Hello All,
Have you ever heard the term, “sensing session?” I have, it’s been around the Army Reserve for a couple years, and I have always had loads of fun at them. Oh, if you don’t know what a “sensing session” is, think of a town hall meeting in Army terms (see Bitch Session in the real world). Well, as you’ve probably already guessed, we had one of these little sessions, and I’ d like to tell you all about it. The only problem is that I wasn’t there, so I’m going to tell you what I learned about it.
Now, in the Army sensing session, the senior leadership from your chain of command usually comes down to talk to the troops, and get a feel for how they are doing. As you can guess, these sessions can quickly deteriorate into open revolt if not controlled. There are two types of sessions that I have seen, leaving the rank-on and taking the rank off. When the rank comes off, everyone wears the same rank and soldiers are allowed to say whatever they want about any subject applicable to the meeting. I.e. my soldiers would be allowed to bitch about not knowing when they get to go home, but they would not be allowed to bitch about the size of their paychecks. This method is VERY uncommon among lower enlisted (see younger soldiers more prone to ranting and… um, well then…. Ok, it’s pretty uncommon). Leaving the rank on means that ALL courtesies will be maintained, rank will be respected and that soldiers are restricted to what they say. I.e. they cannot bitch as openly about the concerns they have and MUST maintain their military bearing. The Army doesn’t say this in their doctrine, but that’s the way it really is.
Now, the reason that I didn’t go to this meeting was because I already knew what was going to be said, and that I would only get frustrated by the information put out. Our Battalion sent down the Sergeant Major and the Executive Officer, or XO (see second in command, Army Style) to conduct the sessions and answer questions from the soldiers. The key points that our soldiers wanted to know about were: when are we leaving Kuwait, can we get civilian vehicles for our mail runs (they have A/C, radio’s, and are easier to drive around Doha because you can park them anywhere on post, Hummers are restricted), where are our Desert Camouflage Uniforms (DCU’s, we are wearing green uniforms) and the lack of dental care for our soldiers. Well, let me break down how it went thru the eyes of my comrades.
For the lack of dental care, the BC (the Battalion Commander) will look into it. As to the DCU’s, the BC will look into it. Civilian vehicles, well most of those are being used by the Battalion, but the BC will look into it. And, the most important issue, going home, well, that was the most disappointing.
Right now, we are supposed to be released from the Marines on September 1st. That means we will no longer be attached to the Marine chain of command, and will then fall under Army jurisdiction again. Now, nobody likes this because September seems so far away, but we can deal with it. The angst from this information came with the follow-up question, “Will the Army send us home, or will they keep us here washing more things for other people?” The Sergeant Major was honest in his answer (I can respect that), “I don’t know. Your orders are for a year, and that can keep you here until March if the Army deems it necessary.” He did go on to say how happy the BC was that we were doing a good job with our mission and how we weren’t complaining non-stop like some other units in the Battalion. Basically trying to raise our morale, but not doing a very good job. He also made a point of saying that it is not the BC keeping us here to further his career, and that a 2 or 3 star General is running this show. Can you see why I put myself in a position to work instead of going to the meeting? I thought you could.
Now, I’m not terribly upset about staying here until September, not happy but I’m not about to start crying to my congressman either. I’m making decent cash and without all the bills of civilian life, quickly getting out of debt. However, the college students in the unit are far less thrilled. They are loosing an entire year of school, for what they see as cleaning up someone else’s mess. We have tried to explain that they swore to obey the lawful orders of the officers appointed over them, and that nobody put a gun to their collective heads and made them enlist. They all chose to join the Army, but the message isn’t getting thru to all of them. They are frustrated and growing angry. Morale is dropping, and I’ve heard more than one of them say, “What’s the point?”
