Although there are certainly things I don’t miss about the Army, I truly was blessed by my time in service. This month I’ve been sharing a lot about my time in the Army and at West Point with my students. So, I figured I would write about a few things I miss for you – my supporters!
The Camaraderie of Embracing Crappy Situations
During my junior year at West Point, New Cadet Thury wanted to low crawl in the mud under the barbed wire, but no one wanted to get muddy. I joined Thury and crawled with him through the mud and the rest finally joined us. The rest of the day was a blast because people were no longer worried about becoming dirty. That became one of my most treasured memories.
In the field, you almost always plan on two things: it will rain and you will be training in it. Most people try to stay clean at first, but when that first boot gets drenched in a puddle you realize that it is easier and more enjoyable if everyone buys into the training and gets dirty. Learning this helped me experience a really special kind of fun and laughter when we should have been miserable!
Tough Workouts and a Huge Breakfast
As much as a 4:30 AM alarm is not missed. There is something fantastic about working out for an hour before starting your day. Following it with a big breakfast just makes it that much better.
Sharing Funny Stories About the Stupid Things That Happen
Most army teams have a mock award for the person who made the funniest mistake or ridiculous outburst that month. Ours was the Rusty Bayonet. That monthly gathering garnered all sorts of stories, skits, and songs: covers of “Gangsters Paradise” poking fun at the boss, people calling on a cell phone from the bathroom to get toilet paper from a friend, etc. Always good laughs and good times.
Getting Paid to Live in Hawaii
This one encapsulates so much! Beaches, apartments, hiking, sunrise and sunset, surfing, sun, sun tans, great sushi, great seafood, great Thai food, great Vietnamese food, Duke’s on Sunday, Kiani’s Chicken on Schofield Barracks, the list goes on. And that housing allowance. Yes Lord!
Getting Out of The Office and Getting to Know Your Soldiers
Nothing is quite as fulfilling as leading your first platoon and watching them grow as a team. As an officer, you are paid to build a training plan then escape the office and go do it! AND you get to talk with soldiers about there lives at home, deployment experiences, hobbies, and much more while all this is happening. These relationships are really special and change your life and their lives forever.
Shooting It Straight
I remember the first time my commander approached me about one of my Soldiers possibly becoming over weight. He was concerned because people vouched for him to get a special surgery because he had lost so much weight! I told my platoon sergeant, a amazing 29-year old from Saipan, “Hey, the commander talked me to about SGT A and his weight. He’s worried he’s gaining weight.” He replied, “Sir let’s go!” Grabbed me and walked to SGT A.
He said, “SGT A! Come here.” SGT A walked over and quickly said, “Yes Sergeant.” My platoon sergeant said, “The commander is concerned you’re gaining weight. You know a lot of people vouched for you to get your surgery. You need to watch what your eating and make sure you don’t fall into old habits and get fat again.” He said, “Roger, Sergeant.” And that was the end of it.
Feelings are important, but I miss these kind of simple exchanges that just shoot it straight with no room for misinterpreting the message. I think we could all use a little more directness in our lives!
That Time You Got Your Butt Handed to You
In the Army, everyone has a moment or two where their senior officer gave them a thorough tongue lashing. It’s almost a right of passage! It’s never enjoyable the first time, but everyone eventually learns to laugh about it and share there own unique story in a hilarious way.
And once you’ve gotten one, you know how to give one. So if your a leader, you will inevitably have to give one to someone else which will be talked and laughed about by your Soldiers. And so the endearing tradition continues.
That’s all for now! Hope you enjoyed reading. Be sure to share your own if your ex-military! I would love to read them in the comments! Thanks to all the service men and women who made my past five years so special.
