We kicked today off with a mandatory Counterinsurgency (COIN) Operations briefing. It went relatively well, with higher than usual motivation from the masses, false or otherwise. Here's the super summary "country can't provide, group rises up in power to either help or take advantage. We come in to fight and build structure behind whichever side we back, so that they can govern again, hopefully more effectively." Very dumbed down, but the general gist (is that redundant?)
After that I scrambled to pull a group together to head to the main base. We dropped one at the airport, sent 2 through the medical screening, sent 2 to coordinate our urinalysis supplies, one to work logistics, 3 to work weapons and supplies, and 2 of us worked certificate turn-in and schools requests. Pretty full trip. I got both a Starbucks iced and hot coffee out of the mix, so I'm a happy camper.
Back to home base after that, rolling right into a meeting. Info flies around, tomorrow is coordinated, then into the bunk early.
Ladies and gents, that's a day. Minimal bitching and griping, trying to balance this a little with all the frustration day to day.
How's regular life? Any questions I can clarify? Let's get interactive. K
Crazy full day! :) What has been the most satisfying part for you so far?
ReplyDeleteS,
ReplyDeleteThe most satisfying part, thus far, has been influencing others toward
wellness. I try to push folks forward, be it through diet, exercise,
reading, or just simply thinking about how their actions affect others. Over
the last few years I've done a lot of work to establish myself as a helpful
figure and someone who shows a real interest in Soldiers (read: people) who
are willing to try. I've found that most really want to succeed, or at
least accomplish something, and just need a force behind them keeping them
on track and holding them accountable.
Any of the others on the blog can attest to the fact that the Soldiers
around here frequently consider my reaction when going about their day (at
least they tell me they do). They hide their bowl of ice cream at dinner,
they try not to make eye contact when they see me going to the gym, they
cringe when they find some type of English-language-abortion exiting their
mouth in my earshot. Sure it's usually in response to a series of prompts
from me, for example, I'll respond to someone saying "you're guyses" with
"Did you really just say that? You know that isn't a real word right?" The
consistent part is them responding with "I know, I know, but...(blah blah
blah of some form or fashion)". The difference is not just chastising them
and leaving it there, it comes with explaining what "right" should be (if I
know it) and trying to reinforce that it's OK to do things properly. Why
not, right?
There is a lot, honestly a lot, of potential in this group. The majority are
extremely competent and have the knowledge and tools to excel. A theme I
notice is the desire to connect with our mid-level leadership and just
embrace the fact that we support them and are willing to do everything we
ask them to do. If we aren't doing the work with them, we understand without
flaunting our status, and show our appreciation.
I was telling Tess in a FB conversation recently, that I tend to naturally
become a balancer in settings like this. If the boss is hyper and fired up,
I become calm. If vice versa, I take the energy up. If someone is sick or
stressed or down about something, talk them down and provide stability. If
they are riding a high, cut them down! Just kidding.
Steer the ship in what I think is the proper direction. That's the most
satisfying.
Well, you certainly did a great job of keeping the calm we when worked together before! It wasn't nearly on the same scale, but it was always appreciated. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure they appreciate your excellent leadership and good intentions. I hope they show their appreciation for having you as well...
ReplyDeleteHopefully with today's news, you and your guys(es!) will be home safe soon. Good luck with keeping everyone on track, I'm sure you're doing a brilliant job!
Be safe.
Warmest,
Sarah