Son of the Raven :: The Journal of a Soldier

This is my personal blog. With it I hope to tell the story of what I am going through in my quest to earn an officer's commission in the United States Military. As a little bit of background, I started on this path almost three years ago when I contacted the United States Navy . After a little more than a year in the pipeline I learned I was a non-select. I started a second application process updating my application and adding the pieces I thought would lead to selection but, after several more months, my recruiter informed me that my bankruptcy in 1999 was going to prevent me from ever being selected by the Navy.

The CEO of the OCS Foundation, did some investigating on my behalf and put me in touch with a Captain in USAREC. Captain (now Major) D informed me that gaining a commission with the United States Army would be possible, even with the bankruptcy and my age. After three months I was selected. I was thrilled but as happy as I was, my wife and I realized that there was no way we could afford the cut in salary without some kind of debt consolidation and that was not happening with the bankruptcy. As much as it killed me to do so, I had to turn the Army down. As my story here explains, I am getting a second chance for a commission with the Army.

Note: Because of military regulations I must not publically divulge the names of active military personnel. Therefore people will be identified by their rank and last initial.

Well I am less than 72 hours away from heading to MEPS in order to ship out to BCT. Before I actually start BCT, I will go through several days of in processing at Reception. That includes a physical, immunization, hair cut and get my first set of uniforms.

I have a few last minute items to purchase and some details to finish up but all in all I am ready to go. I am looking forward to this great new challenge and phase in my life.

Last night I went out for drinks with my Sensei. We had a great talk. I know that my daughters are in excellent hands with him as their Sensei. My oldest tests for a belt promotion next Saturday. I know she will do well. She works so hard and is so determined to succeed.

Posted by Son of the Raven – March 04, 2006 @ 01:20 PM
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It feels like life is moving at 100 mph. I am putting together a TO DO list of items I need to handle in my last few days as a civilian. Right now it feels like I add two or... more

Posted by Son of the Raven – February 28, 2006 @ 01:19 PM
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I arrived at MEPS at 0630 this morning got my paperwork and then waited for the MEPS doctors to do a quick inspect. An inspect includes a height and weight check and a quick talk with one of the doctors.... more

Posted by Son of the Raven – February 24, 2006 @ 06:19 PM
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one man's passage from civilian to officer and beyond …