It's all about image

As some of you already know, I am deployed to Afghanistan right now. I'm in the Air Force so the danger level is relatively low. Even so, the weeks leading up to the deployment were filled with training classes and equipment issue. We were issued the latest digital camouflage the Air Force has, body armor, helmets, cold weather gear, anti malaria medications and various bug repellents. We received refresher training in self-aid buddy care, CPR, IED recognition, basic assault tactics, Humvee operation and much more.
We travelled for a couple of days, anxious to get into "the action". That last flight into Bagram was a quiet one. Upon arriving we took care of some administrative stuff then got our room assignments. After settling into our rooms a little we made our way to the dining facility. All branches of the military are present here on Bagram Airfield and we are all required to carry a weapon everywhere but the gym and shower. We filled our trays and walked towards the drinks passing Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen armed with anything from 9mm pistols to M249 machine guns. As we reached the drink cooler I realized I was under prepared. All that gear, all that training, there is no way to look tough while drinking from a juice box. The automatic weapon in your lap won't save your image from the bendy straw in your box of milk.