When the Smoke Clears

I’m a writer, whether I like it or not.
A couple of my drill sergeants figured that out and used it on occasion.
One of my favorite DSs was a good-ole Airborne soldier with a great sense of humor. Even when he was “Caping” (they couldn’t say “smoking” for punishment exercise anymore) he managed to [...]

I was talking with my cousin last night about some of my Basic experiences. She thought it a little unusual. She is a Major in the National Guard and for years was in charge of shipping people off to various Initial Entry Training (Basic) courses.
She said that when she found out I had been [...]

Basic didn’t exactly tear me down mentally, though there was some of that… but physically… holy crap.
My knees survived. Dare I say it I think they are now better than ever. In fact, my time on my final Physical Fitness Test for the two mile was 13:03. Not bad at all for an old [...]

when I get back, you and I are going to have to have a serious conversation. Firing alone is not enough to express my dissatisfaction with this vacation package for which you had me sign up.
First off, I’m not so sure this corporate retreat was really a corporate retreat. Most of the other conference [...]

Please remember those who were murdered on this day 6 years ago. 
Also remember those who are defending freedom all over the World. 
 The best comprehensive post of the day

From RSM:
A light breeze made an already pleasant morning under the trees even cooler, calmer. It was Sunday, and we were outside the chapel waiting on our Drill Sergeant to come retrieve us and take us back to the barracks.
Across from me sat a large, young boy with a face full of exaggerated features; large [...]

Last post from me. I’m leaving in a few minutes. Independence Day will be spent in-processing. Life is about to change dramatically. Basic training awaits… then whatever may happen beyond that. There will be challenges, demons to face, and a chance to return, but I do not know to what I will come back, [...]

“Specialist!”
“Yessir!” I turned around. It was the colonel. I had stopped by to drop off a computer for one of my first sergeant buddies. I think his wife had spilled coffee on it so I was doing my best to recover and clean the keyboard.
“Where the hell you think you’re going?” The colonel [...]

Things I Probably Won’t Miss
Late night phone calls from someone in tears over the same problem as the last three calls. Leave him. Seriously, let him go.
Major decisions worth a lot of money
Yard work
Picking out what to wear
24-hour deadlines to come up with documents and a plan or else “all construction will stop.”
“So long as [...]

Pre-shipping Personal Fitness Test conducted. In the cool air I was out at the track with a few active soldiers and guardsmen. I can tell how it’s going to be for me for the next few months. “Don’t let the old guy beat you, Maltese!”
Yeah, I’m the whipping boy motivation for the youngsters.
My assessment: [...]

To plan, to put in place:
Someone to watch the cabin
Someone to watch the person watching the cabin
Someone to watch over the accounts and make sure the cabin bills are paid
Someone to care for the yard
Someone to take over projects at work
Someone to watch over and care for the weapons
Someone to serve as gatekeeper, central [...]

The cell phone rings. The number is a certain exchange indicating a call from Iraq going through a particular stateside base. Could only be one person:
RSM: Hey, buddy!
Butterbar: Whuddup, bro?!!
RSM: Not much man, just getting some things together around here.
Butterbar: Pa-Rade REST!
RSM: … already? F*!# you.
Butterbar: waitin’ for it…
RSM: …
Butterbar: waitin’ for [...]

I had to take the ASVAB again.
The last time I took it was several years ago, just for the heck of it. I was having fun, questions popping up on the screen that weren’t too tough, just lots of them. I stalled out on one math question because the right answer was not one [...]

(*Military Entrance Processing Station… where I had to visit twice.)
A group of seven are gathered around a small table in the chow hall, laughing. Questions flying, speculations about what’s coming up, where people are going.
Kerrie (to RSM): Just make sure they don’t give you Benning. You won’t like that.
RSM: Where are you headed?
Kerrie: [...]

There are reasons for it all. There is a reason for turning my back on a (currently tenuous) executive position, putting it on hold knowing it will go away.
And I have had doubts. Many excessive doubts.
But for the last 2 years a plan was bubbling underneath. I’ve not just taken these classes for [...]