Afghanistanic

My 2nd tour being a 88N (transportation management coordinator) in the Army reserves, my first tour was in Tallil AB, Iraq.

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Sushi: The pet betta.

0
1 year ago
by Hoho in ,

This is my pet betta, sushi. I bought him from Wal-Mart (strike #1), my job is to somehow get him from Indiana, to Atlanta, to Europe, to Kuwait, and finally through to Afghanistan (strike #2), without him dying. He will be kept in a “indestructible” plastic bottle during that time, where he has a fishbowl waiting for him in Afghanistan. Hopefully during the travel period he won’t have to deal with TSA (possibly strike #3), but we are prepared for such measures, by carrying 4 ounces of water on us, per person. Granted on the long flight he will definitely be able to stay with me for the entire haul. You will hear once or twice more about him, one being his death, but more importantly his safe travel to Afghanistan. I should have got a turtle.

papasgotabrandnewcat

Well, it’s unofficial.

2
2 years ago
by Hoho in ,

From Wisconistan to Afghanistan.

As of my drill weekend in March, there is news of an upcoming deployment in Mid-October. This particular deployment is not mandatory, so I’ll need to decide whether or not I actually want to go. Granted I even have a “choice”; it is the military, after all. Like everything else on this website, I decided to weigh out my decision with a popular method of listing. Pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Money. Plain and simple. It’s not that I’ll be making a lot out there, I mean I’ll be making a decent chunk of change, not a lot, but I don’t have any bills. No rent, no food, ect.
  1. I will top out my GI benefits. I will be receiving the maximum amount for benefits; currently I only receive 70%, but it will top out to 100% upon my return.
  2. I will become reacquainted with my old friend, Investing. I truly do miss him.
  3. When I get back, I can go straight to unemployment and claim a nice paid vacation.
  • With the amount of free time, it gives a lot of me time, that I can spend to further myself physically and mentally. A lot of school and a lot of gym time, it will be a lot easier with the amount of convenience.
  • Stress-free environment. Yeah, sure I have might have to worry about getting blown up and what have you, but I will not have to worry about what to wear, eat or do.
  • The group of people I am going with are more “peer-ish” when compared to my last group.
  • I get to travel to new and exotic places. Ha.
  • This may be the most trivial reason ever, but tea. Water is almost as common as dirt out there. And with a 1.5L bottle, 2 bags of tea, and gross amount of sunlight and heat, I will have all the delicious sun-tea my heart desires.

Cons:

  • There is no pause button. Last time I came back, too much was different. Most of the change was positive and yet creepily foreign. Change is good, but only when it happens with you.
  • The rig-a-ma-roll. The whole process from start to finish is incredibly irritating. Living out of bags, having to carry ridiculous amounts of stuff with you until you finally reach your destination.
  • No internet and no beer make Hoho something-something. I know that I will be without one, but if its both – something-something may very well happen. As long as I can access stocks, facebook, my website, and school, I will be a-ok.
  • I may resort to retail therapy.
  • Going to be hard to maintain Farmville farm.
 

The Specialist Creed.

1
3 years ago
by Hoho in , ,

Specialist RankA specialist is the highest rank given to an enlisted member of the army, it is earned simply by having time in service, and has no other requirements. This position allows for a gross immunity to work, and has earned the nickname “the sham shield”. Thus defaulting specialists the laziest rank in the army. The specialists creed:

  • I am a specialist.
  • I stand at parade rest for no one.
  • I am the best groomed of all soldiers.
  • I do not take initiative.
  • I will decline any extra responsibility.
  • I will purchase what I don’t need.
  • The minimal effort will be put out to meet standards.
  • I offer no help, if forced to help, help will only be given to a fellow specialist.
  • I will not speak ill of another specialist, unless in front of another specialist.
  • I will sham detail, if put on detail, it will be the least amount possible – or I will fake a sickness.
  • What the hell is a spec-4?
  • I train to time, not to standard.
  • When a detail arises and volunteers are needed, I will pretend to be busy.
  • The proper name of the meal will be used instead of chow.
  • I can tell you where anything is at in the PX.
  • When referred to as sir, I will correct them with “I am a specialist, I don’t work for a living”.
  • I will never be seen with a corporal or a private.
  • I will not exceed the age of 30.
  • If told to report in at 2200 I will ask when that is.
  • Not only will I be sure to find out when a NCO is wrong, I will let everyone know.
  • The word latrine isn’t present in my vocabulary.
  • I will argue and defy army regulations.
  • If asked to do something I do not want to do, I will pretend not to hear it twice.
  • I will drink any non-specialist under the table.
  • I will mentor young specialists to carry the burden of the sham shield.
  • I will not accept defeat in leisurely events.
  • I am very familiar with everyone at the NCO wives club.
  • Never underestimate the power of a specialist in large groups.
  • I will take any opportunity to sleep, and be the last to wake up during wake-up.
  • When outranked I will pull together two other specialists to become E-12.
  • Question Everything?
  • I will not memorize the specialist creed?
  • I am a specialist?

I wrote that during training, but here is what seems to be the original specialists creed.

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