It’s taken a few weeks to process my second round in Quantico, Virginia – a place that really began to feel a lot like home – because life hasn’t seemed to pause since returning to my actual home. The long and short of it: compared to the first round, round two was just the same, but totally different.
Very quickly upon my return to Camp Barrett, I realized what a relief it was to not be the Officer in Charge (OIC). That being said, having been there ten days prior as the OIC made the position of AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge) tricky. Luckily, by gaining a roommate (the new OIC), I gained a best friend; she, Rachel, helped me navigate the new set of waters with a whole lot of grace.
This time around, I enjoyed all the learning I was able to step back and absorb. Rachel organized trainings on all kinds of topics — from blister care, TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care), and neuro assessment to sessions on career development from senior enlisted sailors and officers. One of my takeaways was learning the importance of acquiring clients of a greater variety of ages and diagnoses in my civilian career, such as by working with adults at an ortho/hand clinic or a hospital, in order to further my Navy career.
I also learned how to pack a ruck bag, the stupidity of waking up for a workout at 0330 on the morning of a hike-day, and the effects of MREs and Monster energy drinks (as well as the bliss of a few gummy bears, in the right moment). I have since sworn to 1) always prepare for rain 2) only use Monsters when on orders and 3) only consume one MRE within a 24-hr timeframe.
Swim Buddies
The day after the hardest hike of both rounds, we messed up comms. I messed up comms. I made the already messy plans messier by not appropriately following the chain of command. I felt like shit. Jordan sent me a strand of really helpful texts about the story of Navy Seal Team 6’s mission of planning and executing the capture of Osama Bin Laden. He explained how the initial plan went to complete crap, yet the mission was still accomplished. Following the words of the story, with words pf encouragement sprinkled throughout, he said, “Plans always get ****ed. It’s how you overcome that ****ing that matters.”
That day, combined with the hardest hike from the day before, was the hardest 48-hours of both rounds, combined. Yet again, I learned a few crucial bits to return to on my next hardest day, and despite being beyond tired, my team kept our smiles turned on and we didn’t fall out — we rolled on.
Two days later, I texted Jordan in the morning and asked, “Why do I love this so much? Even the chaos. I think I’m starting to even enjoy the chaos.” Jordan’s response was, “Hut hut hut. You get numb to it after a while. Now you know why I have no soul.” Later that morning, four members of my team found a way to have fun amidst the heat during Land Nav, while continuing to engage with two of our members who were staged too far away for any of us to walk and visit. We texted… and laughed… for hours. Because of my team, I value undershirts, four solid tires, USOs, ammonia inhalant, a pack of cards, technology, and humor in a whole new way.
One of the positives of being on orders over July 4th was enjoying liberty (LIBO) in a whole new way. We planned a surprise birthday party, enjoyed fireworks, made barrack mimosas, and visited Hank’s to teach one of my new favorite senior leaders how to eat an oyster – who also identified my developing leadership style as “Emojis + MWR” (Morale, Welfare, Recreation). Her leadership style is, “I’m going places and I’m taking you with me!” I’m so excited to go the places I know she’ll take me.
An interesting reflection over the entirety of my 29 days spent in Quantico was recognizing how many people commented on my energy and smile. All my life, I’ve been known for my teeth and positivity, but I’m starting to believe that experiences with the Navy cause both of these to shine a little brighter.
- Just like the Operations Officer (OpsO) from Round 1, the OpsO from Round 2 asked if I was ever going to stop smiling.
- Our LPO commented to Rachel that he thinks I should be caged for my energy to be studied. Rachel responded, “I can feel her energy, bursting with joy, waiting anxiously to tell me good morning every day.” (Meanwhile, I thought I was being super patient and respectful by waiting until her feet hit the floor to say a single word).
- I told my team about these comments and one of my sailors said, “I think the energy is what burns away all the calories you consume. Like how are you not 300lbs?? NGL, that would be an interesting study.”
- On my last day, a sailor texted to the group, “I think from now on when I’m in a good mood, I’m gonna say I’m feeling Schmitty.” Rachel responded with, “Litty Schmitty. She’s (somehow) happier with a drink in her system.”
- That night we went to a team dinner and took a group picture. Before it was snapped, Rachel exclaimed: “Everyone, try to smile as big as Schmitt!”
I basically spent my summer here. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way.
Within 48 hours of being home, I balled my eyes out. Because I’m “psycho.” I missed Quantico; I missed my people. The texts that kept coming through made me miss them HARD.
Cheers to the second (meaning tied with the first) best team I’ve ever known.