Knee Deep in the Hooah!

I have been mulling over the various responses we have heard from our friends, family, loved ones and strangers about the news that Bryan has decided to change his career path and join the military. We have had the gamut of responses ranging from “What in the world are you thinking?” to “Why would you leave XYZ Company for the military?” Well there are a whole host of reasons, and I am thinking of turning the tables on folks. From now on when people ask “Why in the world did your husband join the military?” I am going to say “Why in the world would he not join?” I may go a step further and say “Why haven’t you joined?” **

The US Army is 231 years strong this year! Happy Birthday US Army! After much thought, careful deliberation and a long period of prayer, Bryan decided to join. There really is not a single reason for his decision, but rather there are many. The fact is the US Army offers a huge range of viable, competitive and fulfilling jobs. Where the notion came from that somehow the Army is a career that people take when they have failed at flipping burgers is beyond me. Nothing could be farther from the truth. My husband holds degrees in both Art and Science. He is an accomplished artist (refer back to an earlier post with proof of his awesome talent!), and he is very accomplished in the sciences where he boasts several patents and high esteem from his fellow colleagues at XYZ Company (I will refer to it as “The Company” from here on out). I find the insinuation odious that somehow the only people who would ever join today’s Army during a time of conflict are either too stupid or too poor to do anything else (please reference the likes of Sean Penn, Charles Rangel, and John Kerry for examples). It simply is not true and it is a huge insult to the talented, intelligent and conscientious military personnel that our Country is blessed to have.

Bryan has simply come to the top of his ladder at the Company. He is a good worker, has a spotless record, and is very smart and motivated. He had a few different directions from which to choose, but after Mike had enlisted Bryan decided to just peek into the Army’s options. It wasn’t long before this that the Army had officially moved the age waiver cut off to 41 for those with no prior service. Bryan is 40, and will be 41 in November. He began by disciplining himself and getting up each morning around 4am and doing the PT in the Army PFT handbook. When he felt he had reached a satisfactory level in his mind he moved it up a notch. Before long he was out doing 5 mile runs, push ups galore — and yes, sometimes he had Princess Hooah on his back for those push-ups asking him “Can you cry papa?” It was just like a Rocky movie only without the music.

After realizing that he has the physical ability and stamina to make the cut he decided to talk with a recruiter. I am sure that my husband looked odd walking into the recruiters station on that day. He was wearing business casual dress, he has graying temples, and is a very distinguished looking fellow. He truly is quite different than the men the recruiters normally look for. He is, as I have mentioned OLD. Older than me too. I just had to say that. So, with that said they started the process of signing him up. He did have the possibility of a direct commission into the Army Reserves, but he really longed for the “boots to the ground” time. He feels that in order to be the best leader he can be that he needs to have experienced BCT and OCS. Is it any wonder why I am madly in love with this man?

I never tell anyone that Bryan was given an age waiver. The truth is he earned the age waiver. He is very fit for his age. He really is in great shape, and probably is healthier than some younger guys who are less active. He was blessed with a naturally high metabolism, so he can eat his weight in food and still stay thin and healthy. He will enter into BCT with the automatic nick-name “Pops,” or perhaps “Gramps?”

I am ready too for the challenges that will befall me as the wife of an Officer. From what I read and gather, my social work skills will probably come in handy. Right now I have a huge concern over protocol and dress for events such as formal balls. I am sure that in time I will find my niche and become an integral part of everyday life on a military base somewhere. Call me strange, but the thought of getting to support the families of those who are deployed gives me great joy. I think it will be a very high honor to serve those who are serving.

Ultimately Mr. Hooah and I will find our places among the ranks… both the formal and informal, the silent and the spoken. We have only just begun this journey and we already feel a love and connection to our Army Family. So the next time you feel compelled to say “Why in the world would you join the military?” to someone, maybe you should ask yourself “Why not?”

Hooah! and good night.

**to our friends, family and loved ones’ credit they were simply shocked. I am really not addressing the people we know personally inasmuch as just making a statement regarding the general negative attitude that some people display toward those who choose a career in the Army.

Tags: family life, military //