104TN
Verified Military
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2006
- Messages
- 921
Case Study #2: The Loyal Wife
- Thread starter Marauder06
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2006
- Messages
- 2,766
I'm thinking the brain tumor has affected her more than anyone can guess...Gary is probably not her b/f nor is he Jody. I wonder if, in an altered state caused by the brain tumor, she wrote those emails herself and made it all up...
Oh I agree, a comment I made about that in a thread long ago prompted this Case Study. But an advanced brain tumor can make people be out of their mind, so to speak...
you and me both. i don't think this guy has any clue what's been happening, nor do i think he's in the Army. he might WORK for the Army, but there's something else going on. I think she's been playing the field more heavily than anyone realizes.
Wouldn't it be more like signs of a stroke rather than a tumour?
Unless the tumour blew up in head or something, causing a stroke?
Unless the tumour blew up in head or something, causing a stroke?
sounds right, but Doc Doom is the brain surgeon. (or, at least, an MD...)
The Grand Ending You've All Been Waiting For
For Freefalling:
Jody and Mrs. Bradley drive off into the sunset, never to be seen again. They live happily ever after.
The end.
For Freefalling:
Jody and Mrs. Bradley drive off into the sunset, never to be seen again. They live happily ever after.
The end.
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2006
- Messages
- 2,766
Get Typing!!!!.....lol
Want me to ban him?
If you ban me, you'll never find out whether or not Jody got what he had comin' ;)
/////
After lunch you drive over to the airfield to try to track down Jody’s chain of command. You know generally where his battalion is, and you think you’ve got a good read on which company. It doesn’t take long to locate the place you think Jody works. You find a place to park and you and First Sergeant, still in your dress greens from this morning’s ceremony, don your maroon berets and walk across the parking lot.
The company headquarters looks like a ghost town. It takes a while to find the company orderly, who is so absorbed with the Playstation console he’s holding that you have to clear your throat to get his attention.
“Uh, yes sir?” he asks, embarrassed.
“Captain Faith and First Sergeant Reynolds to see the company commander,” you reply.
“I’m sorry sir, but the company just got back from Iraq and is on block leave for the rest of the month.”
“Who’s in charge around here?” you ask, hoping it’s not this clown.
“Sir, Master Sergeant Elliot is our rear-detachment Sergeant Major. His office is just down the hall,” the orderly says.
“Then I guess he’ll have to do. I want to leave a note for the commander.” You write out a brief note for the company commander, explaining who you are and asking him to call you at his earliest opportunity. “Make sure he gets this.”
It’s a short walk down the hallway to the Sergeant Major’s office. First Sergeant whispers, “Sir, this is NCO business. I’ve got this one.” You nod in agreement.
The door to the Sergeant Major’s office is closed. First Sergeant knocks three times, but there is no immediate response. He knocks again.
“Come in,” an exasperated voice sounds from inside the room.
When you and First Sergeant enter the room, you know this isn’t likely to go well. The office gives an impression of disorganization. Paperwork is piled on the desk, in no seeming order. The room reeks of cigarette smoke. First Sergeant makes the introductions, but the Sergeant Major makes no effort to stand, and does not extend a hand to either of you, and he doesn’t offer you a seat. He doesn’t look at all happy to see you, almost like you’re an interruption into his day. He peers up at you from over his reading glasses. The sports page from today’s newspaper is open on the desk, and a half-eaten Burger King sandwich rests on top of the pile. Even seated, you can tell he must be overweight.
First Sergeant does a great job of summarizing the salient facts of the situation. In very short order he has laid out exactly what the problem is with Jody. When he’s done, the Sergeant Major leans his considerable bulk back in his chair and puts his hands behind his head. When he does that, you notice that he is not wearing a combat patch.
“So?” he asks.
“What do you mean, ‘so’ Sergeant Major?” First Sergeant asks, incredulous. “I just told you that one of your guys has committed adultery, disrespected a commissioned officer, disobeyed a lawful order, and acted in an unbecoming manner.
