Shooting Stars

Thanks to the wireless technology installed around the school campus, I'm able to gripe while doing my Climbing duty.

It's always an interesting experience whenever I return back for reservist training as much as I dread it ... well, not always.

There are many things to be bemused about and one of the most incomprehensible and alienating experiences for me is the sheer wonder of how and why some adults can behave the way my kids do; that for many they never really grow out of being a 'child'. They behave like one, share the same attitudes and even approach life in the same way. Some never seem to take instruction much less understand them and even when understood fail to carry out what they were tasked to do. WHY? It baffles me.

Most can't really think beyond themselves. They detest being back and so they choose not to follow without realising that it makes life for everyone difficult; without seeing that their actions have consequences on others. Many can't assume responsibility and simply don't understand what punctuality is. Odd ...

Am I being arrogant to regard many of my men this way or is it just a case of differing world views and social contexts? I wonder ... I came dangerously close to losing my temper on a few occasions.

That said, the experience was 'enriching'. I am just baffled by my own (in)abilities. I was able, in my years of active service, to obtain and maintain my marksmanship award with a manually sighted M16 but with this new acclaimed scope and laser assisted SAR21, I can't shoot for nuts! Well ... the score was disappointing! And the deepest irony: I have perfect eyesight now!!!