Our uniforms have a new addition, shiny brass discs bearing two crossed rifles, the branch insignia marking us as newly christened Infantrymen.
Our final test was a week long Field Training Exercise (FTX), which put our skills to the test. The first two days were spent at Mokenna MOUT, a little brick village used for Urban Warfare. While we spent an entire week learning the basics, these two days focused on squad level actions, eventually incorporating multiple squads, , a whole block of the village, and a ton of OpFor and civilians scattered throughout.
On Day 2 we packed out rucks and in the afternoon, rucked about 2 miles uphill to our home for the remaining 5 days, the F.O.B. (Forward Operating Base), each platoon set up a patrol base outside the FOB where we camped for a few days while learning ambush, react to sniper, react to indirect, react to ambush and convoy react to conflict.
Wednesday, day 5 we all moved into the FOB and spent all day laying out razor wire and building guard towers and an entry control point. That evening at 1800, the Final 48, nicknamed the Gauntlet began, making 48 hours until Honor Hill, but those 48 hours would be continuous operations, sleep was little and far between. Our schedule for both days was 6 hour guard shifts from 1800 to midnight followed by a 6 hour mission at 0100, return at about 0700, grab a few hours of sleep, 6 hour mission at 1100, then a little more sleep after we returned at about 1700 until we repeat the process again at 1800. Very, very long days. Nights were also freezing, Thursday it hit 24 degrees.
Friday evening first platoon broke down the FOB while the rest of us rucked up, expended out extra ammo, and got transed via deuce to a point about 2.5 miles from our battalion. Once the whole company arrived they passed out the crossed rifles which we put in our pockets and stepped off at a slow pace to Honor Hill. When we got there, our Drill Sergeants starting shooting off all the extra smoke grenades, frag sims, artillery sims, and illum as we began our ascent up the road lined with the entire battalion cheering us on and their flashlights organized into red, white and blue. Once at the top we dropped our gear, grabbed our canteen cups and entered the wooden palisade where out ceremony took place. The ceremony itself is sacred so I will not speak of it, but there was lots of heavy metal, grog, and we had our crossed rifles pinned on and slammed into our chests without the backs on the pins, welcoming us to the brotherhood of the Infantry now and forever.
These past few days have been spent cleaning, we have to turn all this gear in after all, and getting smoked since our discipline has become lacs. Beheyt got in a fight with Burns today and is getting restarted 7 weeks.
We lost our phones thanks to Fernandez, but I don't feel like telling the story for fear that I might stab him. This will probably be the last major update though I'll update as needed.
By the way, for those wondering what missions we did during FTX, we did an Ambush, Mortar Raid, and ECP route clearances and CCPs. I'm not actually gonna go into detail about them, so if you know what they mean, good for you, otherwise, ask me.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
APFT 5 October 26
So APFT 5 was today, and the 3 days of rest did wonders for my scores. 49 push ups, 65 sit ups 15:01 2 mile run, for a total score of 221, I passed. No more PT tests for me. This means the only major obstacles left are FTX (starts on Saturday) and the Eagle Run, which is apparently not mandatory anymore, so I'm basically set to graduate baring any serious injuries.
Its crazy to think that in a week and a half we'll be going through the Eagle gates and receiving our crossed rifles. Less than a month now and I'll be home.
Niederhauser left his phone out to charge this morning, so our phones were taken. So much for keeping them.
Today and tomorrow are our phase 3 test days, making sure we know what we need to know to phase. We should officially hit Black Phase this week or during FTX, about time, Blue Phase has lasted almost 5 weeks now.
Gonna wrap this up here, gotta grab some sleep.
Its crazy to think that in a week and a half we'll be going through the Eagle gates and receiving our crossed rifles. Less than a month now and I'll be home.
Niederhauser left his phone out to charge this morning, so our phones were taken. So much for keeping them.
Today and tomorrow are our phase 3 test days, making sure we know what we need to know to phase. We should officially hit Black Phase this week or during FTX, about time, Blue Phase has lasted almost 5 weeks now.
Gonna wrap this up here, gotta grab some sleep.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Death and Destruciton from Above - October 14
So I know I promised to write about the movie, but really all that happened is we went to the PX and sucked down some Monsters and pizza, then caught a cab to main post, saw the movie and then came back. The movie itself was quite good, I'll definitely pick it up on DVD when I can.
Monday it was back on the ranges, Mabre 24, the same place we live fired the 60 mm from for our familiarization with the 120 mm, then we rucked 2 miles uphill to Mabre 25 where we made camp and prepped the rounds for the 81 mm night fire that night.
I was one of about 20 that actually got to fire before nearly back to back misfires of the Vietnam era rounds shut us down.
Tuesday was spent prepping the 81 mm HE and 120mm rounds to be fired, then waiting for COD to dispose of the misfire rounds for about 5 hours. Since I qualified Expert, I got to fire the 120mm which was a literal blast. To put it in perspective, an 81mm round weighs about 7 lbs. , a 120 round weighs about 35. Big boom. We had to fire them just under a mile away and we still heard the blast easily, the concussive force of the cannon firing could be felt from 35 meters away.
After all rounds were fired, we caught trans back to the bay to get ready for our 10 mile ruck in the morning.
If your wondering how long it takes to ruck 10 miles, the answer is about 4 hours. That may seem slow, but it's actually a fairly quick pace.
It was only 6 miles to our training location, so we took a nice 4 mile detour. The last mile of the march was pure hell, almost completely uphill and at a very steep grade. Once we finished, everyone was passing out. We ate chow then stood in the rain which had been pouring down all morning waiting for instructions, only to be told we were being pulled out due to flooding. On this ruck, I earned my nickname of Top Gun and got to carry the quidon from the chow point to trans, only a quarter mile but still. We've pretty much just cleaned the bay all day, though DS V gave us a class on squad tactics which we'll be using tomorrow. We were supposed to be in the field, but we're just gonna do a run in the woods here instead. By the way, we finally got Team Leaders. I am one of the two leaders for 1st squad, though whether we keep our spots depends on how we do tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes when I get a chance.
DS V told us the long awaited Buddy Team Live Fire is on Saturday, we're looking forward to it. Also, we're apparently done with rudimentary, the only one left is FTX and is only 8 miles, possible even shorter depending on what site we're at.
Our final APFT is Monday, and if I pass that and the upcoming Eagle Run, I'm basically cleared to graduate baring any major illness or injury.
Mendoza from 3rd platoon is back, he went AWOL about 3 weeks ago because his 15 year old girlfriend was cheating on him. Apparently he tried to fight the guy (who is also 15) and lost big time so he came back to the Army. He's hanging around until they take him to jail.
8 days until 36 hour pass, everyone is excited. We are so close to the end.
Monday it was back on the ranges, Mabre 24, the same place we live fired the 60 mm from for our familiarization with the 120 mm, then we rucked 2 miles uphill to Mabre 25 where we made camp and prepped the rounds for the 81 mm night fire that night.
I was one of about 20 that actually got to fire before nearly back to back misfires of the Vietnam era rounds shut us down.
Tuesday was spent prepping the 81 mm HE and 120mm rounds to be fired, then waiting for COD to dispose of the misfire rounds for about 5 hours. Since I qualified Expert, I got to fire the 120mm which was a literal blast. To put it in perspective, an 81mm round weighs about 7 lbs. , a 120 round weighs about 35. Big boom. We had to fire them just under a mile away and we still heard the blast easily, the concussive force of the cannon firing could be felt from 35 meters away.
After all rounds were fired, we caught trans back to the bay to get ready for our 10 mile ruck in the morning.
If your wondering how long it takes to ruck 10 miles, the answer is about 4 hours. That may seem slow, but it's actually a fairly quick pace.
It was only 6 miles to our training location, so we took a nice 4 mile detour. The last mile of the march was pure hell, almost completely uphill and at a very steep grade. Once we finished, everyone was passing out. We ate chow then stood in the rain which had been pouring down all morning waiting for instructions, only to be told we were being pulled out due to flooding. On this ruck, I earned my nickname of Top Gun and got to carry the quidon from the chow point to trans, only a quarter mile but still. We've pretty much just cleaned the bay all day, though DS V gave us a class on squad tactics which we'll be using tomorrow. We were supposed to be in the field, but we're just gonna do a run in the woods here instead. By the way, we finally got Team Leaders. I am one of the two leaders for 1st squad, though whether we keep our spots depends on how we do tomorrow. I'll let you know how that goes when I get a chance.
DS V told us the long awaited Buddy Team Live Fire is on Saturday, we're looking forward to it. Also, we're apparently done with rudimentary, the only one left is FTX and is only 8 miles, possible even shorter depending on what site we're at.
Our final APFT is Monday, and if I pass that and the upcoming Eagle Run, I'm basically cleared to graduate baring any major illness or injury.
Mendoza from 3rd platoon is back, he went AWOL about 3 weeks ago because his 15 year old girlfriend was cheating on him. Apparently he tried to fight the guy (who is also 15) and lost big time so he came back to the Army. He's hanging around until they take him to jail.
8 days until 36 hour pass, everyone is excited. We are so close to the end.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
High Angle Hell Oct. 11
So I joined the right MOS apparently. I am the Mortar stud not just of 4th platoon, but of Alpha Company as a whole.
Mortar week was spent entirely in the field with Monday - Thursday spent learning the various tasks that we would be tested on on the gunner's exam.
Monday we spent the entire day learning about the 81mm mortar system and how to place it into action and care for it. My team, gun 17 averaged Expert time so we ended the day very confident about what we learned.
Tuesday was the most important day of our training as we learned how to do small and large deflections and elevation changes. Small deflections are very easy, in fact I set a company record of gun up in 6 seconds during a speed round, and the cadre who had done the demonstration got theirs up in 7. That 6 second time was due to a fluke though but I averaged about 14 seconds, with expert time being 20. Large deflections were a different story though, 95% of us couldn't even get the gun up in 75 seconds for standard 11c time, let alone the 55 seconds for expert, but our cadre reassured us we'd get better as we learned how to move the gun more effectively.
Wednesday involved lots and lots of running, with refer and realign aiming posts and reciprocal lay being canned. Refer and Realign includes basically shifting your aiming poles and the centering the gun and doing a large deflection back onto the poles. I won't go into the finer points. Reciprocal lay is a process I won't go into but ends with the guns all aiming the same way. Reciprocal lay is ridiculously easy, Expert time is 55 seconds, standard 11c time is 115 seconds and I averaged about 30 seconds.
