Hopper
Those days are gone however the fond memories are still embedded. I still have the same
feelings of wanting to be a Tank Crew Commander when Vic Harvey was the Troop WO during
CAT 77 alas I was just a driver, my jealous riddled body seemed to give into the job I was
given. Keeping that in mind. I'm now out of those jobs and wish I was back in the CC
seat for the jobs to come as a CC. Alas my jealous riddled body is in the same area of
concern. Yes you could re-join but what the job you want may not be what you get and by
the time you were trained you're back on civi street LOL!
We did a great job in Germany, things were in front of us, now it's everywhere. We
formed a leaguer and dismounted in a secure location. There's no such place. I have
allot of respect for our soldiers today. They have challenges with technology, tactics,
fitness, with requirements to change sometimes daily. Our ability to think and focus on
these issues individually was easy. These days the requirement of changes daily with new
tactics from the enemy, to new equipment coming on line and may not have been seen till
you have it for use, (but that's OK cause these guys grab it and get it running to
it's capability fast and accurate), or to carrying more stuff on your back than you
would ask a small donkey to carry (fitness is essential), or to fit in a smaller turret
than you and I have ever seen with more Armour than the driver's hatch and still
having to fight with the same tenacity. These things are all achievable I have seen it. So
can we compare? NO! Can we live the dream we once had with the equipment we had, and the
tasks we were given, and were we proud Yes!
If you look at what we developed in that past, we are so proud of with regards to Officers
and Senior NCO's. They're great soldiers and great leaders. We just evolved to a
new environment. There is no requirement for veiled speech, we are all secure and the
smell of cordite and diesel is still there, we just don't choke on it anymore. Hahaha!
Take Care old friend it's almost time for me to join you, not you to join me, but not
yet! I'm still having fun.
Denis Levesque
(Badger)
----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Hopkins<mailto:idahocanuck@cableone.net>
To: rcd-association@rootsweb.com<mailto:rcd-association@rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 10:48 PM
Subject: [DragNet] Ref: Tanks
Badge,
I must say I am sad that the RCD are not taking tanks to
Afghanistan. I know this is the old Germany Tank Soldier speaking but just
think. We trained for so long in Germany. I was in a tank troop for 6 years
in Germany. I would love to go to a gun camp again. To do a quick attack
again. I know it has all changed but the thrill of a tank must be the same.
We were such a wild but on the other hand I feel knew what we were doing. I
was a troop leader when Moffat was the Sqn Comd. Boy we worked well in the
field. I guess it was because I was Recce and Tanks. He would use veiled
speech to me and I would respond. I thought we did well. Anyway with all
that said I do miss the panzer. I miss the smell of cordite and diesel. I
miss the speed and comradary.
Badger can I re-up....lol
Hoppy
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