[SF18C]

Originally Posted by Jack Moroney

So there you were, sitting in native garb and sipping tea with the tribal chief. Your team sergeant has just gotten done establishing rapport and there is a great possibility that a strong working relationship will develop from his efforts.
Your team leader is conversing as best he can in the native tongue, makes a couple of mistakes, but the tribal elders are impressed that he has made an attempt to talk with them rather than to them and has done so in their own language. The tribal chief, in good faith, attempts to speak to you in your language and screws it up. You, nodding and holding back your laughter, can't wait to correct the cheif's errors , embarass the hell out of him making him loose face in front of his men, and just set back any possibility of a good working relationship a decade. Nice job! So where do you think you will be working tomorrow? That is if you and your team don't get your asses shot off as you attempt to gracefully leave the tribal compound behind being dragged ignominiously by your team sergeant who has jerked you off your feet when he grabbed you by the scruff of your sorry ass neck. Did you learn something else today?

Awesome post COL!

Broadsword2004
Situational awareness can be your guide in unfamiliar venues!