Thursday marked our gunner's exam, the qualification we need to be designated 11cs, mortarmen. Hopes were high and nerves were jumpy as we lined up in out gun crews. I was nominated to go first since I'm the fastest gunner. A word about the gunner's exam first though, it consists of 5 events, small deflection, large deflection, refer and realign aiming posts, reciprocal lay, and place mortar into action. Gunners are graded on a point scale based on time, Expert time and under is always worth 10 points. You perform each event twice so the max score is 100, 70 to qualify and 90 for expert. You also got a practice attempt at each event, and could keep that time if you wish, but you had to take your next time as well.
The first small deflection went out. 23 seconds, 3 away from Expert. I didn't take it. Completed next two both in 19 seconds for a total of 20/90 needed for expert. Everyone was nervous about large deflections, especially after a 59 second first attempt, 1 second away from a no go. Obviously I dropped that time and attempted to shake it off. My next two times surprised even me, 20 and 25 seconds, both company records and well within 35 seconds Expert time. 40/90 points for Expert.
Refer and Realign Aiming Posts was completed with times of 45 seconds and 49 seconds, expert time was 55 seconds. 60/90 points. Reciprocal lay was more free expert points, as the time allotted is ridiculous, 55 seconds for Expert. My times were 30 seconds and 35 seconds. 80/90 points with one event left.
Placing the mortar into action was unique in that if you got Expert on the first attempt, you didn't need to do it again. It counted twice. 55s was Expert time, and led to nerves. I got 55 seconds exactly, for a grade total of 100/100, a perfect score, one of only 8 in the entire company of 218. Friday we live fired the 60mm and will live fire the 81mm and for Experts, the 120mm on Monday and Tuesday.
Saturday we had a company competition on the mortars, with the fastest gun team from each platoon wining a 5 hour Main Post pass to see a movie of their choice. Myself, Arvin, and Triplett were the winning team from 4th platoon and went to see Zombieland. More on that later though.
Mortar week was spent entirely in the field with Monday - Thursday spent learning the various tasks that we would be tested on on the gunner's exam.
Monday we spent the entire day learning about the 81mm mortar system and how to place it into action and care for it. My team, gun 17 averaged Expert time so we ended the day very confident about what we learned.
Tuesday was the most important day of our training as we learned how to do small and large deflections and elevation changes. Small deflections are very easy, in fact I set a company record of gun up in 6 seconds during a speed round, and the cadre who had done the demonstration got theirs up in 7. That 6 second time was due to a fluke though but I averaged about 14 seconds, with expert time being 20. Large deflections were a different story though, 95% of us couldn't even get the gun up in 75 seconds for standard 11c time, let alone the 55 seconds for expert, but our cadre reassured us we'd get better as we learned how to move the gun more effectively.
Wednesday involved lots and lots of running, with refer and realign aiming posts and reciprocal lay being canned. Refer and Realign includes basically shifting your aiming poles and the centering the gun and doing a large deflection back onto the poles. I won't go into the finer points. Reciprocal lay is a process I won't go into but ends with the guns all aiming the same way. Reciprocal lay is ridiculously easy, Expert time is 55 seconds, standard 11c time is 115 seconds and I averaged about 30 seconds.
Thursday marked our gunner's exam, the qualification we need to be designated 11cs, mortarmen. Hopes were high and nerves were jumpy as we lined up in out gun crews. I was nominated to go first since I'm the fastest gunner. A word about the gunner's exam first though, it consists of 5 events, small deflection, large deflection, refer and realign aiming posts, reciprocal lay, and place mortar into action. Gunners are graded on a point scale based on time, Expert time and under is always worth 10 points. You perform each event twice so the max score is 100, 70 to qualify and 90 for expert. You also got a practice attempt at each event, and could keep that time if you wish, but you had to take your next time as well.
The first small deflection went out. 23 seconds, 3 away from Expert. I didn't take it. Completed next two both in 19 seconds for a total of 20/90 needed for expert. Everyone was nervous about large deflections, especially after a 59 second first attempt, 1 second away from a no go. Obviously I dropped that time and attempted to shake it off. My next two times surprised even me, 20 and 25 seconds, both company records and well within 35 seconds Expert time. 40/90 points for Expert.
Refer and Realign Aiming Posts was completed with times of 45 seconds and 49 seconds, expert time was 55 seconds. 60/90 points. Reciprocal lay was more free expert points, as the time allotted is ridiculous, 55 seconds for Expert. My times were 30 seconds and 35 seconds. 80/90 points with one event left.
Placing the mortar into action was unique in that if you got Expert on the first attempt, you didn't need to do it again. It counted twice. 55s was Expert time, and led to nerves. I got 55 seconds exactly, for a grade total of 100/100, a perfect score, one of only 8 in the entire company of 218. Friday we live fired the 60mm and will live fire the 81mm and for Experts, the 120mm on Monday and Tuesday.
Saturday we had a company competition on the mortars, with the fastest gun team from each platoon wining a 5 hour Main Post pass to see a movie of their choice. Myself, Arvin, and Triplett were the winning team from 4th platoon and went to see Zombieland. More on that later though.
So Much to Update so little time Sept. 30
Yes, I know it's been awhile since last I wrote. Blue phase is very, very busy.
Last week was all ARM (advanced Rifle Marksmanship) training, which involves shooting while standing, turning and shooting, barricade fire from various positions and enjoying moving targets out to 300m from a barricade. We also underwent an experimental ARM qualification which was ridiculously easy. Also had a night fire exercise using targeting lasers and night vision. Cool stuff.
The next two weeks are all tactics, we're learning a lot very quickly and getting field time too. Monday and Tuesday were spent in the field learning technique for running in a buddy team from cover to cover while under fire. Involved a lot of running, stopping and dropping. Tiring but fun.
This morning our 8 mile ruck, which was ridiculously easy. I actually led the platoon back after the turnaround point. Also had platoon photos today.
Tomorrow its back to the field for 2 days, this time to learn fire team and squad tactics. Blanks and machine guns will also be incorporated, which will be much more fun than yelling "Bang, Bang, Bang" like last time.
Saturday we are apparently going back to 30th AG to be fitted for our dress uniforms.
Friday night we've got some concert thing we're going to, don't know anything about it thought yet.
Monday is PT test, and a big one since the grade to pass goes to 60% .
All I know about next week is it's more tactics, with a buddy team, live fire exercise, a 4 man team moving down a range from cover to cover shooting at targets with live ammo.
Will try to write again Friday night or Saturday, this is all I have time for now.
Last week was all ARM (advanced Rifle Marksmanship) training, which involves shooting while standing, turning and shooting, barricade fire from various positions and enjoying moving targets out to 300m from a barricade. We also underwent an experimental ARM qualification which was ridiculously easy. Also had a night fire exercise using targeting lasers and night vision. Cool stuff.
The next two weeks are all tactics, we're learning a lot very quickly and getting field time too. Monday and Tuesday were spent in the field learning technique for running in a buddy team from cover to cover while under fire. Involved a lot of running, stopping and dropping. Tiring but fun.
This morning our 8 mile ruck, which was ridiculously easy. I actually led the platoon back after the turnaround point. Also had platoon photos today.
Tomorrow its back to the field for 2 days, this time to learn fire team and squad tactics. Blanks and machine guns will also be incorporated, which will be much more fun than yelling "Bang, Bang, Bang" like last time.
Saturday we are apparently going back to 30th AG to be fitted for our dress uniforms.
Friday night we've got some concert thing we're going to, don't know anything about it thought yet.
Monday is PT test, and a big one since the grade to pass goes to 60% .
All I know about next week is it's more tactics, with a buddy team, live fire exercise, a 4 man team moving down a range from cover to cover shooting at targets with live ammo.
Will try to write again Friday night or Saturday, this is all I have time for now.
Friday, September 25, 2009
APFT 3 Sept. 22
So this morning we had APFT 3. My scores improved drastically but still need work. 27 push ups which is the same as last time, 60 sit ups which is 10 more, and an 18:24 2 mile, down another 2 minutes. All our remaining PT tests will be graded on the 60% scale instead of 50% now though, so I have even more work to do yet. I need 42 push ups, 53 sit ups, and 15:54 2 mile to pass on the new scale. DS V said as long as we keep improving he'll keep us until the end when we'll be recycled if we don't make it. Looks like I'm staying here for the foreseeable future.
Today, we just hung around at the range while 1st and 2nd platoons were at the range doing some kind of live fire exercise. We'll be doing the same tomorrow, with a night fire exercise using night vision and IR lasers mounted on our rifles as well. The night fire for 1st and 2nd was cancelled due to the thunderstorms rolling in.
This evening, I did some PT during free time, went and ran a mile on the track with some of the guys. Was actually kind of hard, legs were cramping bad due to the 2 mile this morning so I've got some muscle rub on them now.
Nothing else to really write about now except yes, night vision is just as fun to play with as you think it would be, which is probably why they don't let us hang on to them.
Will try and write tomorrow or Wednesday.
Today, we just hung around at the range while 1st and 2nd platoons were at the range doing some kind of live fire exercise. We'll be doing the same tomorrow, with a night fire exercise using night vision and IR lasers mounted on our rifles as well. The night fire for 1st and 2nd was cancelled due to the thunderstorms rolling in.
This evening, I did some PT during free time, went and ran a mile on the track with some of the guys. Was actually kind of hard, legs were cramping bad due to the 2 mile this morning so I've got some muscle rub on them now.
Nothing else to really write about now except yes, night vision is just as fun to play with as you think it would be, which is probably why they don't let us hang on to them.
Will try and write tomorrow or Wednesday.
Gernades and Lockdown Sept 18-19
So you're probably wondering why this letter is a few days late coming in. The answer is today (Sunday) is the first chance I've gotten to write.
Friday started off bad and just got worse. The 6 mile ruck was brutal and not helped by us going a mile in the wrong direction and having to turn around. Once we arrived at the grenade range we grounded our rucks and after breakfast we jumped right into trainingr after that, and were told we were not allowed to sit at all unless specifically told to, we could only rest on one knee. After an hour or two of practice throwing fake grenades containing only a blasting cap, we prepared to throw the real ones.
The whole company had to fit under a small bit of overhead cover and we were packed so tight that I could literally lift my feet off the ground and not move.