It’s my job to keep the soldiers motivated and disciplined, but I’m running out of ideas. Even the First Sergeant said today, “I’m running out of things for you guys to do to keep busy.” Idle hands are the devil’s playgrounds, and I’m worried about what might happen. Personally, I’m running a little short of patience as well, but I’m now counting the days to September 1st. I’m not sure it’s a good idea, considering that that might just lead to another countdown, but I need something to look forward to, and maybe I can use it to help motivate the troops as well.
Well, I’d better go find something to laugh at. Maybe there’s a game of toilet tennis going on somewhere. I would like to point out that this is the best place in Kuwait to be stationed, in case I haven’t mentioned it before. But even paradise can get old when home is where your heart is.
I love you all,
Will
Ps George Patton said, “When morals go down, morale goes up.” Maybe we just need a couple kegs of beer and no adult supervision for a night?
yep...you need a kegger.
Posted by: leslie on June 20, 2003 06:34 PMyes hon it sounds like you need a case of beer and a good old southern girl to ease the lonliness.........
Posted by: Kristi on June 20, 2003 07:01 PMHi Will,
You guys really all could use a few kegs of beer. I feel for you all. The "sensing session" that you mentioned - the Navy calls these "Captains or Admirals Calls". And at these Navy ones, rank is always respected, and usually we all bitch afterwards as to how we didn't get to say what's really on our minds. I can kind of relate to what you're going through with trying to keep morale high with your guys. When I was active duty Navy, I was a watch supervisor, and our jobs were very tedious, and difficult. My first priority was making sure my watch section was taken care of. They always came first. Being in the Reserves now, I am again in a leadership position, and am reminded of how important is to keep my people happy. I worry alot, and think of them all the time, even though I only see them once a month. Hopefully, the brass will stop screwing around, and give you guys an idea of when you're coming home. In the meantime, hang in there, and be there to listen to your guys. Sometimes, just being there to listen may help them feel better. Keep your wonderful sense of humor. The Navy Reserves sure could use someone like you. Take care, stay safe, and keep those posts coming. We all care, and are praying for you all.
Uhmm, Will?
I don't suppose the old standby car games used to distract young persons on a long trip would work, eh? You know...like the License Plate game, the I Spy game, or the ever popular and enduring (oops..sorry 'bout that word!) 100 bottles of beer on the wall song? (double ooops...sorry 'bout the beer thing too!) *sighs* I'm really trying to help you out here..honestly!
Hmmmm....how about..nah, forget that, I know! What about....hmm...never mind that one too. I've got it! Oh..er, crap that's out too. You and your troops would kill me, carve me up, and bury me in various unmarked graves for THAT suggestion! Sorry! Dammit Will I'm not getting paid the big bucks to come up with ludicrous ways of relieving stress!! I know of only one sure way to do that, and I'm suspecting you and your troops would be court marshalled for THAT!!! *grins* (ooopsie again...didn't mean to remind you of that activity either!) *said in stage whisper...'though I would sacrifice myself for the good of the enlisted, naturally'* Hey! It's for the good morale of our serving men that I have at heart, not the thought of an evening spent with an entire platoon of 'stressed' men.....er, heh heh heh....so, uh, how about that toilet tennis??? *heh heh heh* (sheesh that was a close, nearly disclosed fantasy wasn't it?)
Ok, ok! So 'things' are sparse here too at the moment! *rolls eyes* Sheesh! I've got headaches every damn day with this 'drought', if you get my drift. *wink wink* I KNOW that kind of agony! (NOT bantering about the weather, either, mister, though that WOULD cut down on the 'idle hands' problem!) *grins*
Can't you guys do some sort of innane, ridiculous, and making-fools-of-yourselves 'talent show'? I'd keep down on the imitating the commander though, if I were you! (that is, at least in public)
*Sighs*
How about you enlist (ooops sorry 'bout THAT word too!) the help of your faithful readers and ask them here for any suggestions for stress relief?? You might hit pay dirt you know! Plenty of ex-military read you, as well as present military persons, who know what can and can't be done within military rules and regs. (See BULLSHIT) Just a thought.
