The Cheap Colonel

The Army in its infinite wisdom decided many years ago to make all commissioned officers pay for their uniforms. This is a rule that every young officer understands. Recently, I had an old colonel stop by my office and ask me when his ACU (Army Combat Uniforms) would be available for pickup. I asked him what he was talking about and he proceeded to tell me how he completed a clothing request form and left it on my desk. He stated that his uniforms were faded and he expected me to get him some new uniforms ASAP.

I told the colonel that I saw the request but didn’t order the uniforms. This upset the colonel and he proceeded to chastise me for not doing my job. I listened to his load of crap for a while and then reminded him of the Army’s policy on purchasing uniforms for officers. He stated that my predecessor had always provided him with uniforms in a timely manner and I should do the same. I then ended the conversation by turning my back to him and walking away. I guess he doesn’t understand that I hate cheap people, especially those that are making four times the amount of money I receive as a sergeant.

Later that day, I had a young enlisted soldier came to my office and ask for a new set of ACU’s. He started the conversation by saying, “Sergeant, I messed up and took a set of ACU’s the Army issued me and went hunting. While hunting I damaged the ACU’s beyond repair. I know that you don’t have to replace the uniform, but do you happen to have an extra set of ACU’s that I might exchange for this torn set?” I took the old uniform and told the soldier to “stand fast” as I went to the back of the office. I returned a few minutes later with a new set of ACU’s in his size and handed them to the soldier without any chastisement. He thanked me and happily disappeared with the uniform.

Did I forget to mention that I don’t like pushy officers? However, I always try to take care of enlisted soldiers, especially those that are living below the poverty line!