“Yeah, so what?” said the Sergeant Major challengingly, leading forward across the desk. “You people do it all the time. You’re always disobeying orders, disrespecting superior NCOs, and ESPECIALLY committing adultery. And every time one of you Special Forces types gets into trouble, the while thing gets swept under the rug.”
“You SF guys think you can just come in here and tell me what to do in my own office?” he continues, “You guys can’t even wear your hats to walk from the parking lot into the PX, and you expect me to do something based on your say-so.”
You and First Sergeant exchange “What the fuck?” looks. Almost subconsciously, you glance down at the maroon beret in your lap. Not that it matters, but you’re quite sure it was on your head when you and First Sergeant crossed the parking lot. You sigh and think it would be useless to explain to the Sergeant Major that, while you are indeed in a Special Forces unit, you are not, in fact, “Special Forces.” You also resist the urge to explain to the Sergeant Major that, as an NCO, he doesn’t have the authority to “give one of his Soldiers an Article-15,” even if he wanted to.
NCO business or not, this situation is starting to get away from the two of you. “Look Sergeant Major, we’re not trying to tell you or anyone else what to do,” you say gently, attempting to defuse the situation. “I can’t help anything that has happened in the past. I understand where you’re coming from, it does seem like the team guys can do anything they want. I’ve been there. But we’re not team guys, we’re just guys like you, and we’re asking for your help to make right a wrong that has been done to one of our guys. One of our guys who’s dead now.”
“Well, you’re just going to have to tell someone who gives a shit,” he says, “Sir,” he tosses in, almost as an afterthought. The way he says “sir” has a condescending ring to it. You feel your face flush in that familiar manner that happens when you’re about to explode.
With that last comment, First Sergeant bristles. “What’s with the hostility Sergeant Major, did some team guy stick his little green beenie in your old lady or something?” First Sergeant totally meant it as a joke to help break the ice, but judging from the expression on the First Sergeant’s face, that specific circumstance, or something very close to it, is exactly what happened. The Sergeant Major’s face purples and swells, and in a very loud and impolite way, the two of you are invited to excuse yourselves from the Sergeant Major’s office and out of the headquarters building. Back in your vehicle, you get behind the wheel and First Sergeant climbs in the passenger side. Before you crank the ignition, you swing your head over to him. “What?” he asks with feigned indignation, as if he didn’t know. “How was I supposed to know that a bunch of team guys ran a train on his old lady?”
“First Sergeant, when this is all over I’m going to introduce you to two of my favorite people, Mr. Tact and Mr. Rapport,” you say. “Never heard of them,” he responds. You both laugh as you drive away.
When you get back to the office, there are three messages on your answering machine. The only one of interest was from Jody’s company commander, Captain Cho. You listen to the message as you change out of your dress uniform.
“Captain Faith, this is Captain Cho, Specialist Schum’s company commander. I got your message and I’m returning your call. Please call me back at your earliest convenience. My number is…”
When you’re done changing, you call Captain Cho. He answers on the second ring. You put it on speakerphone so First Sergeant can listen in as well. You introduce yourself, and briefly explain why you’re looking for Schum.
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised by any of this. Schum isn’t exactly a model Soldier,” says Cho. “He’s been in and out of trouble for a while now, we know he’s dirty but it’s never been anything we can really nail him with. If we’re able to substantiate the issues you’ve raised, we will prosecute him under the UCMJ.”
“Yeah, Captain Cho, about that. We had a talk with your rear-det sergeant major today, and I don’t think he’s going to be too interested in pursuing charges,” you say, recalling this afternoon’s visit.
“Please, call me Kevin,” he responds, “That’s probably true, but fortunately for all of us Master Sergeant Elliot does not control the UCMJ process in my company. Come on over and we’ll talk about it.” This day is getting better and better.
“Let me ask you a question, Kevin, is Schum about… 5’11”, mid-30’s, with green eyes and a goatee, drives an older red Mustang?” you ask, describing the man who introduced himself to you as “Gary.”
“Nope, he’s about 20 years old, brown hair and eyes, about 5’8”, and doesn’t have a car. But now that I think about it, he’s been driving around a white Corolla with Hawaii plates. Are you sure you have the right guy?”
“Bradley’s car,” First Sergeant mouths from across the room.