As for not having desert BDU's, how dare they!!! Forcing their people to wear plain green!! Unbelievable!! Cruel and inhumane I say! Green isn't even in fashion at the moment!!!!!! I'm going to sit down and write a letter right now giving them a piece of my mind Will! Oh...wait....then there won't be anything left for ME if I give 'em a piece of it. Never mind. *humph!*
Kinda sounds like the department of corrections here - any issue officers bring up that admin can't or won't answer is responded to by the following phrase: "We'll form a committee, discuss the issue, kick it around, and get back to you." (Translation: what the hell kind of question was that? We don't know, and frankly we don't care at the moment. We didn't even write that question down 'cause we're never going to discuss it OR get back to you - now go away!)
Keep yours and your troops spirits up Will....or try at least. They're lucky to have you as a leader...they could have a LOT worse! (I suppose giving them all a big hug from me isn't in your style, eh?)
Thoughts, Prayers, and Godspeed Home,
Judi
Posted by: Judi on June 20, 2003 09:12 PMI don't know if this helps put hings into perspective for the troops at all but at least they are guaranteed a job. Here in the U.S. the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in May; the number of unemployed persons was 9.0 million. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
"Most people are as happy as they make their minds up to be." Abe Lincoln
I would think that all the troops would need to do is take a good look around them at the conditions in which the majority of Iraquis and lower class Kuwatis live as a constructive way to detach their minds from their own daily difficulties.
Now that the anxiety of not knowing when they will be going home is somewhat subsided, it may lighten the tension and smooth out the rough spots in the communication.
When you are tempted to take a somber view, remind yourself that it might not be so bad afterall and look for the element of fun and sense of making a valued contribution to spark some humor.
Try and make each and every day count and matter. A day that you can look back upon with satisfaction that it has prepared you for the days to come. For today is all the time we have and even the Army can not keep you from using it well. Make it a good a day and perhaps tomorrow will be even better.
Let us know what you all need since you are going to be there awhile.
Books, magazines, music, perhaps? Where do we send it?
We are living for today the best way can without trying to be too anxious about the future.
Take care over there and we'll do the same here. In a sense, make the best of what you are given the alternative is to make yourself miserable.
Szaffire Blue
Posted by: SzaffireBlue on June 20, 2003 11:16 PMHey Will
How about the old 'punch bug' game, played along a slightly different variation? Say, anytime you see an unarmed citizen, you punch the guy next to you (on the arm of course!)? Or anytime you see a vehicle carrying less than 12 people, you punch the guy next to you? Of course, 'punch' anything probably wouldn't be a good game to play amongst a group of armed, frustrated guys!
Hey, you could invent a new game, loosely fashioned after the game of Monopoly, but instead call it "Monotony" - Start with the board game (i.e. cardboard) and build desert towns dotted with tents, with penalty cards sending the player to wash vehicles, and reward cards with pictures of a keg of beer, bottle of....; start the game with career choices of going into reserves with college major not really impacting on the game as you wind up in Kuwait anyway or enlisting full-time and ending up in Kuwait anyway as well, thus all players starting from the same place. Mark some spots with stripes, hence the penalty cards, and some spots with stars (automatically go back to the beginning!). Just remember you got the idea here so I better not see the game appearing on shelves at Wal-Mart without a nice little check in my mail!
Take care
Posted by: LV on June 20, 2003 11:17 PMhey that monotony games sounds cool!!! :) hehehe
Posted by: Fuzzi on June 21, 2003 02:13 AMIdeas-my buddy told me they used to rent jet skis at a marina near the water tower/restaurant in downtown Kuwait City...if you are allowed to go downtown. There is also a pool at the Marble Palace...if you are allowed to use it. Next time you are at the PX, see if they have some Super Soakers which are always good for a few laughs (hint for people sending care packages, remember it is already over 100 there and will be pushing into the teens soon). Finally, you are an NCO in an Army Decon unit, you have lots of water and high pressure hoses, and lots of Marines....sounds like target practice to me lol.
