Ranger's story Carlos becoming Ranger

by Plum Epic

Ranger's story sequel-Army basic-RACHEL Wedding- JULIE story before is Evanovich books. Tank appears, Les, Ram. Transition young Carlos character having lived through a traumatic event moving on to become the warrior character from the books-some characters introduced Ranger's story, family and friends from there and some known characters. Lester, Bobby, Jean Ellen, Ram, Rachel

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

It was quiet again at dinner, it seems like no one knows what to say anymore. So much has changed.

It was only mami, papi, Cali, me and my little brother and sister. Finally Cali spoke up, 'I want to the recruiters office today. I'm going to enlist.'

'Why me, why me, my mami cried. Why do I have a daughter who goes off to war. So far away, so far from family. Why me?'

We all just sat looking at each other we weren't sure what to say.

'Carlos and I went to the recruiters office and I got the information I need. I went back later and got my ASVAB test scheduled for the October first at Fort Dix, I'll be doing my enlistment processing there.' Cali said.

Way to go Cali, I thought. Thanks for throwing me under the bus. And by the way she went back?

More silence.

'What do you mean you went back?' I exclaimed.

No one heard me because Mami was saying 'Why me, why do I have a son that lets his sister enlist in the army. Carlos what were you thinking letting your sister to the army, you should protect you sister, not let her go to the army. What are you thinking?'

'Mami what could I do? She asked my to take her. You know she would just go on her own if I didn't.' I said.

'Carlos, she is you sister, she will listen to you.' Papi said.

I looked at him and said 'Listen, listen, when did she ever listen to me?

'Hello, I'm right here, it's my life I get to decide. Carlos has nothing to do with it. I am an adult, I get to decide.' Cali said.

'Hija, we only want to protect you. We can't protect you so far away. Women shouldn't be fighting in war. You should be here, safe, not over there fighting. That is for men to do.' Papi said.

Geez papi, shut up now, I thought. I could see the steam coming from Cali's head.

'I can't believe you said that. Women don't just want to stay home, we can do things. I am trained, I can help. I will get more training and be able to help all the "men" who are fighting getting hurt. I will be doing so much. Besides, it isn't safe here anymore either in case you didn't notice'

We all sat in shock, absolute silence. Conni, Cesar and I sat working on being invisible.

Mami was sitting with tears running down here face. Papi was trying to comfort her.

Finally I said, 'how can you say that, we all know exactly how safe it is here. We all lost ChiChi, and now you say that to our Madre and Padre! Cali, what are you doing.'

Cali broke into tears and ran over to Mami, Lo Siento, Lo siento, por favor no llores, lo siento mami. Yo también la extraño, pero solo quiero ayudar. Sólo quiero arreglar esto, no puedo luchar pero puedo ayudar a otros que luchan por nosotros. Soy paramédico, seré médico. Ayudar a los que están luchando.' She said.

(I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please don't cry, I'm sorry mommy. I miss her too, but I just want to help. I just want to make this right, I can't fight but I can help others, who fight for us. I am an EMT, I will be a medic. Helping the ones who are fighting.' )

I thought it was not a good time to bring up my plans for enlistment just then, so practiced being invisible some more.

Monday Cali and I went to Fort Dix. She took the ASVAB test and enlisted and took her oath of enlistment. I signed so the delayed entry program (DEP)

Thursday she left for Fort Sill.

Saturday, October sixth was her ship date, the date she started her basic training.

Having opted for delayed entry I went back to classes, and added as many classes as I could. The army was going to pay for some tuition so I could work less. My plan was to take a one year delay and cram in enough credits to graduate before taking my oath next September.

Les and Dariel (El) took their ASVAB test, and went back to class with me.

We all did the DEP, and will be in the buddy system so we train together and deploy together.

Hoorah, we're in the army now.

ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a aptitude battery to help find what specialty you can serve in. Medic needs score of 107. To enter ranger training 105 special forces110.

Army Ranger is not special forces. With additional training Rangers can be special forces.

DEP, is delayed entry program. You can delay entry to training for 365 day.