Field Maneuvers

A Commando Guide to Visiting Foreign Bases

Commandos frequently accompany their commander on field maneuvers and are ever-ready for new adventures. Whether this is because their company is so pleasurable or whether the babysitters have gotten to know them a little too well is a question for the ages—1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

In any case, when MOM has a meeting, party, or other field op, the Commando serves as an active duty—very active—sidekick more often then not.

Such maneuvers are rife with opportunities to put field drills to practice and to hone the Commando’s skills at doing more and doing it more often. There are snacks in abundance and new stairs to scale and foxholes to hide in, but MOM will be ready to thwart special missions, so covert ops are necessary.

Following are some tips for getting the most out of such field trips:

Scope out allies. This doesn’t apply just to other kids, but also to Commando-friendly adults at parties and meetings. The Commando doesn’t even have to find them, because these adults will find the Commando, and immediately offer special rations and gear. Be nice to these adults!

Perform a reconnaissance mission upon arrival. Every base is laid out differently. The most interesting rooms often are downstairs, and the best for planning special missions or finding hidden caches are those that are dark or farthest from the adults.

Store rations. The snack table will be full of raw vegetables and dip at one end, and cookies, pop, and juice at the other. While the adults head for the vegetable end, the Commando has the opportunity to take aim for the cookie end.

Push MOM’s limits. Go ahead and do what you want. Run up and down the stairs like an elephant brigade, eat all the cookies, play with the antique rifle in the hobby shop. She can’t stop you repeatedly and look good in front of her friends at the same time. If she tries, move closer to your adult ally and make doe eyes. Soon, MOM will give in, and she may even become your sidekick as you work the room, following you around trying to explain your maneuvers.