H50--Nitpicky Picky Steve Question

[kristen999]

While I sit here doing mundane data processing I've been mulling over both the conclusion of my SGA story and the musings of a H5O fic. Yes, my brain is that crazy.

I've been reading Hawaii Five-O fic to get a sense of what's been explored and the one thing I keep running into some descriptions of Steve is as an 'ex-Navy SEAL.'

Is this correct? I know, I know, nitpicky. I'm just curious.

Steve transferred into the reserves when he took the governor's position as task force leader. That just makes him inactive, but isn't he Still a SEAL, just on inactive duty?

I know it's a tiny, tiny detail, but it keep pinging on my radar. In episode nine when Danny hadn't been sure how many people broke into Steve's house he refers to him as "A SEAL". Not former, not an ex-SEAL.

So, what is it? Is he a SEAL, former SEAL, or ex-SEAL.

Anyone?

Comments

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

Interesting question as he introduces himself at times as Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett....
It was my understanding at first that he resigned to take the job.....so a bit confusing.
I don't know if he is in the reserves. Some officers are when they resign, others are not depending on how many years they have completed.
Given he is using rank, it looks like the writers are not sure either......
:D

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

He told the governor he would transfer to the reserves, to me that is not resigning.

So what does that mean?

Is he an ex SEAL, former SEAL or still a SEAL?

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

I stand corrected. I guess I thought he had resigned to take the position............
If he is in the reserves, it means he regularly drills
and is in the non-active status, but if the Navy should need reserves, he can be called up.
However that does not explain why he introduces himself as Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett. That normally is not done save for drilling purposes.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I keep thinking that's going to be used for some special episode season ender or mid season ratings stunt--when Uncle Sam calls Steve back up for something. Could you imagine?

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

***nods*** No doubt more of that jungle attire and war paint.....
:D

[littleeva.livejournal.com]

I think he still is a SEAL, but in the reserves, meaning the government can call him at any time.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I'm leaning toward.

[rubygirl29.livejournal.com]

Since he wore his Navy SEALs uniform to Danny's former partner's funeral, I'm guessing he may be in the reserves or inactive/special assignment duty.

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

Yes I was drawn to that too......
Initially it looked like he had resigned to accept the position the governor offered him.......
I would then think reserves, but normally they don't introduce themselves with their rank unless they are drilling.....

[rubygirl29.livejournal.com]

I forced myself to watch the pilot, again. LOL! The term "reserves" is mentioned quite clearly.

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

I guess I was 'distracted'
:D

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure he's in the reserves since he told the governor i the pilot he would transfer to there to accept the assignment.

Hmm, yeah, maybe it's considered a special inactive assignment?


I have no idea why I want to know. I just do. I may never use it, but....

[sherry57.livejournal.com]

I have no idea why I want to know. I just do. I may never use it, but....

I certainly hope you do!!!

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Well, it might. :-P I'm a stickler for such things.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Since he told the governor he was transferring to the reserves, I'm going to lean toward he's still a SEAL and on special assignment. Thanks for the musings.

:D

[winter-elf.livejournal.com]

huh. I see the confusion.

I think the fan writers using the 'ex' are unclear that he's in the reserves and not bothering to research. Or in their story, he has totally resigned (some AU's)

I would think he's still a SEAL, just not active duty at the moment.

I DO think there needs to be more Super Steve SEAL fics though! :)

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I think the 'ex' part if just unfamiliarity with the military. Which is fine. I'm the one who's nibbling over the idea of such a minor detail that won't effect any type of story :-P Kind of like how many SGA authors wrote John as being a POW at one point (which of course there's gray area) but when there were no POWs in Afghanistan until 2009 and I just went with it as artistic license.

I'm going with he's still a SEAL on special assignment. :D

I'm mulling my Super Steve SEAL story.

[obsessed1o1.livejournal.com]

I am intrigued by what you'll come up with next. It's so hard writing a plot that doesn't involve some weird alien ritual, space or computery jargon.

Danno's like the anti McKay - i see him as clueless with technology!!

It means i have to think more... not sure if this is good or bad - ha!

[obsessed1o1.livejournal.com]

I say he's still a Seal. He's in the reserves and if called upon he'd still have to go off and do Sealy (?) stuff. I don't think he could give it up to be honest. It's been his life.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Ga Unicorn answered it well and it makes sense that he would have to keep up a certain level of conditioning to remain an active SEAL. It has nothing to do with my plot idea, I was just curious as his current status and how he would be addressed or seen as by others.

[ga-unicorn.livejournal.com]

SEALS train and work in teams. Since he is now in the reserves he would not be training on a daily basis with a team, and would not be called up to work with one. Of course, that is real life. What hollyweird will do with it, I haven't a clue - I just hope it's not too improbable and cringe-worthy.

About him introducing himself with his Navy rank. I seem to remember in the original H50 that Jack Lord was referred to as Commander. Could be that is just another bit they are bringing forward, even if - in real life - it wouldn't be done.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

That makes a lot of sense in regards to him ever returning to a team, because the whole point is knowing your teammates' every move.

[spikespet7.livejournal.com]

It is tricky.....with the reserves he is not FULLY active, but again it might be still active....we really don't know fully what the Governor has pulled either. He is an active Seal....not sure about that either if he went reserest it means he gave up his position on the Seals.....as for the funeral, he would still wear his officer dress whites, that is not really his Navy Seal uniform persay.....

He would keep his rank as Lt. Commander and he still can be promoted with in the reserves.....

hmmmmm, I'm thinking that his reserve status would be special as well.....it would be interesting to see how his reserve weekend would go if there was a case, LOL....would his use his reserve buddies, LOL.


Kimber