“Yep. We’re sure.”
“OK, I’ve got a pile of paperwork on my desk that it’s going to take me a while to sort through, and I’m sure that my first sergeant is going to want to hear what you have to say as well. Can we get together here in my office at say… 1600 today?” he asks.
“That sounds good. We’ll get all of the paperwork together and bring it over for you two to look at.”
“Sounds good, see you then.”
“Hm, wasn’t expecting that,” you say as you hang up the phone. “First Sergeant, let’s go for a ride.”
/////
After lunch you drive over to the airfield to try to track down Jody’s chain of command. You know generally where his battalion is, and you think you’ve got a good read on which company. It doesn’t take long to locate the place you think Jody works. You find a place to park and you and First Sergeant, still in your dress greens from this morning’s ceremony, don your maroon berets and walk across the parking lot.
The company headquarters looks like a ghost town. It takes a while to find the company orderly, who is so absorbed with the Playstation console he’s holding that you have to clear your throat to get his attention.
“Uh, yes sir?” he asks, embarrassed.
“Captain Faith and First Sergeant Reynolds to see the company commander,” you reply.
“I’m sorry sir, but the company just got back from Iraq and is on block leave for the rest of the month.”
“Who’s in charge around here?” you ask, hoping it’s not this clown.
“Sir, Master Sergeant Elliot is our rear-detachment Sergeant Major. His office is just down the hall,” the orderly says.
“Then I guess he’ll have to do. I want to leave a note for the commander.” You write out a brief note for the company commander, explaining who you are and asking him to call you at his earliest opportunity. “Make sure he gets this.”
It’s a short walk down the hallway to the Sergeant Major’s office. First Sergeant whispers, “Sir, this is NCO business. I’ve got this one.” You nod in agreement.
The door to the Sergeant Major’s office is closed. First Sergeant knocks three times, but there is no immediate response. He knocks again.
“Come in,” an exasperated voice sounds from inside the room.
When you and First Sergeant enter the room, you know this isn’t likely to go well. The office gives an impression of disorganization. Paperwork is piled on the desk, in no seeming order. The room reeks of cigarette smoke. First Sergeant makes the introductions, but the Sergeant Major makes no effort to stand, and does not extend a hand to either of you, and he doesn’t offer you a seat. He doesn’t look at all happy to see you, almost like you’re an interruption into his day. He peers up at you from over his reading glasses. The sports page from today’s newspaper is open on the desk, and a half-eaten Burger King sandwich rests on top of the pile. Even seated, you can tell he must be overweight.
First Sergeant does a great job of summarizing the salient facts of the situation. In very short order he has laid out exactly what the problem is with Jody. When he’s done, the Sergeant Major leans his considerable bulk back in his chair and puts his hands behind his head. When he does that, you notice that he is not wearing a combat patch.
“So?” he asks.
“What do you mean, ‘so’ Sergeant Major?” First Sergeant asks, incredulous. “I just told you that one of your guys has committed adultery, disrespected a commissioned officer, disobeyed a lawful order, and acted in an unbecoming manner.
“Yeah, so what?” said the Sergeant Major challengingly, leading forward across the desk. “You people do it all the time. You’re always disobeying orders, disrespecting superior NCOs, and ESPECIALLY committing adultery. And every time one of you Special Forces types gets into trouble, the while thing gets swept under the rug.”
“You SF guys think you can just come in here and tell me what to do in my own office?” he continues, “You guys can’t even wear your hats to walk from the parking lot into the PX, and you expect me to do something based on your say-so.”
You and First Sergeant exchange “What the fuck?” looks. Almost subconsciously, you glance down at the maroon beret in your lap. Not that it matters, but you’re quite sure it was on your head when you and First Sergeant crossed the parking lot. You sigh and think it would be useless to explain to the Sergeant Major that, while you are indeed in a Special Forces unit, you are not, in fact, “Special Forces.” You also resist the urge to explain to the Sergeant Major that, as an NCO, he doesn’t have the authority to “give one of his Soldiers an Article-15,” even if he wanted to.
