Background story:
My car's been parked in New York while I've been overseas. Former governor Pataki signed an executive order directing the DMV to make nice with military and vehicle registrations and the like. The DMV, rather than sort out the differences between active duty military and activated reservists, gave benefits to all military personnel who are not permanently stationed in New York. You don't have to get your car re-inspected in New York, or re-registered until you return permanently or PCS to NY, and then you have 60 days afterwards to do it.
This means I should not have gotten tickets.
I just got a box of mail, however, and in it we have the following tickets:
6/9/08-Registration sticker expired-$65 N. Snyder
6/9/08-Insurance sticker expired- $65 N. Snyder
8/13/08- Registration sticker expired-$65 S. Sinnathamby
8/13/08- Insurance sticker expired-$65 S.Sinnathamby
3/27/08-Registration sticker expired-$65 M.Ahammed
3/27/08-Insurance sticker expired-$65 M. Ahammed
4/04/08-Registration sticker expired-$65 A. Syed
4/04/08-Ins sticker expired-$65 A Syed
4/03/08-Insurance sticker expired-$65 S. Squires
4/03/08-Registration sticker expired-$65 S. Squires
6/02/08-Ins. sticker expired-$65 N. Snyder
6/02/08-Reg. sticker expired-$65 N. Snyder
4/05/08-Reg sticker expired-$65 N. Reid
The state of New York apparently thinks I owe them $845 dollars. That's because the state of New York (and all the enforcers who've been walking by and ignoring the gigantic signs my mother made saying "my daughter is overseas and this car hasn't moved for months) are apparently smoking crack.
Sons of whores.
This is the hard thing. Yeah, you get a lot of perk benefits in the military, but try convincing people of them. For those of you who say "why not just get the car re-registered", the New York DMV refuses to acknowledge military addresses (APO AE) as valid. I called and asked. They said it's not a real address. After incoherent shouting, I decided it was not good for my blood pressure to continue the discussion.
However, since I'm not planning on driving here, I think I'll just hold my German and international driver's licenses close until I can get all this sorted out.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Military Flights, and how I Love Them. No, Really.
I really like to provide these bursts of positivity every now and again, if only to counter those of our critics who say we are relentlessly negative. There are a lot of things I enjoy about the United States Army. Sure, a lot of them have started disappearing since the war, but there are some great points.
After taking a C-17 in to start my joyous and wonderful leave (cue celebrations: I am, however, not likely coming to DC, so no beers for anyone) I was motivated to post just how much it f-ing rocked. So here goes.
First let me thank all the excellent airmen who operated the flight. I'd name them, but with my luck some of the nutballs out there will start harassing them because they didn't shoot me on sight. They put us up and put us down far easier than any commercial flight ever has, and shaved about three hours off the time a commercial flight would have taken as well.
I know that most people may not think that sitting with the cargo is awesome, but I think that's because most people haven't done it. It is always such a relief to get on a plane where you actually have leg room, and most importantly of all-once the plane is at cruise altitude, you can actually get up and stay up. Commercial flights are packed so tight there's no room even if you wanted to stay up, but if you do hang around by the stewardess area, it's highly discouraged anyway. Military flights? Plenty of room to sack out, and they really don't care if you do. In fact, it's expected. Everyone, including myself, had something prepared to rack out with, and one smart cookie scored the top of a packing crate in advance by placing his gear there. Not that I was uncomfortable-like the rest, I got down on the floor and curled up and straight slept for several hours. Yes, it's loud, yes, it's cold, but somehow, the whole setting combined to make me feel perfect. I have trouble sleeping, often, especially if strangers are around. But there's something different about being around fellow military, most just back from being deployed, at least half in uniform. I can't sleep well with one stranger in the room, but give me forty soldiers and I sleep like a log. I think it's because I trust my fellow soldiers like I never would trust civilians, and that with so many of them around, nothing really bad could ever happen.
