On Thanksgiving, there was a line about 200 meters long standing outside the chow hall waiting to get in and eat the turkey-like substance with "all-natural flavoring". The private security guys were letting people in about 5 at a time- 5 out, 5 in. The majority of people waiting in line were Army specialists, which is one of the bottom ranks on the army's enlisted side. It was to my complete and utter disbelief that I witnessed several army officers and staff NCOs walk to the front of the line and cut in so that they could eat. This was unbelievable and appalling. In the Marines Corps, officers always, always wait for the enlisted marines to eat first. We take care of the marines in our charge and we lead by example. I find the majority of the army, at least on this base, to largely lack any hint of professionalism and integrity. Even my Indian workers look at them and say, in broken English, "American army, too much food..." whilst making gestures to symbolize a round stomach- obesity. Are there no standards of physical fitness? Is there no concept of professionalism? Again, I do not intend these remarks as blanket labels for all of the army, as I have met several solid soldiers with whom I would be proud to fight alongside. Perhaps these are just some of the consequences of an organization that has grown too large too fast....standards are lowered, accountability becomes lost.
The other thing that absolutely infuriates me is how the army treats their Iraqi interpreters. I had a long conversation with a 23-year-old interpreter the other day. He has spent the last 3 years working with infantry Marines in the Al Anbar Province (where I fought as a Marine). He described to me Marines treated him as one of their own, with dignity and respect, because they trusted him. The army, however, treats him like a piece of dirt....just another dime-a-dozen foreign worker, when in reality, this guy is risking his life every day to help us out and to better his family's life. I am proud to be a Marine.
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4 comments:
Jim
This Thanksgiving testimony is pretty incredible, and enlightening. With no experience in my own regard of serving in any capacity, the difference between branches becomes more apparent the longer I here first-hand experiences like these. What I like about this post is while it seems so trivial (waiting in line) it is an action that speaks volumes when officers try to overstep rank divides out of ignorance. Perhaps you had a rotten apple in this batch of Army personnel, but it's still very disrespectful. Regardless, I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, and you are finding your time there worthwhile. By the way, after you have an address or place to pick up mail and packages, please post... later bud. Brian J.
Ah yes, the nastiness is on full display at all hours of the day and night. That said, I will vouch for the army infantry and airborne units I've been around lately and say that they behave in a more Marine Corp-ish fashion, to their great credit. Glad you made it there and moral is high. I love you. "Ten ten five, mista feeky feeky." ---Matt
Just on a side note, as you've no doubt noticed by now, all of my comments will be listed under Taryn's name due to her possesion, and my lack of, a blog account. I love you
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