Everyone was really excited up until we were handed our 2 live grenades, then realization set in that were holding several pounds of high explosives. We were assigned to a lane, and when told to move out, had to run to it shouting which hand we throw with until told to stop.
The bunkers we threw from were made of concrete and numbered 1 and 2, with a private and a sergeant in each one. Once you handed your other grenade to the sergeant if you were a 2 you hit the deck as the 1's threw, then you prepared to throw, sweeping off the secondary safety and pulling the pin. At that point you realized the only thing keeping the fuse from being lit is your thumb holding the spoon down which will fly off if you release just a quarter pound of pressure. Once told to throw, you threw as far as you could then hit the deck. if you remained standing the sergeant would "help" you down. If you locked up and failed to throw they slammed your arm against the edge until you dropped the grenade or your arm broke, whichever happened first. If you dropped the grenade, you were hurled from the bunker. It was pretty funny to watch. After throwing your first, you throw the second grenade then headed back to the rest of the company.
After the live grenades we had lunch then headed off on the course to get qualified. Shortly thereafter we were called back to our gear and told to dump it. Apparently by theft or miscount, a grenade was missing.
The next 12 hours were spent on lock down, with various high ranking officials such as our brigade commander called in. We were searched several times and sat around while all the range cadre argued and made lots of phone calls.
Finally around 0200 it was determined that we were not responsible and were released. Unfortunately, we still needed to walk a mile and a half back. The 6 miles gave me blisters and with walking on them all day and back to the CTA, they were bleeding and larger than quarters by the time we got back. They're on my heels too, so walking sucks. Our PT test on Monday will be lovely.
Once we got back we were told to shower and go to bed immediately to grab what sleep we could get before PT at 05:30. Imagine our surprise when first call went out and it was light outside. We were woken at 0730 and had chow in the CTA at 0800. After chow we were told to go back to sleep, which was met with literal cheers and excitement. We slept in until 1100 when we got ready for chow at 1200, then did some very light ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) training, working on our fighter stances which we use when shooting standing and caring. It's a very uncomfortable stance but we are forming it into muscle memory. After ARM we went and got PX, had dinner chow and went to bed again.
All in all, it's been an interesting 2 days. We were supposed to hit Blue Phase on Saturday but lock down changed that. I'll let you know when we switch over.
Friday started off bad and just got worse. The 6 mile ruck was brutal and not helped by us going a mile in the wrong direction and having to turn around. Once we arrived at the grenade range we grounded our rucks and after breakfast we jumped right into trainingr after that, and were told we were not allowed to sit at all unless specifically told to, we could only rest on one knee. After an hour or two of practice throwing fake grenades containing only a blasting cap, we prepared to throw the real ones.
The whole company had to fit under a small bit of overhead cover and we were packed so tight that I could literally lift my feet off the ground and not move.
Everyone was really excited up until we were handed our 2 live grenades, then realization set in that were holding several pounds of high explosives. We were assigned to a lane, and when told to move out, had to run to it shouting which hand we throw with until told to stop.
The bunkers we threw from were made of concrete and numbered 1 and 2, with a private and a sergeant in each one. Once you handed your other grenade to the sergeant if you were a 2 you hit the deck as the 1's threw, then you prepared to throw, sweeping off the secondary safety and pulling the pin. At that point you realized the only thing keeping the fuse from being lit is your thumb holding the spoon down which will fly off if you release just a quarter pound of pressure. Once told to throw, you threw as far as you could then hit the deck. if you remained standing the sergeant would "help" you down. If you locked up and failed to throw they slammed your arm against the edge until you dropped the grenade or your arm broke, whichever happened first. If you dropped the grenade, you were hurled from the bunker. It was pretty funny to watch. After throwing your first, you throw the second grenade then headed back to the rest of the company.
After the live grenades we had lunch then headed off on the course to get qualified. Shortly thereafter we were called back to our gear and told to dump it. Apparently by theft or miscount, a grenade was missing.
The next 12 hours were spent on lock down, with various high ranking officials such as our brigade commander called in. We were searched several times and sat around while all the range cadre argued and made lots of phone calls.
Finally around 0200 it was determined that we were not responsible and were released. Unfortunately, we still needed to walk a mile and a half back. The 6 miles gave me blisters and with walking on them all day and back to the CTA, they were bleeding and larger than quarters by the time we got back. They're on my heels too, so walking sucks. Our PT test on Monday will be lovely.
Once we got back we were told to shower and go to bed immediately to grab what sleep we could get before PT at 05:30. Imagine our surprise when first call went out and it was light outside. We were woken at 0730 and had chow in the CTA at 0800. After chow we were told to go back to sleep, which was met with literal cheers and excitement. We slept in until 1100 when we got ready for chow at 1200, then did some very light ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) training, working on our fighter stances which we use when shooting standing and caring. It's a very uncomfortable stance but we are forming it into muscle memory. After ARM we went and got PX, had dinner chow and went to bed again.
All in all, it's been an interesting 2 days. We were supposed to hit Blue Phase on Saturday but lock down changed that. I'll let you know when we switch over.
Qual Day Sept 17
Wednesday was nothing to write about, the only noteworthy event was a nice platoon smoking in the afternoon after returning from EST.
Today however, was one of those "big" days everyone talks about. Today we would attempt to qualify with our rifles, hitting a minimum of 23 out of 40 targets to qualify. You fire 40 rounds in total. 20 in prone supported, 10 prone unsupported and 10 kneeling in increasing order of difficulty with target distances of 50m, 75m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m, and 300m. Your score determines what you qualify as. 23-29 gets you Marksman, 30-35 is sharpshooter and 36-40 expert. If you fail to quality on your first attempt you shoot until you do qualify and no matter what your score when you do, you earn Marksman. Those who fail to qualify by sundown are recycled to another company, since we are done with BEM.
Well long story short, after about 6 attempts and some coaching from DS Pursley and some guys from the platoon I now hold my Marksman qualification badge with the tab for rifles dangling from it in my hand. Nailing that last target was one of the biggest thrills I've had yet. I only hit 14/20 in Prone Supported and had a lot of ground to make up in unsupported and DS Pursley told me so. I concentrated hard on my breathing, trigger squeeze and follow through and hit 5/10 targets for a total of 19/30. Moving to the kneeling after carefully adjusting my kit, I knew I only needed 4 to qualify. I hit the first one and DS Pursley cheered me on , hit another and the tower called out that I was 2 away, hit another and felt like I was home free. The 50m popped up and I aimed at the free target, pulled the trigger and missed. Pursley hollered at me to fire again before it dropped and I did. The target fell. A hit. 23/40. The next thing I felt was DS Pursley slapping my helmet and yelling "fuck yeah little buddy!" As I stood up to the congratulations of those around me, DS Green approached me and handed me my badge. As I took it I actually felt a small lump in my throat because I honestly thought I was doomed there for a while there until Eggebrought and Franks got me to relax. DS Pursley was a huge help too, as he coached me through breaking the bad habits I formed over my years of shooting, most specifically my tendency to rush and get flustered. Regardless, I am now rifle qualified and have the rest of my career to work on Expert.
Tomorrow we have a 6 mile ruck, for which we are already packed followed by Grenades training, which I believe is another badge for my dress uniform whenever I get it.
Oh and for anyone curious, Beheyt shot 33 earning his Sharpshooter badge.
Today however, was one of those "big" days everyone talks about. Today we would attempt to qualify with our rifles, hitting a minimum of 23 out of 40 targets to qualify. You fire 40 rounds in total. 20 in prone supported, 10 prone unsupported and 10 kneeling in increasing order of difficulty with target distances of 50m, 75m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m, and 300m. Your score determines what you qualify as. 23-29 gets you Marksman, 30-35 is sharpshooter and 36-40 expert. If you fail to quality on your first attempt you shoot until you do qualify and no matter what your score when you do, you earn Marksman. Those who fail to qualify by sundown are recycled to another company, since we are done with BEM.
Well long story short, after about 6 attempts and some coaching from DS Pursley and some guys from the platoon I now hold my Marksman qualification badge with the tab for rifles dangling from it in my hand. Nailing that last target was one of the biggest thrills I've had yet. I only hit 14/20 in Prone Supported and had a lot of ground to make up in unsupported and DS Pursley told me so. I concentrated hard on my breathing, trigger squeeze and follow through and hit 5/10 targets for a total of 19/30. Moving to the kneeling after carefully adjusting my kit, I knew I only needed 4 to qualify. I hit the first one and DS Pursley cheered me on , hit another and the tower called out that I was 2 away, hit another and felt like I was home free. The 50m popped up and I aimed at the free target, pulled the trigger and missed. Pursley hollered at me to fire again before it dropped and I did. The target fell. A hit. 23/40. The next thing I felt was DS Pursley slapping my helmet and yelling "fuck yeah little buddy!" As I stood up to the congratulations of those around me, DS Green approached me and handed me my badge. As I took it I actually felt a small lump in my throat because I honestly thought I was doomed there for a while there until Eggebrought and Franks got me to relax. DS Pursley was a huge help too, as he coached me through breaking the bad habits I formed over my years of shooting, most specifically my tendency to rush and get flustered. Regardless, I am now rifle qualified and have the rest of my career to work on Expert.
Tomorrow we have a 6 mile ruck, for which we are already packed followed by Grenades training, which I believe is another badge for my dress uniform whenever I get it.
Oh and for anyone curious, Beheyt shot 33 earning his Sharpshooter badge.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Six Weeks Sept 13
So Friday marked the start of week six. It also marked a bigger milestone however, we are now halfway complete with the basic training portion of OSUT.
As we sit here on Sunday with country music playing on the radio we are allotted on weekends, we have a chance to reflect on the last weeks.
We have gone from a bunch of undisciplined, untrained, and unmotivated kids from all walks of life to that same bunch of kids just wearing uniforms and slightly better at standing in line thanks to the peculiar hell that is 30th AG.
Then we got here. In the past weeks our Drill Sergeants have done the near impossible, taken this bunch of kids and training them to respond to commands without thinking. Inbeded in them the value of discipline, gotten them to do things without being told. They have forced us to come together as a platoon and as a family, there is friction, every family has some, but even those personal conflicts are set aside temporarily as need arises.
We have learned to save the lives of our brothers and comrades, administering potentially lifesaving aid until help arrives. We can navigate through any terrain and find our way to a set point. We can fire and disassemble various kinds of heavy weaponry. We are trained in the use of the AT-4 rocket launcher and Claymore mine. All these skills we have learned in only 5 weeks.
