Update

Joined
Nov 3, 1998
Messages
4,331
Things have not always been spiritually or physically bright since I moved up near DC about 9 months ago. One challenge I faced was finding a job. Most of the jobs I applied for were filtered through an automated system, and if it didn't "like" what you wrote, through some fuzzy-logic magic, a human would never read your application, no matter how qualified you actually were for the job. I still had my Army reserve income, and it really helped when I was given a last-minute assignment to WLC (sergeant's school), but finances eventually got really tight. I sold one of my remaining handguns when my buddy Davis visited just after my birthday (Christmas).

Not too long after that, I found my long-time (and for several years, best) friend Byron Quick had passed away in early December. I had parted ways with Byron a few months before this, telling him I couldn't stand watching him kill himself through his destructive behaviors. He said he understood, but I couldn't help feeling a little guilty and sad about not being around when he went. :( Byron had also come on some hard times near the end, and owed me a decent bit of money. If he had a will, it hasn't been found (or if it has been found by a greedy cousin)....I eventually gritted my teeth and cashed in my 401K in Feb.

While at a (SWAMPED!) job fair, I saw a Wackenhut guard, and thought to apply. WSI holds many higher-end contracts, such as guarding military bases, and also had guarded the Savannah river plant when I had lived nearby. I applied, and got a call back less than a month later. At what I expected to be an interview, I was just basically told I had the job, contingent on passing the PT test. And was told that the pay was about double what I'd told myself I would accept to wear body armor in the sun.

Some of you have followed my saga for years, so you know I don't tell you lightly that I put in a reserve officer's packet, though I was hampered by working with my unit back in GA, after I'd already moved to VA. Everything was eventually submitted, and a quick officer review board was convened while I was down in GA for mandatory training (having driven down immediately after a full day of WSI academy). I faced three majors, snapped to attention, gave them a crisp salute, and presented myself to the captain of the board.

And was told to relax, they were on my side. :D I expected to be grilled for about an hour, but after first giving a brief history of myself since 1997, I was asked a single question by each officer. And that was it. (But I gave detailed answers. ;))

I was told finding the results of the board could take up to six months, and as my ETS approached, faced deciding how to handle staying in the reserve without committing myself to something that would conflict with my commissioning, if approved. I eventually extended for a year. And waited.

WSI, while still having some of the problems usually found with security positions, is easy money compared to teaching. In a lower-risk environment, ironically. If I work about 32 hours a week, I will make the same pay as I would putting in about 55 hours a week as a Master's-holding high school teacher. I usually work about 38 hours a week. I even bought a 2007 4-door Civic Si (sport version) after discovering my credit score was surprisingly high (I didn't have any credit cards, but my diligent over-payment on my student loans showed me with lots of available credit). At the rate I'm going, I'll have it paid off in a year.

Last night, while talking to a MP I hadn't met before, I told him I had an officer packet in, "and should be hearing back...well, about now, actually." I got a call a few minutes ago. My packet's been accepted to commision. Now, all I have to do is pass a few months' worth of training and schools. ;)

Just wanted to share.

John
 
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I hope this is a good turning for you. I've no doubt you'll give it your all.

Best of luck, young man.:)
 
Thanks for the update John! It is good to hear that things are progressing for you.

keep us posted! You are a man highly esteemed by many!

:)

Tom
 
That is outstanding! Good luck with the schools, etc., and please keep us posted...

I worked for Wackenhut way back in the early 80's while I was in the AF in San Antonio. It was a decent company. It was good money for then too, but I hated that it was an unarmed position in a bad part of town (big factory). Half the other guards carried their own CCW just in case.
 
Thanks for the update, John.
Tom is right, you are held in the highest of regard around here. Partly because of what you have done for your country but mostly because of the kind of person you are.

Do try to stop by more often:)
 
The kind regard of people here is very important to me: thanks.

AC, I have most common force options: pepper spray, handcuffs, baton, and sidearm.
 
Congratulations John. You deserve it.
 
:rolleyes:That's good. I have to say that being a recluse never worked for me.

Old Physics?

I give lessons (by mail, of course) if you are interested in honing your reclusivity skills.

Graduation ceremony involves the graduating class going outside their houses and shaking their respective fists at the heavens, then going back inside to mutter to themselves. :)


My packet's been accepted to commision. Now, all I have to do is pass a few months' worth of training and schools.

I'm very happy for you, John. The training and schools will be good for you. With them, work, and other enterprises in your life, you will be exhausted.:thumbup:

BTW, you will ALWAYS be a teacher, classroom or not.
 
Some of the best Officers I know in the Army are ex-enlisted. Congrats on your selection. From what I hear, the schools are challenging, but not overly so.
Good Luck!
 
It looks like you have come out of some lean times, hope it gets much better over the next few years.

The NCO's used to say they only difference between them and officers was that they worked for a living :)

Will it be the case of poacher turned gamekeeper and the NCO's won't get away with anything?
 
Some of the best Officers I know in the Army are ex-enlisted. Congrats on your selection. From what I hear, the schools are challenging, but not overly so.
Good Luck!

Some of the finest officers I know in all Services began as Enlisted. I believe it gives them a more complete insight on all phases of the life.
 
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