a little perspective

During the course of my enthusiastic avoidance of all things law-school related this evening, I came across this blog post about US soldiers signing up for, studying for, and taking the LSAT.

IN IRAQ.

Thought maybe we could all use a little perspective.

I started out studying in my room, but that was problematic because my roommate works the day shift and I work the night shift so I was studying in the dark balancing books on my knees with a tiny light and trying not to make any noise.  So that really didn’t work.  Instead, I started coming into the trailers where my Tactical Operations Center (TOC) is and working there all night, but a lot of people come in and out so I eventually moved out of there as well.

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The testing center itself was alright.  It was a little noisy at times and the room we tested in was somewhat cramped with shaky squeaking tables and my chair had a broken back.  The proctor, a U.S. civilian, was very kind and helpful.

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Regardless of our different situations, all soldiers in combat who are trying to accomplish something like this face many small detractors that add up: constant stress of direct or indirect fire, heat (120-140 degrees), irregular sleep patterns, no personal living or work space, unreliable internet, supervisors who may be unsupportive, no real time off, and of course the demands of the mission – whatever it may be for that individual.  The mission always comes first, regardless of your personal endeavors.  You have to split your focus between the mission and possibly the biggest test of your immediate future, which is difficult, especially when your life or the life of your fellow soldiers is at risk.