As we look ahead to the next 10 weeks and all we have yet to learn, fire team tactics, grenades, urban warfare and more, we can see how all of this training really does transform you into a new person. The future is bright and we'll be there to meet it.
As we sit here on Sunday with country music playing on the radio we are allotted on weekends, we have a chance to reflect on the last weeks.
We have gone from a bunch of undisciplined, untrained, and unmotivated kids from all walks of life to that same bunch of kids just wearing uniforms and slightly better at standing in line thanks to the peculiar hell that is 30th AG.
Then we got here. In the past weeks our Drill Sergeants have done the near impossible, taken this bunch of kids and training them to respond to commands without thinking. Inbeded in them the value of discipline, gotten them to do things without being told. They have forced us to come together as a platoon and as a family, there is friction, every family has some, but even those personal conflicts are set aside temporarily as need arises.
We have learned to save the lives of our brothers and comrades, administering potentially lifesaving aid until help arrives. We can navigate through any terrain and find our way to a set point. We can fire and disassemble various kinds of heavy weaponry. We are trained in the use of the AT-4 rocket launcher and Claymore mine. All these skills we have learned in only 5 weeks.
As we look ahead to the next 10 weeks and all we have yet to learn, fire team tactics, grenades, urban warfare and more, we can see how all of this training really does transform you into a new person. The future is bright and we'll be there to meet it.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Pop up Targets Sept. 10
At the range again today, surprise, surprise. TLB time we were shooting lanes with pop-up targets at 75m, 175m, and 300m. We had 54 rounds total, firing 10 kneeling, 22 in prone supported, and another 22 in prone unsupported. The 10 from kneeling were for familiarization only and weren't counted in our score, we needed a 26/44 for a go and those who got a no-go the first time got a second attempt. We were also wearing full battle rattle which made it all much harder.
Yours truly initially scored a 22/44, but we took our body armor off due to the heat and I got 26/44. I've got some things to improve on, but we don't qualify until next Thursday.
We'll be heading back to the range tomorrow for more practice, but my squad and second squad are staying back to participate in a ceremonial for 9/11. With the memories of that day refreshed in our minds I predict scores to sky rocket.
Our 4 hour pass is confirmed to be this Saturday and everyone is excited. Inspection number two is also on Saturday, and we'll attempt to defend our streamer from the other platoons.
Another note about the APFT that was on Monday, our platoon's average jumped from 160 to 205, the largest jump they've ever seen.
Will write more tomorrow, lights out now.
Yours truly initially scored a 22/44, but we took our body armor off due to the heat and I got 26/44. I've got some things to improve on, but we don't qualify until next Thursday.
We'll be heading back to the range tomorrow for more practice, but my squad and second squad are staying back to participate in a ceremonial for 9/11. With the memories of that day refreshed in our minds I predict scores to sky rocket.
Our 4 hour pass is confirmed to be this Saturday and everyone is excited. Inspection number two is also on Saturday, and we'll attempt to defend our streamer from the other platoons.
Another note about the APFT that was on Monday, our platoon's average jumped from 160 to 205, the largest jump they've ever seen.
Will write more tomorrow, lights out now.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Getting shots is better than being shot at but not better than shooting, usually Sept. 9
Sorry for the long period of no letters, we spend all day at the range and have very little personal time lately, since we must clean our weapons and the bay, shower and shave, etc. all in a 3 hour period, in addition to eating chow.
We've put a lot of rounds downrange these last few days though, I've personally burned about 200 in 2 days of shooting.
Mainly we practiced zeroing and grouping from 25 meters, we got a bit of practice with our iron sights even though they aren't taught in Basic anymore. We also had APTF 2. I think I already mentioned that, but I can't remember.
Tuesday, we went to a new range and worked the pit marking hits on the targets while 3rd platoon zeroed and grouped from both 100m and 200m, firing 60 rounds at each distance.
After eating our MRE's for chow we swapped with 3rd platoon in the pit and us shooting. Many of us zeroed very quickly and spent our remaining rounds tightening our groups before moving to the 200m lane. Yours truly set a record for the day for tightest shot group at 200m, with 10 rounds fitting within a 4" circle. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to replicate this feat or even come close.
Today, first and second platoons were at the range while most of us were getting boosters to some of the shots we got at 30th AG. In the afternoon we went back to the EST 2000, or as we call it, the PlayStation for more target work, this time simulated. I think it was mostly to keep our skills sharp, though we are supposed to switch to pop-up targets but a power outage stopped that.
We've put a lot of rounds downrange these last few days though, I've personally burned about 200 in 2 days of shooting.
Mainly we practiced zeroing and grouping from 25 meters, we got a bit of practice with our iron sights even though they aren't taught in Basic anymore. We also had APTF 2. I think I already mentioned that, but I can't remember.
Tuesday, we went to a new range and worked the pit marking hits on the targets while 3rd platoon zeroed and grouped from both 100m and 200m, firing 60 rounds at each distance.
After eating our MRE's for chow we swapped with 3rd platoon in the pit and us shooting. Many of us zeroed very quickly and spent our remaining rounds tightening our groups before moving to the 200m lane. Yours truly set a record for the day for tightest shot group at 200m, with 10 rounds fitting within a 4" circle. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to replicate this feat or even come close.
Today, first and second platoons were at the range while most of us were getting boosters to some of the shots we got at 30th AG. In the afternoon we went back to the EST 2000, or as we call it, the PlayStation for more target work, this time simulated. I think it was mostly to keep our skills sharp, though we are supposed to switch to pop-up targets but a power outage stopped that.
APFT 2 and Zeroing
Had APFT 2 this morning, got 27 push ups (up from 13), 50 sit ups (down from 53), and a 20:13 2 mile (down from 22:49). Not terrible but my run needs a lot of work yet, gonna try to get it there though.
After PT test we had to run upstairs, change, eat chow, and grabed all our gear in about 30 minutes in order to make it to the range. Had our longest day at the range yet, I spent 3 hours on the firing line coaching someone before i even got to fire. We were working on zeroing our COs and iron sights at 25 meter targets. I zeroed very quickly and spent the next hours working on m grouping. I still need a lot of work but it will come with practice.
We headed back later in the evening and spend a few hours cleaning our weapons for tomorrow.
At 2000 we lined the road with our flashlights alternating red white and blue as we cheered on Bravo Company as they completed the final mile of their 12 mile ruck from the FTX site to the place they are awarded their crossed rifles, Hono-Hill. It was awesome, and we get to go through it in 10 weeks time.
This is all I have time to write, will try and get some overdue letters written tomorrow night.
After PT test we had to run upstairs, change, eat chow, and grabed all our gear in about 30 minutes in order to make it to the range. Had our longest day at the range yet, I spent 3 hours on the firing line coaching someone before i even got to fire. We were working on zeroing our COs and iron sights at 25 meter targets. I zeroed very quickly and spent the next hours working on m grouping. I still need a lot of work but it will come with practice.
We headed back later in the evening and spend a few hours cleaning our weapons for tomorrow.
At 2000 we lined the road with our flashlights alternating red white and blue as we cheered on Bravo Company as they completed the final mile of their 12 mile ruck from the FTX site to the place they are awarded their crossed rifles, Hono-Hill. It was awesome, and we get to go through it in 10 weeks time.
This is all I have time to write, will try and get some overdue letters written tomorrow night.
Labor Day weekend Sept. 5
Making this note here to force me to actually write an update for the last few days, but first sleep.
So this has been our slowest weekend yet. Had absolutely nothing to do on Saturday but a quick morning PT session, then the DS all went home and we cleaned our bay, then did weapons maintenance outside in the LTA for a few hours.
Today (Sunday) we've done even less, just cleaned the bay and caught up on sleep.
Everyone is pissed off because our mail is screwed up, we haven't gotten mail all week and thanks to the 4 day weekend, we won't get any until at least Tuesday either.
Speaking of the 4 day weekend, we of course don't get Monday off like the rest of the country, and will instead be spending it all on the range, finally shooting our M4s. We actually went to the EST (Electronic Soldier Trainer) which is basically a massive PlayStation, that simulates a firing range and has air powered M4s. We used the simulator to practice shot grouping, and I grouped in 9 shots, which was about average, with the minimum being 6 shots and max being over 20.
Franks and Hall are back from the hospital, they had some kind of viral infection so we got to sterilize the bay again.
We have a radio now, which we can use when we're cleaning. There was a lot of fighting initially over what to listen to, but we've got a rotation going.
Someone is messing with our fireguard roster, adding and switching people. I was woken up twice last night for shifts I wasn't scheduled for, the second of which I did anyways because I was too tired to fight. The PG and I have a plan to catch whoever is messing with it though. If it happens tonight I'm going to scream, we have a PT test in the morning. Hope we get phones tonight, but it doesn't seem overly likely.
So this has been our slowest weekend yet. Had absolutely nothing to do on Saturday but a quick morning PT session, then the DS all went home and we cleaned our bay, then did weapons maintenance outside in the LTA for a few hours.
Today (Sunday) we've done even less, just cleaned the bay and caught up on sleep.
Everyone is pissed off because our mail is screwed up, we haven't gotten mail all week and thanks to the 4 day weekend, we won't get any until at least Tuesday either.
Speaking of the 4 day weekend, we of course don't get Monday off like the rest of the country, and will instead be spending it all on the range, finally shooting our M4s. We actually went to the EST (Electronic Soldier Trainer) which is basically a massive PlayStation, that simulates a firing range and has air powered M4s. We used the simulator to practice shot grouping, and I grouped in 9 shots, which was about average, with the minimum being 6 shots and max being over 20.
Franks and Hall are back from the hospital, they had some kind of viral infection so we got to sterilize the bay again.
We have a radio now, which we can use when we're cleaning. There was a lot of fighting initially over what to listen to, but we've got a rotation going.
Someone is messing with our fireguard roster, adding and switching people. I was woken up twice last night for shifts I wasn't scheduled for, the second of which I did anyways because I was too tired to fight. The PG and I have a plan to catch whoever is messing with it though. If it happens tonight I'm going to scream, we have a PT test in the morning. Hope we get phones tonight, but it doesn't seem overly likely.
