A Long and Healthy Hate

Lest you think I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to live out one of my favorite TV shows when I was a teen-ager (I didn’t), allow me to recall another episode of M*A*S*H for you. In this episode, Hawkeye discovers that one of the patients he had just operated on is 16. The kid begs him not to tell; Hawkeye agrees. Hawkeye changes his mind later in the episode when another patient dies in the OR. The show ends with Hawkeye bringing one of the MPs into the recovery room, telling him that the patient is 16, and ordering him to take him to the nearest authorities. The kid rails against him, eventually telling Hawkeye he’ll never forgive him for sending him home. Hawkeye couldn’t care less, telling him, “Let’s hope it’s a long and healthy hate.”

We received a version of that speech from our Battalion Commander this evening. He’s been telling Marines to use their door locks for the past couple months, but it appears that some Marines are continuing not to use them—whether out of forgetfulness, fear of drowning, or for some reason or another. We use the locks because they keep the door from blowing open during an IED blast. If the doors are open, Marines are vulnerable; if they stay closed, it’s safer for everyone. The fear of drowning comes into play because many of the roads we drive on are between canals. However, given how low the water is right now, it’s not a serious concern.

Back to the speech--the CO told us that if it took sending Marines home with adverse paperwork, or with one less stripe, he could care less. If Marines weren’t going to use their door locks, that’s what would happen. And if that Marine hated him for the rest of their life, he didn’t care; at least they would be alive.

I have no interesting observations to offer tonight, I was just amused to see real life mimic TV. We’re gearing up for our last mission; we’ll probably head out late next week. Until then, I have plenty of awards to write. :-)