Standing at attention shortly before an Article 15 appellate hearing, the brigade commander slowly inspected every member of the chain of command with his impenetrable gaze. His eys went from left to right sweeping over the platoon sergeant, company first sergeant, myself, battalion command sergeant major, and battalion commander.
Then his eyes came back to me.
During a three week period in September I served as the commander for our battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). My lot came to me due to my position as the company's executive officer (XO). Despite the four months I had already served in that capacity, I was not quite prepared for what lay ahead.
With his eyes back on me the brigade commander (whom I had only seen once before) asked who I was?
"2LT Rhoden, sir. I'm the company XO and I'm serving as the acting commander while the CO (company commander) is on R&R."
He replied, "You're the commander then"
"Yes sir" was my response.
Then with the rapidity of machine gun fire he shot off a numer of questions in quick succession:
"How long have you been the XO?"
"What was your job before that?"
"What is your branch?"
"How did you gain your commission?"
"Where did you go to school?"
"What did you study?"
Just as nervous as the Soldier standing outside the brigade commander's office whose actions caused this meeting, I replied equally fast:
"Five months"
"This was my first job with the unit. I arrived to the unit in late April."
"Transportation"
"ROTC"
"Brigham Young University"
"History"
His only response "AIRBORNE!"
Then his eyes came back to me.
During a three week period in September I served as the commander for our battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). My lot came to me due to my position as the company's executive officer (XO). Despite the four months I had already served in that capacity, I was not quite prepared for what lay ahead.
With his eyes back on me the brigade commander (whom I had only seen once before) asked who I was?
"2LT Rhoden, sir. I'm the company XO and I'm serving as the acting commander while the CO (company commander) is on R&R."
He replied, "You're the commander then"
"Yes sir" was my response.
Then with the rapidity of machine gun fire he shot off a numer of questions in quick succession:
"How long have you been the XO?"
"What was your job before that?"
"What is your branch?"
"How did you gain your commission?"
"Where did you go to school?"
"What did you study?"
Just as nervous as the Soldier standing outside the brigade commander's office whose actions caused this meeting, I replied equally fast:
"Five months"
"This was my first job with the unit. I arrived to the unit in late April."
"Transportation"
"ROTC"
"Brigham Young University"
"History"
His only response "AIRBORNE!"
Wait. I don't get it. Why did he say airborne?
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean you're going to Airborne school Jimmy?? Congratulations! I love you<3and you're a good writer, must be in our family genes or something...
ReplyDeleteAirborne is a typical Army phrase meaning alright with lots of enthusiasm. Kind of like HOOAH!
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHA. I totally didn't see that coming! On a scale of 1-10 in funniest, I give it a 12!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so weird.
ReplyDeleteJeez Jim, you make med school seem so dull!
ReplyDeletePS: I went to Clint's wedding reception over Christmas break, and he's doing great.
Don't let a long winter get you down!
I love these posts! And I think it's pretty cool that I am related to an Arctic Warrior. Please keep the stories coming! (and the interpretations... because I didn't totally get the punch line either....!)
ReplyDeleteGood job! Good writing, like Becky said. Hooah!
ReplyDeleteJim you're totally a story teller. I don't know if it comes from studying so much history or what but it's fun to hear. I hope you're doing well over there! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete