<p>I apologize for my absence as exams and some leave were the order of the day. It appears that my earlier comment was misconstrued to be a defense of Marcus Curry’s behavior. Nothing could be further from the truth. He should have been gone a long time ago. Good riddance.</p>
<p>Just to clear up an earlier question I am a “he”, a varsity athlete (not football), and I am not in the lower percentile of the Brigade.</p>
<p>About demerits: you can receive them for the most minor things (especially during plebe year when most seem to be earned); i.e. an untied shoe lace, a corner that is improperly squared, some minor or perceived transgression - it largely depends on the culture of your Company, your upperclassmen, and, sometimes just plain bad luck. “Bad Luck” you ask? What do you call it when you launch a snowball at a fellow Mid, your target takes evasive action, and your projectile acquires a new target while in flight (the new target just happened to be a Lt. who was having a VERY bad day)? That’s bad luck any way you slice it. When I spoke of demerits earlier I did not intend to imply that MC’s behavior was in any way tolerable as his actions go way beyond mere demerits.</p>
<p>Now, before you Moms and Dads start lecturing me about OOM, service selections, etc. (and I use the term “lecturing” in the nicest possible way since I get them on a regular basis from my own sainted Mom and take them in the spirit they are given), here is something to consider. We are all different here but we are united in a common purpose. Being different means we all have different strengths and weaknesses. I struggle on occasion with academics and Tecumseh may have gotten tired of hearing my appeals. Many of my fellow Mids who have been gifted academically have lent a hand to pull me through. On the other hand, my physical prowess is outstanding and I have had the opportunity to help many of those who struggle in this area. That is as it should be and it is something that happens here daily. Am I a “rogue Midshipman”? Some might see it that way because I sometimes bristle and speak up when I see other Mids abusing their authority (a minority but not as rare as it should be) or when I disagree with those who insist on what I perceive as “feel good” social engineering crap at the expense of operational readiness. Am I a “rogue Mid” because I don’t always follow established procedures, because I have hopped the wall with some buddies when we got back to the Yard a little later than planned, because I’ve mixed it up with some locals who had some nasty things to say about my country, my service, or one of my brothers? Maybe. In my defense I am an ardent student of military history. I come from a family, both nuclear and extended, where almost every man has served or is serving. It is what we believe and who we are. Every morning when I put on my uniform I know that I am wearing my country’s flag and I will never do anything to dishonor it. The memory of all those who have gone before is with me, I have nothing but respect for those who are serving around the world right now, and I have dedicated myself to a career in service to this country that has given me so much. I’m not anything special, like my screen name I’m just another Mid. But know this – my integrity is intact, I can look any man in the eye without shame, and more importantly I can look myself in the eye every morning. When the time comes to lead I will lead. Rogue or not, I will do my Duty and not fail.</p>