Evaluation of the policies of George W. Bush and his Republican conservatives on America.
Published on April 21, 2006 By COL Gene In Personal Relationships


When I was in the Army in Germany awaiting my Top Secret clearance so that I could assume my responsibilities as a nuclear weapons officer, I was given an Admin assignment as the battalion Adjutant. I shared an office with the Sergeant Major who had very little regard for second lieutenants. One of the things I did observe about our SGM was that he did like to make his point in a unique way.

One day he said that he did not think my Arms Room was secure. That was on of the responsibilities of the Adjutant. He suggested we go to the Arms Room and inspect the security. He took my clerk along on this inspection. After we toured the facility, he told me that there would be a note from him on the desk the next morning. My response was NO WAY.

To my surprise the next morning when I unlocked the Arms room there was the note from the SGM telling me my Arms Room was NOT SECURE. I went back to my office where I met a rather satisfied SGM sitting at his desk. I obliged him and asked him how he was able to get into the room? He told me that he noticed that when I took the two locks off the outer door, I hung them on the hasps open. That allowed him, with the help of the clerk to replace my locks with a set he had. After I secured the room he went to the room unlocked his locks and replaces then with my two locks.

The SGM could just have easily simply have told me to make sure I locked the locks on the hasps so no one would replace them. However his little demonstration was a very effective teaching tool and that lesson I remember some 40 years later.

SMG Jessie Katrel and I were able to work very effectively together during the two years I was assigned to the 2/75th Artillery.

Comments
on Apr 21, 2006
COl, YOU DID IT!!!!!

This is what I'm talking about.

You get an interesting from me.

AD
on Apr 21, 2006
Very good teaching method, and a very good article. Thanks for this, Col.
on Apr 21, 2006
What a wonderful article gene, and to remember not just the lesson but the man himself is a real nice tribute.

Kudoes Gene.

Thank you for the small glimpse into you.


Elie
on Apr 21, 2006
The best part of the story was that the guy who changed the locks didn't make a big deal out of everything (or write a report or something) once the incident was finished.
on Apr 21, 2006
Reply By: Jamie BurnsidePosted: Friday, April 21, 2006The best part of the story was that the guy who changed the locks didn't make a big deal out of everything (or write a report or something) once the incident was finished.


I must agree with that, the SMG has him a freash looie to cook if he wanted to.
on Apr 21, 2006
One other example comes to mind about SGM Katrel was when I would leave my 45 unattended on the back of my chair. I was armed while I was on duty as a member of PAL which was the nuclear release authority. The SGM mentioned to me several times about leaving my weapon unsecured and one day I returned to find it missing. I asked the SGM if he knew where my 45 was and he responded - If he were looking for a missing 45 he would talk with the Bn Exec (A Major). That is where it was and it was the LAST time I did not secure my weapon. Yes I did make mistakes but I learned from my mistakes and took corrective action.
on Apr 23, 2006
Thanks. I enjoyed, as usual reading your article.
on Apr 25, 2006
Col,

It is my hope that you have seen a lighter side of JU that isn't so politically charged. Granted such articles don't get as much attention but it shows a more rounded person. Can we expect more in the future?

AD
on Apr 25, 2006
Could be.


Look at my new web site www.saveusanow.com
on Apr 25, 2006
So somehow Bush had changed the locks....

No just kidding lol.
Gene I like it, I would like to hear more.
on Apr 25, 2006
sushik

Have you gone to my Web Site?

My book can be purchased by clicking on Buy This Book Now.

I wonder how the White House will like it?