This Isn't Your Mom's 82nd Airborne Division
I'm completely torn over this video. I find it very troubling that soldiers of the 82nd Abn Div found it necessary to become viral video stars. I find it troubling as a former All American. I know the culture of the unit. The 82nd is a very elite unit as are the Rangers, Green Berets, Delta, etc... Each unit has it's well defined mission and successively fewer members. I'm talking from division strength (82nd) down to company (Delta). Fewer members because the missions require less, but also because gaining membership is successively harder. Apparently, it also means because the degree of honor, humility, and anonymity is more so. Life back at Fort Bragg for an 82nd solider is tough enough. You are held to a higher standard. You train more, etc... I understand these soldiers in Afghanistan are under stress or bored per the post article, but come one! Back-in-the-day warning! We used to have water fights while cleaning equipment post war games. We even had a three month phase where is was nearly impossible to take a shower because someone might shoot you with a BB gun! Yes, about seven of us purchased cheap BB guns that shot plastic BB's. Not a soul in that barracks lacked red dots on their back. We went swimming at the rock quarries and jumped off high cliffs, simulating a jump op. Road trips to Myrtle Beach, SC, etc...The list goes on... Never did we dress up as drag queens and seek Internet fame. I'm reminded of a quote from some military commander. I don't remember the officer, but the quote went something like this... "I'd rather have a highly motivated platoon of 82nd infantry, than an entire company of straight leg infantry." Essentially, give this officer highly trained and professional soldiers that have the gumption to get the job done. As was said in Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility." Soldiers are role models as well as the gatekeepers for our great nation. To make this video demeans every paratrooper from East Company 101st of WWII fame, to present day 82nd members, and current paratrooper school wannabes at Fort Benning. Hey 82nd! Please find a way to blow off steam and have "fun" that doesn't dishonor your unit! That said, "All the way sir!"


Comments