What’s good.
So I received some questions about the title of the site, and figured I would take half a minute to provide some insight. The Texan Who Would Be King is an altered version of the Rudyard Kipling tale, (and subsequent Sean Connery movie) named, ‘The Man Who Would Be King.’ The story follows two friends, soldier types, on a journey to become the rulers of Kafiristan, known today as Nurestan, an Afghan province. The two friends make their way to the top, defeat their enemies, but find out that the true enemy is greed. Daniel Dravort, played by Sean Connery, has his mortality exposed by a local girl he tries to marry. Peachy, the other friend, is chased out of the kingdom after Daniel finds himself head first into a canyon.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073341/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNb6SxXcD7g&feature=related
Be advised, I have no aims of becoming the actual king of Zhari District or anywhere, but I do love the Kipling story. Perhaps, in my own way, losing my platoon was 4-4 reminding me of my own professional mortality. That being in charge cannot last forever. Good news, though. Currently I am the king of paperwork and all the little gnomes and other fantastic creatures that come with it. All hail!
Short post. Until next time,
1LT Wm Treadway
Good luck climbing to the top of your mountain of paper work…I hope time is going reasonably quickly for you. I look forward to your next post.
I love the title. never suspected anything different than your explanation. “King of paperwork, all hail” very funny!
I can relate to your disappointment at being reassigned to a staff position. When I was in Afghanistan in ’06, they initially assigned me as S1 mentor to the 207 Corps in Herat. I talked my way out of that and into a sweet gig as combat advisor for one of the infantry companies in Farah. Later, the powers that be wanted to move me up to Herat as the SigO. I protested loudly, and managed to remain in my job at Farah for my entire tour. The difference between you an me is that I was at the short end of a 27 year career and had nothing to lose by being stubborn.
No combat soldier really wants to go to a staff job, but the reality is that your career progression requires you to have experience in both line and staff jobs. You can look forward to a company command (possibly also a combat rather than peacetime command) and farther down the road, a battalion command. The future is your oyster. Have patience, young warrior.
Ron
There is a fantastic free audio version of “The Man Who Would be King” over on the Librivox site. One of my fave’ readings of all time actually.
http://librivox.org/the-man-who-would-be-king-by-rudyard-kipling/
You, too, are a very wise man. Thank you for what you have done for so long, and continue to do, for our great nation!
It’s never easy leaving those whom you love in the care of another, and it’s especially hard when that love for one another has been forged in battle. I know exactly how you are feeling right now (a story for another day); so, with your indulgence, I’ll share what a very wise individual said to me:
“If you have guided them through hardships; if you have learned what they know and subsequently taught them more in return; if your strength and determination have shown them how to conquer adversity; then, you have given them a strong foundation from which to continue on their own – as they must, in order for them to achieve all that you already know they can.”
Be proud – and be encouraged – that your leadership has left an indelible mark within your platoon. You have made a difference in their lives; and that is worth more than anything. And now … pushing paper … while it may be the most unrewarding task, it is also a contemplative opportunity, and you’ll be amazed one day at how much you have learned about yourself, and where you want to go, as you stamp and staple your way to the next challenge of your career.
Well done, LT!
The King of Nothing by Seals and Crofts
When I was seventeen I dreamed of being king and
Having everything I wanted
But that was long ago and
My dreams did not unfold so
I’m still the king of nothing
When I was seventeen I dreamed I gave a ring to
A pretty queen and then I held her
But that was slumber’s fault for
I have no love at all and
I’m still the king of nothimg
If I could rule I’d dance my cares away
Find romance every day
I wouldn’t have to listen to this poor fool say
I’m the king
I’m the king
I’m the king of nothing
[break]
If I could rule I’d dance my cares away
Find romance every day
I wouldn’t have to listen to this poor fool say
I’m the king
I’m the king
I’m the king of nothing
When my son joined the Army National Guard out of High School I made him watch the scene in the movie where Dravort and Peachy are about to get an ass-chewing from the Commander, and they elect to ‘brass it out’.
I told him that’s what you do when you get caught in a screw up.
I was curious as to the origin of your fascination with the Kipling tale, as it’s not particularly well-known to most, and has special significance to some. What do you think?
Hey Lt. Will, where are you? Miss your posts and unique insights. How is your old platoon doing? And the rest of the 4-4 Cav? The damn desk? Hang in there. 4-4 Mom
I saw this film in the theatre when it first came out. I loved it. I’ve had the DVD on my Amazon wish list and this post pushed me hit that one click button.
I very much like your writing. You write with humility. I found my way here via Larry Bartlett. Thank you for your service to our great country, and for taking care of your soldiers. You are in my prayers, Sir.
Enjoy the blog – no recent posts hope all is ok