Fieldcraft lesson #2: Never walk when you can ride.
On average, we probably walk at least 4-5 miles per day on this FOB. While I realize that in the life of an infantryman, four miles is nothing, the art of fieldcraft demands that a soldier constantly strive to improve his quality of life. Being fully committed to this endeavor, one of my deployment goals has been to acquire the use of a "gator-" a 4-wheeled, offroad vehicle.
One of my partners in Hawaii recently asked if I've had my name stenciled on the side of a helicopter, yet. While I have ridden more than my share of helicopters over here, they are accessible to the masses, and therefore I deem this goal not fit to earn the title of "fieldcraft."
Now acquiring a gator, there's a challenge. They are incredibly hard to find and possess in this theatre. This past weekend, I succeeded in securing the services of a sweet gator, red cross and all. My friend Bill and I took the "long way" to deliver a package and loved every minute of it. It's probably the most fun I have had in the past two months, as you can probably see from Bill's smile (behind the wheel) and my filthy face. While I enjoy nearly anything that makes me dirty, this was absolutely smashing. Much better than walking.
Trouble!! Let me write the story now..."and from Afghanistan today, an Army Lieutenant Colonel was embarrassed but not injured when he lost control of the Gator he had appropriated from the motor pool. Thankfully the Hawaii based surgeon was able to jump out of the vehicle just before it plunged past the taped-off minefield the Colonel had previously blogged about..."
ReplyDeleteHey Joe! Thanks for giving me a look at Bill! I was starting to wonder if he was really in Bagram because all I ever see is him sitting in the corner of some non-descript room.
ReplyDeleteOh, and he looks really good in a convertible!