Upon getting to my destination, though, I was confronted by what one woman referred to as "the homeless shelter" and another "tent city". Apparently there have been problems getting flights out to Ramstein for all these dependents with kids. I think because they're such large families in general, and also the school year is ending, so it's prime crowd time. However-another shocker to those of you expecting me to lay blame-it's no one's fault, and the folks at this base are doing the best they can to accomodate them. The women and kids are holding up like champs, too, and their cooperation and coordination are both refreshing and heartening. Immediately upon arrival, they offered all of their expertise to anyone who might be staying, God bless them! No one could blame them if they were sour, but they've been fairly cheerful, acknowledging that MAC flights are a risk and they knew what they were getting into. Just like I had to wait a bit myself to hit my flight, but once I caught it, you can' beat either the comfort or the price.
Anyway, I'm here, the flight was great, life is and continues to be golden, and leave is fabulous.
Hope you all are having as decent a day as I am. Several of you, I owe beers, and you know where to collect!
After taking a C-17 in to start my joyous and wonderful leave (cue celebrations: I am, however, not likely coming to DC, so no beers for anyone) I was motivated to post just how much it f-ing rocked. So here goes.
First let me thank all the excellent airmen who operated the flight. I'd name them, but with my luck some of the nutballs out there will start harassing them because they didn't shoot me on sight. They put us up and put us down far easier than any commercial flight ever has, and shaved about three hours off the time a commercial flight would have taken as well.
I know that most people may not think that sitting with the cargo is awesome, but I think that's because most people haven't done it. It is always such a relief to get on a plane where you actually have leg room, and most importantly of all-once the plane is at cruise altitude, you can actually get up and stay up. Commercial flights are packed so tight there's no room even if you wanted to stay up, but if you do hang around by the stewardess area, it's highly discouraged anyway. Military flights? Plenty of room to sack out, and they really don't care if you do. In fact, it's expected. Everyone, including myself, had something prepared to rack out with, and one smart cookie scored the top of a packing crate in advance by placing his gear there. Not that I was uncomfortable-like the rest, I got down on the floor and curled up and straight slept for several hours. Yes, it's loud, yes, it's cold, but somehow, the whole setting combined to make me feel perfect. I have trouble sleeping, often, especially if strangers are around. But there's something different about being around fellow military, most just back from being deployed, at least half in uniform. I can't sleep well with one stranger in the room, but give me forty soldiers and I sleep like a log. I think it's because I trust my fellow soldiers like I never would trust civilians, and that with so many of them around, nothing really bad could ever happen.
Upon getting to my destination, though, I was confronted by what one woman referred to as "the homeless shelter" and another "tent city". Apparently there have been problems getting flights out to Ramstein for all these dependents with kids. I think because they're such large families in general, and also the school year is ending, so it's prime crowd time. However-another shocker to those of you expecting me to lay blame-it's no one's fault, and the folks at this base are doing the best they can to accomodate them. The women and kids are holding up like champs, too, and their cooperation and coordination are both refreshing and heartening. Immediately upon arrival, they offered all of their expertise to anyone who might be staying, God bless them! No one could blame them if they were sour, but they've been fairly cheerful, acknowledging that MAC flights are a risk and they knew what they were getting into. Just like I had to wait a bit myself to hit my flight, but once I caught it, you can' beat either the comfort or the price.
Anyway, I'm here, the flight was great, life is and continues to be golden, and leave is fabulous.
Hope you all are having as decent a day as I am. Several of you, I owe beers, and you know where to collect!
Slacking
Has it really been nearly a month since my last post? That's just shameful. Or it would be, rather, if I hadn't been busy up to my ears.
My posting over here has managed to accomplish one thing-slowing me down a touch. I can't attend /every/ stop on the base tour, just two of them. However, when I felt twinges of guilt or longing to be there helping out, I had Kris Goldsmith's dispatches to remind me that it's not all roses on the GI Outreach rail. (Scratched corneas and fire ants, oh my!)
I did have our own GI Outreach events here as well, though. No GI Rights or VA benefits workshop, but we did have an IVAW barbecue in front of my house, on post. The IVAW label came off when the beer pong came out, but still, a good time was had by all. Also a good hangover. I was effectively useless the next day, but it was definitely worth it.