Grenade launchers, machine guns, and back pain Sept. 3
So those back problems I mentioned in my last letter (or was that over the phone?) have gotten worse so I went to sick call. Now on profile for 3 days with a tube of icy-hot and some ibuprofen, have to go back in if I don't get better. Missing the ruck march tomorrow which sucks, but even wearing full battle rattle strains my back, let alone a ruck. Wickman and Schumacker are gonna see if they can help, both have chiropractor experience. Wickman actually just realigned my spine to help my posture.
These past two days have been spent at the range and we have had to clean the bay during personal time, so I just now got to write. Yesterday (Wednesday) we had AT4s and 203 shooting, I missed AT4 since I was in sick call, but I got to fire the 203 grenade launcher. Everyone got 17 TPT rounds which contained orange powder. The launcher is extremely easy to operate and fire. After everyone shot, one person from each platoon got to fire an actual HE round, which make a very large bang. Someone actually hit an unexploded ME round with a TPT round downrange, making it go off. Was awesome.
Today (Thursday) we fired the M249 SAW and M240B. Was a very long day but those weapons are a blast to fire. The SAW actually fires faster than the 240, but the 240 fires a much larger round. Didn't do too well with the 240 since it was positioned awkwardly and I couldn't get a good sight picture, but i tore it up with the SAW, hitting the 150 m targets with ease. Franks went down today with a fever, and Hall went down the other day, we're dropping left and right. Powell is back though which is good news.
Tex got fired from PG today, Nunez is our new PG. Gotta sleep now, write more tomorrow.
These past two days have been spent at the range and we have had to clean the bay during personal time, so I just now got to write. Yesterday (Wednesday) we had AT4s and 203 shooting, I missed AT4 since I was in sick call, but I got to fire the 203 grenade launcher. Everyone got 17 TPT rounds which contained orange powder. The launcher is extremely easy to operate and fire. After everyone shot, one person from each platoon got to fire an actual HE round, which make a very large bang. Someone actually hit an unexploded ME round with a TPT round downrange, making it go off. Was awesome.
Today (Thursday) we fired the M249 SAW and M240B. Was a very long day but those weapons are a blast to fire. The SAW actually fires faster than the 240, but the 240 fires a much larger round. Didn't do too well with the 240 since it was positioned awkwardly and I couldn't get a good sight picture, but i tore it up with the SAW, hitting the 150 m targets with ease. Franks went down today with a fever, and Hall went down the other day, we're dropping left and right. Powell is back though which is good news.
Tex got fired from PG today, Nunez is our new PG. Gotta sleep now, write more tomorrow.
Friday, September 4, 2009
.50 Cal, MK 19 and IEDs Sept. 1
Haven't had much time to write these last few days, been busy. We hit the range yesterday (Monday) for the first time, and started off with a literal bang.
Had classes on loading, unloading and correcting malfunctions on both weapons, then moved to the firing line. MK 19 was first for our group, each person got to fire 3 fire round bursts of TTP rounds (Target and Training practice) which are basically flash bangs.
After an extremely hasty MRE lunch, we moved to .50 cal. Since I was near the back of the line and they had ammo to burn, I got to fire off half a box. It was definitely one of the coolest things I've done.
Later that day, after .50 cal, Beheyt had to be MEDECAC'd since he had a 103.6 core temp due to being sick. Since I'm his Battle Buddy I went to the hospital with him. We got some absolutely amazing chow for free in the cafeteria, waited for about 5 hours. Beheyt was diagnosed with Bronchitis and got medicine from the pharmacy and finally we got picked up by battalion and taken back.
We've started running a lot more, and I can feel it in my knees. Hell, today was upper body and we ran a mile on the track before the end of PT.
Got some classes on Unexploded Ordinance (UXO), IEDs and Claymores today. Learned some really interesting stuff about explosives. For example, one type of IED, the CFB, has a projectile that travels at 1.5 miles per second. Yes, that is miles. It can also penetrate 12 inches of steal at 100m.
All I have time to write now, time to sleep.
Had classes on loading, unloading and correcting malfunctions on both weapons, then moved to the firing line. MK 19 was first for our group, each person got to fire 3 fire round bursts of TTP rounds (Target and Training practice) which are basically flash bangs.
After an extremely hasty MRE lunch, we moved to .50 cal. Since I was near the back of the line and they had ammo to burn, I got to fire off half a box. It was definitely one of the coolest things I've done.
Later that day, after .50 cal, Beheyt had to be MEDECAC'd since he had a 103.6 core temp due to being sick. Since I'm his Battle Buddy I went to the hospital with him. We got some absolutely amazing chow for free in the cafeteria, waited for about 5 hours. Beheyt was diagnosed with Bronchitis and got medicine from the pharmacy and finally we got picked up by battalion and taken back.
We've started running a lot more, and I can feel it in my knees. Hell, today was upper body and we ran a mile on the track before the end of PT.
Got some classes on Unexploded Ordinance (UXO), IEDs and Claymores today. Learned some really interesting stuff about explosives. For example, one type of IED, the CFB, has a projectile that travels at 1.5 miles per second. Yes, that is miles. It can also penetrate 12 inches of steal at 100m.
All I have time to write now, time to sleep.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
White Phase Aug. 29
White flags now fly from our quidons instead of the red. Has our end of phase testing and inspection today and officially transitioned into White Phase.
Right now it's 15:50 (3:50 pm) and our Drill Sergeants have already gone home for the day, leaving us alone. We have a Platoon Guide (PG) Big Tex is ours and squad leaders. The PG marches us to chow now instead of a DS, and we no longer form up afterwards, just head back to the bay in buddy teams. We are also allowed to choose what we eat from the menu instead of taking the first tray that comes to us. We also walk ourselves to church now.
One of our civilian training aides will be coming by at either 1800 or 1830 selling power bars and Gatorade.
Apparently the DS are staying gone through tomorrow, save DS V who is on CQ. We should at least get our phones, if not our 4 hour pass. Speaking of DS V, he's going hunting tonight, actually just walked in wearing civilian clothes to grab a map.
Our inspection this morning was by the 1SG instead of the CO, and our platoon was the best, earning us a streamer.
During the ceremony, the quidon flags were changed, the 1SG spoke to us, then presented teh streamers each platoon earned. Combatives for 1st platoon, APFT scores for 2nd platoon, obstacle course time for 3rd platoon and our streamer for inspection. When the streamers were presented the 1SG called for a round of applause, but when he got to our platoon, he personally told us that we were the best platoon he inspected "by far", earning us praise for our DS.
Things are already improving among our platoon, lots of fighting with everyone trying to be in charge, but that has almost disappeared with our new clear cut leadership.
We'll be doing a LOT more running now, which is good because I need it, but also sucks because I hate running.
Right now it's 15:50 (3:50 pm) and our Drill Sergeants have already gone home for the day, leaving us alone. We have a Platoon Guide (PG) Big Tex is ours and squad leaders. The PG marches us to chow now instead of a DS, and we no longer form up afterwards, just head back to the bay in buddy teams. We are also allowed to choose what we eat from the menu instead of taking the first tray that comes to us. We also walk ourselves to church now.
One of our civilian training aides will be coming by at either 1800 or 1830 selling power bars and Gatorade.
Apparently the DS are staying gone through tomorrow, save DS V who is on CQ. We should at least get our phones, if not our 4 hour pass. Speaking of DS V, he's going hunting tonight, actually just walked in wearing civilian clothes to grab a map.
Our inspection this morning was by the 1SG instead of the CO, and our platoon was the best, earning us a streamer.
During the ceremony, the quidon flags were changed, the 1SG spoke to us, then presented teh streamers each platoon earned. Combatives for 1st platoon, APFT scores for 2nd platoon, obstacle course time for 3rd platoon and our streamer for inspection. When the streamers were presented the 1SG called for a round of applause, but when he got to our platoon, he personally told us that we were the best platoon he inspected "by far", earning us praise for our DS.
Things are already improving among our platoon, lots of fighting with everyone trying to be in charge, but that has almost disappeared with our new clear cut leadership.
We'll be doing a LOT more running now, which is good because I need it, but also sucks because I hate running.
Weather and APFT Aug. 28
After a refreshing night in the bay, we woke up and took out PT test (APFT). I've been improving significantly since coming. On the 1-1-1, I only did 6 correct push ups, 27 sit ups, and had 11:28 1 mile time. This time around I did 23 push ups, 53 sit ups (the minimum to pass too) and had 10:20 1 mile with a 23:39 2 mile time. We start running a lot in White phase apparently, so my times will decrease.
After APFT, we headed back to the field for yet more land nav. Split into two man teams (myself and Nunez this time) and headed off once more. All our points save 1 were very close so we finished fast and got the info for our far point from another group.
That night we had made some quick 2 man shelters using our rucks, trees, ponchos and bungee cords and bedded down at about 1830 for a few hours of sleep before our 0215 wake up. It had been overcast and drizzling all day, and finally opened up about 1900. Poured rain all night, but our shelters kept us mostly dry. Woke up and prepared for our night exercise, which was an individual one. We also were not allowed to use the roads, just straight dead reckoning.
Mother Nature had other plans however and 30 minutes after we started we were called back due to severe T-storms in the area. It got so bad, they used the deuces and crammed us in like sardines (16 people with rucks in a vehicle that normally fits 12) and took us back to the LTA. Had nothing to do all day, just sat around and cleaned. There is a concert here on the 7th or 12th and I get to go, will be awesome. Our end of phase test is tomorrow, along with our inspection by our IO which the best platoon wins a streamer. This mean we should move to white phase on Sunday with a 4 hour pass then or next weekend.
I'm hoping we're done with land nav, since I've gotten a GO on every run so far. All we learned today was some Drill and Ceremony after dinner. Tomorrow looks to be a slow day too. Next week is explosives week, with rifle training among other things.
After APFT, we headed back to the field for yet more land nav. Split into two man teams (myself and Nunez this time) and headed off once more. All our points save 1 were very close so we finished fast and got the info for our far point from another group.
That night we had made some quick 2 man shelters using our rucks, trees, ponchos and bungee cords and bedded down at about 1830 for a few hours of sleep before our 0215 wake up. It had been overcast and drizzling all day, and finally opened up about 1900. Poured rain all night, but our shelters kept us mostly dry. Woke up and prepared for our night exercise, which was an individual one. We also were not allowed to use the roads, just straight dead reckoning.
