Introduction to the maelstrom

I spent half a day at my new unit, to get oriented before I formally take the reins on 1 October. Did I mention my new assignment? I'm the XO of the 91 Troop Command in Richmond. The Troop Command is the brigade-equivalent HQ for all units in a State that don't have an organic brigade or division HQ in the State. Thus, all the separate companies and battalions pretty much report to us. In some ways it's harder than a regular brigade, inasmuch as these separate units have their own issues, and no clear focus or relationship. It's a bit like running a group home for troubled youth.

I had no idea that the Troop Command had so much going on! Units mobilizing, units demobilizing, armories closing, armories opening, units changing armories, civil defense exercises, etc. And these are just the regular emergencies, not the unplanned emergencies that are sure to arise. Well, I have no chance of getting bored, so I guess that's a plus.