Casey Porter has another film up from Iraq, he's titled it Deconstructed, and I expect to see a new film from him any day now.
I guess the cat is now out of the bag against the Rage against the Machine concert in Denver for us. For those of you who are non-veteran and non-military, I hear there will be some sort of lottery going on.
I myself am officially on leave, and come prepared with this warning from my higher-ups (or at least one) "Don't get arrested". This individual is to be commended. They know where I'm going, what I'm going to do, and even though they think I'm sticking my neck way further out than it needs to be stuck, they just want me to mitigate damgage. I told them not to worry, though-I have no plans to be arrested. I do everything the legal way-and the fact that there is so much legal wiggle room is a testament to the framers of our Constitution and the men and women who have sacrificed to protect it since.
I've taken on even more IVAW responsibility. Along those lines, though on a casual note, any milbloggers in the Denver area or travelling around there who would like to cover the OFC action or other IVAW points, please let me know. Fellow IVAW members with blogs...hopefully I'll "See you there".
Internet access will be somewhat sketchy, but my 215 number will still work.
AS out.
My posting over here has managed to accomplish one thing-slowing me down a touch. I can't attend /every/ stop on the base tour, just two of them. However, when I felt twinges of guilt or longing to be there helping out, I had Kris Goldsmith's dispatches to remind me that it's not all roses on the GI Outreach rail. (Scratched corneas and fire ants, oh my!)
I did have our own GI Outreach events here as well, though. No GI Rights or VA benefits workshop, but we did have an IVAW barbecue in front of my house, on post. The IVAW label came off when the beer pong came out, but still, a good time was had by all. Also a good hangover. I was effectively useless the next day, but it was definitely worth it.
Casey Porter has another film up from Iraq, he's titled it Deconstructed, and I expect to see a new film from him any day now.
I guess the cat is now out of the bag against the Rage against the Machine concert in Denver for us. For those of you who are non-veteran and non-military, I hear there will be some sort of lottery going on.
I myself am officially on leave, and come prepared with this warning from my higher-ups (or at least one) "Don't get arrested". This individual is to be commended. They know where I'm going, what I'm going to do, and even though they think I'm sticking my neck way further out than it needs to be stuck, they just want me to mitigate damgage. I told them not to worry, though-I have no plans to be arrested. I do everything the legal way-and the fact that there is so much legal wiggle room is a testament to the framers of our Constitution and the men and women who have sacrificed to protect it since.
I've taken on even more IVAW responsibility. Along those lines, though on a casual note, any milbloggers in the Denver area or travelling around there who would like to cover the OFC action or other IVAW points, please let me know. Fellow IVAW members with blogs...hopefully I'll "See you there".
Internet access will be somewhat sketchy, but my 215 number will still work.
AS out.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Formal IVAW Counseling
This isn't about my leadership. This is about a friend's leadership-and if he wants me to, I'll edit this to add his name.
My friend is a servicemember. He is also an IVAW member. This is legally well within his rights.
This counseling was given directly by Colonel Gary A. Reese, 67th Troop Command.
For further identification, in case there was any question, the one who felt it necessary to formally counsel my friend and fellow NCO personally about his IVAW participation.
I have reproduced his counseling here, with commentary.
Purpose of Counseling:
1. To summarize the results of an AR 15-6 investigation conducted to determine whether SGT [IVAW Member] violated Multi-National Force-Iraq Policy, DoD regulation, or the Iowa Code of Military Justice by participating in a presentation for Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and whether SGT [Member] violated DoD regulation by engaging in IVAW activities while in military status or on Iowa National Guard property.
2. To counsel and advise SGT [IVAW Member] on acceptable Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer Behavior.
I love how all of these investigations go contrary to every other investigtion held in the Army, and don't ever bother to actually talk to us, those who have been suspected of 'crimes'. I wonder if perhaps they're afraid to talk to us and hear in our own words why we are opposed to this war, and how we can still keep the faith while doing so? Also, since when do officers counsel NCOs on proper NCO behavior? This is wrong, wrong, wrong, from start to finish.