Mother Nature had other plans however and 30 minutes after we started we were called back due to severe T-storms in the area. It got so bad, they used the deuces and crammed us in like sardines (16 people with rucks in a vehicle that normally fits 12) and took us back to the LTA. Had nothing to do all day, just sat around and cleaned. There is a concert here on the 7th or 12th and I get to go, will be awesome. Our end of phase test is tomorrow, along with our inspection by our IO which the best platoon wins a streamer. This mean we should move to white phase on Sunday with a 4 hour pass then or next weekend.
I'm hoping we're done with land nav, since I've gotten a GO on every run so far. All we learned today was some Drill and Ceremony after dinner. Tomorrow looks to be a slow day too. Next week is explosives week, with rifle training among other things.
Land Nav
Red orbs shine like hungry eyes through the trees as the night sky above, lit only by stars and the moon begins to brighten, the first sign of the approaching dawn. This was just one of the many scenes from our recent 2 days and 1 night in the field of land nav.
We arrived at our base camp at about 1030, and our platoon was scheduled to step off at 1230. We spent the time in between double checking our coordinate points and distance measurements, split into four man teams (me, Behey, Burks and Brandsasse), and got our pace counts.
Once told to set off, we had 4 hours to return and six points to find, needing 4/6 to receive a GO. Our group trudged back in weak, weary and filthy about 3 hours after starting, with all six points found and correct, receiving a score of 6/6. Yours truly saved the day twice after we took wrong turns and am glad to know his skills hadn't diminished much.
After all teams returned, we ate dinner and bedded down for a few hours. At 0215 we wake and packed our gear and at 0330 my new group (Triplett, Behey, Frank and myself) set off on our night land nav course. Unfortunately, as much as I saved the day earlier, I got us this time around due to hasty plotting on my part. Oops! We were given 6 points but only had to use 4, and of those needed only 3 to pass, and had 3 hours to return. We found 3 points in a hour and then spend an hour and a half searching for the fourth to no avail. Not a single team found it. At about 0550 we realized we were over a mile out and had to be back by 0630, so we got a fast pace back and made it by 0620 and received a 3/4 for a go.
After a hour nap and some breakfast, we found out that we would be doing the course AGAIN, Let's just say we were less than enthused. Teams were the same as the exercised and we actually moved fast, finding all six points in 2 hours for another go.
We packed up and headed back here for dinner and sleep. Since we have a PT test in the morning. Everyone is expecting failure. Our legs are exhausted and our feet blistered. Running 2 miles will suck.
After PT test it's back out for more land nav, once again a 2 day 1 night exercise. This time, it will be 2 man teams and individual exercises. Depending on overall performance, we may do up to 4 more runs through the course.
For those wondering, this is not a typical land nav course. It covers 3 grid squares, with points being anywhere from 300-1900m apart. I've walked about 10 miles on 3 runs so far. There points can also be about 200m into the woods.
DS King joined us today, bringing our platoon to the standard 3 drill sergeants.
You know you're in the Army when:
You clean a whiteboard with a washcloth and hand sanitizer.
Your weapons pack is know as "the bar" with its own designated bartender.
We arrived at our base camp at about 1030, and our platoon was scheduled to step off at 1230. We spent the time in between double checking our coordinate points and distance measurements, split into four man teams (me, Behey, Burks and Brandsasse), and got our pace counts.
Once told to set off, we had 4 hours to return and six points to find, needing 4/6 to receive a GO. Our group trudged back in weak, weary and filthy about 3 hours after starting, with all six points found and correct, receiving a score of 6/6. Yours truly saved the day twice after we took wrong turns and am glad to know his skills hadn't diminished much.
After all teams returned, we ate dinner and bedded down for a few hours. At 0215 we wake and packed our gear and at 0330 my new group (Triplett, Behey, Frank and myself) set off on our night land nav course. Unfortunately, as much as I saved the day earlier, I got us this time around due to hasty plotting on my part. Oops! We were given 6 points but only had to use 4, and of those needed only 3 to pass, and had 3 hours to return. We found 3 points in a hour and then spend an hour and a half searching for the fourth to no avail. Not a single team found it. At about 0550 we realized we were over a mile out and had to be back by 0630, so we got a fast pace back and made it by 0620 and received a 3/4 for a go.
After a hour nap and some breakfast, we found out that we would be doing the course AGAIN, Let's just say we were less than enthused. Teams were the same as the exercised and we actually moved fast, finding all six points in 2 hours for another go.
We packed up and headed back here for dinner and sleep. Since we have a PT test in the morning. Everyone is expecting failure. Our legs are exhausted and our feet blistered. Running 2 miles will suck.
After PT test it's back out for more land nav, once again a 2 day 1 night exercise. This time, it will be 2 man teams and individual exercises. Depending on overall performance, we may do up to 4 more runs through the course.
For those wondering, this is not a typical land nav course. It covers 3 grid squares, with points being anywhere from 300-1900m apart. I've walked about 10 miles on 3 runs so far. There points can also be about 200m into the woods.
DS King joined us today, bringing our platoon to the standard 3 drill sergeants.
You know you're in the Army when:
You clean a whiteboard with a washcloth and hand sanitizer.
Your weapons pack is know as "the bar" with its own designated bartender.
Confidence Course and Flag Detail
And I thought combatives was exhausting. Holy freaking shit on a altar was I wrong. Had a hasty breakfast then set off on the mile or so march to the course. It was an easy march and we made good time. Sat around for about an hour and a half waiting for the DSs to show up, then got yelled at for being behind schedule. Ah the life of a private.
Our platoon started with the Grant's Ladder, which was extremely easy and not at all hard. Moved to the German Wall after that, which starts with a sloped rope climb then a series of walls getting progressively higher up to 12 feet, and must be climbed using six people. Was kinda hard, but our group had an easy time. Next we moved to the Skyscraper, that multi-level tower you see in all the basic videos. Very unstable at the top and about 20 feet high, was pretty scary but we all did it. Lastly came the Tough One, starts out with a rope climb or a notched pole climb if you fail the rope twice. Next you walk across some 2 inch planks a good 20 feet in the air, then climb an A-frame ladder up another 20 feet to the top of a cargo net which you climb down. Being 40 feet in the air holding onto a beam and climbing over isn't fun. Succeeded though, which is what counts.
After the Confidence Course, we moved to the obstacle course, which was timed and includes a mud pit. Huge workout and very challenging.
Six of us including myself were on flag detail, since DS V was on Brigade Staff Duty. Marched back once we finished, got hosed off and changed into clean ACUs then double-timed to Brigade HQ about half a mile. Made it on time though. Did our flag folding. I then headed back for the best chow yet. So good after a long day. We have to raise the flag at 0500 tomorrow and I'm gonna sleep like a rock tonight.
Land Nav course and a night in the field tomorrow, will write once I'm back.
Vance got us smoked again, caught a spider and decided it would be smart to ask a DS what type it was. Company smoking followed.
Signing off now, gotta sleep since I wake up at 0430.
P.S. We had a heat casualty today, Marin, he passed out during the obstacle course and is in the hospital.
P.P.S In case you're wondering, yes, I am covered in bruises. Lots of physical work was done today.
Our platoon started with the Grant's Ladder, which was extremely easy and not at all hard. Moved to the German Wall after that, which starts with a sloped rope climb then a series of walls getting progressively higher up to 12 feet, and must be climbed using six people. Was kinda hard, but our group had an easy time. Next we moved to the Skyscraper, that multi-level tower you see in all the basic videos. Very unstable at the top and about 20 feet high, was pretty scary but we all did it. Lastly came the Tough One, starts out with a rope climb or a notched pole climb if you fail the rope twice. Next you walk across some 2 inch planks a good 20 feet in the air, then climb an A-frame ladder up another 20 feet to the top of a cargo net which you climb down. Being 40 feet in the air holding onto a beam and climbing over isn't fun. Succeeded though, which is what counts.
After the Confidence Course, we moved to the obstacle course, which was timed and includes a mud pit. Huge workout and very challenging.
Six of us including myself were on flag detail, since DS V was on Brigade Staff Duty. Marched back once we finished, got hosed off and changed into clean ACUs then double-timed to Brigade HQ about half a mile. Made it on time though. Did our flag folding. I then headed back for the best chow yet. So good after a long day. We have to raise the flag at 0500 tomorrow and I'm gonna sleep like a rock tonight.
Land Nav course and a night in the field tomorrow, will write once I'm back.
Vance got us smoked again, caught a spider and decided it would be smart to ask a DS what type it was. Company smoking followed.
Signing off now, gotta sleep since I wake up at 0430.
P.S. We had a heat casualty today, Marin, he passed out during the obstacle course and is in the hospital.
P.P.S In case you're wondering, yes, I am covered in bruises. Lots of physical work was done today.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Eagle Tower Aug. 22
No PT this morning, just straight to Eagle Tower. We were there until after lunch chow too, took all day and I was still on profile so I couldn't do anything.
Went to the PX after the tower and got haircuts, which means my head will be cool again.
Rumors have been circulating about a possible 4 hour pass next weekend to celebrate our transition to White Phase. I am doubtful but secretively hopeful.
Got another new guy yesterday. Roster number 458. He's an ex-marine who did two tours in Iraq. Nice guy.
Started putting our design on the back wall to mark our class, I'll try and get a picture sometime of the finished project, it will be awesome.
Not going to church tomorrow since I'm on a no marching profile, just gonna be as lazy as possible and clean my M4.
I have the 0400-0500 fireguard shift tonight, so I'll probably write more then.
Well, it's 0400 and I am on Fireguard. I also had this shift last night and it is usually the worst one because wake up is 0530, so you don't get to go back to sleep really. Luckily, wake up isn't until 0630 on Sunday, so I will get back to sleep.
At the PX today, I ran into some non-infantry friends from 30th AG, didn't get to talk at all, but they did see me and were able to confirm a rumor. Apparently it's true that non-infantry are treated worse than infantry. Our environment is "High speed, Low stress" (relatively speaking), because it allows us to learn better. There is still plenty of yelling and getting smoked, but the DS try for a more mentor-like approach usually.
Found out that we will be getting the new dress blues when we get our class A's which sucks because I wanted the greens, but oh well.
Can't think of more to write, so I'll this here.
Went to the PX after the tower and got haircuts, which means my head will be cool again.
Rumors have been circulating about a possible 4 hour pass next weekend to celebrate our transition to White Phase. I am doubtful but secretively hopeful.
Got another new guy yesterday. Roster number 458. He's an ex-marine who did two tours in Iraq. Nice guy.
