- The leak conversation.
- Your access or lack of access to the commander.
- Oh my gosh, you met that reporter once?
- Food.
- Your last meal.
- Your next meal.
- The meal you missed.
- If only…
- The number of e-mails in your inbox, and how hard it is to keep up.
- Your last job was great. Your last job sucked. Either way, it’s irrelevant to the job at hand.
- How hard it was to find a parking spot.
- The way things used to be done.
- It’s cold.
- It’s hot.
- It’s raining.
- Can you believe the wind out there?
- “So, what assignment are you up for next?”
- “I’m really hoping to stay in D.C. Fort Carson would be great too, though.”
- If it’s 99% complete it’s not complete and you can’t claim credit.
- Your e-mail is down?
- We don’t have enough people.
- We don’t have enough space.
- We don’t have enough time.
- The validity of any commander’s decision. Decisions have been made; it’s time to execute.
- Anything sexual.
- Second references to big ideas you mentioned before, but have taken no action toward.
- Excuses.
- Efforts.
- How much leave you have.
- Vacations.
- Anybody’s salary.
- Anybody’s age.
- Reporters can be nasty. Just do your job.
- We’re all glad you ran today, never mention it again.
- Crossfit.
- Oh man, you got hurt? Get healthy, never mention it again.
- Your knowledge of history is impressive. It doesn’t matter unless it applies to the situation.
- Never, ever talk about someone else unless the someone else is present.
- Wow, technology has advanced. Nuff said.
- Band camp stories are for band camp.
- Politics. Not our job so shut the hell up about it.
- Religion.
- Not impressed by the people you “know,” and less impressed when you refer to them by their first name like I know them too.
- Because you knew someone 20 years ago doesn’t mean you’ve known them for 20 years.
- You’re overtasked.
- You’re tired.
(Photo by Lance Cpl. Adam Montera, DVIDS)
