Hooah! pt. II

After 20 days of wallowing in unemployment, I got a reporting/photography position with the Fort Riley Post two days ago. When I start and when I get paid is unknown as of yet, but those are insignificant details, eh? The editor of the paper called late last week and asked if I could come on post for in interview.

I hand editor resume with sweet references. Editor doesn't look at it. Uh oh.

Editor tells me what the pay is. More than that other paper. Woo!

Editor tells me what job entails. I would have a designated beat and do some layout.

Editor tells me what else job entails. I must enroll in six hours at Kansas State University because the Post jobs are government-funded student positions. Boo. I must pay for those six hours with my own money. Boo x 2.

Editor tells me about dress code. I would be working with a lot of young, single, male soldiers. I must not dress to bring attention to myself. I guess my 'Save a Horse, Ride an Army Boy' tube top would have to go.

Editor talks about my experience — interrupted by Command Information Officer (he who would be both our bosses) who says, "So, do you want the job?"

Me: "Yes."

CIO: "OK."

So now I have a job. Before I can start, the Public Affairs Office must have a copy of my KU transcript ($8) and proof of my enrollment on official K-State letterhead (six hours of KSU tuition + application fee + 'privilege fee' = $1,106.40). I start classes with the new semester in January. Fort Riley start date and paycheck? Unknown.

I am excited to be a reporter (kind of) again. I will be an Army PR stooge again, although I won't be veiled behind that other paper. Plus, I won't be helping a certain company make money and that's super by me. However, I will be spreading sweet, sweet Army propaganda — and getting paid better to do it. I have finally discovered the secret to journalism. Why didn't someone tell me sooner?