Remembering A Professional Soldier

1LT Luke Flowers - Sir, my days as a 1SG are done 9 years as one will do that to you, I went to Ranger school in 83 and from that day forward I had, lets say a different opinion on Tabers. I never used my rank to tell anyone to STFU, they STFU because even the bravest Troop saw the crazy burning brightly behind my eyes and asked themselves do I really need additional problems in life or late night visits in the field and do I need this crazy fucker on my ass 24 x 7. Back in the day I was fortunate enough to learn under actual leaders who lead by example and got down and dirty with their troops. I was never to good to share in the work nor did I sit in an air conditioned office unless the filed in Alaska qualifies. My comment Opinions and suggestions come from hard won experience. As for feelings if you did get even the slightest bit of butt hurt from my gentle, lover like pillow talk here then you wouldn't have lasted as a PFC in one of my units :) Back in the day it was always harder doesn't matter if an Optio centuriae is telling you how he broke his hastile over some wise ass barracks lawyer legionarie or today when 1SG would love to take some young NCO to the woodline for NCOPD. In 200 years they will be saying back in my day things were tough. Its all about perspective. As for supporting me in front of the team the only reason I would have interaction with any officer other than the commander would be to offer some advice or to smile and shake my head knowing whats coming. Mission, men (meaning both Male and female Soldiers and a gender yet to be published in regs) and standards/training are the focus of our NCO's. By the way NOBODY looks forward to my input.

1LT Luke Flowers - Sorry Sir I think I have given enough of my life force after so many back to back assignments as a 1SG both conus and oconus. Let these new kinder , gentler and more user friendly, younger keepers of the standards step up and carry on. I have had my fill of special Ed troops, LT's and Field Grades. Now if you have a time machine and can take me back to being a 17 year old Paratrooper in an infantry company then you can have that sliver of soul I was saving for judgement day.

1SG Dennis Hicks I don’t mean literally shut the fuck up; for that I say “At Ease” :) I took all of this as banter; I don’t have the ego problems. You got your tab when I was fresh from vaginal-born operations so very much respect. I really do hope you’ll keep commenting. Also, my last name is Flowers... I don’t get butt hurt. I get busy. We don’t have to agree on everything or anything but at least I know you’re the kind of guy I would share a foxhole with.

1SG Dennis Hicks I love you already 1SG. You had me at Sir... I feel like together we would create a spectacular unit.