Hypothetical Question?

[SGT Rock]

As some of you know, I plan to thru-hike after I retire from the Army in 2007.

The other day I was discussing it at work, and someone suggested I try and see if I could get permissive TDY from the Army to do it 2004 (when I should change duty stations anyway) to thru-hike the AT as a publicity thing for Army recruiting.

At first I thought what a hoot. Like they would really go for it. But then I thought "what the heck, all they can say is no". So I seriously thought about writing a proposal and sending it to the Army Recruiting command, for whom I once worked as a Recruiter. The thought was to thru-hike and along the trail stop and do public speaking for recruiters about military opportunity, service to country, training, etc. It may sound far fetched, but the Army actually has sporting teams that compete internationally such as at the Olympics. We have boxers, coaches, runners, shooters, etc. Often in the off season they use these guys to do public speaking. All I'm asking is 179 days.

Then I thought about it, this would really be a "stunt hike" although my real intent is to get a free thru-hike while getting paid. How would the trail community think about it? I mean there are lots of patriotic Americans on the trail, but a thru-hike with the agenda of drumming up enlistments. Seems like some kind of conflict of interest although I can't put my finger on exactly why.

My other concern is if they really did accept it, then they would put all kinds of rules on my hike like using Army issue equipment. Yuck!

Anyway, I thought as a hypothetical question only, what would ya'll think? Please be very honest!

[hacksaw]

You're gonna' look cute on Springer Mountain sportin' a 9 pound Alice pack and a 17pound Wiggy's 3 piece sleeping bag and a case of MRE's, Rock!!!!

Hey, former Marine here, I say if they'll go for it, JUMP on it, man!

All I'd offer is try and keep the recruiting off the trail. Hike when you hike, and when it's time to go into town and recruit, then go into town and by god recruit!

I'm thinking about 2004 too, Rock. Drop me a line sometime.

Hacksaw

[EarlyRiser]

well i supose there are downsides, such as gear and rules ect. i happen to be a pacifist so i dont believe in the military for any other reason than the training and discipline. i can understand the need for soldiers, especialy in the general atmosphere we live in right now, however i hope we can find a way past it. but that dosnt matter here. the fact is youd be getting payed to hike. and i think i can say we will all be all the more jealous of you for it. depending on how the hike is run, whether it is the acomplishment or the teaching that is primarily focased on. if you are instructed to spend a lot of time along the trail recruiting and so forth directly from the trail population and local communities i dont believe it is going to be very productive. however just advertisment of the fact that you hiked, and maybe even if more than just you did it that would more encourage people. it seems to me that many people you find on the trail, while patriotic, may not be the best for recruiting. (although im sure they are in very good physical condition.) i may not know what im talking about though, and im sure the Army Recruiting Command will know better. goodluck with your adventures.

[SGT Rock]

I know the trail people would not be the recruiting goal. It would be more of a stunt to show me off at places and say "look what he is able to do" then use it as an in at High Schools, colleges, comunity events, etc.

I don't think (based on my recruiting experience) I could find anyone to join on the trail LOL.

And if I go in 2004 Hacksaw, we can start together, but I plan to skip the aproach trail. And if we hike together a while, I WILL bring earplugs LOL!

[The Weasel]

Ern----

This reminds me of Jacques d'Amboise, "the Dancing Hiker", in 2000. He was a 65 year old and VERY famous ballet dancer with the National Dance Institute, who decided to use the trail as a way of spreading the magic of dance. He'd stop in towns and hold assemblies in schools and for community groups, and teach his "Appalachian Dance" to anyone who wanted to learn...became very famous. Look him up on Google.

I don't have the problem with "being paid" to do it. Not only is that not a "disqualifier", but military pay, while not as rough as it used to be, is not all that hot. I'd hope you wouldn't have to be in BDUs, since that would be the most damned uncomfortable way to walk I can think of. So I see no major problem from the trail community side of it.

