After two months of relentless paper-pushing I was promoted from the rank of Specialist to the rank of Sergeant. I've been anticipating this promotion my entire military career due to the fact that I have always been a Specialist. I won't go into the details of how I've suffered because PSB (Personnel Services Battalion I believe it stands for) lost my promotion paperwork. I won't even mention that PSB loses everybody's' promotion paperwork - which begs the question whose paperwork do they not lose? The obvious answer is their own. I will talk about the actual promotion ceremony.
The Army has a long standing tradition that when an enlisted soldier is promoted his superiors "pin" the rank on him in turns. (The "him" is doubly appropriate since I am willing to be that female soldiers don't undergo similar treatment for fear of discrimination or abuse charges) By "pin" I mean "pound" or "grind". What normally transpires is that the commander and the first sergeant remove the old rank and pin on the new as the XO reads the promotion orders. The command group will congratulate you and allow you to say a few words (or in my case, recite the NCO creed) and turn you over to the tender mercies of your colleagues. What happens next can be excruciating. Everyone who knows you and outranks you may then walk by and pin your rank on again. Pin-on rank has two sharp prongs that are meant to pierce the fabric of your uniform and are normally encased in "dammits". During promotion ceremonies NCO's use these prongs to pierce the flesh of younger NCO's. I have seen people leave with blood trailing down their uniforms.
I was planning to subvert the tradition by taping padding to my shoulders and collar bones where the damage is normally worst. I had made it through 95% of the ceremony with a few faux grimaces for the benefit of my audience when one of my fellow medics discovered my ruse. Gnashing of teeth followed immediately after. Those who had been cheated of their bloodletting returned for their rightful due. I stood and writhed with an occasional groan.
The best part is that I get to do it all again tomorrow morning.
3.10.2006
3.09.2006
Excuse me?
Most unlikely words to hear coming from the mouth of a NOW representative:
Since when has the National Organization of Women cared more about the rights of an unborn baby than an adult's rights?
I think everyone in the abortion debate is pursuing one person's interest exclusively at the expense of everyone else's. All NOW apparently cares about is that the woman gets to do whatever she wants. All the men in the story care about is avoiding responsibility. Then Ms Gandy wants to buttress her position from attacks by the men's group by developing a sudden interest in the rights of an unborn child who if you listen to NOW every time before this had no rights! I don't think NOW wants equality, they want to dominate culture - to feminize modern culture. Men are getting fed up and want to get back at women by giving them equality only with consequences women did not intend or foresee. Women may win eventually but their won't be any worthwhile spoils for the victor to collect.
The president of the National Organization for Women, Kim Gandy, acknowledged that disputes over unintended pregnancies can be complex and bitter. "None of these are easy questions," said Gandy, a former prosecutor. "But most courts say it's not about what he did or didn't do or what she did or didn't do. It's about the rights of the child."
Since when has the National Organization of Women cared more about the rights of an unborn baby than an adult's rights?
I think everyone in the abortion debate is pursuing one person's interest exclusively at the expense of everyone else's. All NOW apparently cares about is that the woman gets to do whatever she wants. All the men in the story care about is avoiding responsibility. Then Ms Gandy wants to buttress her position from attacks by the men's group by developing a sudden interest in the rights of an unborn child who if you listen to NOW every time before this had no rights! I don't think NOW wants equality, they want to dominate culture - to feminize modern culture. Men are getting fed up and want to get back at women by giving them equality only with consequences women did not intend or foresee. Women may win eventually but their won't be any worthwhile spoils for the victor to collect.
3.05.2006
Looking Back
I just returned from a brief field problem with the line company I am assigned to as a medic. Going to the field while not my favorite thing to do reminded me that there are aspects of the job that I enjoy. I like being a medic. I like people depending on me. I like performing under pressure, racing the clock to save precious blood - to save life. It's a rush.
It's coming to a end though. I joined the Army to hit the "reset button". I wanted to do something fun, challenging, and meaningful. It wasn't always fun, but it was always challenging, and I think my overall contribution was meaningful. Two out of three isn't bad.
I won't go so far as to say I would never serve again. I think every American would benefit if everyone served, although I am against mandatory service. I think everyone should volunteer. I do know that I need to try to get out and accomplish other things. There are so many opportunities outside of military service.
I'm proud of what I did and am doing. I just want to do other things.
Internet Explorer sucks.
It's coming to a end though. I joined the Army to hit the "reset button". I wanted to do something fun, challenging, and meaningful. It wasn't always fun, but it was always challenging, and I think my overall contribution was meaningful. Two out of three isn't bad.
I won't go so far as to say I would never serve again. I think every American would benefit if everyone served, although I am against mandatory service. I think everyone should volunteer. I do know that I need to try to get out and accomplish other things. There are so many opportunities outside of military service.
I'm proud of what I did and am doing. I just want to do other things.
Internet Explorer sucks.
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