Ask and you shall receive. I've now heard folks on both sides of the aisle, some feel sorry for him while others don't. I don't...he just comes across as that "guy" and you don't want to be that "guy" ever. He acutally signed it with his name, number, email and all that but it has been removed. BTW, to keep it PC on this site, I like BEE for his callsign...Best Ensign Ever!!!

From: ENS NASC, SNFO
Sent: Mon 8/31/2009
Subject: Update from Pensacola

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The hours have become longer down here in Pensacola... And I haven't even begun training! I was actually recalled back to Flight Management after my one-month brief stint with the Blues to be the Lead Ensign of "A" Pool. Although the title sounds glorious, the work is even more rewarding. It is the first time I feel as if I am directly making an immediate impact on my colleagues. The job is simple- ensure that people are ready to class-up for IFS and API and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed while they prepare to start their training as Naval Aviators. I pray everyday that I have the energy to do what is right and provide the best support for all 500 Ensigns down here, but they were right when they said leadership isn't a popularity contest.

I will admit this is probably the most difficult job I have ever taken-up; being a leader among your peers is hard at times and I have stepped on a few toes in order to get things done. I know that it is not the best way to do business and I have learned from these mistakes but what continues to motivate me is the endgame- having my buddies class-up and knowing that my staff and everyone who works in this office had a hand in the outcome. I catch myself asking why I enjoy coming into work by 7am and leaving no earlier than 4pm, sometimes sticking around till 5 or 6, but the energy that surrounds this place is something different.They call the base the "Cradle of Naval Aviation" and with a whole group of newly commissioned Ensigns eagerly, for the most part, waiting to begin their careers, the energy that some of them bring to the command is astonishing.

It is interesting to see the many walks of life people come from and the melting pot A-Pool is and has become but what astounds me the most is that although we are only a small piece of the puzzle, this is where everything begins.My schedule / routine has smoothed itself out for the most part. Up by 6am, work by 7am, PT and lunch between 10am and 12pm, hopefully out the door by 4pm, evening activity of some sort, then bed anywhere between 11pm and 1am.

You will probably find me out in town Tuesday thru Saturday, whether it is running the Maguire's 5k, dinner at the Fish House, Jellyfish, Ale House, Ichiban, or Dharma Blues, the pit stop into Seville Quarter, sailing in and around the bay, or headed out to Pensacola or Perdido Beach for the day.Then on Sunday evenings I go in and greet the Blues when they come back from their trips (tradition). I have definitely gotten use to this typical / average lifestyle here in Pensacola so hopefully they will keep me around for a while.

With that said, it looks like I will be classing-up for IFS anywhere between mid-Oct to early-Jan and jumping right into API afterwards.This is by choice and the higher powers to be have tried to make it smooth sailing for me. ! My chain of command is great! They are very supportive, mentor me, and treat me as if I was staff. Hope I don't mess this up!

That is all I have right now. I hope everyone is doing great and that all is well.

VR,Ensign, U.S. Navy

 

I can remember when the world wide interweb was a new fangled device. (1998) One of our incoming Ensigns decided to write what was then known as a "Blog" about his flight training. A couple of guys in our squadron found it and started posting on it all in the nature of "Welcome to the Squadron" in ready room speak.

For some unknown reason he immediately shut down his "Blog" and learned to shut up and color.

Lesson learned is never pass a genuine opportunity to Shut the Frick up and learn from those who have gone before.

 

Truer words have rarely been spoken!

Bunk - why did you make me read that all over again?
I should give you an infraction! or drown you in Kimchi!

USMCFLYR

 

Ah yes! Web Boy...what ever happened to him? He turned out to be a solid dude but, to be fair, his blog was nowhere near as bad as the now famous "A" Pool Ensign's letter above.

Thanks for helping me recall that HH.

 

Ok, so help me understand this....the short of it is that the guy was way over-hyping/geeking out about something that he is so brand new to and has very little experience in, and in a community (military aviation/military in general) where the low guys on the totem pole are expected to shut up and put out? Obviously drew undesirable attention to himself.


Reminds me of my drum and bugle corps days where the unofficial practice/rehearsal motto of our corps was "DON'T GET NOTICED!!", and doubly so for the rooks. Drum corps' are also tight groups and making mistakes or having "unique" personality traits (your parents mistakes, riiiight?) landed you at best some perpetual ball-busting through out your stint, or at worse you're treated to seeing men literally cry (true) and/or quit the corps due to the abuse (also true).

Makes me wonder what kind of response or reaction this ensign was hoping for when he sat down to write that.

 

My understanding is it wasn't meant for mass distribution but for friends and family. He accidentally sent it to a LT in his disbursement and it was a done deal at that point. That's why some folks feel sorry for him...it wasn't meant for anyone but those close to him. IMO, it is still dribble and demonstrates where he's at, attitude wise.

 

Ha, it wouldn't be first infraction...or last BTW, I love Kimchi...love that stuff.

 

I see, well that does suck for him, doesn't it.

 

You asked for an opinion and I gave you one. Why is that a cheap jab? You have stated that being shot at is a major concern for you. Based on this I advised you not to join. Take it or leave it.

 

Do you have room to talk? You serious? Read the last 7 pages of this thread.