My only hesitation is that I think YOU will miss something. Since you'd be "on duty" 24/7, simply for being known as doing this for the Army, I think you'd miss some of what frankly is the beauty of anonymity on the trail. I wasn't a lawyer, and others weren't teachers, or store owners, or doctors, or students, or anything but thru-hikers. That's part of the beauty of the "trail name" - indeed, I'd hope that you would consider letting a new name happen to you on the trail - since even ones with some career background ("The Weasel") that don't make it too obvious keep from reminding people who one "used to be". This is no small value on the Trail, and I hope you don't dismiss it lightly.

In a different vein, I've seen several people "use" the trail as "fundraisers" for a favorite charity. Your situation is different, I know. But most of them were a little resented, I think (please tell me I'm wrong, people!), since it was felt that they brought part of the outside world "into" the trail "without permission", and were "using" the trail rather than benefiting from it themselves. Most of those stopped talking about their "goals" soon.

But they didn't have the 227 years of pride behind them that you have, Ern.

The Weasel

[Peaks]

I'm not a military person, but I say go for it.

First, doesn't hurt to try. They just might let you do it.

Second, people hike the AT for all kinds of reasons. So, why not a recruiting hike?

Third, it gets you on the trail 3 years earlier than otherwise.

Good luck

[Kerosene]

I agree with Peaks, go for it. In addition, here are a few suggestions to avoid some of the drawbacks mentioned in earlier posts:

• Equipment: The armed forces develop equipment geared to do the specified task. Long distance hiking with no intent to engage in battle at the end of said hike is not something this equipment was intended for (at least I hope not!). I'd argue that you should use the equipment best suited for the purpose, including U.S. Army gear when it has a clear benefit or it's a toss up.
• Anonymity: Weasel is right, you probably couldn't blend in as easily, but with a trailname like yours I'm not sure you would be anonymous for long anyway. However, by being "funded" by the Army, I would expect them to want you to be on best behavior to portray the appropriate image (not that you would ever do otherwise ). While that may constrain you at times, you can always come back in 2007 and do it again your own way!
• Stunt: I don't view this as a stunt. If nothing else, you're conveying a much-needed message that also includes the fact that the military prepares you for many things beyond just fighting. It certainly supports the "Army of One" tag line. However, much the same as I do not appreciate trying to be converted by missionaries, I would not appreciate trying to be talked into joining the armed forces unless I had first expressed interest. I do think that it might be interesting to schedule some of your presentations near a trailhead instead of always going into town.

Again, unless you think this would be a CLM (career-limiting move), I'd make the request, negotiate the terms, and then make your decision. Good luck, Sarge!

[SGT Rock]

O.K. so taking notes:

1. Don't go with my trail name, just announce myself as "First Sergeant Ernest B. Engman, United States Army" and let the trail name come. Probably get one liker "Your Local AT Recruiter" or "The Dumba$$ Army Guy"

2. Be on my best official behavior. I actually figured if I did this I would have to shave and get regular haircuts. But we soldiers do get to drink and have fun too. I guess smoking grass and stealing from others would be a no-go.

3. Take some Army gear (which I already do) but only that good for thru-hiking. I figured I could probably sell the idea of using my own gear using the logic that they don't expect an Army marksman to use an M16 in the Olympics, a thru-hike needs specialized gear. Although we know the truth is different

4. Do not try to get hikers to join. Well didn't plan to anyway, although I will always be positive about the benifits of a military career to anyone I meet . I figured the recruiting companies along the trail could set up speaking engagements as well as get me hotels while I'm doing these public speaking events - free hotels!

5. As for what to wear. I planned to use my normal hiking clothing, but get "Army of One" and "Go Army" put on all my shirts.

6. Do another thru-hike in 2007 anyway. GREAT IDEA!

Again this is all hypothetical. Based on the response here I will probably write the proposal, but it is still the Army that would decide. And we are at war (not a declared one), so I may get different plans between now and then that are not forseen.

