I came from a military family, my Father and Grandfather along with my two brothers and a sister all served; it was my time. I enlisted in the United States Army. I took a series of tests and was asked if I would like to join the Military Intelligence Corp. There was an extremely generous recruitment bonus as an incentive.
The New Normal
Boot camp or basic training was everything I had heard about and then some. I immediately had plenty in common with hundreds of other young men. It was demanding but rewarding as I saw myself and others develop. Eight weeks later, many of us that began graduated from Boot camp. Some failed to graduate for one reason or another.
We became Soldiers
The training began anew. It was on to Fort Devans Massachusetts only one other soldier from my unit was assigned to the Military Intelligence Corp. We both were assigned to the U. S. Army Intelligence School, Fort Devans. The training was hard, long, and as physically demanding as boot camp.
Duty Station
The next phase was called the duty station, home base. Training to become a member of the Army’s Military Intelligence Corp was intense. We trained day and night on our intelligence skills on how to fight the cold war. No slackers allowed was the mantra, the unit wanted STRATC troops “skilled tough and ready around the clock”. We were that and more.
Travel and Experience the World on Our Dime
Travel I did it was a requirement to be in constant contact with unit personal. The phone calls would come, and the mission statement. Grab the go bag and welcome aboard the direct flight to where ever. The go bag or duffel was always packed, weapons where issued from the armory and away we all went. The teams consisted of interrogators and linguist along with intelligence specialist. We where a team and we functioned as one even when changing duty stations it was the same personnel.
The Next Step
I was promoted again I was to push troops now, shout orders and strut a little. My six-year hitch was up, and the Army offered me a very sizable bonus to reenlist. I raised my hand the second time and swore an oath.
Army life was demanding, but I found it to my liking. Not boring by any means, the training was the best in the world. The missions took us everywhere we slept on the ground we slept in jeeps. During downtime, we all cross-trained each had a specialty, but we cross-trained we never knew when we may have to pick up the slack.
Give and Never Ask for it Back
I am not being maudlin when I say this, but I do not know where our country would be without the men and women of the Military. From the Commander and Chief on down everyone has a function and they perform it well. There was much asked of me when I was still in and we ask much of the ones still serving. They give and never ask for it back. They are skilled and tough and always ready around the clock. They never ask for it back, but maybe we should offer something back. Soldiers and veterans will stammer, and many will blush when given praise. Soldiers will always say it is my duty, and it is an honor to serve.