Kit or not to Kit

We live in world of rules here.  Everything you do is somehow covered in an Army SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) or a FRAGO (Fragmentation Order).  In the Army, you follow them to the letter to get promoted.   The SOPs cover all anyone would ever think of doing, developed by trolls who never come out of their caves.  (Did you know there is an SOP which says I can’t wear a singlet?, yes look it up)   For me, an SOP is what you resort to when you are clueless.  All other times, use your head.  I live by the mantra “do until someone says you cant” rather than the typical “don’t do until someone says you can”.  Try my way, you will enjoy life and accomplish more.

We now must get “Kitted up” (full body armor, helmet, weapon and a trip ticket) anytime you go outside the wall.  The trolls never knew we escort about 40 Afghans every other day into camp at the gate and because the welcome gate is technically outside the wall by five feet, we must be kitted up.  The young Afghans look perplexed when they see us walk up in full “Battle Rattle” just to turn around and escort them back in.  Mindless.  Now the Embassy does not like guns, so we don’t take them when we go over to share a ride with their staff, but our SOP says we have to be ready for war.  So what do we do?  Well, don your kit, hide our pistol in your pants and wave at the guards.  When you get in their transport you have to take your kit off as they want you arriving at whatever destination in style.  Then reverse the process to come get back.  I’m sure there is an SOP on how to question an SOP.

All "Kitted up" and someplace to go