Overheard on the street

*******WARNING - STRONG LANGUAGE*******

A while back I was walking on Disney Drive and overheard the following conversation between two soldiers. They were talking about politicians coming to Bagram.

PFC: I hate it when these guys show up.
SPEC: I know what you mean. They f**k up everything when they get here.
PFC: Yeah, they want attention and the brass want to make sure they [the brass] look good. So, we get stuck hauling their a**es around and making sure they get what they want.
SPEC: I'm not sure who is better: the Democrats or the Republicans.
PFC: Yeah, the Democrats want a photo op. They shake your hand and get home to beer and steak. What a waste of my time for them to even show up. The Republicans want to visit the FOB's and PRT's. Now, I have to babysit the F**kers and make sure they don't get whacked.
SPEC: You got it man... what a waste of time.

I am not saying the soldiers are correct in their views: I am pointing out the view of the junior soldiers. They don't really care about the "brass" hob-nobbing with the politicos. They just want to do their job and go home at the end of their tour. They don't want to spend time watching out for politicians that are making a name for themselves and getting their face on the front page of the paper.

Next time you politicians think you are improving morale when you show up in Bagram, Kabul, Kandahar, or some of the FOB's/PRT's consider the extra effort these guys have to make just for your ego.