A Soldier Griping

[Astral Claw 126]

Hey All,

Well those of you who who know me (and those of you who don't) I am a soldier in the Army, been going on 7 years doing it and hold the rank of Sergeant (tho I go to the board for my Staff Sergeant on Tuesday, so THAT is good news). Now, i recently moved here to Grafenwoehr, Germany from Fort Lewis, Washington, and I tell you I have been having headache after headache. Things are so disorganized here, mainly cuz of certain things, and also some priorities are getting all mixed up at levels way above my head. But my biggest gripe is this: I recently volunteered for Bradley Master Gunner School. Now, dont get me wrong, it is a huge opportunity for me and also a great school to have, but they keep changing the damn start date (it went from April 14 to currently May 5th, and even THAT ain't set in stone). With all the date changing, now it appears I am gonna hve to work all thru the unit's block leave (for those of you who don't know military talk, this means vacation), and my next opportunity for leave won't be till October!! This wouldn't be bad if I didn't have a very sweet girl who I intend to propose too, and who misses me very much. You can imagine, she got very, VERY upset at these turn of events. So, now, I am at a loss, and took a schlacking from my soon to be fiance on top of it all ( iwas up till 3 AM running damage control to try and calm her, she is a fireball). Anyways, I am just griping, and can use some encouragement. I have faith it will be okay, but damn sometimes Army life can be very hard.

[juddski]

sympathies about the delays (it must be a right pain)but that's what happens in big organisations ......
my brother inlaw left the para's (W.O.1)
because of all the reorganising and messing about...
*question*
is there any way she could come and visit you?.
on a vacation sort of thing ,just wondered

[Astral Claw 126]

She doesn't have a passport Juddski But good idea

[lord marcus]

why not get her one? or try to get her to get one?

[Radeon]

This is why I fear service. I just got my letter of acceptance for Navy Officer Training, and it's set in stone that I will be a Navy Officer during the years 2012-2016. Don't get me wrong I look forward to serving my country, but the distance from family and friends scares me. I want to keep an eye on this thread, it sounds like an issue I might have to deal with in the future.

Back on track, Asatral Claw, the idea of getting her a passport seems like a good idea, it might take some time, but it will certainly happen before October!

[Dragoon King]

Keep your chin up, brother. I'm sure your fireball will come to understand they are things you can't control being in the military. Drink a big pint of beer and send me all the bratwurst you can get your hands on! Having her visit you is a good ideal, if you can make it feasible. If not, be sure to keep in contact with her regularly.

[Astral Claw 126]

Ya, I want to bring her out here. But can't get her a passport on my end unless we are married. And she is pretty poor to afford a passport. But I will bring it up to her. Also Radeon, service is nothing to fear. I mean, you are going Navy and officer. If you go to the fleet you will be on the sea, away from the bullets and bombs. But, yes, the distance is hard. But it will work out, family understands well. It is the girlyfriend that have hard times.

[iNsOmNiAc'S dReAm]

Originally Posted by Astral Claw 126

Ya, I want to bring her out here. But can't get her a passport on my end unless we are married...

Ah well theres another option... You could always marry her and then the military HAS to move her with you

[Astral Claw 126]

Ya, Insomniac. THAT will come to pass

[munkey joe paints]

Sgt Claw.....Kinda nice ring......

I am a VET and a soon to be ex soldier with 11+ years time in service and 2 of those due to a stoploss order. I feel your pains. I am lucky to have a wonderful wife who knows about the Military literally first hand. i will be pimping the Pink card soon brother!!!

Now to your issues.....in 11 series talk.....
1)Send her the money for the passport, if she gets it she will come to see you if not....your only out $200 bucks MAX instead of half of everything 3 years from now.
2) Get a JOP marriage and take her with you to Germany. If she is as strapped for the cash as you make her to be she can use the medical and bennies from it. Save for the big formal later.
3) If there is this much stress now think of what will happen when your gone for 15 months. sit down and really look at what is happening and do some reverse planning from your planned future. Do you see everything as "Peachy"? if so Give it your all and make both your lives wonderful.

I wish you the best young "Buck" and with a nice head on your shoulders as your 201 says you do you'll work up a course of action. you have proven your decision making process to be going to the board. Do them proud by making your decisions well planned out with Alt COA's and educated choices.
And if this is harsh to some, Trust me- Ive been with 11 series my entire career (I was a line medic for 8 of my years before running the Battalion aid station and evac sections) and am a confidant with a infantryman. You know this comes from the heart, so make the right move!!