I came back today after a pleasant weekend in Newport, RI. Believe it or not, the Army has "relationship training", and I was paid to spend three days of active duty in Newport; accommodation at the Mariott Hotel (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvdlw-newport-marriott/), a rental vehicle, meals, gas, etc. were also covered.
The "Strong Bonds" (http://www.strongbonds.org) program is run by Army Chaplains. There were under 40 attendees, of which 90% were middle-aged. I found 3 other Soldiers who were 30 or under. I was the youngest. However, I always enjoy listening and interacting with older people, soaking in their wisdom and mistakes. It is why I am happiest when on duty and away from the bubble of school where drinking, smoking, and hookups are the only way you can have a conversation.
I forget sometimes the power of youth. I was tired and did not put on a fresh face at all times, but the old people in my 7-person group still generated energy and enthusiasm from my presence and declared me their MVP. We did a 3-hour scavenger hunt around Newport. It was nothing to me, but there was this 40-something woman who just had a blast as she said she had not been out in years.
In any case, it was an all-round enjoyable event. I believe very deeply in the need for strong relationships, especially with the stresses of military life. I have deferred relationships since late high school until I have disposable time and income, but life is not worth it unless you have partner to share it with. It is unfortunate so much time and money is thrown into our education system, but there is nary a class on relationships (or personal finance and economics).
Never did I dream that I would be going to the bar/club each night on an Army weekend. Newport closes early, though (1 AM). There was a wedding at the hotel, and I crashed the after-party. The guest were all white, so when asked, I said I was "Bob's adopted son".
At the club (forgot girl on my neck; wanted old man):
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs011.snc1%2F2910_1089106142976_1086120028_30292301_1978374_n.jpg&hash=37438c46615e4afa4961df6ea9ff58a95a8e5c2b)
A view from the hotel:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs011.snc1%2F2910_1089106182977_1086120028_30292302_7538989_n.jpg&hash=9d3f9bbb5e4e4ef2010b5ae8b43f81114f12e89e)
Some of my scavenger hunt team:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs011.snc1%2F2910_1088964699440_1086120028_30291931_5192982_n.jpg&hash=02fa95da3bf69b5804044a240a82b82a2799d73c)
A "relationship exercise":
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs011.snc1%2F2910_1088964859444_1086120028_30291935_223269_n.jpg&hash=426c9173edaecadadec26d0825e22e4d255d6f46)
I think I know you, dude.
What's your MOS? Are you in a SBCT?
Huh..... shoulda been a pogue..... :mellow:
Quote from: Phillip V on April 26, 2009, 11:45:06 PM
A "relationship exercise":
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc1%2Fhs011.snc1%2F2910_1088964859444_1086120028_30291935_223269_n.jpg&hash=426c9173edaecadadec26d0825e22e4d255d6f46)
You met Tiger Woods! :P
Quote from: Siege on April 26, 2009, 11:49:11 PM
I think I know you, dude.
What's your MOS? Are you in a SBCT?
Doubt it.
25B (Signal). No.
I am a weekend warrior (for now).
Quote from: Alcibiades on April 26, 2009, 11:52:13 PM
Huh..... shoulda been a pogue..... :mellow:
We all do our part. :)
Quote from: HVC on April 26, 2009, 11:52:58 PM
You met Tiger Woods! :P
Dude, he *is* Tiger Woods.
Quote(forgot girl on my neck; wanted old man)
:lol:
:lol: Holy crap... I was thinking he looked like somebody, but y'all are right on with Tiger Woods.
The army sure aint what it used to be....
Quote from: Phillip V on April 26, 2009, 11:54:47 PM
Quote from: Siege on April 26, 2009, 11:49:11 PM
I think I know you, dude.
What's your MOS? Are you in a SBCT?
Doubt it.
25B (Signal). No.
I am a weekend warrior (for now).
You are Tiger Woods!!!!!1111
I never get to do anything fun like that. :cry:
Damn, you're almost the identical twin of an east timorese colleague of mine in australia.
