Waiting...

My knee is feeling better again so I'm trying to ease back in to my PT routine. Have to fous on form and be careful, but it'll be fine.

I think the reduced PT schedule contributed to my going a little stir crazy. That and the relatively slow pace of things.

I'd say that there is this Waiting for Godot quality to our routine but that would be really pretentious and I've have to punch myself. We do show up everyday trying to believe something is going to happen, and--unlike the existentialist drama of some silly play I read in high school--things are happening, but we are too removed to feel it most of the time.

I often complain that news coverage of the wars is usually behind events on the ground. Oddly, it seems our development and withdrawal of complex headquarters structures/infrastructure is simply out of phase with the state of the war.

Now that we are withdrawing from the cities, and preparing to drawn down in numbers period, we have multiple layers of sophisticated command centers in place. Whether that is ever a good thing is a bit of an open question due to the temptation and technological capability to micromanage to an unimaginable degree. Here, however, I think it is just becoming an inefficient use of manpower.

The good thing is that at least the lesson is being learned, even as bigger gyms are being built for smaller numbers of troops. Technology will enable us to do certain command and support functions from the rear without having to build up and maintain as large of a fielded presence.

It is like being witness to a revolution of sorts. We are grappling with how best to implement new technologies and networked command capabilities.

Of course, while the volume of information and the speed with which it can be available is new, there is still something timeless about the end result.

People back home can see incredible footage from aircraft video feeds and satellite broadcasts. In the end, as in generations past, it is still only made possible by a bunch of exhausted, dirty, and scared kids holding that ground.

It would be familiar to and soldier that has ever had to march on tired feet, carrying an every growing load, and fight. Only we may have UAV's in overwatch, death from above on call through the radio, we haven't had to play a home game in almost 150 years.

And our toys are better now. Almost got more free stuff. Apparently we are authorized two combat shirts from supply. Combat shirts are one of those nifty innovations that involves a hybrid of a moisture-wicking t-shirt with the sleeves of a uniform jacket; all made of a flame resitant material. Wear one layer rather than a t-shirt plus uniform jacket. I may also get a flight suit.

Sweet.

And... I got a giant package today.

The cookies won't last long. Some people were complaining that many of the cookies broke into small pieces and crumbs. Those same people have yet to let me put the bag away.

I had two cookies and decided to eat an apple. I love cookies. But I'm trying to be a good boy too.

It also has lots of food and mulitiple issues of The Economist. Those are at least as a big a hit as the cookies. The best part, as was pointed out, is that once you are through with the cookies, or more properly, once the cookies are through you, you then grab The Economist and do your business.

The circle of life in a USPS box.

The box also contained lots of very nice notes from friends back home. That was a really nice touch.

Thank you, everyone.

Now, the other thing I learned courtesy of the box was that one of the new guys is an Ohio State graduate (as you can see, the strain of these wars has forced even SOF to lower our standards).

He saw that a copy of the Michigan Alumnus magazine was included in my care package and declared that I'd have to be sent back as if going home early would be a punishment. Like I said, an Ohio State grad.

As a new guy, we are hazing him appropriately. At the chow hall a note was left on his tray by my neighbor. The note, chicken scratch on a napkin, said we hate you and want the current guy to stay. The current guy had a good laugh.

The new guy had a good laugh too, so he should fit in fine. We aren't too worried about him because, aside from the OSU thing, he meets the prerequisite for his job.

His last name starts with "B." That is three straight guys that have sat in that seat that have a last name starting with "B."