Please keep the ideas rolling!

[Peaks]

Well, based on my experience, I wouldn't worry about anonymity. Thru-hikers accept everyone else for what they are. My suggestion is that you just be yourself out on the trail.

The saying goes, hike your own hike, but don't force others to hike your hike. So, don't go out and try to enlist your fellow thru-hikers. But by all means, talk with them about what the armed forces means to you.

Equipment, I'd take what is best suited for the task at hand. If that's miltary, then so be it. Otherwise, civilian equipment.

Stunt? No more than any one else doing a charity hike or hike for some cause or another.

Trail name? What's the matter with Sgt. Rock? From reading posts, you have earned it.

Behavior? Yes, you will be representing the armed forces, so act accordingly.

[Hammock Hanger]

There are a number of hikers out their with Causes on the agenda, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, etc... It does nt interfer with any of the other hikers hike, so no problems there. It will change your hike some as you will have some added responsibilities and schedules. But, hey, if you get to do the hike 3 years earlier sand get paid, HELL do it. You can always re-do it in 2007 if you felt like it cheated you somehow. IMHO HH

[The Weasel]

Ern --- Using your numbering/topics.....

(1) Introduce yourself as "Ern Engman". If anyone wants to know what your occupation is, you'll share it. I'm told that when Bruce Bobbitt, then the Sec of the Interior, section hiked a stretch of the AT a couple years ago, he introduced himself as "Bruce". You don't need to be told this. You might just enjoy the new trail name...if one happens.

(2) Another thing you don't need to be told: You'll be on the same behavior you are on when you are on duty, off base. Sometimes that means having a beer or three, and other times it means being a choirboy. It shouldn't mean "best behavior" all the time.

(3) Frankly, I've seen very little classic Army gear that is purpose-made for high-intensity long distance backpacking. You just MIGHT consider part of your proposal to describe how it tests the utility for such treks of NON-army gear.

(4) Best recruiter I ever knew was a few decades ago. Sgt James Neal was at the time the 3rd highest enlisted man in the USAF, and the local Air Force Recrcuiter. He was also our Scoutmaster. Never said a word about the Air Force. Not one. Ever. All of us wanted to join (yeah, at 14!). Why? To be like him. You do this, and you won't have to say a word about military careers (on the trail, that is) to "sell" the Army. (On the other hand, a lot of the trail towns are a LONG way away from recruiting stations for those "free hotels"...chuckle! You might want to look into locations. Don't waste your time trying to "recruit" when you cross the Hudson River on the bridge...you're a mile from West Point!).

(5) Consider this for your clothing: My Scout Troop uses, as it's unit hat, the military green "boonie" hat, with a very small Scout badge (the trefoil, or compass rose) pinned on the front. I never mentioned my Scouting relationship...but a fair number of people asked me. A nice way to make it 'non-intrusive'. Consider wearing a cap (or your beret, VERY functional) with your rank pin as your "Army" advertising.

(6) Walk this silly trail as often as you can!

I bet you'll get this approved!

[SGT Rock]

8 SEP 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR: Commander, US Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, KY 40121 ATTN: Advertising Branch.

SUBJECT: 2004 Appalachian Trail hike to support the Army Recruiting mission.

My name is First Sergeant Ernest B. Engman. Currently I am stationed at Fort Polk, LA as the First Sergeant of G Troop, 2/2 ACR. I was an Army Recruiter from 1990-1992 assigned to the Milwaukee Recruiting Battalion. I am an avid hiker and backpacker with over 30 years of experience. I even maintain a web site related to this that currently receives about 2,000 visits a month. My address is http://hikinghq.net.

I intend to retire in 2007 and hike from Springer Mountain Georgia to Mount Katahdin Maine along the Appalachian Trail, a distance of over 2,168 miles. I have already thoroughly planned this expedition and have the resources to do it. A copy of the plan is included and can also be found in detail at my web site. http://hikinghq.net/at_stuff/at.html.