QuoteI came back today after a pleasant weekend in Newport, RI. Believe it or not, the Army has "relationship training", and I was paid to spend three days of active duty in Newport; accommodation at the Mariott Hotel, a rental vehicle, meals, gas, etc. were also covered.
What's it suppose to do?
So who's the chick trying to kiss you there?
Quote from: 11B4V on April 29, 2009, 01:55:14 AM
What's it suppose to do?
Teach us how to find better partners and build stronger relationships.
Quote from: Phillip V on April 29, 2009, 12:21:24 PM
Quote from: 11B4V on April 29, 2009, 01:55:14 AM
What's it suppose to do?
Teach us how to find better partners and build stronger relationships.
Don't ask dont tell!
BTW, this reminds me of the Navy Ball every year, or the yearly "family day" we do. Mandatory fun FTW.
The female sergeant pictured claimed that Iraqi men offered her Commander 100 camels in return for purchase of her. A likely story?
I don't think so, she looks like a 25-camel woman to me :cool:
The Iraqis were just trying to be nice.
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 12:53:49 AM
The female sergeant pictured claimed that Iraqi men offered her Commander 100 camels in return for purchase of her. A likely story?
Which one is she?
I can see 8-12 camels for the blond growing out of your head in pic 1. 100 had to be a joke.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2009, 01:01:02 AM
Which one is she?
I can see 8-12 camels for the blond growing out of your head in pic 1. 100 had to be a joke.
The second picture. I suppose she was trying too hard to impress me. She admitted that she found her most recent boyfriend through eHarmony.com
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 12:53:49 AM
The female sergeant pictured claimed that Iraqi men offered her Commander 100 camels in return for purchase of her. A likely story?
I remember Iraqi boys trying to sell us their little sisters. They wanted some chickens or something.
Quote from: FunkMonk on April 30, 2009, 01:55:39 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 12:53:49 AM
The female sergeant pictured claimed that Iraqi men offered her Commander 100 camels in return for purchase of her. A likely story?
I remember Iraqi boys trying to sell us their little sisters. They wanted some chickens or something.
LOL as if!
Quote from: Caliga on April 30, 2009, 06:55:33 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 12:53:49 AM
The female sergeant
:bleeding: :P
x2.
Re: "Relationship Training", when I saw things like this during my time in ROTC, I wept at what had become of Patton's army. Probably best for all involved that I didn't take that commission :D
WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HAND INTO A PILE OF GOO THAT MOMENTS BEFORE WAS THE UNITED STATES ARMY... you'll know what to do. :menace:
Meh. As long as don't ask don't tell is in force, this kind of stuff is a despicable hypocrisy. Some servicemen are invited to relationship training, others are kicked out of the military for being in a relationship.
Quote from: Martinus on April 30, 2009, 02:21:51 PM
Meh. As long as don't ask don't tell is in force, this kind of stuff is a despicable hypocrisy. Some servicemen are invited to relationship training, others are kicked out of the military for being in a relationship.
I agree.
gay generals = OUI
female sergeants = NON
:cool:
Quote from: Martinus on April 30, 2009, 02:21:51 PM
Meh. As long as don't ask don't tell is in force, this kind of stuff is a despicable hypocrisy. Some servicemen are invited to relationship training, others are kicked out of the military for being in a relationship.
Okay, I changed my mind. More relationship training!!!!
Quote from: Caliga on April 30, 2009, 02:23:00 PM
Quote from: Martinus on April 30, 2009, 02:21:51 PM
Meh. As long as don't ask don't tell is in force, this kind of stuff is a despicable hypocrisy. Some servicemen are invited to relationship training, others are kicked out of the military for being in a relationship.
I agree.
gay generals = OUI
female sergeants = NON
:cool:
What if a female sargent had gigantic tits ...
I have it on good authority that a Swedish female sailor with a tight body and ENORMOUS tits is heading down to fight pirates off Somalia. :pirate
Who's authority?
Quote from: Malthus on April 30, 2009, 03:28:21 PM
What if a female sargent had gigantic tits ...
