Graduation - Chapter XI

I had done so well during basic training that I had earned my induction into the Excellence in Armor program. I was the only soldier in all of Delta Company this training cycle to earn such an honor. In order to achieve Excellence in Armor a soldier must demonstrate unquestionable ability to perform every task learned in Basic Training without faulting once. I had done this. Through ever test, written and hands on, I missed not a single answer. This is a claim that no other soldier in my Basic Training unit could make.

Following induction into Excellence in Armor, I competed with 9 other soldiers in front of a Military Board. During this board, we were each drilled on military procedures, general Army knowledge, and knowledge specific to tanks. Once again I came out on the top and was nominated to be the valedictorian (honor graduate) of our unit. Through this I was awarded the General George S. Patton Award for Excellence - a plaque that still hangs on my wall.

The proudest day of my life was graduating from Basic Training. Both my mother and father flew in for the occasion. Just prior to the start of the graduation ceremony I was brought on stage and promoted to Private First Class for my achievements during training - a promotion that is given to very few during Basic Training. I was the first soldier to be presented with a diploma, and after everyone else had received theirs, it was I who stood in front of Delta Company to salute the commanding officer of the 2/81 Armor Battalion and announce that “Delta Company; Combat Ready, Sir!”

There was not a finer group of men that I would have wanted to go through Basic Training with either. I may not remember all theirs names, but I will remember their faces, and the lessons I learned by their side.

After graduation, I went to dinner with my parents and had the privilege to meet the woman who would later become my wife, Jaima. It was really the icing on the cake for my experience and I’m sure the next part was in God’s plan as well.

Upon returning from a week of leave, I learned something somewhat ironic. I had trained with Delta Company, 2/81 and I would report back to Delta Company, 2/81 to work in the orderly room for the remainder of my enlistment. This was only an hour away from Jaima, so in this I was pleased.

Odd though, I thought. Why would the Army want to stick such a capable soldier into a training unit where his skills would never be fully utilized? Then again, that’s military intelligence for you!