My New Job
My guard duty shift is over for now. The last few days I’ve been back to the shop. Well, let me clarify that: I’ve been to the shop for the first time. It’s nice. It’s relaxing.
On guard duty I endured more than two and a half months of the night shift. I lost ten pounds (which, for those of you who know me, is a big deal), worked nine to ten hours a night- at one point for 60 straight days- and had very little free time. I enjoyed it though. I was able to get a better feel for what’s going on here. I was able to help some Iraqi soldiers out. I met some good people. And, I got a good sense of the hopes and feelings of Iraqis. Iraqis from the nearby villages at least.
Now I go back to working on communication and electronics equipment. It’s more like a job. I’ve never really enjoyed it, per se. I feel naked without my body armor and Kevlar on all the time. I have nights off. Once a week I even get half a day off. Life is much easier. Then again, in three days I’ve already cut my hand up (though not bad) and come home dirty each night because of dealings with deuce and half tires.
It turns out that there is a sun, and it’s even hot at times (and certainly bright). There is a breeze during the day, but instead of being cold, it merely kicks up dust. I’ve gone to lunch for the first time in months. I even regularly go to dinner now. I’m back with my squad, of which I’m its leader, and no longer have to rely on others to judge their performance. Guard duty was good, but I think the shop will be alright also. Some soldiers complain about being pulled from their MOSs and their jobs, but you’re a soldier first. I think I enjoy that aspect more.
On guard duty I endured more than two and a half months of the night shift. I lost ten pounds (which, for those of you who know me, is a big deal), worked nine to ten hours a night- at one point for 60 straight days- and had very little free time. I enjoyed it though. I was able to get a better feel for what’s going on here. I was able to help some Iraqi soldiers out. I met some good people. And, I got a good sense of the hopes and feelings of Iraqis. Iraqis from the nearby villages at least.
Now I go back to working on communication and electronics equipment. It’s more like a job. I’ve never really enjoyed it, per se. I feel naked without my body armor and Kevlar on all the time. I have nights off. Once a week I even get half a day off. Life is much easier. Then again, in three days I’ve already cut my hand up (though not bad) and come home dirty each night because of dealings with deuce and half tires.
It turns out that there is a sun, and it’s even hot at times (and certainly bright). There is a breeze during the day, but instead of being cold, it merely kicks up dust. I’ve gone to lunch for the first time in months. I even regularly go to dinner now. I’m back with my squad, of which I’m its leader, and no longer have to rely on others to judge their performance. Guard duty was good, but I think the shop will be alright also. Some soldiers complain about being pulled from their MOSs and their jobs, but you’re a soldier first. I think I enjoy that aspect more.
posted by Steve at 12:54 PM
5 Comments:
Good to hear from you! :-) WElcome back to the world of daylight! ;)
Do you feel that your job there is for a valid cause???
With a nephew in USAF Security Forces, I've heard some of what you're talking about. I imagine that since it gives you face-time with those who need your training, your example, your insight and expertise, it has to be more rewarding that relatively mundane day work.
Good post.
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I had my first headhunt in the curikudos job fair held in 2006. And now i think its time to switch over. Can some one let me know when the job fair starts again.
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