carrier
I’m in the habit of trolling WTTW Digital for HDTV content for my new-ish television. I’m amazed as ever that TV can look so beautiful. Not that I necessarily need to learn about the mating habits of ostriches, but hey, the glow of HDTV still hasn’t worn off on me.
While sifting through the online guide, I came across a series on PBS called Carrier, which is a jaw-dropping intimate look inside the lives of the men and women aboard the USS Nimitz, an Naval aircraft carrier. The ten hour film follows the crew of over 5,000 on a six month tour. The honesty and candor of the people who interact with the camera is amazing, including one young man who does nearly everything short of coming right out of the closet during a segment on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.
Admittedly, I’ve considered joining the Navy about a half-dozen times in my life. Even today I think about it. I might be a bit long in the tooth, but I have a heavy information technology background and I know technologists are welcome in nearly every sector of the military. Plus I’m a polyglot which has to count for something.
Are you surprised? Don’t be. I honestly think serving in the military is one of the most honorably American things a person can do. Maybe someday I’ll work for the government, and maybe someday I’ll even be a part of the American military. The only problem I see is getting it started. How would it all come together?
I’ve often thought that when I dropped out of college I could have enlisted and made a career out of it. Of course, hindsight is always 20-20, but the thought is there in the back of my mind. Where exactly would I be today if I’d joined?
I’m looking forward to the rest of Carrier, mostly because the voices of the people aboard that ship, the voices of people who chose to enlist, should be heard more often. Everyone is all wrapped up in what The White House is doing without really listening to the actual people involved.
We all have stories to tell, but we all need to make time to listen.