Update on VRCC branch of the E4 Mafia

[Serk]

Had a few folks ask me lately about how Specialist Kali is doing, so with her blessing (I like to have her check anything I say publicly for OPSEC before I post it) here's a brief update...

She's many months into her deployment to Poland, few more months to go.

Overall she's loving Poland, the people, having life under socialism and Russia in living memory, are VERY welcoming of US troops and thankful for our presence... (Unlike her battle buddy's experience in South Korea recently, sadly)

Being a multi generational native Texan, she's NOT liking the "Dark by 3:30 in the afternoon" and cold/snow though. Not liking that one bit...



Few pics she sent me to share:

Being a multinational base, she's getting to rub shoulders with lots of different NATO member nations. The Queen's Own Highlander's Royal Pipe and Drums paid them a visit, which reminded her of home and our time at the Renaissance Festivals...



She did find a lap warmer though, so that helps...





Bundled up for field exercises...



Meeting locals, doing that "Hearts and minds" thing... (Poland, being very traditional, has more old fashioned gender roles. More than once she's had a little Polish girl see her and light up "There's  GIRL soldier! MOMMY LOOK! A GIRL SOLDIER!")

(Related, no pics but a few months back she was entered in a local swim meet, against other nation's military members as well as Polish civilians. Her strongest event females don't do in Poland, but they let her enter anyway. She took 2nd overall, the male she lost to swims on the Polish Olympic team. She was very happy with that silver medal!)





"Shooting" with her "Canon" the folks in a simulated combat training exercise...





Just being herself...





And wearing her special hat...



So anyway, that's in brief what's going on with her. We miss her, but it's definitely a different time. Although we do write letters back and forth, and have sent a few care packages, even while on field exercises we video chat with her almost daily so it's not like the old days...

We miss her, will be happy to have her back state side when the mission is completed, but also thankful she's getting to travel and experience other parts of the world (She's racked up 3 countries visited that I've never been to so far.)

[HayHauler]

That is great news!  So happy that Kali is doing well.  I am going to guess that she is still receiving training in her "profession" in the Army while she is in Poland?

Congrats on the Silver Metal in swimming, against the boys!!

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Thanks very much for sharing that Brian.

I would be very proud if I had a daughter like her.

Like my experiences overseas, she is building up memories to last a lifetime.

We've never met, but please pass on my best regards, kudos and respect for her good service.


(Those great big round spes are a hoot)  

The military issue glasses in my day were identical to hers..... and universally called BCDs (birth control devices), because well, you know....      I only wore mine when I didn't want to scratch/beat up my own glasses.

[da prez]

   You have to be right proud of her.  Keep in touch with all the adopted grand parents.

                                                      da prez

[Rams]

Today's communication capabilities are awesome compared to my time in Korea.   

We only could afford to speak once a month, probably the lonliest time of my life with a wife and infant son back in the states but, I'm very happy you are able to keep in touch with Kali so often.   Please advise her that she is still in the hearts and minds of VRCC.   

Rams

[GiG]

Wow! Awesome report, thanks for posting! Please let us know Kali’s favorite event,  guessing IM, would love to know; congratulations, Kali, keep up the outstanding work 

[Serk]

Thanks very much for sharing that Brian.

I would be very proud if I had a daughter like her.

Like my experiences overseas, she is building up memories to last a lifetime.

We've never met, but please pass on my best regards, kudos and respect for her good service.


(Those great big round spes are a hoot)  

The military issue glasses in my day were identical to hers..... and universally called BCDs (birth control devices), because well, you know....      I only wore mine when I didn't want to scratch/beat up my own glasses.

You met her, at least in passing, at the 2018 Roanoka Inzane; although she was just a 15 year old kid at the time... She was the "Vanna" runner at the raffles every night...







(And believe it or not, I think those are her glasses. She has... er... her daddy's sense of style, or lack thereof...)

   You have to be right proud of her.  Keep in touch with all the adopted grand parents.

                                                      da prez

More than I can put into words!

Today's communication capabilities are awesome compared to my time in Korea.   

We only could afford to speak once a month, probably the lonliest time of my life with a wife and infant son back in the states but, I'm very happy you are able to keep in touch with Kali so often.   Please advise her that she is still in the hearts and minds of VRCC.   

Rams

Yup. When we were stationed in the UK when I was a wee lad it tore my mom up only being able to infrequently talk to her twin sister...