The act of hiking the entire trail in one season is known as thru-hiking and was first accomplished by Earl V. Schaffer, a US Army veteran of WWII in 1948. Since then the number of people attempting a thru-hike has risen every year, but the number of people able to complete a thru-hike remains very low. The statistics show that less than 10% of people attempting a thru-hike finish in any year.

In or around February of 2004, I will be due to PCS. At that time I will be a branch certified Master Sergeant and will most likely be assigned to a special duty position of some sort like instructor in ROTC command. Normally such commands are very interested in the marketing to prospective members of the Army.

I propose that in March of 2004, I be assigned on TDY (or permissive TDY) to the Recruiting Command. On the 10th of March that year, I will start my hike up the Appalachian Trail, and be available at points along the trail for use by the Recruiting Command for public speaking and presentations to help enter markets such as High Schools, colleges, and other groups such as civic groups.

It should take me approximately six months to complete the entire trail if such stops are included. This means I can be assigned for the maximum allowed 179 days of TDY and still complete both aspects of the mission. After the hike, I would be available as a tasking to my unit (whatever it may be) to speak for the Army at various recruiting functions.

I currently have all the gear I need and would not need any additional financial support other than expenses related to speaking at recruiting functions. I would wear T shirts, hats, or whatever clothing required as advertising for the Army as I hiked. I would not be inclined to use issued Army CTA-500 equipment as it is not specifically suited to thru-hiking.

As a senior NCO, I realize the chances of this being approved are very slim, and are outside the norm. But supporting such an endeavor would not cost the Army any more than my salary and benefits. Since I already plan to do this after I retire, I think volunteering to do it while on active duty in order to benefit the Army is the right thing to do.

In my career I have also have worked with Army boxers, marksmen, and know that the Army sponsors a variety of sports that are not normally in line with the mission of the Army. I think the act of making the hike in a season, self supported would be consistent with the Army recruiting theme “An Army of One”.

I am available to discuss this if you require more information at [email protected] or at DSN 864-8282.





Ernest B. Engman
1SG, USA
Enclosures:
1. OPORD dated 16 FEB 2002
2. Packing list
3. Daily schedule

[Kerosene]

Wow! Looks great to me, but I'll offer up my suggestions for your considerations (my employees hate to bring stuff to me .

See if you can include a few powerful examples of the benefits of such a hike to the Army. The reader will likely see some positive implications, but your message will be more powerful if you delineate the more interesting, impressive and unique benefits.

Have Weasel put his edit/spell checker hat on before you ship. If he's unavailable, either I'll do it or I'll get my editor wife to give it a once over.

Way to go!

[The Weasel]

I'll be glad to provide any editing you want. But it's well written so far.

I think you minimize the impact and newsworthiness of this. While you might think ballet is not in the same category as the Infantry, "Trail Dancer" was in his 60s, and probably spawned 200 or more press articles and dozens of school and group meetings. You might want to indicate that the AT is a highly-noticed press item, with a LOT of coverage of "special" hikers. This would fit. I promise, you'll get your pic in the paper a LOT. ALL of it will be positive.

You also might want to note your ability to meet with military units along the way. The Ranger Training Base is about 5 miles off the AT in Georgia (visible, in fact, from one of the ridges), and the Military Academy is virtually ON the AT. (Virginia Military Institute is also very close by the AT.) I suspect there are other units based close to the Trail, as well as Reserve/National Guard units. While not a "recruiting" function, showing a senior noncommissioned officer doing stuff like this can not have training functions but serve as an example to others, thereby helping enlisted retention. You're a better judge of this that I am, but it would seem useful to me.

You might also tie this plan to what I think are some of the qualities that exemplify our modern Army, beyond the mottos: This is perhaps one of the most physically and emotionally demanding efforts that are available in the United States today, requiring maturity and stamina (again, not merely physical, but mental even more) that are unusual anywhere. Boxing and even marathon running don't begin to match the demands on mind and body that this does; those who complete it - and I cannot yet include myself in that group - are an elite.

