Saturday, June 26, 2004
I Take Leave in Late July
I’ve moved up to number ten on the list. Who said having people promoted past you is a bad thing? Actually, I told my platoon sergeant at last year’s annual training, that I did not have what it takes to lead others in combat and I wouldn’t be seeking promotion to SGT. The fact that the unit doesn’t have my college transcript or a record physical fitness test for me keeps me off of the promotion lists. That’s good because if I was in a position to publicly refuse a promotion, I’d create some hard feelings as I would lecture the platoon on what an NCO really was. The Army has gotten rid of SP5 – SP8 ranks – technical equivalents of sergeants. A rank that would fit me best, I think, would be that of warrant officer, but there are no warrant officer slots in combat arms, save Special Forces.
Though many want to wait until at least the halfway point to take leave, I wanted to take mine ASAP keeping in mind:
1. there may not be another chance - all leaves may be cancelled later
2. we may not be here a year - Iraq could kick us out starting July 1 or if Kerry wins the election (something I do NOT want to see happen), he could order us back.
3. I could talk to the boys about why I'm over their and we could make something together to remind them of me
4. I could be killed at any time
I’ve moved up to number ten on the list. Who said having people promoted past you is a bad thing? Actually, I told my platoon sergeant at last year’s annual training, that I did not have what it takes to lead others in combat and I wouldn’t be seeking promotion to SGT. The fact that the unit doesn’t have my college transcript or a record physical fitness test for me keeps me off of the promotion lists. That’s good because if I was in a position to publicly refuse a promotion, I’d create some hard feelings as I would lecture the platoon on what an NCO really was. The Army has gotten rid of SP5 – SP8 ranks – technical equivalents of sergeants. A rank that would fit me best, I think, would be that of warrant officer, but there are no warrant officer slots in combat arms, save Special Forces.
Though many want to wait until at least the halfway point to take leave, I wanted to take mine ASAP keeping in mind:
1. there may not be another chance - all leaves may be cancelled later
2. we may not be here a year - Iraq could kick us out starting July 1 or if Kerry wins the election (something I do NOT want to see happen), he could order us back.
3. I could talk to the boys about why I'm over their and we could make something together to remind them of me
4. I could be killed at any time
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