Started putting our design on the back wall to mark our class, I'll try and get a picture sometime of the finished project, it will be awesome.
Not going to church tomorrow since I'm on a no marching profile, just gonna be as lazy as possible and clean my M4.
I have the 0400-0500 fireguard shift tonight, so I'll probably write more then.
Well, it's 0400 and I am on Fireguard. I also had this shift last night and it is usually the worst one because wake up is 0530, so you don't get to go back to sleep really. Luckily, wake up isn't until 0630 on Sunday, so I will get back to sleep.
At the PX today, I ran into some non-infantry friends from 30th AG, didn't get to talk at all, but they did see me and were able to confirm a rumor. Apparently it's true that non-infantry are treated worse than infantry. Our environment is "High speed, Low stress" (relatively speaking), because it allows us to learn better. There is still plenty of yelling and getting smoked, but the DS try for a more mentor-like approach usually.
Found out that we will be getting the new dress blues when we get our class A's which sucks because I wanted the greens, but oh well.
Can't think of more to write, so I'll this here.
Dental August 21
Another day missed training, had to spend about 9 hours in the waiting room for the Dental Clinic because I was Battle Buddy to two guys who needed work done. Was a long boring day.
Apparently the DS flipped out because two people used the pay phones without permission last night, so now we have to post a guard on them, which means no more nights off. The persons involved were all recommended for Article 15's. They weren't even caught, someone turned them in, then admitted to doing it himself.
Got a compliment on my discipline from both DS today. Craddock and I were on weapons guard, and DS V walked by the platoon called At Ease, and we along with them went to parade rest. DS V sent the platoon upstairs and went about his business. 5 minutes later DS Davis walked up and asked why we were still at parade rest and we told him we were never told to carry on, and he and DS V commended us for having the discipline to stand still and not complain.
That's all for now, no time to write.
Apparently the DS flipped out because two people used the pay phones without permission last night, so now we have to post a guard on them, which means no more nights off. The persons involved were all recommended for Article 15's. They weren't even caught, someone turned them in, then admitted to doing it himself.
Got a compliment on my discipline from both DS today. Craddock and I were on weapons guard, and DS V walked by the platoon called At Ease, and we along with them went to parade rest. DS V sent the platoon upstairs and went about his business. 5 minutes later DS Davis walked up and asked why we were still at parade rest and we told him we were never told to carry on, and he and DS V commended us for having the discipline to stand still and not complain.
That's all for now, no time to write.
Sick Call and TMC 7 Aug 20
So I went to sick call today for my toe. They took one look at it and sent me to Troop Medical Clinic 7 to get it treated. I got a syringe and a half of Lidocaine injected into 7 different locations in my toe. One of the single most painful experiences of my life. Then they cut out the nail and some extra leaving me missing about half the nail on my toe. Got a prescription for 800 mg. Ibuprofen for the pain and 3 day no PT profile, which means I'll probably miss Eagle Tour which may result in a restart but I hear the DS are gonna try and get it made up for those of us on profile, so I hope that works out.
Our platoon got shut out of the combatives competition today, winning only one match, but most of our best were in Dental getting work done, so we did our best.
Since I'm on profile I won't participate in morning PT, nor can I go for my level 1 combatives certification, but my unit can get me certified once I graduate, so not a big deal.
Got a new guy in the platoon, he was restarted due to pneumonia. Not sure of his name yet since I was gone all day, I'll let you know.
DS V says that next Friday we'll graduate Red Phase and move on to White Phase, which is when we get a lot of privileges (no phones though) and start shooting stuff.
You know you are in the Army when there are more vehicles on the sidewalk than the road.
Our platoon got shut out of the combatives competition today, winning only one match, but most of our best were in Dental getting work done, so we did our best.
Since I'm on profile I won't participate in morning PT, nor can I go for my level 1 combatives certification, but my unit can get me certified once I graduate, so not a big deal.
Got a new guy in the platoon, he was restarted due to pneumonia. Not sure of his name yet since I was gone all day, I'll let you know.
DS V says that next Friday we'll graduate Red Phase and move on to White Phase, which is when we get a lot of privileges (no phones though) and start shooting stuff.
You know you are in the Army when there are more vehicles on the sidewalk than the road.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Ruck August 19
Ever been so sweaty and so hot that you have steam coming from your clothes? I learned what that was like this morning. Had no PT, just straight downstairs, and set off on our march about 0630. The pace was somewhere around what most people consider a jog. I stayed with the platoon for over half the 2.5 mile trip, but started falling back thanks to the ingrown toenail I'm dealing with. Going to Sick Call on Sunday so I don't miss training. Anyways, I did in fact complete the march, which is all that matters.
Had no time to shower, just dropped our gear, changed into GFT uniform (ACUs worn without any patches and tennis shoes, for combatives training) and straight to chow and combatives right after. Learned some chokes and actually got to fight each other. The company tournament is tomorrow, our best 4 from each weight class are competing to win our platoon the first quidon
of the cycle. Duty squad (which I am part of ) went and prepped the fight house tonight with DS V, we assembled the judges tables and the ring, etc.
Also started learning Land Nav, which is what we are doing next week, only this is a little more beefed up than the Boy Scout version. Sounds like it will be fun.
We lost Pvt. Ames today, he was discharged due to a family crisis he had to handle. He's the first from the platoon to leave us and it was very sad. Despite all our infighting, we are still a family.
Remember Vance? Well he's actually good at combatives so we're having him represent us in the tournament tomorrow. If we win, it'll go a long way towards improving his standing.
You know you're in the Army when you sleep 5 feet away from 8 different heavy weapons, all capable of massive firepower and actually forget they're there.
Had no time to shower, just dropped our gear, changed into GFT uniform (ACUs worn without any patches and tennis shoes, for combatives training) and straight to chow and combatives right after. Learned some chokes and actually got to fight each other. The company tournament is tomorrow, our best 4 from each weight class are competing to win our platoon the first quidon
of the cycle. Duty squad (which I am part of ) went and prepped the fight house tonight with DS V, we assembled the judges tables and the ring, etc.
Also started learning Land Nav, which is what we are doing next week, only this is a little more beefed up than the Boy Scout version. Sounds like it will be fun.
We lost Pvt. Ames today, he was discharged due to a family crisis he had to handle. He's the first from the platoon to leave us and it was very sad. Despite all our infighting, we are still a family.
Remember Vance? Well he's actually good at combatives so we're having him represent us in the tournament tomorrow. If we win, it'll go a long way towards improving his standing.
You know you're in the Army when you sleep 5 feet away from 8 different heavy weapons, all capable of massive firepower and actually forget they're there.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Combatives 2 Aug. 18
I can now perform a side control, rear mount, straight arm bar, bent arm bar and a bent arm bar from the side control to perfection. Did a lot more grappling today, everyone is battered and bruised from a hard day on the mats.
People are having problems tucking their dog tags in, so we were smoked for it, then we were authorized to tie them to our belt loops and tuck them into our back pockets.
After lunch chow we squared away our rucksacks and did a 1/4 mile practice march for tomorrow. Tomorrow looks to be fun. No PT in the morning, just straight into our 2 mile march around the track.
SSGT. Scott took us to dinner chow since all the DS were in a meeting, and he was nothing short of a complete asshole. Promised us the "time of our lives" for bad behaviour even though we were better than ever with our DS. Nothing came of it though. Not much to write, so I'll end this with a special section.
You know you are in the Army if:
You sing cadences while doing literally anything, and everyone sings back
You sleep in a room with 53 other men
Smoking does not actually involve tobacco or smoke
The words "In Cadence" are a part of your morning routine
You shower 2 to a stall after morning PT to be on time to chow formation
Food is chow and the bathroom is latrine
Everything you own is the same color as everyone else's
You've ever literally mowed grass by hand
Mail call is the best part of the day
You know what "Toe the line" means
Sundays are the best because you can sleep in until 6:30
That's all for now, more to come, make sure to write daily everyone, even if you just say hi. Getting mail here is awesome.
People are having problems tucking their dog tags in, so we were smoked for it, then we were authorized to tie them to our belt loops and tuck them into our back pockets.
After lunch chow we squared away our rucksacks and did a 1/4 mile practice march for tomorrow. Tomorrow looks to be fun. No PT in the morning, just straight into our 2 mile march around the track.
SSGT. Scott took us to dinner chow since all the DS were in a meeting, and he was nothing short of a complete asshole. Promised us the "time of our lives" for bad behaviour even though we were better than ever with our DS. Nothing came of it though. Not much to write, so I'll end this with a special section.
You know you are in the Army if:
You sing cadences while doing literally anything, and everyone sings back
You sleep in a room with 53 other men
Smoking does not actually involve tobacco or smoke
The words "In Cadence" are a part of your morning routine
You shower 2 to a stall after morning PT to be on time to chow formation
Food is chow and the bathroom is latrine
Everything you own is the same color as everyone else's
You've ever literally mowed grass by hand
Mail call is the best part of the day
You know what "Toe the line" means
Sundays are the best because you can sleep in until 6:30
That's all for now, more to come, make sure to write daily everyone, even if you just say hi. Getting mail here is awesome.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Combatives Aug 17
Today we started combatives. The first day was spent learning how to get up off of the ground, the correct form of a mount, how to shrimp out of a mount, using an arm lock and roll to get out of a mount, and how to break out of a guard and achieve side control. Not sure what we're learning tomorrow, but it should be cool.
After lunch chow we got to go to the PX for the first time since Reception, which was nice, got to restock supplies. Should have picked up some more rank insignia, but didn't think we could.
We have 2 60 mm and 2 81 mm mortar tubes in our bay now as well, looking all nice and pretty.
First platoon had 2 casualties today, that make 3 in 2 day. Combine that with the ND the other day, and it's not a fun week to be in First Platoon. They're quarantined now, because all their heat casualties were sick, with flu like symptoms, so they are not allowed to interact with us. After dinner, we wiped down the entire bay with bleach, so whatever is dropping first platoon will hopefully stay there and not spread to us.
Remember Vance from my last letter? He's gotten worse. He was on weapons guard downstairs and DS Davis walked by. The correct procedure is to call A+Ease, he called Attention, then when DS Davis said "Attention?" he responded "yeah". We all got smoked except him and when he found out all he could say is "It's only 5 minutes of push ups." Revenge is tonight, Fireguards will be waking him up every 15 minutes all night long. Hopefully he will straighten out.