Finally, don't sneak in alcohol. It is not worth anyone losing their rank. I know it is tough; I've been there. There is always the guy who didn't get any who rats everyone out. There is non-alcoholic beer at the commissary for those who want to pretend. Granted it is not Budweiser, but it does work in a pinch.
Posted by: paul on June 21, 2003 11:51 AMHi.
It's getting tough isn't it? My bf don't know when he will be home either. A lady from my work said to me "Are you sure about he is still out there??? War is over and I think all Reservists should be home by now"..... with very suspicious looking face as if she wanted to say "I think he is trying to avoid to meet you and using that as an excuse".. I got quite irritated for a while but I realized it doesn't worth to put my energy into it. I mean if I have to wait a year, I will wait. Actually a year seems long but it just an year in my life. And I like to be positive while I wait him cause it's my year and minds a well to enjoy it. I like to check the Deployment Update in the Military.com. The number is telling me somebody got to go home this week and gives me a hope my bf, you, your troops.... their turn will come.
Oh, does anyone from your troop interested to master playing harmonica while they are in Kuwait? It's pretty cool instrument and girls will love it. I will send one if they want to so they even will get it for free!!
Take Care
Posted by: N on June 21, 2003 09:48 PMHello, Will!! I think y''all should have a "beach" party-you already have the sand!lol Maybe you could build a bonfire and roast weenies and make some s'mores and wash it all down with some brew. Set up a volleyball net and get the women on base to put on bikinis and let the games begin!!
Would it help to know that there are lotsa folks back in the states that are rooting for ya and are proud of the job you're doing? Freedom is a damn fine thing and definently worth fighting for even if cleaning stuff off doesn't seem like you're contributing much. It's like cogs in a wheel--lose one and you''re fucked. Even cleaning things serves some sort of purpose even if you don't see the result first hand.
I'll keep on praying for you AND your morale. For the guys missing out on school time--this is just a tiny amount of time in the big scope of things. Some folks don't even graduate high school until they're collecting social security--there will be plenty of time to accomplish their goals and what they are doing RIGHT NOW is very important. God Bless you, sweetie. Hang in there, Septembers coming!! Hugs and kisses***Kris
SARS and one army quimica of CIA who attack is CHINA?what's next war of EUA,IRÃ,NORTH COREA?nave spacial COLUMBIA is SAbotage of who?
Posted by: luiz paulo/lp7 on June 22, 2003 11:49 AME.U.A is one BIG BROTHER of globalization?E.U.A live 1984 of GEORGE ORWELL?
Posted by: luiz paulo/lp7 on June 22, 2003 11:56 AMWill~ I just came across this website a few days ago. It's taken me a while to get through all the posts of rants, but let me tell you, I'm mucho impressed. My fiance (reservist) is in Kuwait right now, too. We don't get much word (mostly because he's too lazy to wait in line for the phone and too tired to write), so it's been good to read your rants because it gives me kind of an idea of what it's like over there. I am hoping and praying, just like everyone else over here, that our troops will be home soon. Keep up the good work and thanks for serving!
~L~
Will-
Sept eh? Well, it's SOMETHING to look forward to. And Husker football will be starting up (not like that may be a good thing again this year).
If you need anything to pass the time and up the morale, get word to your mom and we will get on it.
Miss ya!
Hi Will,
a couple of jokes to cheer you!!by the way, maybe you guys can make sand castles!!
