The Time I Lost My Dog Tags

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Hey, I was 19, probably 20. I remember being able to drink because in Japan 20 is the age limit and probably why I lost my dog tags. I was actually trying to do right thing. I knew we were deploying to Australia in a few days and while they did this huge inspection, do not think they asked to see my dog tags. To my relief because that inspection was brutal. Lets put it this way, it calls you out in front of the whole world to see. How well you maintain your gear and if you can even find it. Very stressful and remember older Marines trying to relax me a bit. Its just part of the process. We will square you away Marine My mentality was a immature college student at best probably more like Junior High. Made it through with a few constructive criticism points, but nothing embarrassing other than looking a fool because so nervous. I was nervous for a reason, not only did I not have my Dog tags, and not boot camp anymore. I have seen fools lit up for what I thought was the smallest of things. Marines do not play and they will actually send you back to a training course that is much like boot camp if you cannot get what they are doing on a day to day basis. Anyway, they gave us info for small platoon meeting for our deployment the next day. I was so tempted not to say anything, but my corporal must have said something to make me feel guilty. Going over make sure you have everything and I mean everything. Sure this is not a war deployment, but think of it that way and this is why Marines do the things they do. No matter what you are doing, no matter how small. its all prepared to get you prepared for war. Why they do not play. He was a small man and I am a small in Marine standards, but this guy was really small, 5 foot 3 maybe 4 and on skinny side. Easy going dark skin Marine as we say but black. Always squared away though. Uniforms ironed to perfection Boots spit shined to wear you could see your own reflection. Some reason I was hoping he would tell me what I wanted to hear. Corporal I cannot find my dog tags. Hoping, he would say, no worries as the Aussies say. You can get new ones when we get back. Deep down I knew this was not the way this was going to play out. Marine, we about to deploy and you cannot even find your dog tags. I never take mine off, why did you? Besides the point, you best find a way to get some new ones. Do you know where I can go? The whole base is closed and what we call a 96 meaning 4 day holiday. Think it was Veterans Day weekend on top of it. Have no clue, but you better find a way. What about out in town? Around here, they hate us. They do care about helping your jackass out for losing your dog tags. Sure bars for days, but outside that these people do not want us here. You are going to have to take a bus ride down south and pray you can find something. I do not care if you have to sail to China, but you better find a way to get some new dog tags. Took that bus ride about an hour, another hour in taxi rides, then about 4 hours walking through Okinawa's main city ducking dodging the Japanese people. The Great part is the farther away from base it is the more people actually turn to not hate Marines, but actually like them and even respect them a bit. The Japanese loves American culture and that is where you start to see the American military stores. Even written in English. Get your Dog tags here 10 bucks or something. I did not care if it was a 100, I already spent about 60 in taxi rides. I was just happy to see a place make them. 15 minutes and poof brand new dog tags. Lady was so nice and respectful as could not be the first Marine to visit the place. Bet you got in a trouble if you are here. Yes maam. 2 Hour trip back, showed the corporal next day, good as he shakes his head. Off to Australia where not once was I asked to see if I had my dog tags, but is that really the point? Hells yeah, all that money, time grief and strife and no one asks me. I almost at the end of the deployment wanted to raise those suckers up and go look everyone I have my Dog Tags.