From 1992 to 1996, I was the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Exercise Sergeant Major. This May 1995 photo was taken in Jordan. One night in the tent, I had an unusual bed partner. I was sleeping on the ground in my sleeping bag. In the morning one of the guys noticed that a horned viper was snuggled up for warmth – just next to my head. I lay there until the snake was dealt with. The desert, like every environment I had operated in, demanded respect and constant awareness.