Go for it, Sarge!

[SGT Rock]

I was thinking about that angle. Unfortunately I couldn't come up with anything right off except that there is a current facination in the youth culture with "Extreme Sports". While we here know that thru-hiking isn't an extreme sport, I think I could sell it as something youth would be interested in hearing about because they would percive it as an extreme sport. Then tying it into the skills, knowledge, and attitude the Army trains in Basic training that allow any soldier to do exactly what I propose to do.

Maybe a couple of paragraphs like this:

The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states, past many major metropolitan areas, and actually runs right beside the United States Army Military Academy at West Point. There would be numerous possibilities for speaking engagements and presentations at various events along the trail route. I would not only provide a benefit for Army recruitment, but for retention, motivational speaking at places like USAMA, and other facets too numerous to mention.

Currently America's youth are fascinated with "Extreme Sports" and the accomplishment of individuals under hash conditions. They would be receptive to presentations by someone (a soldier) actually living an extreme sport. In my presentations I would associate the skills, knowledge, and attitude that all soldiers receive in Initial Entry Training to the affect of giving them the ability to do it as well.

I would, in effect, be demonstrating by example the Facts, Evidence, Benefit, and Advantage of Army service. But in opening them to the message through the act of hiking, the other benefits such as service to country, adventure, education, training, etc. could be presented by me and recruiters from the local recruiting command.

But not only would I be available for presentations, I could also maintain an on-line journal where my hike could be followed day to day. Such journals are a norm and are read on various sites by thousands. Additionally, the newspapers nationwide often carry stories about such hikes when they are out of the norm like when Earl Schaffer repeated his hike at the age of 79, or when various hikers attempt a thru-hike as a fund raiser for various charities.

--------------------------------------------------------------

I also added this tag near the end:

I too was stationed at Fort Knox, from 1996-2000. While there I served in a variety of positions at the NCO Academy culminating as the Division Chief of PLDC. During this time, I had a remarkable mentor, CSM Kevin P. Garvey. He had a philosophy of using a person’s talents in a position to best serve the unit’s mission. He was a master at determining how a person’s talents could be used, regardless of how unconventional it may have been. I feel that in this respect, I am the right person for the job, and this is the right time for me to do it. My talents, although not conventional Army skills, nor applied in a conventional military manor, can serve the Army in a way no other soldier’s can.


-----------------------------------------------------------------

BTW, I capitalized the words Facts, Evidence, Benifits, and Advantage because it was an Army Recruiting doctrinal term when I was a recruiter. I also used CSM Garvey's name because he has retired in that area, knows me, and is still fairly prominent in the community.

Any thoughts? Am I on the right track?

[wacocelt]

As cynical as I am about military recruiters in general, no offense intended, I find this idea to be inspiring as well as admirable. IMO there is strong need for 'lead by example' in the military and especially the recruiting arm.
My only fear about this issue is that some prospects may get the impression that 'hiking' will be one of the things promised them by joining. I have faith that you will make it crystal clear that you are on special duty and that your mission isn't standard SOP. I also have faith in the 'average' (damn I hate that word) person compeletly changing 95% of what they hear to suit the ideal they hope to see.
<<EDIT: Very few 'extreme' athletes have the wherewithal to strap on a pack and give up thier modern conveniences for 4-6 months at a pop. My guess is that the majority of the would cringe at the thought. Therefore it's my opinion that Thru-Hiking IS to some extent an extreme sport.:>>
I wish you all the best with this effort.

[The Weasel]

Ern, are you a reader? I mean as in novels, for pleasure? (There's a point to this.)

