Controlled Liberty

C077/K051  February 21 – April 25, 1990

Controlled Liberty was a test to see how we acted. It was a company trip to one of several locations around Orlando. We were given several options where we could go. There were several members of the company who really wanted our sister company to go with us. There was a pretty good effort to make that happen through some sneaky note passing.

However, this was not to happen. Our company opted for Wet n’ Wild, the now-closed water park in Orlando. If I recall, the girls picked it too, but when the CC’s discussed it, the idea was squashed. We were informed of that decision, which was met with some unhappiness. I think they went to Cypress Gardens.

Up early on Saturday morning so we could take the bus. There has been some discussion as to which day this happened. Was it after sports day? Or was it on its own day?

So, we get to Wet n Wild about the time it had opened. The whole company wearing our Summer Whites. Each one of us had our ditty bags with our stylish Navy swim trunks inside. Some of us opted to go buy civilian suits for the day. I was one fo those. I also bought a pair of sunglasses. My right eye was still sensitive to the sun even after it had healed up.

The first target for us to experience was a pretty tall slide, Der Stuka, 115 feet high. (I looked it up) It was pretty high. We could see the infamous Door Knob to Hell off in the distance. At first, I remember, what the hell and I doing up here. But, it was a quick ride to the bottom and a nice swimsuit wedgie.

We had a spot reserved for us so we could hang out and eat. Yeah, we did a good deal of eating that day.

It was pretty easy to spot us at the park. We looked so out of place. Really short hair, crazy grinder reminder tan lines, and we just acted differently than other people.  Some wore their dog tags and sported the Navy swim trunks. I guess they thought the local ladies would be impressed or something.

It was a fun day.

The day was actually pretty uneventful. We hung out, ate like pigs, and spent time on the different water activities. I know there was that group of the “young studs” who were out looking for ladies.  

We returned to our compartment after the bus ride back. The good thing was that none of us got in trouble. I do not recall if there was beer sold at the park. I figure there probably was, but oddly I do not remember getting any. I know on uncontrolled I drank a good deal.

I believe it was the Monday after Controlled Liberty that we received a couple new members to our company. They had drunk far too much on their controlled Liberty and got to enjoy two more weeks of boot camp. I know they were not too happy about it either. At this time, I lost the title of the tallest in the company. One new guy was like 6’6” or 6’7”.

So, boot camp is winding down. Not much for us to finish with except for PIR, Controlled Liberty, and leaving. Then there will be a recap about what it really meant.