Key Points:
1. Summary of the 15-6 investigation:
a) SGT [IVAW Member] is an active member of the IVAW; his membership does not violate any statute, regulation, or directive; his participation to date does not violate any statute, regulation or directive.
Mighty nice of him to admit that. It must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
b) Without a doubt, SGT [IVAW] used what appears to be a picture of a detainee in an IVAW presentation. Taking pictures inside a detention facility is a violation of unit policy and directives. Their (yes, that's his spelling)
is no proof that SGT [IVAW] took the picture of the detainee used in the IVAW presentation. No determination has been made in regards to any statute SGT [IVAW] may have violated by using that detainee photo.
Wow. You know, it's good to know that after Winter Soldier, the Army is finally investigating-the people who brought the issues to its attention. To date, multiple IVAW members have been investigated (no charges) for their actions. To date, we are not aware of any soldiers who actually committed the crimes and problems who have been investigated. Good to know where the Army's priorities are.
c) SGT [IVAW Member] did make inferences of incompetence and accusingly focused the blame for the deaths of 2 detainees towards those in his wartime chain of command, at least twice in his presentation. Comments directed towards CPT Hegae (sp?) and SFC McArnor were not direct accusations of military law or Law of Land Warfare violations, but inferred both Soldiers were incompetent, out of touch, without compassion, and contributing to the deaths of the 2 detainees-these comments could result in civil action against SGT [IVAW]. Additionally, the comments SGT [IVAW] directed against an officer and senior NCO are very close to the threshhold of violating Chapter 29.88 of the Iowa Code of Military Justice: Insubordination towards warrant officer, NCO or PO "Treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment towards a warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, or petty officer while that officer is in the execution of his office shall be punished as a court-martial shall direct."
Inferences of incompetence, being out of touch, and without compassion. First of all, I'll note that he doesn't address the matter of whether the inferences were true. Secondly, being "out of touch and without compassion" is not, as far as I know, disrespectful. If my first sergeant is a hard son of a bitch and I say so, am I going to be up for disrespect? No, he'd probably laugh and revel in the title. And is the good sergeant supposed to just ignore incompetence he sees? I love all the "close" and "could" language. It's essentially: You haven't done anything wrong, but you almost could have! People could hold it against you! They're not, but they could!
d. SGT [IVAW] did not violate statute, regulation, or directive by engaging in IVAW activities while in a military status or on Iowa National Guard property.
Mighty generous of you.
2. Additional discussion:
a) It is a violation of set policy and directives to take pictures of detainees-violators will be prosecuted.
Good to know it's only against policy to take pictures. Not to abuse them-just the pictures are against policy.
b) SGT [IVAW] is placing himself at personal risk for civil actions from CPT Hogan and SFC McArter, I highly suggest that he refrain from the accusatory comments he continues to direct towards them. Future acts of insubordination will not be tolerated and will be punished by disciplinary action.
He's so kind, looking out for the good sergeant's welfare. Pure benevolence, I'm sure. Note that he doesn't say how or why implying these individuals are incomptetent, out of touch, and lacking in compassion is somehow insubordinate behavior. Well, [IVAW], you've been warned!
c) Active membership in IVAW is not an ethics violation, conducting IVAW business on duty is an ethics violation.
So remember, [IVAW], schedule all your interviews and panels after COB. Also, anyone else note that he hasn't put down on paper any counseling on Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer behavior?
Plan of Action:
1. SGT [IVAW] must refrain from insubordination, future acts of insubordination will result in disciplinary action.
He hasn't committed it yet. As the Colonel himself admitted.
2. SGT [IVAW] will need to consider the incompatibilities that exist between the Army and IVAW, to mitigate dilemmas, he may need to choose one over the other.
Nice try. I have every faith that he's considered, realized there aren't any, and is perfectly capable of maintaining a good, healthy balance.
3. SGT [IVAW] needs mentorship on Army Values and the role of the NCO- CSM Breitsprecker will provide this.
Actually, I don't think he does-but if he does need mentorship on Army Values, I'm happy to help my buddy out. To this end, I have rewritten my piece on Army Values. Perhaps I should send it to the colonel, to ease his mind. At least he does recognize that the role of an NCO is NCO business. Belatedly.
