My daughter just left for basic training.

[rickf]

Ah yes, cell phones. I guess they don't take away all personal belongings anymore.

[raymond]

First thing they did is take it. They gave it back long enough to phone us for a minute and text her address.

[raymond]

And on a completely different note, I just now noticed that Seabee's rank is Fleet Admiral

[rickf]

How in hell did the software know he was Navy? I had nothing to do with that. I wonder if I can demote him?

[raymond]

I wouldn't give him the command of a garbage scow

[Mark]

I wonder how she likes the waiting in the long lines, hurry up and wait!

[raymond]

Just got done talking with her on the phone. She is squad leader and has the fastest time for mile and 2 miles at basic.

[acudanut]

COOL, My Nephew Started his 13 week Marine Boot camp last week. Cheers

[rickf]

Just got done talking with her on the phone. She is squad leader and has the fastest time for mile and 2 miles at basic.

Squad leader is a good position, especially if you have the quality of communication where you can get across to your charges what needs to be done without screaming at them. Lead by example, never ask a troop to do something you will not do yourself and do not be afraid to ask opinions even if you over ride them. You will find that some of those opinions and thoughts on a job to be done are actually better than yours. Do not be afraid to use the better idea. Troops will respect you for that, it makes you human and one of them instead of one above them.

I was made a Sergeant when I went to VN mainly because there was a shortage of Sergeants and my scores were good enough. I CERTAINLY did not have enough experience in the field. I had a squad leader in basic with the above qualities which started me off in that direction and then in country I hooked up with a Master Sergeant who lived by that creed and he mentored me there. It all served me well and my men never ever questioned and order given. If I asked opinions I got them and then I gave an order based on what I thought was the best option. Did not matter if it was my idea or someone eles, if it was the best plan I went with it. Don't get me wrong, you can't ask for advice on everything or you come across as unconfident in yourself, there are those few times where there are several equal plans of attack and you just want some input. In the field there are almost always people who have been there much longer than you and have a lot of experience with the local terrain and people. Use their expertise, it can save lives over blindly leading because you refuse to take advice from lower grades.

[acudanut]

No comment.

[Mark]

Reminds me of the 11 traits and principals of leadership.Ya, the snuffies seemed to be in the know alot of the time, which also applied to the present times.

[raymond]

Just got a letter She hit all he targets after zeroing her M4 carbine. 6 magazines worth of shooting. The spotter called "center of mass" for all the 150 meter targets. Shooting instructor told her DI "that girl's a killer"

[rickf]

Are they still using open iron sights? Always was and still are my favorite type of shooting. Drop the rifle on the optics or fall on it and they are useless, iron sights are just about indestructible.

[raymond]

Iron sights.

[rickf]

You taught her well.