For the first time in my life my compadres were in total agreement, and I smiled as a result. I was facing Les and realized how weird this was and felt sorry for him. He was obviously uncomfortable in this situation. I then noticed that the BC was smiling back at me! I knew immediately that it was a set-up that I had allowed myself to get caught in. He left and we fired the mission. I believe I apologized to the guys for my part in what took place, but if not, I do so now. I should have seen it coming after the failed attempt at court-martial.
A few days later: I was posted back at Quan Loi to temporarily assist with supply operations. Eventually the battalion operations officer, Major Merritt, who was a very fine officer and helped me a lot even though I complicated his life in this war zone, showed up with my Officer Evaluation Report in hand. . . again. We sat down and he informed me very matter-of-factly that the Army took a dim view of officers cursing at their commanders. I gave a sincere, heartfelt apology and made no explanation, assuming I’d take my punishment as macho-like as possible.
I think this surprised him a bit, so we moved on to discuss the OER, which I was given some time to read. It was not a pretty site. I was rated near the bottom, 10-25% in most areas and near the 50% in a few. One area was a zero. We discuss that first. The Major told me that he’d never seen or heard of anyone getting a zero for tact. He then informed me this was normally used to identify assholes in the Army rating system. This engaged a flurry of compadre’ activity (cool!), (Wow, that makes you the biggest asshole in the Army), (you’ve accomplished something!). Of course I made mental note that one should consider the source in order to shut them up.
The Major then continued saying, “It could also be construed as the dictionary defines the term: skillful in avoiding offense, diplomatic”. I decided to take that route in explaining myself by admitting a blunt way to answering questions, less articulate than needed perhaps. He reminded me of the three days he spent with us at Ft. Defiance looking at our procedures, he’d found nothing wrong. All the guys in the FDC were familiar with proper procedures, well-trained, and he made note that I was obviously held in some esteem, thereby sidestepping the asshole characterization.
I was then informed of my pending reassignment. He could make no promises, but wanted to know where I would prefer to be assigned. Of course I reminded him that a couple months ago I had asked to serve with the11th ACR, but was refused. He informed me that there was no chance whatsoever that I would be reassigned to the 11th ACR. My choices were either within the 6/27th Artillery or be sent back to II Field Force Headquarters for assignment as needed.
This was the first time that I realized there was tension between the units. I took a minute to consider the choice and realized that I enjoyed working with the 8in Howitzer and the 175mm Gun too much, I was most comfortable in the 6/27th, and told him so. I also went further and stated that any job in the battalion that I could bring value to would be attended to properly. I didn’t want him to be embarrassed by me messing something up. He indicated it would be the Battalion Commander who would make the decision. He also informed me that with a zero on my OER, I could not reasonably expect to be promoted when the time came. I was naïve in the consequences of this (The Army has a very strict up or out promotion policy), and stated that eventually the Army would realize I was a good officer. I would work hard. He told me that it was unlikely anything would change the current evaluation, but if I stayed in the battalion and did well, he would help if given the opportunity. He was a man of his word, and would keep this promise.
