Today I received some of the greatest news since...well...since my son was born. He is now a Devil Dog! I am so proud of him it is hard not to overdo this report without seeming like a prejudice father. But I am!. For those of you who have never had the privilege and honor to serve this nation let me explain what happens when someone joins the U.S. Military Service.
First thing is making the right choice for you. Not all services are created equal..each has its own challenges..each has its own pros and cons. As the years have progressed our nations military has gone from being separate services to a combined fighting system. The lines of communication between them has gone from a blurry fat line...to a much sharper fine line..one that has made our military the greatest fighting force on this planet.
I myself chose the Air Force...most of my family were either Navy or Marines...However, my Father served in the AF during the Korean war...and my uncle started out as a Marine..then transferred to the AF and made a career of it. However, when the time came I made my choice based on what I wanted to do..and being a cop is what I wanted to do.
My son has always wanted to do something special with his life...and this step..is the first step toward that goal. His choice of service is one that I have always been in awe of.
The second step is Qualifying for the job. It is not an easy thing to do. In today's military you must be more than just strong...you must be smart. Idiots need not apply. The position he chose is as a Special Communications Signals Collector Operator. Google it.
Most civilians see a person in uniform at parades...or in a recruiters office. It is easy to forget that the little girl..or office person you are looking at is also a trained combat weapon. They not only do paperwork..but are trained to fight. You won't see that in your local bank.
The third step is Basic Training. Basic Training is a test of your will as well as your body. You are trained to respond as part of a team...you are trained to be able to operate at full speed while under trying circumstances. This is something that lasts a life time. To complete basic is an accomplishment that is something to be proud of.
The fourth step is completing combat training. Everyone in our military is trained to fight..hence the term U.S. Armed Forces. Learning the complexity of moving as a team...utilizing the correct methods of engagement..knowing your weapons inside and out. I guess this is why Homeland security worries about our veterans.
The fifth step is learning your job. In my son's case...this will be pretty technical stuff. In fact, with all military specialties it is learning new and exciting things..knowing how your specialty enhances the war fighting capabilities of the greatest Military Force on Earth.
Finally he will deploy with his unit...he will continue a learning process that will last a life time.
It is hard to say when a boy becomes a man...but on this day...I learned that my little boy is a full fledge Man..with the rights and responsibility that comes with the title.
Congrats to you buddy...Welcome to the tribe of Veterans...you are now a Devil Dog!!
Out of respect for him I will not tell you which one is him...he and I are not that keen on photos...but I will say he is the good looking one.
His video is here: Charlie Company
Congratulations Capt;
ReplyDeleteCompleting Basic is something to be proud of, very proud. It's never been easy, it was never intended to be. From what I understand there's a lot that get accepted into the service, that can't handle todays basic traning.
Was a strange feeling, first the last night of basic, when the DI's started handing out beers, to getting home and having my father hand me one. That had never happened before,
A true right of passage.
ReplyDeleteOooohhhh Raaahhhh!!!! The few the proud. Nothing in life will ever compare with that feeling the day he graduated at MCRD. Every branch has a reason to feel pride, but the EGA is special. I would not trade mine for a Stanford or Yale MBA.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you but I think there is one other thing USMC. The day he lies his newborn son in his fathers arms. Pretty hard to top that.
ReplyDeleteForgive me I'm a little emotional today.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely outstanding!! He--and you--have much to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys...I forgot to add to the link his platoon is 1041
ReplyDeleteDad has a lot to be proud of, what a day!
ReplyDeleteUnlike all other services, you are not a Marine until you've proved yourself fit to be one. That's why they use the term Marine recruit until the recruit has completed basic. If you wash out, you may have joined the Marines but you may never call yourself a Marine.
ReplyDeleteIndividually, a Marine has no more courage, stamina or dedication than his like minded counterpart in the other services. What sets him apart is his ingrained philosophy; the "Gung Ho" philosophy (Mandarin Chinese for "work together").
Like a tattoo, once a Marine, always a Marine. If you remain "Semper Fidelis" to your philosophy you cannot rid yourself of it even if you try.
You may never see battle but you will spend your days preparing for it guided by that philosopy recently impressed upon your soul.This is why you are now part of the most feared and respected fighting force in the world. It is also why you will treat your posterity as an equal as you are now treated by your heritage.
Our Brotherhood changes faces but our philosopy remains. Now you understand what it is.
Welcome to the Brotherhood, Marine.
Capt, a neighbor was just here with his almost sixteen year old daughter. She fell in love with your son. Doesn't matter which one he is.
ReplyDeleteLOL
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