More on Perspective

No moral lesson today, just a story and shout-out to my friend and his recent promotion.

When I attached to Supply Co. (-), Raleigh, I was put under charge of a Lance Corporal who shared a common MOS (Military Occupational Specialty... or "job" in the civilian world) of 0311, infantry rifleman. We bonded pretty quickly, having similar experiences in the Corps and because to find another infantry Marine in a supply company is pretty unusual (we just don't belong there). However, quite literally the first thing Supply Co did was to promote me to Corporal. Despite the fact that I knew nothing of supply and had just arrived, I already was in charge of this Marine assigned to be my mentor. It was clear that this irritated him.

Over the year we spent working and training together, we had ups and downs, but were always pretty solid friends. We helped each other in different areas and in different ways. When his girlfriend deployed to Iraq, I was there with a sympathetic ear and what turned out to be good advice. When my jeep blew out a water pump, he drove 2 hours to pick me up and drive me back to Camp LeJeune. We're friends.

In the fall of this past year, my friend pulled every string he had (and several he really didn't) and got himself on active duty orders with a California unit. He was still a Lance Corporal, despite the fact he would be a Corporal had he been on the active duty side of things. Upon reaching Cali, he was pretty much immediately promoted and began training with a Motor Transport unit (he had gone back to MOS school to obtain the proper licenses this past summer). Prior to this morning's phone conversation, the latest update had been that he was working as the Motor Transport Chief for his section... a job designed to be held by a Staff Sergeant, or a Sergeant at the very least. Nevertheless, my friend distinguished himself. He kicked-ass on PT, maintained his responsibilities admirably, and lit the world on fire with motivation. He is a Marine's Marine.

Today he called me to let me know he had been promoted to Sergeant, meritoriously. He now outranks me, and I am eating crow and humble pie. I am genuinely happy for him though, as he truly is an outstanding Marine. Still, there seems to be a certain ironic symmetry to this story.

Anyhow, there is nothing to lament. I just hope to get promoted sometime soon. Until then, here's to you, Sgt C. The Corps' newest Sergeant of Marines!

Kill.