absence explained

FLASH BACK TO the summer of 1983, just before my senior year of high school. Influenced by a number of factors—my late father's military career, a friend's enlistment in the Navy, perhaps even that first movie about someone called John Rambo—I signed up for the delayed entry program. Airborne infantry, no less.

In the end, I didn't go: when one signs up for volunteer service at 17, there's a number of ways to bug out without penalty. And in the end, staying home was for me the better option, even if cold feet struck so late that I had to begin higher education at a community college.

Flash forward to spring 2001. Several years of personal challenges had led to academic complications. I was quickly becoming disenchanted with the academic life, and decided that after the PhD I would seek work in something more practical: science policy, for instance. Then came 9/11.

And I wanted to do something to serve. The problem was how. I was already too old for military service (and my academic situation was rather pressing anyway). I had two masters degrees, but no policy creds: the history and philosophy of science is far removed indeed from political science and strategic studies. Even worse, I was stuck in the Midwest with nary a connection to be found.

I have tried to remedy that situation. In 2002 I began cultivating contacts at a certain nationally known think tank, only to see the Indianapolis branch close its doors just as I was hoping for a graduate fellowship. And this blog, hobby though it may be, is nonetheless also intended to showcase whatever skills in commentary and analysis that I might possess. But some eighteen months after its launch, the site hasn't made the splash that I'd hoped. (If you are a regular reader, my thanks, and no, I'm not giving this up just yet.)

The past year has been extremely frustrating. My usual teaching gigs didn't happen; I've worked a number of odd and thankless and low-paying jobs—descending as far as the hell that is substitute teaching—while juggling my thesis research and writing for this site. And wondered all the while if I would ever be able to patch together a CV that would gain me entrance to policy circles in Washington.

And then, three weeks ago, the Department of the Army raised the maximum enlistment age for the Reserves by five years, to 39. Last Friday I was sworn in for a six-year commitment.

I asked for, and received, a very particular job. Sad to say, it did not come with signup bonuses or other incentives, but in return for the opportunity to serve I will be able to fill in some yawning gaps in my experience. Basic training begins in late August—one month into my fortieth year. Oh, my.

It has been one very interesting fortnight. The most troubling part of this whole business will be the seven months of separation from my wife. Nothing new for military families, of course, but that does not make the prospect any easier.

Yet she will be fine. On Friday night, I returned home from processing with a contract and a bag full of curiosities. One was a CD-ROM of America's Army - Special Forces, billed as the “Official Game of the US Army”. While I was on the phone informing friends and family of what I had done, the sounds of barked commands and gunfire erupted from our living room.

Yeah. She'll be just fine.

Good for you. Our son just returned from 10 months in Afghanistan. We are very proud of him. I envy your choice and your youth.

Thanks. It's strange to still feel young enough to do this (and indeed rather excited by the challenge) and yet at the same time to feel—well, nearly forty.

But a week on I think I made the right decision.

Anthony,

I wanted to belatedly write a few words about your decision to serve your country. I wanted to say at the outset that my military experience was one of the most meaningful in my life. I applaud your decision and I'm sure you will make a fine soldier.

When I think about the rigors, toils and difficulties of service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the many other places our forces are deployed I am stunned by their commitment. I am sure that you will be faithful to the same spirit of dedication exemplified by those who have already sacrificed so much.

The only advice that I would offer is to never give up, endure all the challenges whether they be physical, mental, or emotional. I can tell you from experience that there will be days where your commitment and motivation will reach their ends. I can also tell you from that same experience that there is a reserve made up of a combination of determination and sheer will power that can be tapped to make up for the difference.

Finally, I would say that you will be in our thoughts and prayers as you prepare yourself for basic training and then service in the Army.

Tom Bombadil