Son, we live in a Navy that has Junior Officers and those Junior Officers need to be developed and trained by CHIEFs. Who's gonna do it? You, Lieutenant? We have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep when a CHIEF chews your ass and you curse the Mess; you have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what we know; that the ass chewing, while tragic (but enjoyable), probably bettered the J.O. and that our existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, keeps the Navy afloat. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about us, like at wardroom meetings; you want us on these SHIPs, you need us on these SHIPs. We use words like Honor, Courage, Commitment and Integrity. We use them as the backbone of our MESS, the very same MESS that tries to train and develop you. You use them as a punchline. We have neither the time nor the inclination to explain ourselves to Junior Officers who rise and sleep under the blanket of leadership, the very leadership that we provide and then you question the manner in which we provided it. I would rather you just say "thanks CHIEF," and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest that you grab a cup of coffee and stand a watch. Either way, we don't give a damn what you think about us CHIEFs..
David Kenneweg, MCPO Ret.