Change of Scenery

Friends,

I have succesfully transitioned to the "other" country, still in the middle east, where our unit maintains a presence. I am in the que to take over the mighty Alpha Battery Assassins later this month, and will soon begin inventories and the full changeover process.

Living here is not necessarily worse, just different. There is no DOD provided WiFi, you have to buy it from a local carrier and then share bandwidth because it is expensive. You have to get dressed and walk 75 yards to the latrines to do whatever you gotta do. The food here has improved recently, but it still is not as abundant, readily accessable, or generally as good as the food where I came from. I have lost 2 lbs in about 6 days. The Air Force knows how to take care of it's people, and the Air Force don't run things here.

"Are you excited to be taking command?" In my opinion, any Officer worth their salt wants to be standing in front of troops, making decisions and affecting change. The more complicated the circumstances, the better. Staff work is a nice breather from time to time, but I am ready to get back on line with Soldiers. The Battery I am to command has the most complicated security and logistical situation in the entire AOR. Awesome. Due to where we live versus where we work, accountability and movement of people in general is a challenge. Awesome. The challenges abound, thus, so do the opportunities.

Professionally, I have some work to do. I am an Air and Missile defense tactician by trade, and due to the narrow scope of the jobs I have held, I have neglected to develop the other skills necessary to command a battery. I am weak in admin, supply, and maintenance, so I am focusing on getting more proficient in those areas prior to taking over. Fortunately, I have some subject matter experts in the area who are willing to square this young Captain away.

The immediate future is comprised of inventories, host nation meetings, and working out like a beast. Birthday is coming up, along with X-mas, and shortly thereafter, I become Assassin 6. The Air Force uses "1" as the commander designator, but the Army uses "6." This is why the wives are typically referred to Household 6. Army humor.

I hope everyone's holiday plans are coming together. Yes, it sucks being away from the family, but the Soldiers alway find a way to make the holidays exciting wherever they are.

Be in touch.

Regards

D