Doonesbury-The Sandbox-Military Blog, Milblogs for Military Families

The author gives some pretty accurate descriptions of "ETTs". I especially liked, "No ifs, ands or buts about it. I’m definitely a cross of breeds and varieties."

I'm not sure I'm 100% on board with some of the statements; I mean-just because SF used to cover this area, doesn't make being able to cover it in any capacity a point of comparison. The only thing I ever shared with SF was the extremely valuable moments in training and in the field when they took time to share their knowledge towards making us better Advisors.

For my own part, I found the training at Ft. Riley to be challenging, in-depth, and tailored to the mission-We certainly had volunteers who didn't complete it, and I wouldn't call it a "check in the box". I left there a very different Sailor than when I reported.

That said-there were many times I felt "individual results may vary" is a very appropriate statement.

We had some ETT members who were extremely fit, came from backgrounds that included combat arms, and even had a guy who had been an active duty SEAL. For the most part however, we were just the willing and the ready. There were experts in comms and logistics, older members who brought a broad level of leadership experience, and young guys (like your's truly) who brought enthusiasm and enough naivety to try anything once-even things we weren't "supposed" to be able to do.

All in all, it was an experience I was truly proud (and humbled) to be allowed to participate in. Certainly a different way for a blue-water guy to see the War.