I've let her know, and sent her a link to this thread so she can read along (And correct me where I'm wrong)

Wow! Awesome report, thanks for posting! Please let us know Kali’s favorite event,  guessing IM, would love to know; congratulations, Kali, keep up the outstanding work 

Cut and paste from her:

I swam women's 50 free and 50 breast, then men's 50 back and 50 fly

I also then swam in the 4x50 mens relays, I wanted to do backstroke for the medly one because it is my best and I dominate but no one else could swim fly

The officials decided that although usually someone swimming twice is considered a major disadvantage, I was such a power house that I would be an advantage against the males teams

(Serk addition - I.E. They wouldn't let her swim 2 legs of the 4x50 relay because that wouldn't be fair to the boys)









Might wanna throw in what I was wearing as well... most people were in comp suits... like my old knee-skins... I was racing in... uh... I'll just share the picture

[f6john]

She is definitely going to have a perspective that most young women don’t have. I’m sure it will serve her well going forward.

[carolinarider09]

Excellent. Don't know what more I can say that has not been said above.

My six years in the US Navy resulted in me being on the USS Wasp for almost one year.  If it were not for that I would to have seen Portugal, Spain, England, Holland, Norway, and Denmark.   It was a true "experience" I have never forgotten. 

[Jess from VA]

You met her, at least in passing, at the 2018 Roanoka Inzane; although she was just a 15 year old kid at the time... She was the "Vanna" runner at the raffles every night...

Well now that you mention it, I believe you're right Brian.  The old memory isn't what it used to be.   I remember being there.   

[scooperhsd]

Echoing everybody else - ATTA Girl !!

[bassman]

Great report and thanks for the update.  She seems to be adapting well to her environs.  Is she assigned to the NATO base in Poland?  I was at NATO in Naples, Italy way back when and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.  I did not have much personal contact with the folks at home at the time as I remember phone calls were something like $50 for ten (10) minutes which was quite a bit in the old days.  Glad for today's technology so you can keep in touch.

[Valkorado]

Echoing everybody else - ATTA Girl !!

 

[HayHauler]

Man, Brian, she is an exceptional young lady.  I can just imagine the level of proud you must be.  She has gone from watching the triplets at Hot Glue's Gatherin' o the Fools to dominating the swim meet in the US Army.  I am certain that she dominates in other tasks as well.
Great to see these pics of her and her accomplishments.

Thanks for sharing with her "family".

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Rams]

An excellent thread, thanks for sharing with us.

E4 Mafia huh......................   

Always look forward to seeing Serk and the Mafia he brings with him.   

Rams

[Oldfishguy]

Great story and greater move to get to Europe.

I was stationed in West Germany for almost two years in the early 1980's.  I lived off base with a German family most of that time, and traveled Europe.  Every month I tried to go someplace new; sometimes by myself and sometimes with other soldiers.  I tried to stay away from the group bus tours, one just does not experience the culture that way.

I've taken my family back several times, and one becomes the tour guide walking the cobblestone streets in search of the bakery once visited decades prior.  And then your kids experience the unknown and take it to a whole different level.

As a soldier one has little money to travel, but where there is a will . . . there is a way.

[GiG]

Yes, I thought she seems like a very determined sort that would master each stroke and probably compete in Individual Medley- close, she did the medley in individual events  Brings a big smile to this old swimmer’s face! Yay, Kali, you are quite the outstanding young lady  :smitten :

[old2soon]

     While I have Never met her She IS a Grandaughter to me!  YES I've adopted her too. I also have an Adopted Gandaughter in the Air Force-Major-currently Serving in Germany. My Grandson just recently Graduated Navy Boot from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center as an E3. I'm Very Proud of all 3 who have Chose to serve!  My Grandson went thru a bit more than 60 years after I did! Damn I'm gittin old!  RIDE SAGFE.

[flsix]

Thanks, that was a fantastic update.

[Oss]

this is the kind of good news that brings a smile to our faces

You done good Serk and your eldest spawn is a great example of what is great about our kids

[Serk]

Is she assigned to the NATO base in Poland? 

She's at a NATO base in Poland. Although it's easy to figure out which one she's asked I not name it specifically. It's.... rather close to Russian controlled territory in more than one direction...

She has gone from watching the triplets at Hot Glue's Gatherin' o the Fools to dominating the swim meet in the US Army.  I am certain that she dominates in other tasks as well.
Great to see these pics of her and her accomplishments.

Heh, her history with the VRCC goes back to before her conception...  She is the outcome of this post from back in 2001:

https://www.valkyrieriders.com/silly.htm

And TECHNICALLY her first GOTF (Tarynn was pregnant with her in this pic)



And her first GOTF outside the womb:



And her first GOTF where she was mobile (And begging for beads, she ended up with so many she fell over from the weight!)



Heh, sorry, got dad over here reminiscing down memory lane...

E4 Mafia huh......................   

Evidently she... stood before a board or something the other day? And is now "E4 +Promotable" now. But has to get some points or something before it happens? Evidently it's a somewhat big deal.....

