The question was simple enough. What are the two elements of a formation?
“I do not know the answer to that question First Sergeant, however I know I can find the answer on google.”
The moment the words left my lips I knew I had problems. Everyone immediately looked at each other and then at me.
I wasn’t trying to be a smart ass nor was I trying to cop an attitude, but members of the board saw things differently.
What was it I said that was so shocking? Am I the only human being who uses google to find answeres to unanswered questions?
“This is not a joke Specialist Kever.” “Maintain your military bearing Specialist Kever.” “Drop the attitude Specialist Kever.” “You’re not conducting the interview Specialist Kever… we are.”
About this time a bead of sweat slid down my forehead into the tear duct of my eye. Could things get much worse?
Of course they could.
I answered about 50% of the questions correctly. A shameful statistic truthfully.
As it turns out, I studied the wrong guide. The company puts out their own study guide which is where all the questions come from.
“You’re not doing very well Specialist Kever… not very well at all.”
Great.
And so my promotion board has been pushed back to May 5th… the same date I thought it was all along, except I was actually on the schedule for April 5th. So no real loss. Just a little face is all.
Needless to say, I’m not the soldier of the month.
Tomorrow is the board. Man am I nervous! Tonight will be spent shining boots and memorizing Army facts.
I spent today getting my class A uniform squared away… much easier said then done. Then we did a mock board. If only they knew how unprepared I felt. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.
In other news, a study by the defense department has determined post primary education schools should be handed over to local communities. This means the award winning education Army kids have been getting may be coming to an end.
I called the Super Intendent for Fort Campbell Schools and am trying to line up an interview. She quickly referred me to the Army Schools Public Affairs Officer… who works in another state. Needless to say getting a sound byte from a school official on this story will be difficult.
In the current state of war our country is in, the children of service members need educators who are tuned in to their special needs. These kids have to deal with parents training, deploying, and dying. Regular kids don’t have to deal with stuff like that.
I feel passionately primary education on Army installations must be preserved and I’ll do my best telling that story.
My position is not objective. But that’s the best part of telling the Army’s story. It doesn’t have to be.
On this day, the day our Lord resurrected His only Son, after being falsely accused and crucified for the redemption of all man kind, I sit, manning the staff duty desk for my company.
But I’m spending my time wisely preparing for Wednesday’s soldier of the month board. Honestly it’s a bit overwhelming when you consider all the information you must retain.
I remember thinking in college that my studying days would be over upon graduation.
Um… no.
I’m beginning to suspect my studying days will never be over. If it’s not for some board, it will be for some new computer program, and if not for that, then some other hobby or work related something-or-other.
This Easter, I want to reflect on how blessed I am to serve such a great country, that allows me to worship as I see fit. A country which honors democracy and the say of each individual. I thank God for my talents and abilities, and will serve Him in all I do… personally and professionally… physically and spiritually.
May God bless you as he has blessed me.