to me, I was a full fledged adult. A kid no longer. As I came up in the ranks, and got a little bit of experience under my belt, I've noticed that they were right. The people coming into the Army are just kids. (For the most part, they are. Some are older than the typical 18.) They really don't know how to function without their parents around to look after them. For them, life becomes a big party when they don't have to work. And we (I'm talking about NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) here.) end up taking on the role of a parent with them. We look out for them, praise them when they succeed and punish them when they screw up. I take my role in their lives very seriously. After all, they are the ultimate measure of whether I succeed, or fail, in my duties.
I have been an NCO for 12 years, and I've had the pleasure of leading some great soldiers in that time. Some who have passed me up the chain. (And those are also the ones that love to tell the stories about when they used to work for me.) I have also had some serious dirt bags in there, too. These are the guys that either act stupid (cause they want out of the Army) or really are too stupid for the Army. They way I see it, for the ones that just want out, just do your job to the best of your ability and fulfill your obligation, and then get out. But, never give less than your all. For the ones that truly too stupid, if they're well meaning, and hard workers, you can always find a niche for them. But, if they are a danger to themselves, or others, give them the boot as fast as you can. Its better for all involved.
When I received my most recent promotion, of course I was ecstatic about it. I had been trying for it for the past 4 years. But then I got the rest of the story. My Platoon Sergeant was taking my squad away from me. Granted, I was coming to this job in a few months, but I thought, "How can he do this to me?" So I asked him. He told me that I got promoted out of a job, there was no more room for me in the platoon. I was to be a floater for the rest of my time there. I was devastated. I had never been in a position where I didn't have troops to care for. So, I kind of just drifted 'til I got here.
But, I don't have any troops to lead here. The entirety of my shop consists of me and Bizkit. And he's a civilian. However, this job has been good for me. I don't have to worry about someone else, and I can relax. Note, I said that I didn't have to, but there are still soldiers that I have taken under my wing, so to speak. My position has given me greater freedom in how I can teach them. (Or corrupt, if you ask my Platoon Sergeant. He doesn't like the fact that I'm friends with most of his soldiers.)
Well that's enough of that. And I think that I should get down from this soapbox, before I fall and break a hip. I want to leave ya'll with a funny picture. Its of Kiwi on the night of the Brit's birthday. Some of the guys there were running around with a non-permanent marker, and for some reason (Whatever it was is beyond me.) she let one of them draw a mouse's nose and whiskers on her face. Then, to top it off, she posed for pictures. Don't know why, but here it is.
I'll see ya'll later.
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