just a little perspective...
5 American servicemen died in Kuwait today. These were line of duty, training fatalities directly related to hostilities in the area.
I said a little prayer for them and their families when i heard the news.
Last week, Karen and I visited friends at Ft Bragg for a couple of days.
On Thursday evening, my buddy (since the Cuban missile crisis) and I attended a Special Forces Regimental Supper. We were two of just a small handful of retirees allowed and invited to attend. The dinner was presided over by the current SF commanding General. The former and retired CG of SF, another good friend, was there too. The other attendees were our top unconventional warfare leaders, The best of the best, and men who are about to enter the outfit.
The Special Forces Regiment has two honorary positions. The Honorary Regimental Commander is the father of SF. The Honorary Regimental Command Sergeant Major is also a good friend. Together, in the early 70s, he and I ran an “A” team together on several minor deployments overseas. I thoroughly enjoyed a nice discussion with him. we too have remained good friends over the years.
The evening focused on some new graduates of the Special Forces “Q” course. Completion of the qualification course is the final step that wins the Green Beret. A number of Green Berets were awarded including one presented to my buddy's son.
WOOAH!
This graduation and beret award is not the end of training, not hardly. It is an invitation to participate in advanced training techniques and live missions with an “A” team.
Before joining their teams, these men have 2 more steps…first, to become language proficient in their team’s language. They will do this in intense, full time, language studies that take many months to complete. Next they will have to survive the intense, two week SEER course. This dreaded 2 week course is the final step to a position on an “A” team.
Even then training is not complete. There are 60+ schools in SF. That does not include other Army schools such as ranger and pathfinder that many will attend. Many go on to become expert skydivers and HALO jumpers or SCUBA divers who could give SEALs swimming lessons. All will thoroughly cross train in the 5 SF specialties, operations/intelligence, light/heavy weapons, medical, communications, and demolitions/explosives.
The regimental supper was for the guys. For the benefit of the new guys, the guest speakers and discussion focused on training, life on a team, and the facts of life for a beret wearer. Expectations were clearly stated. The puny rewards were explained. The harshness of a SF warrior’s life was described.
At the beginning of the dinner, we did the obligatory toasts including a toast to the...PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Later I asked the career SF major next to me how he felt about that toast. He smiled and told me that it was the first time in 8 years that he had actually hoisted his glass and drank to that. He told me they are grateful for the support and leadership that has taken a dramatic change for the better at the highest levels. He said the attitude change is astonishing at every level.
The following day we went to the formal graduation ceremony attended by families. This was quite different but another awesome celebration. The mood was upbeat. All family members were welcomed to the SF community. The graduates received their diplomas. Green berets were everywhere.
Next we went to a family luncheon hosted by my buddy. Considering the fact that there are now 2 Green Berets in that family, it was quite ok and pleasantly enjoyable. we were honored to have been invited. Leaving i asked my friend's son where he would like to go for his first deployment...His response was, "Kuwait, Bosnia and Columbia...all three, in any order.
Thank God we produce such men.
Heading home, we stopped to see the new airborne and special forces museum in downtown Fayetteville. This is a must see for anyone interested in military history. It is awesome, inspiring and a tribute to all ever served.
While driving home, I caught myself humming the words of Barry Sadler’s song. At the last verse, I got a lump in my throat.
“Put silver wings on my son’s chest,
Make him one of America’s best,
He’ll be a man they’ll test one day,
Have him win the Green Beret.”
The passing of the sword and arrows to the next generation was completed.
unclewest
PS. Since arriving back home, i have been wondering. If Special Forces can begin formal meals and ceremonies with a public prayer, and if congress can begin every daily session with a public prayer, if our money can carry the words "In God We Trust", why can't my grandchildren say a prayer in school? |
