Hello Mead!

The target for my emersion field trip is a military base.  It will totally help me understand the deep culture of ex-military people in my department.  Well, not so easy.  I am meeting with a Col. tomorrow to discuss a visit in August.  Yep, it the government.

But I do have some interesting findings to report in my pseudo-emersion in my new job:

1. Lots of short hair.  I mean really short.  Definitely the same barber.
2. They love the military.  Love their experience.  One of the really wonderful people I work with is taking a vacation with his wife to a military base not 100 yards from nuclear subs with beach access.
3. “Yes sir” after almost every text message and email.
4. There is a deep sense of duty.  This is everything.  No matter the pain, fatigue or burnout.  Duty counts.
5. Honor.  “I will do the right thing”.  I have heard this plenty in my first 30 days.
6. There is a definite jargon.  I was introduced to “GS” today during an hour meeting.  It’s government service, similar to vesting in retirement.
7. They look after each other.  One faculty thanked me for looking after his friend through a tough discussion.  Turns out they enrolled in the together as enlisted men.  They are brothers for life.
8. Follow the rules.  This is the default.

Hope this is helpful for the blue part of my world.

All the best!
Frank

Frank Rosinia iPad