As I mentioned in another post, my family tended to the Navy, rather than the Army. My dad served on a destroyer in WWII, my brother was a chaplain in the Naval Reserve (spending time with the Marines and the Coast Guard), and his son -- my oldest nephew -- was in the Seabees for a few years during and after college. This is about my nephew.

My nephew enlisted in the Seabees some time during his freshman year of college. He was a relatively bright student in both high school and college. But, apparently, he didn't pay attention to maps or geography during his formative years. Much to his detriment, I might add.

Shortly before his freshman year was over, he had to submit the paperwork for where he would like to be assigned for his active duty. (I am so sorry that I do not have the knowledge of what that paperwork is called; from what I understand, it's the form where you list your three preferences, in case Uncle Sam's Yacht Club can accommodate you. Which, as far as I understand, they won't, but, hey, at least they let you THINK you might have a choice!)

When he received his active duty station notification, he excitedly called my brother.

Nephew (N): Dad, dad! I got my #1 post request!!

Brother (B): That's great, kid; I'm really excited for you! Did you put your #1 choice in the #3 slot, assuming that the Navy is going to send you to your "worst" preference like I told you?

N: No! I forgot to do that, and I put my choices in order. And I still got my #1 spot!

B: That's wonderful, and it hardly ever happens. Where are you going to serve your duty?

N: Bahrain!

B: What? Bahrain? In the summer?

N: Yeah, Bahrain!

B: Ummm ... why Bahrain? You know it's really, really hot there, right?

N: Yeah, that's why I chose it! Sun, sand, beaches, babes in bikinis, that sort of thing.

B: Uhhh, where do you think Bahrain is, son?

N: Duh ... the Caribbean, just off the coast of Florida!

B: Ah, well THERE'S your problem ... I think you meant to put "Bahamas". I mean, yes, there will be lots and lots of sun in Bahrain, and a huge amount of sand, possibly some beaches, but I'd say that the number of babes in bikinis will be pretty close to 0.

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Suffice to say that before submitting his paperwork for his second year, my nephew learned to consult a map first.