During
World War II, millions of Americans served in the armed forces, and it’s
unlikely that more than a handful saw a friend or relative (or at least one who
was out of uniform) on the day they finished basic training and moved on.
There were
several reasons for that. Travel was more difficult and expensive in those
days, for one. But probably the main reason was that it wasn’t regarded as an
occasion for celebrating. Almost every man of a certain age went through it, so
there was nothing special about it, and the next step for many was going into
battle and facing death or dismemberment.
Times have
changed. Serving in the military today isn’t mandatory; it’s a choice. Like all
choices, some are made for better reasons than others. But even the young man
who got his girlfriend pregnant and is trying to escape the wrath of her
parents has easier options than the Army. It’s a serious commitment that
entails considerable sacrifice, and the commitment should be honored regardless
of the reason for making it.
They Came From All Over
Because
military service is now optional, the services have recognized the public
relations value of celebrations. Having spent a number of years doing PR for a
living, I know that it’s not all Spin City. In the best sense of the word, it
can be an exercise in doing the right thing and making the right gestures, and
there’s a personal and social value in doing that.
Our son,
Nick, went into the Army May 6. He’s been in love with flying ever since he was
old enough to know it was possible, and is looking at a career in aviation. The
Army offered him training as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic, and he signed up
for six years. There are easier ways to get into the business, so I have to
admire him for taking this considerably tougher and more dangerous one.
Before
helicopter school, he had to go through infantry basic training, same as every
other soldier. So he was sent to Fort Jackson, SC, one of several bases where
they do that. The fort history says the site was chosen because of “its
year-round temperate climate.” I reflected on that point last Wednesday as I
sat in the bleachers at the fort’s Hilton Field for family day ceremonies.
Before the thunderstorms arrived in the afternoon, the mercury climbed into the
90s, with stifling humidity.
Private Wallace Carries the Banner
Linda and I
had arrived from Atlanta the day before and were in the bleachers early. Nick
was his platoon’s Guide-on, which means he carried a banner behind one of the
drill sergeants as his platoon and company marched on to the field. He looked
lean, fit, and in command of himself.
After the
family day ceremony Wednesday morning, we got to spend 10 hours with him on
base, catching up. He was craving pizza, so we had lunch at a Pizza Hut, then
visited the base museum and had a long talk in a shaded pergola by Lake Semmes,
the fort’s largest park.
The
following day he graduated, and we drove him to his next posting, at Fort
Eustis in Newport News, VA. He was calm, accepting and funny about his new life
in the Army, and looking forward to the next assignment. After three wonderful
days with him, we came away with the sense that he was feeling good about his
decision, which made us feel better, too. We’re glad the Army made a big deal
out of the occasion, and provided the chance for us to be with him and see how
it’s going.
