CLC3 Day 27: Branch chat

In combatives today we practiced "How Not to Get Hit in the Face," a thoroughly useful skill. My sore rib gave me some trouble, but this was one of those important lessons for getting through the clinch drill at the end of the course.

In class we studied the MDMP process some more, but more importantly we all got to sit down with our branch managers. This was a bit disappointing for me at first, but that was because I had different expectations from what actually possible. In the end, I got as much as could reasonably expect at the moment.

My first preference for assignment was Korea, which was not an issue. However, I had hoped to get some sort of idea on whether I could get the particular unit I wanted and if I could get command sponsorship (bring family at government expense).

I didn't understand at the time that those things were beyond the branch manager's control. The best he could say was that -- with 20 spots in the country to fill and only three people who *want* to go -- he could pretty easily get me there.

It was only after talking with classmates that I learned how to get further details. It's once I get the RFO (Request For Orders) in mid-December that I can contact the G-1 administrative section and request a particular brigade.

So for now, I wait. Going to Korea is pretty well assured; now it's just a matter of following through once I get the official notice.