SGT [IVAW]'s response:
I disagree to the extent that truth is an absolute defense to any claims of slander and thus I do not feel I am at risk of losing a slander suit. Also, since all comments were made out of uniform and not in the presence of the individuals criticized it was not treating them with contempt or disrespectful language + thus was not insubordination.
My friend is a servicemember. He is also an IVAW member. This is legally well within his rights.
This counseling was given directly by Colonel Gary A. Reese, 67th Troop Command.
For further identification, in case there was any question, the one who felt it necessary to formally counsel my friend and fellow NCO personally about his IVAW participation.
I have reproduced his counseling here, with commentary.
Purpose of Counseling:
1. To summarize the results of an AR 15-6 investigation conducted to determine whether SGT [IVAW Member] violated Multi-National Force-Iraq Policy, DoD regulation, or the Iowa Code of Military Justice by participating in a presentation for Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and whether SGT [Member] violated DoD regulation by engaging in IVAW activities while in military status or on Iowa National Guard property.
2. To counsel and advise SGT [IVAW Member] on acceptable Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer Behavior.
I love how all of these investigations go contrary to every other investigtion held in the Army, and don't ever bother to actually talk to us, those who have been suspected of 'crimes'. I wonder if perhaps they're afraid to talk to us and hear in our own words why we are opposed to this war, and how we can still keep the faith while doing so? Also, since when do officers counsel NCOs on proper NCO behavior? This is wrong, wrong, wrong, from start to finish.
Key Points:
1. Summary of the 15-6 investigation:
a) SGT [IVAW Member] is an active member of the IVAW; his membership does not violate any statute, regulation, or directive; his participation to date does not violate any statute, regulation or directive.
Mighty nice of him to admit that. It must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
b) Without a doubt, SGT [IVAW] used what appears to be a picture of a detainee in an IVAW presentation. Taking pictures inside a detention facility is a violation of unit policy and directives. Their (yes, that's his spelling)
is no proof that SGT [IVAW] took the picture of the detainee used in the IVAW presentation. No determination has been made in regards to any statute SGT [IVAW] may have violated by using that detainee photo.
Wow. You know, it's good to know that after Winter Soldier, the Army is finally investigating-the people who brought the issues to its attention. To date, multiple IVAW members have been investigated (no charges) for their actions. To date, we are not aware of any soldiers who actually committed the crimes and problems who have been investigated. Good to know where the Army's priorities are.
c) SGT [IVAW Member] did make inferences of incompetence and accusingly focused the blame for the deaths of 2 detainees towards those in his wartime chain of command, at least twice in his presentation. Comments directed towards CPT Hegae (sp?) and SFC McArnor were not direct accusations of military law or Law of Land Warfare violations, but inferred both Soldiers were incompetent, out of touch, without compassion, and contributing to the deaths of the 2 detainees-these comments could result in civil action against SGT [IVAW]. Additionally, the comments SGT [IVAW] directed against an officer and senior NCO are very close to the threshhold of violating Chapter 29.88 of the Iowa Code of Military Justice: Insubordination towards warrant officer, NCO or PO "Treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment towards a warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, or petty officer while that officer is in the execution of his office shall be punished as a court-martial shall direct."
Inferences of incompetence, being out of touch, and without compassion. First of all, I'll note that he doesn't address the matter of whether the inferences were true. Secondly, being "out of touch and without compassion" is not, as far as I know, disrespectful. If my first sergeant is a hard son of a bitch and I say so, am I going to be up for disrespect? No, he'd probably laugh and revel in the title. And is the good sergeant supposed to just ignore incompetence he sees? I love all the "close" and "could" language. It's essentially: You haven't done anything wrong, but you almost could have! People could hold it against you! They're not, but they could!
d. SGT [IVAW] did not violate statute, regulation, or directive by engaging in IVAW activities while in a military status or on Iowa National Guard property.
Mighty generous of you.
2. Additional discussion:
a) It is a violation of set policy and directives to take pictures of detainees-violators will be prosecuted.
