Australian Army Journal

CREATIVE WRITING
Lost in Translation – Plight of the Embed
Now wait the BFA, I actually know this, ummm …
That’s the thingy that attaches to the barrel of the gun!
But why is it important here — I was issued with live rounds?
Oh man my head hurts, I need to just sit down.
Thank God I am an airman — other air force folks get me.
Regardless of our accents Coalition airspace’s dandy!
When I understand what you say I can easily translate
Your requirements into air support so it doesn’t arrive late.
Now as for dealing with blue politics — there I know the score
See I’ve a friend in the COD, 2 plus elsewhere on the CAOC 3 floor
I trained with those two TREFies, 4 that USAF knuck 5 there too,
Canadian fish-heads, 6 Aussie trashhaulers, 7 some JCS 8 mates who
Will call other Whiskey 9 buds in zoombags, 10 and …
Your eyes have just glazed over. Guess I’m hard to understand.
So I really don’t mind much if you frequently make fun
We’re all part of one military, we are all Australian.
Laugh away, it’s clear I’ve no idea what you just said
It’s a team effort and here my failure could mean death(s) instead.
So while our skillsets and service cultures are certainly unique
For someone who’s never worked with Army this trip’s been pretty sweet.
I’m glad to go back to Air Force, sadly my time here’s nearly up.
Yet I’ve made some Army friends too. And with any luck
The next RAAFie that you’ll get has a great sense of humour!
They’ve never worked with Army either — or so goes the rumour …
Australian Army Journal
Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 257