I was stationed in West Germany for almost two years in the early 1980's.  I lived off base with a German family most of that time, and traveled Europe.  Every month I tried to go someplace new; sometimes by myself and sometimes with other soldiers.  I tried to stay away from the group bus tours, one just does not experience the culture that way.

As a soldier one has little money to travel, but where there is a will . . . there is a way.

Unfortunately this is a deployment, not a PCS, so the movement rules are FAR more strict. She's not allowed much travel outside of military orders or she'd have seen half of Europe by now one way or another. She's managed to see a decent amount of Poland though, volunteering on any task no matter how mundane if it means getting away from the base and seeing the country.

Yes, I thought she seems like a very determined sort that would master each stroke and probably compete in Individual Medley- close, she did the medley in individual events  Brings a big smile to this old swimmer’s face! Yay, Kali, you are quite the outstanding young lady  :smitten :

All the time and money we spent has paid off, at least a little bit... She was on two competitive swim teams at once for many years, LOTS of miles driving to practice, meets, etc...


Thanks for all the kind words ya'll! Definitely proud. Proud of the triplets too... mostly...

[GiG]

That sure is some dedication, Dad! Nothing much more boring than watching a swim practice  not very entertaining for a spectator. We did warm up - 1 mile (72 laps) followed by circle swim (another mile) then sprints. Takes dedication for sure. Please keep us updated on Kali’s swim career!

[henry 008]

 

[Jess from VA]

Evidently she... stood before a board or something the other day? And is now "E4 +Promotable" now. But has to get some points or something before it happens? Evidently it's a somewhat big deal.....

Army and USAF are similar, but different.  E4 Army is 1) Specialist or 2) Corporal (more leadership oriented).  I'm thinking she's Specialist

E5 is real Non Commissioned Officer and a pretty big deal.  IMHO

There are likely training and course requirements (in-residence or correspondence Professional Military Training (PFTs)), which are probably difficult to do deployed in Poland.  Points may also be minimum time-in-grade requirements.

As a Capt, they made me take PMT Squadron Officer School (SOS was an apt abbreviation).  So I completed it in correspondence with like a 98% score, but they made me go and do it again in residence anyway (back at Maxwell AFB, Air University).  Many weeks of misery I could have done without (marching and running and standing inspections and junior officer classes, and absolutely nothing JAG related).  And I was 10 years older than most of my classmates.  

Come on old man keep up with us.

Kiss my ass.  

[HayHauler]

Thanks Brian!!!  I was speaking of my personal experience with the GOTF and your attendance with the triples.

Thanks for the memories!!!

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Rams]

Evidently she... stood before a board or something the other day? And is now "E4 +Promotable" now. But has to get some points or something before it happens? Evidently it's a somewhat big deal.....

Definitely a big deal!   Stepping up from Spec 4 to Sergent tells me she's been demonstrating leadership in her current role.   Time in Grade and points gained through schooling or courses also makes a huge difference but, I have no doubt she'll get there.   Be prepared for when she returns to get you straighten out.  A little military bearing and order is good for everyone (how that applies to you, I have no idea).  

Rams

[bassman]

She seems to be making rank quickly which is great.  The "points" thing is all new to me....it may have been an issue a LONG time ago but I was certainly unaware.

https://www.armyprt.com/us-army/cutoff-scores-promotion-points/army-promotion-points/

[f6john]

Praying for her safety to end of her deployment. I heard some saber rattling going on concerning Poland and our troops stationed there being possible targets of Putin. I don’t think Putin is that stupid, but Biden, I’m not so sure.

[Oldfishguy]

Awesome!

What is her commitment requirement?  3,4,5 years?  How far is she in to this enlistment period?

A few things on promotions.  E1-4 are fairly easy to attain as they are unit based and a scattering is in each unit and determined by the unit.  To attain a rank of E5 and above it is competitive against all members of the Army.  Points are awarded for many things (including the Board she just had) and when added all up that is your score.  And generally speaking, no one is even put before that Board unless upper enlisted and officers feel confident in them to hold the E5 position and responsibilities.  She is obviously doing very well.  One can keep increasing that score by doing more things (schooling, soldier if the month competitions, better marksmen scores, etc).  Every month the Army will publish a minimum score based on need for more E5’s or E6’s etc.  This number is different for different job titles depending on the need of the Army.  This way they have the appropriate amount of supervisors/management in each different job.

And yes, becoming an E5 (Sergeant) and above is a big deal.  Those are supervisor roles . . .  and they run the Army.  True.

[Rams]

Serk,
Please advise her that eventually, a brand-new 2nd Lt will come along that absolutely will need her help at some point.   Please tell her that that Lt will remember that assistance and be grateful.

Written by a former 2nd Lt. 

