An Orgy of One

While we were back in garrison, we did various field training exercises out in the woods. We knew a CSM (Command Sergeant Major, pretty much the highest enlisted rank in the Army) who really enjoyed using his M4 to point at people, which really made everyone uncomfortable. While most of us didn't really agree with this terrible habit, nobody called him out on it because he had the rank where he was essentially untouchable, and besides - we were in a training environment with blanks, and nobody was really going to get hurt.

Now we're in Iraq, and this CSM decided to yell at a friend of mine for wearing unauthorized headgear. Of course, to get his attention he used his Stryker's .50 cal to point straight at my friend while screaming obscenities. The weapon was cleared, but still. I doubt there is ever a good reason for that, and even if there is, unauthorized wear of a PT cap isn't one of them.

Image by John Rohan and used under a Creative Commons license.

Posted by Joe Dirtbag on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 1:27 AM | Permalink