Sailors

 I was in the Navy back in the day. I was there before women served on ships or in any combat roles. I was there before don't ask, don't tell. I was there when smoking cigarettes was expected and getting hammered a right of passage. Yes, I was there for all of that and more. Over my twenty year career I saw many things change. Mostly the changes were for the better if I'm honest about that, but not all. Having been retired since 1993, I really have no clue what the deal is today. I suspect things haven't really changed all that much as far as human nature goes, the only changes being in the regulations. The expectations are most likely the same as always, being a sailor. My question is, what does that entail today? Is it the dominance of that alpha male! I suspect that it is. Toward the end of my career in the navy we did have women on ship. And yes, there were the alpha females! They were called "butch" back then, an offensive term rarely heard today. Of course today I hear about gender fluidity in the services. A kinder, gentler military. 

 I'm thinking about the social construct. It was in the 70's and 80's that I served. Those decades were filled with social change. I chuckle when I remember one of the first questions you would be asked when reporting to your ship; are you cool? What they wanted to know was your stance on the use of marijuana. You were either "cool" or a narc! Yes that really was the big issue that I recall. You also learned quickly to stay in your paygrade! You shouldn't hang out with those of a higher rank than yourself, there was a defined hierarchy! Know your role! You were expected to follow that. You were also expected to smoke, drink and swear! If you weren't doing that, you just weren't cool. All of that was just a part of "paying your dues" as the saying goes. It was how you earned respect. You could tone it all back as you rose in the ranks, although you did have to have some good sea stories about your exploits as a boot. 

 I was subjected to a good deal of hazing, as they call that today. We just called it fooling around. Never thought of it in any other way. Just having a little fun at the expense of the new guys. Yes there were times when things got a little out of hand. That was when you had to exert yourself a bit harder, assume that alpha male role. You didn't cry about that, you did something about it! Did feelings get hurt? I guess so, but no one was talking about that, only cuts and bruises would be mentioned. Yeah, tell the guys your feelings were hurt, LOL, best way to I know to get yourself subjected to further hazing. Go complain to someone higher up in the chain of command. Yeah, right. All that hazing was just a way of forming a bond, a manly bond with your shipmates. But you didn't say anything like that, not even hint at it. Are you crazy? No, just no. If any of that bothered you, that's what drinking was for. 

 Look I'm not saying things were better back in my day, I can't know that without having served today. I'm just telling how it used to be. It is what I experienced. I would do it all again in a minute. Yes, there are some things I would do differently. Still, for the most part it was a good time, maybe I had too much of a good time in retrospect. I could have applied myself more diligently to rising through the ranks. I could have furthered my formal education, earned a degree or a commission. 

  I didn't do either one. I knew what was expected of me and did my best to meet those expectations. I made first class petty officer and served as the engine room supervisor while underway. Responsible for millions of dollars of machinery and the proper operation of that equipment. I stood ready to "answer all bells" in the pit. A sailors sailor! I've seen everything, been everywhere, done everything. Been through hurricanes, sailed the seven seas, saw exotic ports and drank gallons of beer and liquor. I have the certificates to prove it! I sailed on iron ships with iron men. We were sailors! 

  I do wonder about what it is today. Everything we were doing is either banned or frowned upon today. Every one of use would be admitted to rehab today or referred for mental health treatment. Just what are the sailors doing today for relaxation and entertainment? I'm thinking whatever it is it isn't nearly as much fun as we had. At least I think we had fun, I was told I did anyway, my memory is a bit hazy. I could tell you some stories though, they all begin with "no *hit." If you know, you know.