3 young guys I know have chosen to enlist in the military in the last year+. Each chose a different field, a different path, a different service. Hugh joined the Navy, Abe the Air Force and just yesterday Sam completed Basic Training in the Army. The military is one of those experiences that if you haven't been there, done that, you really have no clue. I suspect it is not 'like the movies'.
Russ' journey began in the late 60's when all male youth who turned 18 had to register for the draft. Conscription was mandatory. Russ was ‘called up’ and checked in. He was a college graduate which had it’s own set of implications. Russ reported in for his physical and told the physician “I can’t join the military, I have broken my back”. To which the physician asked “And what do you do for work?” Hmmmm, seems breaking one’s back and recovering means your body is capable of a physical challenge. "You're in!" Russ decided that since he had a college degree he would try for Office Candidate School in the Navy. His journey began.
He served aboard the John W. Weeks (DD-701) from the spring of 1971 to the spring of 1974. He was stationed at Key West Anti-Submarine Officer Training School before moving onto his destroyer. As an officer he lived in officer quarters, the 3rd stateroom. He shared these quarters with another officer. Quarters on a destroyer are tight (to say the least). As his stateroom had 3 bunks, one remained empty and his being the lower bunk, he had to drop to his knee on the deck and roll in.
During this time he had several jobs.
- First was Second Division Officer - This meant he commanded a division and was in charge of maintaining the exterior surface of the ship from midship aft. He was in charge of safety measures as well as overseeing training in preparation of battle.
- When he became a First Lieutenant he was a division officer in command of sailors and petty officers in various supervising roles of the deck and exterior of the whole ship.
- Next came an ASW Officer. As the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer he would find, track, and deter, damage, or destroy enemy submarines using equipment from the bridge area. As he was never in combat, his was all in training.
- Russ became the Fire Control Officer, supervising or assisting in operation, maintenance and repair of all weapon equipment and systems.
- Before discharge he became the Gunnery Officer, heading a department of 80 men and 4 officers. These men were educated, specially trained military leaders who manage personnel, ships, aircraft, and weapons systems.
Note: very few women were in the Navy when Russ was and certainly not aboard a destroyer.
Perhaps it was such scenarios that replay in his head occasionally. I once got him novel about the Navy and he put it aside saying "it's too real, I can feel the rolling of the ship."
What brings young people to walk through the door of a recruitment center today? Each story is different. Without mandatory enlistment that was in effect when Russ was young, these young men have their own stories, ones I honestly do not know. But each found their way through the door, all ready to join the military. Two had their folks for support and encouragement and one has his career brother as a guide.
Hugh Navy Worked for a year after high school before joining Sam Army Eagle Scout Joined the summer after graduating from high school Abe Air Force College Worked for a bit before joining Older brother to Abe, Jake Air Force Wanted to be a policeman and was told join the military 4 tours of Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan 3 years recruiting (not a favorite job!) Just relocated to FL with his family He is career with 17.5 years+ |
When I asked this morning for a brief description, he said "It is a little bit like now, with Parkinson's, the same thing over and over again."
It was and probably still is today: always, consistently, continually, perpetually, unceasingly, uninterrupted, habitually, ordinary, regularly, routinely, and recurrently. It's the military life.
To all who serve our country, our thanks and gratitude.