03-17-2008, 02:24 PM
A gentle reminder that I started my post to Julius with "tongue in cheek".
I have no quarrel with Julius' impression. I am sure it fits within his needs and interpretation.
And we all know men who've served their countries in the military that can relate stories about "spit and polish" as well as times when "spit and polish" was set aside. The men in Hispana who've served and the several who continue to serve...Viet Nam through current deployment... all tell stories of deliberate dirtying of gear and appearance...
So, Roman soldiers all "spit and polish" all the time over a 2000 year period under a variety of circumstances? .. I disagree. At times? Absolutely! Most of the time? Sure, I can go along with that.
However, be that as it may.... you ALL may be very well assured that when we march back to Eburacum after we complete those two stone bridges, 60 miles of road, find that new source of tin and take that oppidium from those Caledonii that have been harassing us we'll put a real shine on the kit.
While in camp my men are not scheduled with time to polish buckles. If the blade on their pala or points on their dolabra are not properly keen then they'll have hell to pay! Besides, the women they've brought along can clean the day's grime and mud off of their armor, after they do the men's laundry. Besides, Gaius was the one who mis-used his dolabra and snapped the handle during today's work. He'll be cleaning segs tonight along with his contubernales. Team spirit!
I have no quarrel with Julius' impression. I am sure it fits within his needs and interpretation.
And we all know men who've served their countries in the military that can relate stories about "spit and polish" as well as times when "spit and polish" was set aside. The men in Hispana who've served and the several who continue to serve...Viet Nam through current deployment... all tell stories of deliberate dirtying of gear and appearance...
So, Roman soldiers all "spit and polish" all the time over a 2000 year period under a variety of circumstances? .. I disagree. At times? Absolutely! Most of the time? Sure, I can go along with that.
However, be that as it may.... you ALL may be very well assured that when we march back to Eburacum after we complete those two stone bridges, 60 miles of road, find that new source of tin and take that oppidium from those Caledonii that have been harassing us we'll put a real shine on the kit.
While in camp my men are not scheduled with time to polish buckles. If the blade on their pala or points on their dolabra are not properly keen then they'll have hell to pay! Besides, the women they've brought along can clean the day's grime and mud off of their armor, after they do the men's laundry. Besides, Gaius was the one who mis-used his dolabra and snapped the handle during today's work. He'll be cleaning segs tonight along with his contubernales. Team spirit!
Hibernicus
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
LEGIO IX HISPANA, USA
You cannot dig ditches in a toga!
[url:194jujcw]http://www.legio-ix-hispana.org[/url]
A nationwide club with chapters across N America
