My inbox is overflowing with important issues that need discussion and every one of them is, as they say, serious as death. Which to choose?
But then, in sorting files this week, I came across a "For the People" column by Stephen Goode, a Senior Writer for Insight Magazine, dated Oct. 14-27, 2003. I'd read it then and saved it.
I loved it – truth and humor, about common sense for soldiers in basic training.
Goode called it "timeless military advice," purported to be taken from various sources. He said a longtime friend sent it to him.
With all the terrible military news we have been enduring and what our men and women in uniform are dealing with on a daily basis, it was cheering to find some humor in all of it.
The comments aren't dated because some things never change. Remember the old Army bromide, hurry up and wait!
Here they are:
"Aim toward the enemy." – instruction printed on U.S. rocket launcher
"Five-second fuses only last 3 seconds." – Infantry Journal
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo." – Infantry Journal
"If the enemy is in range, so are you." – Infantry Journal
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. Bombs are guaranteed to always hit the ground." – U.S. Air Force Ammo Troop
"It's generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed." – U.S. Air Force Manual
"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit" – The Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.
"Tracers work both ways" – U.S. Army Ordnance
"If your attack is going too well, you're probably walking into an ambush" – Infantry Journal
"Never tell the platoon sergeant you have nothing to do" – unknown Army recruit
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend." – U.S. Army
"If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him" – U.S. Army Ammo Troop.
And lastly, a thought from a decorated Army vet who knew of what he spoke: "Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
Thank you, Col. David Hackworth. RIP.
I don't know about you, but I loved these. My thanks to Stephen Goode.
I hope that with all the military tragedies we are dealing with on a daily basis, you were able to smile a bit, too.
Remember, if we don't laugh, we'll go crazy.
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