Nine to Ten: First Link in the Chain? (Part 2)

It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time. - Winston Churchill

SITREP on the Past, Present & Future
Part 2 - Future (Part 1 - Past & Present, published yesterday)

What a day - slept late, had a cup of Wild Wolf coffee from Alaska, watched the Rose Bowl and ate a Philly Cheesesteak on the couch/bed (remember I live in a CHU), slipped into a third quarter nap, awoke and finished the game. 


Author note: I said yesterday I didn't have anything to complain about; I lied. 


Post-game nap seemed in order, I never get those here in Baghdad. Set the conditions - room temperature perfect, bed ready, "Crash playlist" on iTunes going, here we go...snooze level 1 - achieved quickly. All systems indicate we are ready for full sleep mode, engage snoring. "What in the heck was that?" - oh, great the construction crew behind by CHU decided it was time to drive pilings into the trench. Unbelievable, but typical. I still have close to 20 hours 'off'.

The Future


I strayed a bit into the Iraq's future yesterday so today I will focus on the questions you have asked about my favorite topic - me. 

I used Churchill's quote about the chain of destiny as a lead in because it is so applicable to me, to Sandy & Cooper, right now. For a guy who never wanted to go into the Army and has been trying to quit for 23 years, it seems strange that I am still dragging my feet as the end quickly approaches. I am in discussions with the Senior Leader Development (the human resource managers for Colonels) about what happens next. Standing Joint Force Headquarters at Northern Command has asked for me by name to return as one of the Division Chiefs (maybe Chief of Staff, depending on their structure.) SLD said it could happen, once we were clear that I wouldn't move the family again and that I declined consideration in all categories of colonel command. Essentially we have painted ourselves into a corner on purpose and, as I said to SLD, I am willing to serve the Nation as long as I can contribute from here in Colorado. Now the clock is ticking, there aren't that many options and at some point SLD will say 'thanks but its time to submit your retirement packet.' If that happens in January, I would imagine being out by next summer (2011) if not sooner by choice. The most I could serve at NORTHCOM would be probably through the Summer of 2012.


"Then what?," you say. Good question. I believe that it is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time. (Wouldn't it be great to actually say that stuff off the top of your head and have it be repeated. Will they quote statements with expletives? Some of mine have been worth repeating into posterity.)


Sandy and I are initiating a study of  the first link. We started by doing a stream of consciousness listing of what the future would look like if left to us (standard of living, service, relationships, travel, hobbies, work,...). Now Sandy will work on the costs associated with that vision while I work out different post-career paths; the ultimate goal is to determine whether each of those paths when combined with my retirement can sustain the vision.


I have a desire to serve the city of Colorado Springs or even the state of Colorado. I'd like to start in the utility sector, leveraging this year of working Iraqi electricity. I have made some friends working with the Ministry, who know this arena and think I have a good background for serving on Commission at some level. I'll work with them to explore that path. 


I also have this interest in trying my hand at a small business. Now that is a scary proposition to a guy who has always been associated with the big Army security blanket. I have a strong idea germinating, but I need to develop a business plan and float it out to some advisors to get input into its viability. The proposal would leverage the two greatest skills I have picked up in the Army, solving ill-defined problems and building/leading a small team. I think I could also get great satisfaction, include Sandy and have some freedom. The potential for some solid income is there but it certainly would not be a 'get rich quick' scheme.


So, what does the future look like for us as the 'nine' changes to 'ten'? I couldn't tell you, I've got no idea. I'm just studying the first link in the chain... and hoping the tail end isn't coming towards me from behind.

May this be a great 2010 for you and yours.


Grace & peace -
Chris