robcasting

You know when I was in New Orleans I was stationed with someone who was Hell bent on not giving me any opportunities other than the four walls I worked in.
I was told I did not have what it took to go I/A...I was told I should just do my work and go forth.
Eventually, this person retired and things at work carried on. It was alot quieter and with alot less drama.
So I am here six months and I am told "You're going." No great preambles or anything. "You're going."
So now I am getting my ducks in a row for Iraq.
What does it take to go.
Well, first you print out this checklist that is six pages long.
I am not a procrastinator by nature so I am knocking off as many of the items as I can.
So am I ready for I/A??
Well I have passed all my P/T tests. Medically I am sound. I do need to get an eye doctor appointment, but I think they will take care of this when I get to in the in processing part of my training.
Oh...I think I need to get vaccinated for Smallpox.
It would seem that other than that I am golden.
So, now I keep checking off my items. I am being encouraged and supported whole heartedly by my peers and chain of command here.
Somehow I think if I had been more persistent in New Orleans and let more than just the one person know I had desires on I/A maybe it would have been different.
I am looking forward to seeing some old friends and colleges when I get out there.