Wednesday, June 1, 2011

a longer road ahead

It's been since July 2010 that I've been pursuing officer training with Naval Special Warfare in earnest. This road's been fraught with more adversity than I expected--the rigors of physical training, challenges navigating the military bureaucracy, and an unforeseen curve ball regarding my medical eligibility have all tested my resolve. I posted a good physical screening test (PST) score two weeks ago, re-wrote my essays, and submitted my application packet ahead of schedule. After a few months of intense training and fighting illness I looked forward to a couple months of lifting weights and letting my cardio fitness sag.

No such luck, though. For the first time ever in the NSW OCS application process the selection boards are going to be interviewing candidates, and part of this involves taking a PST the day-of. Since I've been on this path I've had the constant experience of the rules of the game changing just as I'm getting to know them. I'd hoped this would be a season to rest my body a bit and focus on building strength and muscle mass that I tend to lose in the pool and on the track. As it is, it's time to put my head down and focus on getting faster, stronger, and tougher than ever before. When I see that board in August, I will destroy my current best posted score. This is an important part of the test. There is no room for self-sympathy here. Mental and physical preparation for combat and to lead men under the harshest of circumstances is an ongoing work. Rest has its place, but the kind of discipline I have to subject myself to now pales in comparison to what will be required of me in BUD/S and the training evolutions to follow should I be successful in reaching my goal.

Upon reflection, what at first had the disheartening impact of a shifting goal post looks like a blessing. I don't have the luxury of complacence--a luxury that so frequently has a toxic affect on our sharpness of the mind, softness of the heart, and strength of spirit.

--

On a completely different note, here are links to two topics that have been getting me thinking recently. The lesson? Whether in economics or physics, always question your paradigm.


1 comment:

Glen Davis said...

What a weird curve ball. I am confident that you will crush your previous score like an empty can.