If you are, go to your library (it's probably out of print otherwise) and get "Northwest Passage", by Kenneth Roberts. There was also a great flick with Spencer Tracy, but get the book. It's about Maj Robert Rogers (RA), who attacked a major Abenaki encampment in Canada a handful of New Englanders in the French and Indian War, walking literally from the Maine coast through the wilderness for hundreds of miles, and thereafter organized feared irregulars during the Revolution. It's a great book, about a great man. Robert's book - he wrote many very good historical novels in the 30s-50s - was one of the moving forces for the formation of the 1st and 2nd Rangers during WWII.

The reason I mention it is that nowhere in your proposal is the statement, "This is what we are known for." From Rogers attack, through the Revolution's greatest fighting general - Benedict Arnold - similarly leading a brigade hundreds of miles, with only the food and gear each man could carry to seize Montreal, to Capt Rogers and (sorta) Capt Clark walking the American continent, through those guys who walked (some of them literally) from Normandy all the way to Vienna, right through to the present day, that's what Americans know - and yet are so surprised at seeing - their Army do. You cross terrain. You do it in the wilderness. You do it despite the challenges. You just damn well do it.

That's not an "extreme sport", Ern. Throw in the "X-sport" stuff, sure; it can't hurt and might help. But I've been reading your posts for a couple months now, and you're not in the Army to make a buck, and you're not going to walk the AT just for fun. You do both because it's who you ARE. Well, tell the Army that "who you are" is "who they are", and this is a heck of an object lesson to people considering joining the military: "This is who we are."

Bet you a beer you can't tell me I'm wrong.

The Weasel

[SGT Rock]

I can't tell you that you are wrong. You hit the nail on the head on both accounts.

I know about the the example of the attack into Canada. It is considered by the Rangers to be their founding ideas. Part of the Ranger Creed and idea comes from that.

Based on what you all have told me, I've slightly modified my proposal, although I still don't think it is perfect yet. So here it is:

------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 SEP 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR: Commander, US Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, KY 40121 ATTN: Advertising Branch.

SUBJECT: 2004 Appalachian Trail hike to support the Army Recruiting mission.

My name is First Sergeant Ernest B. Engman. Currently I am stationed at Fort Polk, LA as the First Sergeant of G Troop, 2/2 ACR. I was an Army Recruiter from 1990-1992 assigned to the Milwaukee Recruiting Battalion. I am an avid hiker and backpacker with over 30 years of experience. I even maintain a web site related to this that currently receives over 2,000 visits a month. My address is http://hikinghq.net.

I intend to retire in 2007 and hike from Springer Mountain Georgia to Mount Katahdin Maine along the Appalachian Trail, a distance of over 2,168 miles. I have already thoroughly planned this expedition and have the resources to do it. A copy of the plan is included and can also be found in detail at my web site. http://hikinghq.net/at_stuff/at.html.

The act of hiking the entire trail in one season is known as thru-hiking and was first accomplished by Earl V. Schaffer, a US Army veteran of WWII in 1948. Since then the number of people attempting a thru-hike has risen every year, but the number of people able to complete a thru-hike remains very low. The statistics show that less than 10% of people attempting a thru-hike finish in any year.

In or around February of 2004, I will be due to PCS. At that time I will be a branch certified Master Sergeant and will most likely be assigned to a special duty position of some sort like instructor in ROTC command. Normally such commands are very interested in the marketing to prospective members of the Army.

I propose that in March of 2004, I be assigned on TDY (or permissive TDY) to the Recruiting Command. On the 10th of March that year, I will start my hike up the Appalachian Trail, and be available at points along the trail for use by the Recruiting Command for public speaking and presentations to help enter markets such as High Schools, colleges, and other groups such as civic groups.

It should take me approximately six months to complete the entire trail if such stops are included. This means I can be assigned for the maximum allowed 179 days of TDY and still complete both aspects of the mission. After the hike, I would be available as a tasking to my unit (whatever it may be) to speak for the Army at various recruiting functions.

