Showing My Age
In the military, the term ‘The Old Man’, is a term of respect, referring to the unit Commander; old in experience and wise in the ways of the world. Juniors value his advice and normally consider him to be an expert on everything. It’s a good feeling, to have an ‘Old Man’ that you trust and that you can go to when you have a problem.
At a staff meeting many years ago, during a break, several of the Company Commanders were discussing a knotty problem in a corner. The Battalion Commander was talking with someone else near them. I was near enough to hear their discussion but was talking with someone else. (I was the staff Intelligence Officer at the time).
Finally, just before break ended, I heard Ramone (the Bone) Angelucci say, “Well, let’s ask the Old Man.”
Then the group turned toward the Battalion Commander, walked PAST him and brought their problem to me!
I was, I think, the senior Infantry Captain in the State at that point, with eight years in grade. But. I. Was. Not. OLD!