[Vision2020] Shame on you Crabtree

[Tom Hansen]

Mr Nisbet -

I initially enlisted into the Army as a 71B (clerk-typist).

However, as I was entering my tenth year of service (ad still just an E-5),
I transferred into the infantry to become an 11M (Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Infantryman)..

Believe me.  It was no picnic.  I was required to undergo 11B training prior
to 11M training.

Basic infantry training was a major culture shock to me.  There I was a
28-year old clerk-typist in basic infantry training physically competing
against 18- and 19-year olds.  I underwent my 11B training in
October-November 1979 in B-9-2, Harmony Church, Fort Benning, Georgia.  I
psychologically developed an internal fear of drill sergeants.  I was
Platoon Guide for 4th platoon, primarily due to my prior service (something
new recruits lacked).  For nine weeks, 24/7, my world consisted of training,
training, training, culminating with a 25-mile forced march at MOPP-4 with a
50-pound ruck.  There is absolutely no way I would have been able to
complete (let alone, lead my platoon) on such a march nine weeks earlier.

For the remaining ten years of my career I was assigned to various infantry
units, with one minor respite assignment to a TDA unit (which cirtually
seemed like a picnic).

So, you see, Mr. Nisbet, although some people may consider me to be a REMF,
I don't.

I realize that you may be tired of hearing me explain my military life.
But, your comments below require nothing else.

Concerning my ignorant comment, I most feverishly apologize.

Take care,

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

 "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, a drink in the other, body thoroughly used
up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO. What a ride!'"

-----Original Message-----

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Phil Nisbet
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2005 12:39 PM
To: vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Shame on you Crabtree

Seasons Greetings Hanson

Thats not quite what my DD 214 tells me about my time in the service as an 
11B, but maybe thats how you served as a clerk typist?

You are however correct that DI is a term used by the Marines.  Its been a 
lot of years since I got out.  Its also quarter right face, not quarter 
right turn.  Funny how 30 years will dim the memories.

As for the extremely homophobic remark about hussling sailors, I thought you

said you were all about tolerance Hanson.  Kinda takes the gleem off of 
showing up at a Gay pride parade in solidarity when you make those kinds of 
remarks don't you think?

Phil Nisbet