Rams 

[carolinarider09]

Serk,
Please advise her that eventually, a brand-new 2nd Lt will come along that absolutely will need her help at some point.   Please tell her that that Lt will remember that assistance and be grateful.

Written by a former 2nd Lt. 

Rams 

Yes, I remember several events like that when I was in the Navy.  The key, at least on nuclear subs, was you share your knowledge with others.  It's part of what you do to make your boat safe and improve the overall crew's performance.  And, in general, these events are remembered if the need arrises.

[Jess from VA]

In the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) offices, we followed the law and regs.

But when stuff happened that wasn't covered by the laws and regs (pretty regularly), we called in the senior enlisted advisor (mostly E8s and E9s), and they told us what to do.  It was always in the form of a polite suggestion (not an order), but they didn't make Chief being stupid.   

The word for these guys (and gals) was INDISPENSABLE.   

JAG Colonels (and a couple BGs) that ran law offices worldwide fought over the best paralegal Chiefs, but they took any Lieutenants and Captains HQ sent to them.   

[scooperhsd]

The best thing a new JO can do is to talk and listen to their senior enlisted person. Get their advice (as well as your senior's advice) but remember - YOU are the one that is "in command". Take care of the troops, and they will take care of you.

The best senior officers were almost always the ones who may not be the most popular, but they always looked out for the people in their command. This is especially important when on deployment. Morale boosting things / activities are ALWAYS appreciated.

[Rams]

The best thing a new JO can do is to talk and listen to their senior enlisted person. Get their advice (as well as your senior's advice) but remember - YOU are the one that is "in command". Take care of the troops, and they will take care of you.

The best senior officers were almost always the ones who may not be the most popular, but they always looked out for the people in their command. This is especially important when on deployment. Morale boosting things / activities are ALWAYS appreciated.

I tend to agree, if wasn't as if I was a totally new inexperienced "Butter Bar".   Prior Service USMC, Corporal.  
Had a pretty good idea of taking care of the troops assigned to my unit.

Only ever had trouble with one of them.   There's almost always one.  

Rams

[Serk]

That sure is some dedication, Dad! Nothing much more boring than watching a swim practice  not very entertaining for a spectator. We did warm up - 1 mile (72 laps) followed by circle swim (another mile) then sprints. Takes dedication for sure. Please keep us updated on Kali’s swim career!

Heh, I rarely went in, the heavily chlorinated air choked me up. I'd just sit in the car playing on my phone, maybe hit the grocery store while waiting...

There are likely training and course requirements (in-residence or correspondence Professional Military Training (PFTs)), which are probably difficult to do deployed in Poland.  Points may also be minimum time-in-grade requirements.

Straight from the E4's mouth:

Similar, so E-4 has both Spc and Cpl. Cpl is an NCO position. They very recently changed the requirements for each rank though. The PMT is now a requirement for CPL (Basic Leadeds Course) but not for Sgt. However, Sgt requires 'points' which you can accumulate through a mixture of civilian education, military education, pt test score, marksman score, awards, etc. The points are calculated each month to accommodate however many nco's are needed. Supply is over strength right now, so our points are relatively high. I will more than likely pick up Cpl once I get stateside and go through BLC

Thanks Brian!!!  I was speaking of my personal experience with the GOTF and your attendance with the triples.

Thanks for the memories!!!

Hay 
Jimmyt

Those were definitely great memories all around!

A little military bearing and order is good for everyone (how that applies to you, I have no idea).  

Rams

While I definitely wouldn't past muster at a muster, being raised by a USAF Captain did have some effect on me, I'm sure... Heh...

She seems to be making rank quickly which is great. 

Wanna feel old? She shipped out to boot came almost three and a half years ago now! O.o

Awesome!

What is her commitment requirement?  3,4,5 years?  How far is she in to this enlistment period?

She's just under 3 and a half years into a 6 year initial contract. If she'll re-up or not she's gone back and forth on quite a bit, but she still has a few years before it's time to make that decision.

Serk,
Please advise her that eventually, a brand-new 2nd Lt will come along that absolutely will need her help at some point.   Please tell her that that Lt will remember that assistance and be grateful.

Written by a former 2nd Lt. 

Rams 

Yup. She's had many interactions with wet behind the ears O-1's (And even a few O-2's).... Both good and bad...

[GiG]

“…Heh, I rarely went in, the heavily chlorinated air choked me up. I'd just sit in the car playing on my phone, maybe hit the grocery store while waiting”…

Makes sense! It’s about what I would expect: hot/humid not too much fun to watch a practice.
The funny part is soccer mom types yell for their kid in the pool- As If Kid could possibly hear  
 

[Farside]

  Thanks for sharing the pic's and getting us caught up. She looks so grown up! I wish her well and a safe experience  while  in Poland.