Good to know it's only against policy to take pictures. Not to abuse them-just the pictures are against policy.
b) SGT [IVAW] is placing himself at personal risk for civil actions from CPT Hogan and SFC McArter, I highly suggest that he refrain from the accusatory comments he continues to direct towards them. Future acts of insubordination will not be tolerated and will be punished by disciplinary action.
He's so kind, looking out for the good sergeant's welfare. Pure benevolence, I'm sure. Note that he doesn't say how or why implying these individuals are incomptetent, out of touch, and lacking in compassion is somehow insubordinate behavior. Well, [IVAW], you've been warned!
c) Active membership in IVAW is not an ethics violation, conducting IVAW business on duty is an ethics violation.
So remember, [IVAW], schedule all your interviews and panels after COB. Also, anyone else note that he hasn't put down on paper any counseling on Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer behavior?
Plan of Action:
1. SGT [IVAW] must refrain from insubordination, future acts of insubordination will result in disciplinary action.
He hasn't committed it yet. As the Colonel himself admitted.
2. SGT [IVAW] will need to consider the incompatibilities that exist between the Army and IVAW, to mitigate dilemmas, he may need to choose one over the other.
Nice try. I have every faith that he's considered, realized there aren't any, and is perfectly capable of maintaining a good, healthy balance.
3. SGT [IVAW] needs mentorship on Army Values and the role of the NCO- CSM Breitsprecker will provide this.
Actually, I don't think he does-but if he does need mentorship on Army Values, I'm happy to help my buddy out. To this end, I have rewritten my piece on Army Values. Perhaps I should send it to the colonel, to ease his mind. At least he does recognize that the role of an NCO is NCO business. Belatedly.
SGT [IVAW]'s response:
I disagree to the extent that truth is an absolute defense to any claims of slander and thus I do not feel I am at risk of losing a slander suit. Also, since all comments were made out of uniform and not in the presence of the individuals criticized it was not treating them with contempt or disrespectful language + thus was not insubordination.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The tattoo, and the rhyme which created it.
How many miles to Babylon?
Three score and ten
Can we get there by candlelight?
Yes, and back again.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Your Questions Answered
For a light treat and relaxation break for me, I'm choosing my next post to be answering the questions of some of the google searches that lead individuals here. Some serious, some silly, I will answer as many as I can until I get tired of it.
Can active duty personnel grow beards on leave?
Why yes, yes they can, and frequently do just to shock everyone. Congratulations, gentlemen, it works. Now please shave that facial...not facial..hair.
Why is it important to show up in the correct uniform for duty?
Well, hopefully my earlier post on the uniform regulations applying to protesting helped you. However, it is important to show up in the correct uniform because it's one of the easiest things to do in the Army. It's even easier than showing up at the correct time, because your clothes are already picked out for you, like your mother did when you were five. If you show yourself to be incapable of wearing the clothing already picked out for you, it is like wearing a big red sign saying "I Am Your Friendly Platoon Idiot". Unless more than three people are all also wearing the wrong uniform, in which case it's a communications issue.
Do women serve in active battle in military?
Well, the short answer is 'yes'. Women are not supposed to be assigned to combat MOSes, but in a world without real "front lines", yes, women are often in active battle and active combat zones, whether for better or worse.
Can you sell DoD Sapi plates?
I have no idea what led you to my blog, guy, but you sound intensely dishonest. Give your stuff back to the nice government so someone else can have some equipment, dude.
What did the patriot soldiers eat?
Whatever they could get, most likely.
Can active duty personnel grow beards on leave?
Why yes, yes they can, and frequently do just to shock everyone. Congratulations, gentlemen, it works. Now please shave that facial...not facial..hair.
Why is it important to show up in the correct uniform for duty?
Well, hopefully my earlier post on the uniform regulations applying to protesting helped you. However, it is important to show up in the correct uniform because it's one of the easiest things to do in the Army. It's even easier than showing up at the correct time, because your clothes are already picked out for you, like your mother did when you were five. If you show yourself to be incapable of wearing the clothing already picked out for you, it is like wearing a big red sign saying "I Am Your Friendly Platoon Idiot". Unless more than three people are all also wearing the wrong uniform, in which case it's a communications issue.