The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states, past many major metropolitan areas, and actually runs right beside the United States Army Military Academy at West Point. There would be numerous possibilities for speaking engagements and presentations at various events along the trail route. I would not only provide a benefit for Army recruitment, but for retention, motivational speaking at places like USAMA, and other facets too numerous to mention.

Currently America's youth are fascinated with "Extreme Sports" and the accomplishment of individuals under hash conditions. They would be receptive to presentations by someone (a soldier) actually living an extreme sport. In my presentations I would associate the skills, knowledge, and attitude that all soldiers receive in Initial Entry Training to the affect of giving them the ability to do it as well. I could also educate them that such attributes are not uncommon, they have been a part of our Army since 1775 when soldiers with minimal equipment would travel for hundreds of miles to face our nation’s enemies and earn our freedom in the exact same terrain I would be hiking.

I feel that my hike is more than just an extreme sport or a stunt. I want to show that soldiers are people that cherish this country for the freedom it provides, the freedom that makes such a hike even possible. And I also want to show that as soldiers we care about environmental issues and the preservation of the American wilderness and its ecosystems. There are many aspects of this hike that would appeal to the prospective soldiers of the future.

I would, in effect, be demonstrating by example the Facts, Evidence, Benefit, and Advantage of Army service. But in opening them to the message through the act of hiking, the other benefits such as service to country, adventure, education, training, etc. could be presented by me and recruiters from the local recruiting command.

But not only would I be available for presentations, I could also maintain an on-line journal where my hike could be followed day to day. Such journals are a norm and are read on various sites by thousands. Additionally, the newspapers nationwide often carry stories about such hikes when they are out of the norm like when Earl Schaffer repeated his hike at the age of 79, or when various hikers attempt a thru-hike as a fund raiser for various charities.

I currently have all the gear I need and would not need any additional financial support other than expenses related to speaking at recruiting functions. I would wear T shirts, hats, or whatever clothing required as advertising for the Army as I hiked. I would not be inclined to use issued Army CTA-500 equipment as it is not specifically suited to thru-hiking.

As a senior NCO, I realize the chances of this being approved are very slim, and are outside the norm. But supporting such an endeavor would not cost the Army any more than my salary and benefits. Since I already plan to do this after I retire, I think volunteering to do it while on active duty in order to benefit the Army is the right thing to do.

In my career I have also have worked with Army boxers, marksmen, and know that the Army sponsors a variety of sports that are not normally in line with the mission of the Army. I think the act of making the hike in a season, self supported would be consistent with the Army recruiting theme “An Army of One”.

I too was stationed at Fort Knox, from 1996-2000. While there I served in a variety of positions at the NCO Academy culminating as the Division Chief of PLDC. During this time, I had a remarkable mentor, CSM Kevin P. Garvey. He had a philosophy of using a person’s talents in a position to best serve the unit’s mission. He was a master at determining how a person’s talents could be used, regardless of how unconventional it may have been. I feel that in this respect, I am the right person for the job, and this is the right time for me to do it. My talents, although not conventional Army skills, nor applied in a conventional military manor, can serve the Army in a way no other soldier’s can.

I am available to discuss this if you require more information at [email protected] or at DSN 864-8282.





Ernest B. Engman
1SG, USA
Enclosures:
1. OPORD dated 16 FEB 2002
2. Packing list
3. Daily schedule


---------------------------------------------------------------------

My concern is now that I may make this too long, that the reader could loose the focus of what I'm trying to say.

Thanks for the input. I know it still needs some tweaking, but I hope to submitt it by the end of the month.

[wacocelt]

Sounds great Top. I agree that with a bit more work you'll be presenting them a proposal that they will literally jump at. Kudos.

[hacksaw]

Dang, Rock!

You're gonna' mess around and GET this gig if you don't watch out! Your proposal looks better with each rewrite.

One other bunch that you want to try and mention, due to the trail connection, is the Overmountain Men of the Revolutionary War.

Hacksaw