Respect on Demand?

Leon,

I awoke this morning to the sound of my NCO knocking on my door. I wasn't late for work, but I did manage to sleep through his morning racket, which usually consists of anything from blaring Prodigy to something out of the Godfather sound track. I answered the door, looking and feeling very hung over despite my two month sobriety — which I'm now convinced will be a regular occurrence for the rest of my rotation.

I threw on a uniform that I had tossed in my chair last night when I shed it just before crawling into my bag. I wandered to the showers, brushed my teeth, then headed to the chow hall for coffee and a muffin – not bothering to shave – and sauntered to the office.

Following the untimely crash of my graphic station, I've been forced to work from a laptop that happens to have my monitor attached to it. Both a blessing and a curse; I've had few requests for specialized graphics since then. This has left me with quite a bit of time on my hands, which for someone like me, who contemplates the very existence of the universe on any given day, tends to wear on my sanity.

I've been passing the time reading various Wikipedia articles and doing simple busy work, such as cleaning out the desks in our office or seeing what I can procure from the chow hall and supply. I also finished Scar Tissue, the autobiography of Anthony Keidis, which was an excellent read.

My seniors around me are beginning to stress the need for me to become an NCO, and I've been thrust into a leadership position on a few occasions, with another one on its way. However, I currently have no drive or desire to become a "leader" of any sort and have already declined attending the board once, for which I was given a counseling statement. Not necessarily a negative action, just an aid of sorts to help me reflect on my decision and the advancement of my "career."

The military, as it stands, will not be a career. The prospect of working as a writer or poet is too appealing to me.

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to assess the military's beloved concept of respect. This is the belief that anyone of a higher rank than you deserves your utmost respect and obedience — most of which is purely by demand. Early in life, I adopted the "Respect those who deserve it" creed. And I'm a firm believer in the fact that respect should be inspired, not commanded.

The military fails miserably at understanding this concept. NCOs, especially those in the E-7 range, demand that they receive the highest respect and honestly believe they deserve it. These people follow the "I am Alpha and Omega" concept of leadership. This is something I despise, but given the military's policy on customs and courtesies, I have no choice but to concur. As it stands, I can no longer suffer my military service and anxiously await the day — four years from now — when my contract is over. Unless I can find a way to cut it short without causing damage to my civilian reputation.


And now:


The Dogs of War

Bark
Growl
And howl ye Dogs of War
Do as your master commands
And tear at our enemies' hands

You are merely beasts
Wild and feral
Suffering no will of your own



Peace,

Feelgoode