NCO business or not, this situation is starting to get away from the two of you. “Look Sergeant Major, we’re not trying to tell you or anyone else what to do,” you say gently, attempting to defuse the situation. “I can’t help anything that has happened in the past. I understand where you’re coming from, it does seem like the team guys can do anything they want. I’ve been there. But we’re not team guys, we’re just guys like you, and we’re asking for your help to make right a wrong that has been done to one of our guys. One of our guys who’s dead now.”
“Well, you’re just going to have to tell someone who gives a shit,” he says, “Sir,” he tosses in, almost as an afterthought. The way he says “sir” has a condescending ring to it. You feel your face flush in that familiar manner that happens when you’re about to explode.
With that last comment, First Sergeant bristles. “What’s with the hostility Sergeant Major, did some team guy stick his little green beenie in your old lady or something?” First Sergeant totally meant it as a joke to help break the ice, but judging from the expression on the First Sergeant’s face, that specific circumstance, or something very close to it, is exactly what happened. The Sergeant Major’s face purples and swells, and in a very loud and impolite way, the two of you are invited to excuse yourselves from the Sergeant Major’s office and out of the headquarters building. Back in your vehicle, you get behind the wheel and First Sergeant climbs in the passenger side. Before you crank the ignition, you swing your head over to him. “What?” he asks with feigned indignation, as if he didn’t know. “How was I supposed to know that a bunch of team guys ran a train on his old lady?”
“First Sergeant, when this is all over I’m going to introduce you to two of my favorite people, Mr. Tact and Mr. Rapport,” you say. “Never heard of them,” he responds. You both laugh as you drive away.
When you get back to the office, there are three messages on your answering machine. The only one of interest was from Jody’s company commander, Captain Cho. You listen to the message as you change out of your dress uniform.
“Captain Faith, this is Captain Cho, Specialist Schum’s company commander. I got your message and I’m returning your call. Please call me back at your earliest convenience. My number is…”
When you’re done changing, you call Captain Cho. He answers on the second ring. You put it on speakerphone so First Sergeant can listen in as well. You introduce yourself, and briefly explain why you’re looking for Schum.
“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised by any of this. Schum isn’t exactly a model Soldier,” says Cho. “He’s been in and out of trouble for a while now, we know he’s dirty but it’s never been anything we can really nail him with. If we’re able to substantiate the issues you’ve raised, we will prosecute him under the UCMJ.”
“Yeah, Captain Cho, about that. We had a talk with your rear-det sergeant major today, and I don’t think he’s going to be too interested in pursuing charges,” you say, recalling this afternoon’s visit.
“Please, call me Kevin,” he responds, “That’s probably true, but fortunately for all of us Master Sergeant Elliot does not control the UCMJ process in my company. Come on over and we’ll talk about it.” This day is getting better and better.
“Let me ask you a question, Kevin, is Schum about… 5’11”, mid-30’s, with green eyes and a goatee, drives an older red Mustang?” you ask, describing the man who introduced himself to you as “Gary.”
“Nope, he’s about 20 years old, brown hair and eyes, about 5’8”, and doesn’t have a car. But now that I think about it, he’s been driving around a white Corolla with Hawaii plates. Are you sure you have the right guy?”
“Bradley’s car,” First Sergeant mouths from across the room.
“Yep. We’re sure.”
“OK, I’ve got a pile of paperwork on my desk that it’s going to take me a while to sort through, and I’m sure that my first sergeant is going to want to hear what you have to say as well. Can we get together here in my office at say… 1600 today?” he asks.
“That sounds good. We’ll get all of the paperwork together and bring it over for you two to look at.”
“Sounds good, see you then.”
“Hm, wasn’t expecting that,” you say as you hang up the phone. “First Sergeant, let’s go for a ride.”
Mara - you aren't Dickens and you don't get paid by the word or for increasing readership... pull the friggin trigger already, Sir.
Oh, how did the rear det SGM become a MSG? Did he get demoted in the 15 minutes from the fracas to the office?
Oh, how did the rear det SGM become a MSG? Did he get demoted in the 15 minutes from the fracas to the office?
Ref. the Sergeant Major... he's holding the position as a MSG, the same way an acting First Sergeant can be an E7.
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