No Mas....no mas.

COL HOLT: Mike were you made aware that BG GIBSON wasn't going to promote you until after Brightstar?

ME: (Thinking, "Is this a rhetorical question?" Did I just hear him say promote me after Brightstar? What?) No sir. We all agreed that I would be promoted per your recommendation after a short stint here. LTC BROTHERTON told LTC O'NEAL and myself at the JAN USR in Morrisville that BG GIBSON was just waiting on my OER. It was a good OER.

COL HOLT: I talked with him yesterday and told him you were one of the best staff officers I have and that you are doing a great job. He's just not willing to promote you until after Brightstar. I'll put a good word in with COL DEAL when he takes command in MAY. (Note: COL HOLT retires in MAY and COL DEAL with be the next 30th CSG CDR. Hence his recommendation = passing the buck.)

ME: (I become listless and empty. I feel as if I'm having an out of body experience. I was so excited about the upcoming WED when they publish the Career Management Board minutes where I was anticipating my promotion to be announced. I don't feel anything anymore.) This is fucked up. This is not what we agreed upon. I'm in an O4 position. I'm promotable! What does it take to get promoted? (SILENCE. The situation is so bizaarra I don't think either one us knows what to say or comment on.) (I get up out of chair, walk to the door and exit stage left.) This is fucked up.