|
In Kontum I was a SSG and 1-0 of ST Delaware. My 1-1 was an O2. There was never any doubt about who was boss on the ground but I still showed 1Lt Hamrick all respect due him. We were close as team members can be. In fact I even let him talk on the radio - a rare distinction. I prefer to do the talking.
At the other end of the scale we were on an operation and, as always had trackers on us. During a security break my SP4 1-2 got up and started passing around cigarettes and bs'ing with the indig. He dropped his ruck to boot. I told him to take his position, shut up and never separate from his gear. His rtesponse was: "WHY?" The only reason I didn't shoot the sucker was that it would have made too much noise. That was his first and last operation.
I pulled 100% equipment checks prior to insertion. I think all 1-0s did. Indig had a habit of "forgetting" heavy things. I included my U.S. in the inspection to be fair. Once in Khe Sahn I got the same answer when I told a new 1-2 to lay out his shit. "WHY". We inserted one man short and that clown was no longer in the FOB when we returned. I was beginning to wonder what they taught in Training Group. This was in '68 and I guess they were rushing things to meet manpower quotas. I'm glad things are back to where they should have been all along.
|