A full week into the Warrior Leaders Course @ the Henry Caro NCO Academy, and I’m definitely not feeling overwhelmed or challenged in any military way. While I have certainly learned a few things – namely just how screwed up my unit really is in terms of counselling, NCOERs and training in general, very little of the material presented thus far has been a suprise. In fact, the entire training schedule shapes up much like a basic training refresher for NCOs.

Right now, as far as I can tell, the only things being stressed by this course and my military service in general are the only relationships I actually care about. Unfortunately, I signed some papers on 18 March 2003 that said I was government property on a full time basis for the next four years (starting 05 August 2003), and on a standby basis for four more years after that. My last day of contracted active duty is not too terribly far away, but it seems like an eternity for many of the people I love. There is still a chance that when that day comes, I’m back in the desert as one very angry SGT (or PVT if I totally lose it.)

Regardless of what happens when the dust settles and I trade my rank back in for my rights and freedom, at least I can say I spent time as a trained NCO in a wartime Army. Sure it cost me my sanity, two great role models, and possibly more.. but… no, I really can’t say “it was worth it.” If you ever need someone to talk you out of enlisting, come see me.