I was Born 28 Years Ago Today

2015-03-17T08:53:54-04:00

On this day in 1987 Private E-1 Oldsen was born. Thought I would share some of the random amazing (not so amazing) thoughts.

- First duty station was Berlin Germany, The Wall was still there. I guarded Rudolph Hess who was imprisoned in Spandau Prison in the British Sector. The Wall came down four months after I PCSd and the crumbling of the Soviet Union began.

- I carried the M14, M16A1, A2, A4, the M4A1, A2. I used iron sights, M68, and ACOG. No laser, PAC 4, PEQ 2, PEQ 15. Fired countless ammunition nomenclatures.

- I used the PVS-5, PVS-7, 7B, PVS-14, AN PSQ 20 Thermal, night vision devices.

- PRC-77 w/ SOI, SINGARS w/ ANCD, ASIPS w/SKL, Harris, MTBTR, and some very recent satellite stuff.

- I have worn the white wool thermal underwear, Artic Parka w/wool liner, Pile Cap, and Mickey Mouse boots. Nice to have the silkies and gortex trust me.

- I slept many cold nights in a down filled "Mummy bag" with my green sleeping cap on. Nice to have the new sleep system trust me.

- Watched the M1 replace the M60 tank, The Bradley Fighting Vehicle replace the M113, the HMMWV replace the Jeep, the Stryker programs success. Have seen numerous weapons retired and replaced including the Army's medium/long range missile program.

- I have worn the wool green Class A uniform, the polyester green Class A uniform, and the ASU. Went from the Garrison Cap (some know the unspoken name), to the beret, to the Service Cap.

- I have done P.T. in tennis shoes and BDU bottoms w/ brown t-shirt, the banana suit, the Army Grays, the current IPFU, and the new black and gold.

- Wore Olive Drab utilities, BDUs, DCUs, ACUs, and OCPs. Black and tan boots.

- I have been to the NTC nine times and JRTC three...FML!

- I have seen the Army change from Legacy formation to Unit of Action to the current modular BCT/RAF.

- I went to PLDC, BNCOC, and ANCOC not WLC, ALC, and SLC.

- I have PCSd to 13 different duty stations, never to the same place twice.

- I have seen/participated in our great military removing a dictator from Panama, push Sadam Hussein's Army from Kuwait in a matter of days, attempt to bring some stability to Somolia, bring stability to Bosnia and Kosovo, mourned with all Americans as we were brutally attacked on 9/11, remove Sadam Hussein from power and stabilize (kind of) Iraq, defeat the Taliban and stabilize (kind of) Afghanistan.

- I have worked for five Commanders in Chiefs

- I never thought I would stay past my first four year enlistment much less achieve the rank of CSM.

- The most amazing thing from the past 28 years is all the amazing people I have met and have had the extreme honor to serve with, it is truly one big family.

It has been an amazing ride...thanks for listening!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 17 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-03-17T09:12:01-04:00

While reading this I realized that I experience some of the things you have mentioned here. I came In shortly after you. Only difference is I had 2 breaks in service totaling 11 yrs. I came in right as the wall was coming down, was in basic for Panama, got out right after Desert Storm. 4 yr break. Got back in the National guard got out right before Iraqi freedom kicked off. Then after a 7 yr break returned to the National Guard and have been to Iraq and Afghanistan. I have 15 yrs in and going to stay in till retirement. Nice ride CSM. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-03-17T09:51:21-04:00

No eye pro or gloves, sleeves up, no IOTV and no PT BELT!!!! I don't know how we survived back then!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 17 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-03-17T12:56:05-04:00

Thank you for sharing CSM Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made Mar 17 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-03-17T13:06:03-04:00

I also served in Berlin. it was much later after the wall fell. I deployed to the Former Yugoslav, Republic of Macedonia with Cco 6/502

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made Mar 17 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-03-17T14:05:19-04:00

"Happy Birthday CSM"

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 3:38 PM

2015-03-17T15:38:17-04:00

HOOAH! Thanks for sharing CSM Private RallyPoint Member and thanks for your service.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 17 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-03-17T15:47:29-04:00

I misread the title and thought you were the most rapidly promoted CSM in all history. CSM Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 17 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-03-17T16:02:08-04:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member thanks for the great memories. What a great way to share a career's worth of service.

Response by SGT Chris Reese made Mar 17 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-03-17T16:07:48-04:00

Happy Army Anniversary CSM. May you have more Great and Prosperous years ahead of you!

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Mar 17 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-03-17T16:14:16-04:00

Ah I see what you did there CSM. Took me a minute trying to figure out if there's ever been a 28yr old CSM.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-03-17T17:06:49-04:00

Thanks for sharing CSM Oldsen. Things have certainly changed since I enlisted in Dec 92 as well.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Mar 17 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-03-17T20:22:20-04:00

I read that wrong. There was no way someone joined at 18 in 2005 and is a SgtMaj 10 years later. Looking at the gear you used, I as well used all but 2 rifles and the M78. I guess its true the Marines get the hand me downs from the Army.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 7:08 AM

2015-03-18T07:08:04-04:00

Excellent post, CSM Private RallyPoint Member! Congratulations on 28 years! Onward and upward!! Keep soldiering, no matter what you do.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 18 at 2015 7:13 AM

2015-03-18T07:13:06-04:00

Good Lord, I have been out longer than you have been in, I MUST be old!!.....lol

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 18 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-03-18T10:16:40-04:00

Congratulations CSM Private RallyPoint Member . You have one hell of a history there Sir. Thank you for sharing your history. You should be proud.

David Shaffer

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-03-18T11:09:22-04:00

Congratulations on 28 years CSM Private RallyPoint Member! I really enjoyed the window back to your younger years up to the current time. It just goes to shows that we are an Army that keeps rolling along!