The High in Highlight

The irony of the whole situation is that it begins with a puff, then it leads to a soldier's life completely crumbling down. Well, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I guess it could happen. I have been a platoon leader officially for 3 months and I have been struggling to find my ground and "nitch". Regardless of all the BS I have to put up with, I do love my job! I wake up everyday excited and anxious for work and what's to come for the day-- well almost everyday. And it is all because of soldiers, they are the "high" to the highlight of my life. I mean of course you get rotten ones, but it just take a few to surprise you and completely make you forget about all the BS you have to go through.

This "high" first started when one of my E4 confided in me, and shared with me a very daunting but traumatizing event that recently occurred in his life. I mean it was something that brought a very introverted and reserved 28 year old man to tears. So I did my best to help and lent him my ears and presence. And I felt absolutely amazing to have the power and ability to actually help someone. Especially these soldiers who have given so much of themselves and their family for the country.

So tonight one of the E4 pulled me to the side and talked to me. He was not in my platoon, he was actually in the headquarters platoon. He works as a mechanic for the company. And this soldier is very interesting. He wasnt like the other e4s in the company. He is one of the hardest working soldiers in the company. And he is extremely upbeat, and sometimes even borderline having a poor military bearing upbeat. I mean dont get me wrong, he is one of the most outspoken individuals in the company as well. he speaks to almost everyone on the same level regardless of rank. and that sometimes and eventually will become a downfall for him as a leader and as a person. But you know what? I really like him. I like his boldness, his sense of justice, his perseverance, his sense of humor, and his candidness. I mean I would be more than happy to have ten soldiers exactly like him rather an extremely squared away soldier who sticks his nose where the sun dont shine. Because he provides feedback. and in order to improve upon an organization, you need that devil advocate.

So there I was 1900 in the evening, and I am still in the office working on paperwork. And I come outside and there was still one squad left in the company area standing at parade rest waiting to get released. Why didnt I know what was going on? Why didnt my NCOs inform me what was going on?