I was talking with a good friend from undergrad today. After we had gotten caught up on her news (she is recently engaged, yay!) and were just chatting, it came up in conversation that Einstein has what is basically a 12 year commitment to the AF (roughly 2 years pre pilot training + 10 years after). I've known this was how it was going to be for a long time-at least the last 2 years, but apparently my friend either a) never knew or b) forgot this little tidbit.
She was shocked. Once she finished choking on her water she said "Are you going to be in (insert city name) for 12 years, then?"
It was my turn to be shocked.
Uhm, no. We will not be here for 12 years (please, God). Another year or so, then 9 months in another locale, and then on to Einstein's "first" "permanent" station. For four years or so. When I told her that in the next twelve years I am planning on moving at least 4-5 times (at least!!!), there was silence. When I reeled off place names of a couple of the bases we would love to be stationed at, she got even quieter.
It was so strange to have someone who I consider a great friend be so ignorant about the basics of the military lifestyle I live and breathe every day. She was shocked that we hoped to move abroad, shocked that I am fine with moving("Can't you just stay if you like it someplace?"), shocked about everything.
And I was shocked to realize that to her way of thinking, the military is just a job. I wonder how many people think like that?
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1 comment:
classic. simply classic. It's not a job its a lifestyle. Its just the way it is. I live amongst civilians and I get stuff like this all the time. One of my first post when I started blogging was about a memo I was going to pass out at the playground so people would stop asking me stupid questions, like if my husband isnt away flying he isnt home sitting on the couch. He's at work, working very long hours. Morons (and I mean that in the nicest way. didnt mean to ramble this is a pet peeve of mine.
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