They say there are only four things to do here in theatre: work, work out, eat, and sleep. I propose a fifth: education.
As you can tell from my previous blogs, the Army finds running fun. Hmmm. The Armed Forces all place great emphasis on physical fitness, so you will find an abundance of gyms and recreation activities on military bases. Afghanistan is no different and, although the gyms here are dusty and a little run down, the membership fees are waived.
Many U.S. service members take advantage of their deployment time to get into shape or better shape. I have a few soldiers over here who have lost 40+ pounds! The average weight loss is 10 pounds. We all lose a lot when we first arrive and then start eating candy and cookies and junk food, particularly during the holidays.
I propose that you can add education to that personal reformation. University of Maryland, Embry- Riddle, Central Texas College, University of Phoenix, and Oklahoma University all have offices here and offer classes to our service members.
I inquired about the number of service members enrolled in courses here and was told that it is impossible to determine, since many of us come into theatre already enrolled in academic programs. During one of my Battle Field Circulation trips I was discussing my many challenges with my doctoral program and learned that one of my colleagues was also enrolled in a doctorate program; and we were both at about the same stage of the "journey." You see, when you pursue a doctorate in philosophy you are "experiencing" the "journey" of learning. I believed that the first three years, now I just want the journey to end.
I have arrived! Finally, I heard the magical word "approved" regarding my dissertation. I have been working on my doctorate for the past eight years and am very excited to say that my dissertation was finally accepted and I will come home as Dr. Jane! So no more text books, no more homework, no more school stress. Hopefully, next week I will defend it and then I will be finished. They say defending your dissertation is like facing a firing squad but those who say this are not stationed in the combat zone.
Bring it on.
