Transition into and out of the theater of operations is probably the most stressful for a me, and for many of the soldiers that I have talked with. While you are transferring in and out you are cargo, personnel who require actions, problems for other people who really are looking forward to your departure. Patience is the operative word of the day. Of course, I sometimes have that, and sometimes I don't.
Our Naval Lieutenant Commander (O4) / equivalent to a Major in Army life decided based on no good thought process that I can yet determine that my little group of 4 guys should live in a tent that was available. Never mind there were many many hardstand buildings with space for people, she had made up her mind and couldn't be bothered to care. One of her best statements was that we are army people and we can deal with it. Let me just say that the S1 is supposed to handle administrative details for the command, and her function is to support the command, service the soldiers and generally provide customer service. She of course being a female Naval officer will never see downrange, never wonder if there is an IED up on the road ahead, and really will never care that she won't have that experience. Patience...... must have Patience.
If you want another good laugh you should read this article here. I was in Shindand during this little exercise, and while I can understand that by Air Force standards it might be lacking, I can assure you we put these guys in a building, fed them hot meals, and provided as many beds as we had for them. No there wasn't cable TV in the room, no there was no room service and no the pool was not filled or heated. (By Air Force standards it did indeed suck!!!!) I won't bore you with the details as to why the plane was there in the first place, but Joseph Heller might have been writing about our experiences; Or not.
While I sit and prepare to return home, with luck in the same shape I am in now, a soldier waits to have his foot amputated in a hospital in the states. So, I will stop my whining, think good thoughts for him and say a prayer, and practice using my patience.
My best to all
Keith
This started out as letters home to my friends and family while I was at Hurricane Katrina, and continued through my deployment to Afghanistan. I have recently added my friend Clara Hart as a contributor. Now it very roughly chronicles life as a civilian, and citizen of the USA. If you need some assistance with Workplace Safety Programs, please let me know, I am happy to help.
1 comment:
HAHAHA! I just read the article. It makes it sound like they were in immenent danger! Taking fire the whole time! I was out in Herat in 2004, and one day the C130 crew landed, dropped off their two man Raven team (meanwhile we're pulling security with .50 cals and MK19s), and then flew off without them!
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