Journal Entry: "Platoon Guide Theatre"
Only 24 days and a wake up left before I see my wife again on family day. It’s going by quickly but never quick enough. We did a confidence course yesterday that included the infamous zip-line jump where you’re put on a 12-meter platform, strapped to a parachute harness, hooked to a pulley and thrown off. It’s a blast! Those with fears of heights didn’t find it as amusing as I did, but I could’ve done it all day long. I suppose we all have different fears, but I am constantly amazed at just how much fear many people seem to have within them. I suppose it comes from living in a culture that essentially denies and resists the natural phenomenon of death, but I won’t go any deeper on that topic here.
My adventures as platoon guide continue to be a source of aggravation, fascination, and distraction for me. I’d say I enjoy it about 75% of the time, but the 25% of the time that it isn’t fun can really suck. The troops that don’t naturally choose to behave have already figured out that my “commands” are merely suggestions and the almost complete absence of repercussions for unprofessional, even subordinate, behavior has been sorely disappointing. Talk about being hung out to dry. I’m responsible for everything, but I have no authority to ensure everything is done properly. I’ve come to believe it’s a set-up to test the high-caliber soldiers on how to deal with failure.We did manage to hatch a plan, the DS and I, to mess with the rest of the platoon and possibly instill a bit more appreciation for the difficulties of being a platoon guide. The plan is that I will be fired tomorrow with some fanfare. We’ll put on a good show, make it seem like a big deal, and then I’ll be replaced by one of the soldiers that has the worst authority issues. After a few days, I’ll be reinstated; hopefully with renewed appreciation and some lessons learned… but maybe not. We’ve got some real hard cases. I’m just honored that the Drill Sgts. have chosen to bring me into the game. I used to get about 30 seconds to make a report. Now, we converse for 5-10 minutes at a time, and much of the trainee/ DS formality is set aside during those times provided proper respect is maintained, which isn’t ever a problem for me. I really admire and respect many of the cadre and hope to get to know them a little better before I leave, especially DS Allen.
My adventures as platoon guide continue to be a source of aggravation, fascination, and distraction for me. I’d say I enjoy it about 75% of the time, but the 25% of the time that it isn’t fun can really suck. The troops that don’t naturally choose to behave have already figured out that my “commands” are merely suggestions and the almost complete absence of repercussions for unprofessional, even subordinate, behavior has been sorely disappointing. Talk about being hung out to dry. I’m responsible for everything, but I have no authority to ensure everything is done properly. I’ve come to believe it’s a set-up to test the high-caliber soldiers on how to deal with failure.We did manage to hatch a plan, the DS and I, to mess with the rest of the platoon and possibly instill a bit more appreciation for the difficulties of being a platoon guide. The plan is that I will be fired tomorrow with some fanfare. We’ll put on a good show, make it seem like a big deal, and then I’ll be replaced by one of the soldiers that has the worst authority issues. After a few days, I’ll be reinstated; hopefully with renewed appreciation and some lessons learned… but maybe not. We’ve got some real hard cases. I’m just honored that the Drill Sgts. have chosen to bring me into the game. I used to get about 30 seconds to make a report. Now, we converse for 5-10 minutes at a time, and much of the trainee/ DS formality is set aside during those times provided proper respect is maintained, which isn’t ever a problem for me. I really admire and respect many of the cadre and hope to get to know them a little better before I leave, especially DS Allen.
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