Do women serve in active battle in military?
Well, the short answer is 'yes'. Women are not supposed to be assigned to combat MOSes, but in a world without real "front lines", yes, women are often in active battle and active combat zones, whether for better or worse.
Can you sell DoD Sapi plates?
I have no idea what led you to my blog, guy, but you sound intensely dishonest. Give your stuff back to the nice government so someone else can have some equipment, dude.
What did the patriot soldiers eat?
Whatever they could get, most likely.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Army Censors CPT G
Thankfully, I've put a disclaimer on this blog, so I can sound off with just what I feel about this. Please insert the sound of someone cursing incoherently for about two minutes, as I don't want to foul up my blog with it, but that is exactly what I'm thinking right now.
For those of you who weren't aware, there was a cav officer, pseudonym LT G. He was a great officer and a great blogger, over at Kaboom: A Soldier's War Journal. He followed OPSEC rules, and didn't post about missions. When he was offered the position of Company XO, however, he turned it down.
His superiors didn't take it so kindly, and when he posted about it, he was ordered to delete his entire blog-going back years-and to cease posting at all.
In honor of CPT G, the post that caused all the commotion has been reproduced here in full.
Don't worry, folks. Somewhere, there's an archive of all formerly-LT-G's postings. I'm not posting the link, but you can email me for it. I don't want the Army to shut that down, too. His writings are truly a marvel. Also, his fiance is now blogging from his old spot.
But I really hate this. CPT G wasn't IVAW. He wasn't even aggressively political. He wasn't even really against the war, other than some things about how it played out. They didn't censor him for some great plan. They censored him for petty, petty reasons-that they were upset that they looked like the petulant children they truly were.
My props to you, CPT G, and all the best. I understand that you are the type who will follow that order, no matter how BS it is. Hopefully they will soon see the error of their ways.
For the rest of you: keep blogging!
For those of you who weren't aware, there was a cav officer, pseudonym LT G. He was a great officer and a great blogger, over at Kaboom: A Soldier's War Journal. He followed OPSEC rules, and didn't post about missions. When he was offered the position of Company XO, however, he turned it down.
His superiors didn't take it so kindly, and when he posted about it, he was ordered to delete his entire blog-going back years-and to cease posting at all.
In honor of CPT G, the post that caused all the commotion has been reproduced here in full.
I’d brushed aside the informal inquiries for months now. No, not me. Not interested. Keep me on the line. I want nothing to do with a lateral promotion to XO (Executive Officer) that involves becoming a logistical whipping boy and terminal scapegoat for all things NOTGOODENOUGH. I’ve been out here in the wilds too long, dealing with matters of life and death, to go back to Little America for PowerPoint pissing matches. Not me. I’m that too skinny, crazy-eyed mustang who drives a hippie van with a McGovern bumper sticker and keeps his hair long and actually read the counterinsurgency manual rather than pretending he did, even quoting it during meetings and out in sector in this era of recentralized warfare, remember? You aren't gonna break me, no matter how enticing the fires of the FOB are.
Semper Gumby.
I guess they forgot, and instead focused on matters of competency. Cue outright offer.
Cue LT G “thanks but no thanks” response.
Cue illogical backlash from higher, acting like a spurned teenage blonde whose dreamboat crush tells her point-blank that he prefers brunettes.
Q finding myself on the literal and metaphorical carpet of multiple field-grades, sometimes explaining, sometimes listening.
Mostly listening.
Yes, Sir. I’m getting out. No, I’m sure. Definitely sure. Surer than sure. What am I going to do? Don’t tell him Option A, he’ll scoff at Option A. He believes dreams are only for children. Option B will suffice. Well Sir, I’m going to go back to school, somewhere on the East Coast. Haven’t decided if I’ll focus on the Spanish Civil War or Irish History yet, though. I think I’d be a pretty good wacky professor. I already like to ramble and I look good in banana yellow clip-on ties. Sir.
