Marines are
known for a lot of things. The ability to follow orders is certainly one
of them. What follows is true. I know, as I was a principal actor in
the scenario.
Back in the
early 70's my unit was preparing to depart for MCB Camp Garcia-Vieques,
PR. Transport was from MCAS Cherry Point, NC by means of a C-130 Hercules
transport. Cattle cars (actually a misnomer, as they do look an awful lot
like large horse trailers) were used to move us from Camp Lejeune,
NC to the flight line. Some lifer came by handing out cardboard tags
with white string on them. In the process of so doing he ordered, "Tag all
government property!"
Well, my momma
didn't raise no dummy. Besides, at the time I had already earned two
degrees and was the holder of the prestigious rank of Lance Corporal
(E-3). Receiving and following orders to the letter came as second nature
to me.
I proceeded to
tag my gear. That gear included my sea bag, my 782 gear, my helmet liner,
my helmet, my helmet cover, my helmet chin strap, my field jacket, my utility
cover, my utility blouse, my utility trousers, my trouser blouser bands,
my belt, my combat boots (1 ea.-right & left), my boot strings; you get
the idea. By the time I had carried out the order, I had a dozen or
more cardboard tags attached to my person.
I do distinctly recall it was a more than windy day.
My tags were caught by the wind, and
flapped quite noisily in the breeze.
Shortly prior to
boarding the aircraft a Major General whom I had
never seen before approached and began to interrogate me. The conversation went like
this:
Lance Corporal, what is your name?
Sir! Lance Corporal Yaros, Sir!
What and the hell are you doing with all those damn tags on you?
Sir! The word was passed to tag all government property, and I am government property,
Sir!
[There was a pregnant pause while the Major General digested my reply.]
Finally, he stated, "Marine, good job Marine!" He then proceeded to depart the
area without a further word ... .
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Created 13 Mar 2008 - 15:24:09 Hrs.
© 2008, G. David
Yaros. All rights reserved.
