perspectives as a marine for the day

yesterday my work colleagues and i visited the marine corps base in quantico, virginia. we toured the brig there where military detainees and prisoners are held for short periods. we stood in the tiny isolation cell where john hinckley jr was held after shooting president reagan. his name is carved into the wall. we hung out with the marine canine unit. the precision of training is incredible. massive 100-pound-plus german shepards can attack and desist at one syllable uttered from their trainers. we shot 9mm pistols and M16s. i am a surprisingly accurate shot with a pistol - who knew. the best part of the day, though, was navigating the night vision goggle obstacle course. we were divided into groups of five and equipped with heavy black headgear and night-vision goggles. then we were sent into the pitch black warehouse outfitted with every obstacle you can imagine. we scaled rock walls, swung on ropes, balanced on planks, avoided trapdoors, etc., all while being shot at by "carlos," the international terrorist. it was difficult to see what you were doing in the hazy green light of the night-vision and any misstep could cause serious injury. it was absolutely exhilarating to finish.
playing a marine for the day gave me a new perspective on what i do at my job every day and a renewed respect for the men and women of the military. their dedication and sacrifice is immeasurable.