No, Sir. I’m not saying that at all. I would absolutely bust my ass as an XO, and perform the job to the best of my ability. I’m just saying I’d be screwing a peer of mine, who is staying in, and could use this professional development, benefiting both him and the big Army in the long run. Uncle Sam agrees with me.
No Sir, I don’t think I’m selling myself short. Recognizing one’s own weaknesses isn’t a weakness in and of itself. Crushing balls is only my thing with people who aren’t wearing an American uniform.
If I throw enough clutter in the way, something will stick.
This is the Army, son. Your opinion doesn't matter.
Roger. Acknowledged. I figured I'd proffer it, just in case.
You need to start thinking big picture, Lieutenant. That’s what officers do.
I roll out of the wire everyday to bask in a third-world cesspool craving my attention for nothing more than the most basic human need -- hope. Is there a bigger picture than that, or just different vantage points from safer distances?
Yes Sir, I will remember to think things out more rationally next time. (Pause long enough to make the point that this was already a well-thought out decision.) Of course. Sir.
No Sir, this isn’t just because I want to stay with my platoon. (Maintain eye contact so he doesn’t think you’re lying, for the love of God, maintain eye contact!) I won’t lie though, Sir -- it was a factor. Just not my motivation.
Nice work, liar.
Another reason? Well, Sir, two of my best friends in the world are LT Virginia Slim and LT Demolition. If I were to become their XO, I would be extremely uncomfortable with possibly having to order them and their men to their deaths. As their peer, I should be right there next to them. Hell, I probably would insist on it.
Yes, I know that was a good point. Don’t say that out loud. Don’t say that out loud. Phew. That was a close one. I almost out-louded rather than in-loaded.
Yes Sir, I have full confidence in my platoon to be able to succeed without me. SFC Big Country would be more than capable of performing the job of a platoon leader. But he’s an NCO. He shouldn’t have to deal with lieutenant bullshit. That’s my bullshit to deal with. I’m the soldier’s buffer. (Cough. From you. Cough.) If a butterbar were here, I’d understand. That’s the natural order of things. But since an opening occurred without a backlog, I really strongly really definitely really definitively believe that it should go to a LT who wants it. Hell, there are some of them out there who NEED it. Aren’t I being a team player here?
The ballad of a thin man walking a thin rope. Moonwalking a thinly-veiled rejection of his superiors’ life decisions. Wondering why they are taking it personally. People are different. They want different things out of existence. Let’s not act like I’m a ring of Saturn stating the case that Pluto’s planethood should be reconfirmed.
Don’t fall on your sword, Lieutenant. No one likes a martyr.
Can’t help it, I’m Irish. And. Yes. They do.
Fine, I’m not going to make you do it. (Even though I spent three days trying to do so.) But you are now on my shit-list, and I want to fuck you over for daring to defy and defying to dare. A bullshit tasking will eventually come down the pipeline, and I got a rubber stamp with your name on it. And yes, I know your performance has been outstanding, and we have consistently rated you above your peers, at the top echelon. Doesn’t matter now.
You’re right. It doesn’t. Doesn’t matter at all. Even if I’ve only haggled a few more months with the Gravediggers, it was worth it; I came here to fight a war, not to build a resume. My men need me. And. I need them. It would have been worth it for a few more days.
Victory.
Mustangs don’t blink.
You know where we learned how not to?
It wasn’t behind a desk.
Every day of free-roaming makes it worth it.
Don't worry, folks. Somewhere, there's an archive of all formerly-LT-G's postings. I'm not posting the link, but you can email me for it. I don't want the Army to shut that down, too. His writings are truly a marvel. Also, his fiance is now blogging from his old spot.
But I really hate this. CPT G wasn't IVAW. He wasn't even aggressively political. He wasn't even really against the war, other than some things about how it played out. They didn't censor him for some great plan. They censored him for petty, petty reasons-that they were upset that they looked like the petulant children they truly were.
My props to you, CPT G, and all the best. I understand that you are the type who will follow that order, no matter how BS it is. Hopefully they will soon see the error of their ways.
For the rest of you: keep blogging!
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