The SOBs in charge of the ship's comm network blocked all web shopping sites. I don't think I can live without amazon.com.

Posted by: Boviate at 03:13 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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As some of you have noticed, I'm seeming ambivalent about the end of my current enlistment. I set a baseline that I would absolutely not reenlist unless I picked up sergeant. Well, now I have, and I have to make the decision.

There are pros and cons to staying in. Here's my current thinking:

PRO:
Good at the job
Retirement benefits after 20 years, enough time for second career
Steady work, layoffs unlikely
Smarter than most coworkers=stand out from crowd
Excitement (=risk, sorry Mom)
Good vacation schedule
Decent pay, housing & medical benefits

CON:
Long work hours
Frequent moves
Likely better up-front pay as a civilian
Same smarts as most coworkers=just another warm body
Potential of greater contribution to society
Paperwork
Can be hard to visit family

Posted by: Boviate at 05:23 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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To all who shall see these presents, greetings:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of "Boviate", I do appoint this Marine a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps to rank as such from the first day of May, two thousand eight.

"Effective with this appointment, you are charged to carefully and diligently execute the duties and responsibilities of a Sergeant of Marines, and I do strictly direct and require all personnel of lesser grade to render obedience to appropriate orders. As a Sergeant of Marines you must set the example for others to emulate. Your conduct and professionalism both on and off duty shall be above reproach. You are responsible for the accomplishment of your assigned mission and for the safety, professional development and well-being of the Marines in your charge. You will be the embodiment of our institutional core values of honor, courage and commitment. You will lead your Marines with firmness, fairness and dignity while observing and following the orders and directions of your senior leaders and enforcing all regulations and articles governing the discipline of the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Given under my hand at HMM 265(REIN), 31st MEU, III MEF this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight.

XXX
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC
Commanding

Posted by: Boviate at 08:27 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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