Compass 68 Analysis

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Found Item Tuttle dug into a ragged box, pulled out an Army issue compass, counted “68”, and put it on the desk. “I hate doing inventory, hung above”, he said. Tuttle was the most junior Soldier in the supply section, that along with his poor attitude led to his having to count just about everything the unit owned. Tuttle droned on, “It takes so long and the Captain just signs what we put in front of him.” Clark rolled his eyes “First of all, the only thing you know about the Captain is what he looks like and second of all,”…Clark pointed to a plaque hung above the door for all to see and read it forebodingly. “The trust between Supply and Leadership runs deep if lost, it is nearly impossible to restore.” Clark picked up Compass “68” then …show more content…

If compasses could show any personality traits, the other compasses back at Fort McClellan would have found Compass“68” changed, perhaps quiet or withdrawn. Compass “68” endured long days in the hot, wet Panamanian jungle each training cycle.Though not among the other countless pieces of equipment considered a training loss and never to see the inside of a supply room again, Compass “68” was coming to the end of his usefulness for the Jungle school had taken a toll. Although still functioning the ten-year life span of a lensatic compass were drawing near. It had been three years in Panama and the supply guys were already eyeing Compass “68” warily. It came to the point that Compass “68” would only be issued if no other compasses were available. It was only a matter of time before Compass “68” would be sold as bulk Army surplus. That is until 1989 when the US invaded Panama and Rob Savague can along saving Compass “68”. Private Rob Savague was part of a Military Police Team tasked with securing Fort Sherman prior to and during the invasion. In the hectic days before the invasion, Savague need a compass and went to the supply room, Compass “68” was hand recited to Private Savague and after the invasion, Savague never returned

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