I received a recruitment letter from the Army today.

Now, thats probably not so strange - millions of people probably receive them every month.

But it was very interesting to me none the less.

Citing a need for experienced non commissioned officers to fill (projected shorfalls) in 'recruiting and retention'; it offered me several bonusses for going back on active duty should I wish to once again serve my country and earn the pride and distinction of coming to her need during (the current troubled times).

As a former Army Sgt who served two 4 year tours(enlistment contracts) and then left honorably, I was placed on the active reserve and then eventually the inactive reserve. After more than a dozen years I had assumed that the only time I would hear from them again was when the Chinese were marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.

As a openly Gay man for well over a decade, I was certain they would not call me back until the White House was actually surrounded and Dennis Hastert was President.

Further, I had thought I had the right to be proud of my service the first time around.

The bonuses were very conducive, they were 'specially authorized to': they offered to credit me a portion of the time I had been out toward my seniority and retirement (So that if I served another 4 year tour I would be within 2 years of my '20'); they offered to 'bump me' two grades or more depending on education; and finally they offered me $50k in signing bonuses.

Then the kicker - a thinly veiled exhortation to sign up now and take advantage of the bonuses before Presidential or Congressional action required a recall of certain classes of (veteran NCO's with my specialty) anyway - thus losing my chance at the bonuses!

Anybody want a nice vacation in the beautiful Tigris and Euphrates valleys this winter?

Do you think they will let me bring my boat with me? What about Skye (my new puppy)?

Anyway, I thought it was amusing - especially considering DADT.

Rob

You were an Army Sargeant?

Let's see. You are probably extremely sexy, educated, well spoken, a genuinely nice guy, you like dogs, good food, travelling to out of the way locations, you keep us totally fascinated.

How in God's name are you single?

(now if you owned a pair of handcuffs...........)


wink

S&W

Rob

Now why are my ankles all of a sudden lighter than air?


eek!

Because he hasn't sailed his boat to Key West yet to meet me! wink

Did somebody say handcuffs? wink

Rob:

You do realize that you now have no choice but to start a website with your travel journals on them (as well as on here), and be sure to put pics on it as well.

That way we can all look and conive (sp).

But I wanna see pics in (and out) of uniform!!

Next time I'm in Miami Key West Guy, have to travel down to meet you

If you want to go to Iraq go work for Brown & Root and make 6 figures instead. Youd be paid more while being shot at.

You got a deal. wink

Don't forget the medical care.

Caring for the Wounded in Iraq — A Photo Essay

Thanks Twin!! they had the same type of hospital etc in AFghanistan. I talked to a couple of the doctors there and it was just like a big city trauma center. They do a great job over there and have my upmost respect.
Thanks KWG sounds great to me : )