Her Side of the Story:
My husband was in an odd mood Saturday night. We planned to meet at a
cafe
for a drink. I spent the afternoon shopping with the girls and I thought
it
might have been my fault because I was a bit later than I promised, but
he
didn't say anything much about it. I don't remember doing anything to
make
him upset, but I could tell there was something wrong. The conversation
was
quite slow going so I thought we should go off to some place intimate so
we
could talk more privately. We went to this restaurant and he was STILL
acting a bit funny. I was getting really worried, what did I do? What was
bothering him? Was he mad at me? I tried to cheer him up, but started to
wonder what was bothering him. Was it me or something else? I asked him
if
he was upset with me, he said no.But I wasn't really sure. So anyway, in
the
car on the way back home, I said that I loved him deeply and he just put
his
arm around me. I didn't know what the heck that meant because, you know,
he
didn't say it back or anything. We finally got back home and I was
wondering
if he was going to leave me! So I tried to get him to talk but he just
switched on the TV.Reluctantly, I said I was going to go to bed. Then
after
about 10 minutes, he joined me and to my surprise, we made love. But, he
still seemed really distracted, so afterwards I wanted to confront him
but
didn't. I just cried myself to sleep. I don't know what to do anymore. I
mean, I really think he's seeing someone else.
His Side of the Story:
Played very badly today --- shot 87 - - -can't putt for shit!.... Felt
kinda
tired..... Got laid though
next joke!!
A man joins a very exclusive nudist colony. One his first day there he
>takes off his clothes and starts to wander around. A gorgeous petite
>blonde walks by, and the man immediately gets an erection. The woman
>notices his erection, comes over to him and says, "Did you call for
>me?" The man replies "No! what do you mean?" She says, "You must be
>new here. Let me explain. It's a rule here that if you get an erection
>it implies you called for me." Smiling, she leads him to the side of the
>swimming pool, lies down on a towel, eagerly pulls him to her and
>happily lets him have his way with her.
>
>
>
>The man continues to explore the colony's facilities. He enters the
>sauna and as he sits down, he farts. Within minutes a huge, hairy man
>lumbers out of the steam room toward him, "Did you call for me?" says
>the hairy man. "No! What do you mean?" says the newcomer. "You must
>
>be new," says the hairy man, "it's a rule that if you fart, it implies
>that you called for me." The huge man easily spins him around, bends him
>over a bench and has his way with him. The newcomer staggers back to
>the colony office, where he is greeted by the smiling, naked
>receptionist, "May I help you?" she says. The man yells, "Here's my
>membership card. You can have the key back and you can keep the $500
>membership fee." "But sir," she replies, "you've only been here for a
>few hours. You haven't had the chance to see all our facilities." The
>man
>replies, "Listen lady, I'm 68 years old; I only get an erection once a
>month, but I fart 15 times a
>day! I'm outta here.
I'll send more when I get them. ant thing to cheer you guys up!!
God Bless, Sherri
Will,
PLEASE!!PLEASE!!PLEASE!! give us an address to send care packages for anyone over there!!
thanks,Sherri
Will -- I agree with Sherri -- post an address and we'll send some care packages over to try to relieve the boredom.
Posted by: Theresa on June 23, 2003 06:45 AMWill, remind your guys that Corporate America ranks military veterans/reservists VERY high on their list of "Good Candidates." So by serving their country - they are adding to their resumes - so it's definitely not a wasted year even if they're losing time in college - this stint becomes real on the job training (See more $$$ in a civilian job).
Ways to relieve stress and boredom - geez I sit in a small box in front of a computer all day - I wish I knew some of those ways LOL! Maybe you could all learn Yoga? Karate? Ballroom dancing? Take turns reading out loud - playing red rover - dodge ball? Ok so my ideas suck (See doesn't have a clue). Tell them to be Hooah and suck it up until September.
Ok going back to my little box now. Seriously - it would be great if we could send you some care packages - but you know how sensitive giving out APO addresses is for the protection of the troops. Maybe we could send stuff somewhere else - they go through it - and then send it to you guys?
Keep up the good work and take care. By the way - how is the soldier's bun wounds????
Posted by: IRA on June 24, 2003 02:09 PM
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will