Then, being in the Army, she's likely to have a humongous ass. Army women, at their best, tend to have the "Army butt". At their worst-- well, let's not go there :(
Quote from: derspiess on April 30, 2009, 03:35:13 PM
Then, being in the Army, she's likely to have a humongous ass. Army women, at their best, tend to have the "Army butt". At their worst-- well, let's not go there :(
Where?
Quote from: Malthus on April 30, 2009, 03:28:21 PM
What if a female sargent had gigantic tits ...
Then I hope she is a drill sergeant, because I'm drilling the shit out of her.
Quote from: Caliga on April 30, 2009, 04:26:10 PM
Quote from: Malthus on April 30, 2009, 03:28:21 PM
What if a female sargent had gigantic tits ...
Then I hope she is a drill sergeant, because I'm drilling the shit out of her.
Or at least, perfecting the hands-free salute. :D
Quote from: garbon on April 30, 2009, 03:35:58 PM
Quote from: derspiess on April 30, 2009, 03:35:13 PM
Then, being in the Army, she's likely to have a humongous ass. Army women, at their best, tend to have the "Army butt". At their worst-- well, let's not go there :(
Where?
Ugly Army wimmenz.
Quote from: The Brain on April 30, 2009, 03:32:26 PM
I have it on good authority that a Swedish female sailor with a tight body and ENORMOUS tits is heading down to fight pirates off Somalia. :pirate
Pics pls.
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 12:53:49 AM
The female sergeant pictured claimed that Iraqi men offered her Commander 100 camels in return for purchase of her. A likely story?
Complete bullshit, playing on american stereotypes of arabs.
Iraqis don't trade in camels. They also know american males have no trading rights on their women.
Don't forget that for them we are all gay, as in weak. (Gay means weak in arab culture)
Outside of beduines, I can't think of any arab group that would still trade in camels. And even for them, camels are too valuable.
So I call it bullshit.
Quote from: Martinus on April 30, 2009, 02:21:51 PM
Meh. As long as don't ask don't tell is in force, this kind of stuff is a despicable hypocrisy. Some servicemen are invited to relationship training, others are kicked out of the military for being in a relationship.
Given that their relationships pose a threat to national security, that's not surprising.
You pose a threat to national security.
Quote from: Siege on April 30, 2009, 08:24:12 PM
You pose a threat to national security.
I'm not the one spying for a foreign power, shlemiel.
Quote from: Siege on April 30, 2009, 07:50:22 PM
Complete bullshit, playing on american stereotypes of arabs.
Iraqis don't trade in camels. They also know american males have no trading rights on their women.
Don't forget that for them we are all gay, as in weak. (Gay means weak in arab culture)
Outside of beduines, I can't think of any arab group that would still trade in camels. And even for them, camels are too valuable.
So I call it bullshit.
Why do women lie to me? :(
Just heard on BBC that an old Saudi dude had his marriage with an 8 year old annulled and he gets back the 13K purchase price, so that gives some sense of the market.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on April 30, 2009, 11:51:25 PM
Just heard on BBC that an old Saudi dude had his marriage with an 8 year old annulled and he gets back the 13K purchase price, so that gives some sense of the market.
I doubt Iraq has such a generous refund policy.
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2009, 08:33:26 PM
Quote from: Siege on April 30, 2009, 07:50:22 PM
Complete bullshit, playing on american stereotypes of arabs.
Iraqis don't trade in camels. They also know american males have no trading rights on their women.
Don't forget that for them we are all gay, as in weak. (Gay means weak in arab culture)
Outside of beduines, I can't think of any arab group that would still trade in camels. And even for them, camels are too valuable.
So I call it bullshit.
Why do women lie to me? :(
:blink:
you are male!
Quote from: Barrister on April 30, 2009, 06:26:10 PM
Quote from: The Brain on April 30, 2009, 03:32:26 PM
I have it on good authority that a Swedish female sailor with a tight body and ENORMOUS tits is heading down to fight pirates off Somalia. :pirate
Pics pls.
I did request such from my source. Still no response. :(