Background

I work for a large corporation that is part of the "military-industrial complex." Its various divisions provide a wide range of products and services to the several branches of the US military as well as to foreign governments. I am in the ship repair division. Ninety-nine percent of our work is for the US Navy or other government agencies, primarily the civilian-manned United States Naval Service and the Military Sealift Command. The company operates several shipyards on the East and West coasts that perform major overhaul, repair, and maintenance. Work that is more limited in scope we often perform aboard ships moored at the naval bases. I have worked in this industry, off and on, for going on 35 years, at my present job for over 9. I have been a welder, a supervisor, and a quality assurance inspector. I am now a shipfitter.

2008 was a disastrous year for the economy, as everyone knows, but a banner year for "my" company, at least for the shipyard where I work. This year looks to be just as good. I guess everyone’s goal now is to keep their job and their home if they haven’t already lost them. Basic survival. From that standpoint I am lucky to have a job sucking the Federal tit. My problem is that my survivalan skills aren’t the best. I have a low tolerance for bullshit and for kissing ass, both of which are essential skills on my job, as I’m sure they are for many other jobs. But more about that next time.