Had our Ability Group Run today. I was in C group which was doing an 8 minute mile pace and normally when not sick I run a mile in 9:15, and I stayed with the group for about 3/4 of a mile and even then never walked the entire time (15 minutes), so I did pretty well I think. I have several weeks yet to get even better.
During personal time DS Davis showed us some videos he make while in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain division. Had 45 minute firefight in one. Really cool stuff.
After lunch chow we got to go to the PX for the first time since Reception, which was nice, got to restock supplies. Should have picked up some more rank insignia, but didn't think we could.
We have 2 60 mm and 2 81 mm mortar tubes in our bay now as well, looking all nice and pretty.
First platoon had 2 casualties today, that make 3 in 2 day. Combine that with the ND the other day, and it's not a fun week to be in First Platoon. They're quarantined now, because all their heat casualties were sick, with flu like symptoms, so they are not allowed to interact with us. After dinner, we wiped down the entire bay with bleach, so whatever is dropping first platoon will hopefully stay there and not spread to us.
Remember Vance from my last letter? He's gotten worse. He was on weapons guard downstairs and DS Davis walked by. The correct procedure is to call A+Ease, he called Attention, then when DS Davis said "Attention?" he responded "yeah". We all got smoked except him and when he found out all he could say is "It's only 5 minutes of push ups." Revenge is tonight, Fireguards will be waking him up every 15 minutes all night long. Hopefully he will straighten out.
Had our Ability Group Run today. I was in C group which was doing an 8 minute mile pace and normally when not sick I run a mile in 9:15, and I stayed with the group for about 3/4 of a mile and even then never walked the entire time (15 minutes), so I did pretty well I think. I have several weeks yet to get even better.
During personal time DS Davis showed us some videos he make while in Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain division. Had 45 minute firefight in one. Really cool stuff.
Sunday August 16
Today was our first "day off". Got an extra hour of sleep before chow, then headed off to church, which was a half mile walk uphill. Broke a nice sweat. Church was an hour long, too short, but a nice break from everything. Got smoked when we got back because Griggs a guy in second platoon everyone hates wouldn't stop talking in formation. He's on profile too, so he couldn't even do the exercise. They are kicking him out though, so it's okay.
Speaking of guys who we want out, we're trying to weed out two from our platoon, Vance and Short. Vance always does his own thing, often sleeping while we clean the bay, an refusing to help. Short just screws up and slacks off too much, left his weapon on beam today and almost got us all smoked, DC V instead used him as an example, asked him what he would say to the parents of his Battle Buddy if his weapon had gone off and killed him because of his negligence. Very sobering.
Did PMCS (preventative maintenance care and service) checks on our M4s and M68s, as well as our gas masks which we no longer need, and my squad (1st squad) is Duty Squad for the week, meaning we carry crap and clean stuff. Swept the parking lot and curbs/sidewalks around the battalion area today. Wasn't that bad but wasn't overly fun either.
Got our initial briefing on Combatives, the history behind it and such as well. We start fighting tomorrow, it will be awesome.
Don't know if I mentioned it, but our first ruck march is Wednesday, will be 2+ miles, packed our rucks tonight, very light load. With our IBAs (body armor) it's probably about 50 lbs. or so, but only 15 without IBA. (that's including weapon and helmet).
Have our first ability group tomorrow, I'm in C group , my goal is to make it to B group by graduation. Just gonna push as hard as I can tomorrow and hope it works out. Gonna sleep, that's all for now.
Speaking of guys who we want out, we're trying to weed out two from our platoon, Vance and Short. Vance always does his own thing, often sleeping while we clean the bay, an refusing to help. Short just screws up and slacks off too much, left his weapon on beam today and almost got us all smoked, DC V instead used him as an example, asked him what he would say to the parents of his Battle Buddy if his weapon had gone off and killed him because of his negligence. Very sobering.
Did PMCS (preventative maintenance care and service) checks on our M4s and M68s, as well as our gas masks which we no longer need, and my squad (1st squad) is Duty Squad for the week, meaning we carry crap and clean stuff. Swept the parking lot and curbs/sidewalks around the battalion area today. Wasn't that bad but wasn't overly fun either.
Got our initial briefing on Combatives, the history behind it and such as well. We start fighting tomorrow, it will be awesome.
Don't know if I mentioned it, but our first ruck march is Wednesday, will be 2+ miles, packed our rucks tonight, very light load. With our IBAs (body armor) it's probably about 50 lbs. or so, but only 15 without IBA. (that's including weapon and helmet).
Have our first ability group tomorrow, I'm in C group , my goal is to make it to B group by graduation. Just gonna push as hard as I can tomorrow and hope it works out. Gonna sleep, that's all for now.
Test Day August 15
So we did have another test today. In the field. Grabbed our Assault Packs and Flicks (the MOLL-E vest) and took a nice stroll about a quarter mile down the road to our test site in the woods.
There were six stations set up, and it took all day to get through them, making it a very long day, but fun since we were grouped by squad numbers not platoons, so I got to hang out with some friends for 30th.
Received a GO on all six stations, but still won't be certified since I failed the IV stick.
Banged my knee at the buddy carry station, since I had to give my Battle Buddy, Beheyt, a piggyback ride about 25 yards. He's got 10 pounds on me and a good 6 inches. Made life interesting, but I did it.
While company got smoked when we did our police cull of the area (searching for and picking up trash) since some people had skipped events, but we were in the back out of sight and decided to work harder not smarter and only make it look like we were doing stuff.
Got and hour and a half personal time since we cleaned the bay really well so the DS gave us an extra 30 mins.
While cleaning the bay, first platoon who was downstairs at the cleaning barrels doing a class on loading and unloading our weapons, had someone ND (negligent discharge). Idiot actually squeezed off a round. Only blanks for now at least, but the DS were pissed! He's getting restarted to day 1 and an article 15. Also had someone pass out from dehydration, he's in the hospital, but will be fine. Also from first platoon. Not a good day for them.
Tomorrow is as close to a free day as we get. Church and no training. Also get an extra hour of sleep too. We have Eagle Tower next Saturday which we climb up and repel from. Looking forward to it. Make sure to write everyone!!
There were six stations set up, and it took all day to get through them, making it a very long day, but fun since we were grouped by squad numbers not platoons, so I got to hang out with some friends for 30th.
Received a GO on all six stations, but still won't be certified since I failed the IV stick.
Banged my knee at the buddy carry station, since I had to give my Battle Buddy, Beheyt, a piggyback ride about 25 yards. He's got 10 pounds on me and a good 6 inches. Made life interesting, but I did it.
While company got smoked when we did our police cull of the area (searching for and picking up trash) since some people had skipped events, but we were in the back out of sight and decided to work harder not smarter and only make it look like we were doing stuff.
Got and hour and a half personal time since we cleaned the bay really well so the DS gave us an extra 30 mins.
While cleaning the bay, first platoon who was downstairs at the cleaning barrels doing a class on loading and unloading our weapons, had someone ND (negligent discharge). Idiot actually squeezed off a round. Only blanks for now at least, but the DS were pissed! He's getting restarted to day 1 and an article 15. Also had someone pass out from dehydration, he's in the hospital, but will be fine. Also from first platoon. Not a good day for them.
Tomorrow is as close to a free day as we get. Church and no training. Also get an extra hour of sleep too. We have Eagle Tower next Saturday which we climb up and repel from. Looking forward to it. Make sure to write everyone!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 13
So it turns out the test was today, not tomorrow. It also turns out that the test was ridiculously easy. I passed with an 88%, without trying.
We might have another test tomorrow, but if not, I have no clue what we are doing, so it'll be interesting.
We haven't really been smoked the last few days and my fears were confirmed tonight when we were annihilated due to discipline lacking. The whole bay was torn apart too, bunks flipped, bathroom destroyed, cleaning supplies dumped, etc. and we had to clean it up.
DS are saying we get to go to the PX on Monday after dinner which will be nice, I'll get to restock letter supplies.
The first week has both flown by and crawled. It feels like we just got here and that we've been here forever.
CQ duty tonight, will try to get some other letters written during that time.
Well, it's 0300 and my CQ shift starts now and ends at 0400.
Something interesting happened the other night I forgot to mention, apparently someone in our company had decided to go AWOL and was having their girlfriend/wife pick them up here. One of the Drill Sergeants stopped at a gas station on his way home and ran into her asking for directions. He gave them, then he alerted the cadre here who informed us. That's probably the funniest AWOL attempt I've seen, especially since they give us directions to the highway, and actively tell us to leave if we want, we won't be stopped, just not to come back.
We might have another test tomorrow, but if not, I have no clue what we are doing, so it'll be interesting.
We haven't really been smoked the last few days and my fears were confirmed tonight when we were annihilated due to discipline lacking. The whole bay was torn apart too, bunks flipped, bathroom destroyed, cleaning supplies dumped, etc. and we had to clean it up.
DS are saying we get to go to the PX on Monday after dinner which will be nice, I'll get to restock letter supplies.
The first week has both flown by and crawled. It feels like we just got here and that we've been here forever.
CQ duty tonight, will try to get some other letters written during that time.
Well, it's 0300 and my CQ shift starts now and ends at 0400.
Something interesting happened the other night I forgot to mention, apparently someone in our company had decided to go AWOL and was having their girlfriend/wife pick them up here. One of the Drill Sergeants stopped at a gas station on his way home and ran into her asking for directions. He gave them, then he alerted the cadre here who informed us. That's probably the funniest AWOL attempt I've seen, especially since they give us directions to the highway, and actively tell us to leave if we want, we won't be stopped, just not to come back.
Combat Lifesaver Training - Aug 13 & 14
These past 2 days have been full of more Combat Lifesaver Training. We learned various carries, how to make a lifter, how to call for a MEDEVAC, and how to decompress a tension pneumothrax.
Today (Friday) marks our first week of Basic complete, and we celebrated by attempting to give each other IVs for our CLS certification. Several of us failed which means we won't get the certification, but won't be recycled and our home units will get us certified there.
Tomorrow is Test Day for medical, which all must pass to move on. Apparently it's really easy and nothing to sweat through.
New week we start combatives, which culminates on Friday when we will have to get a lock on a Drill Sergeant who will be wearing boxing gloves and punching us repeatedly in the face. Sounds like fun, looking forward to it.
Got told by DS Vildosok that I'm a future Drill Sergeant or Officer. Think that was a compliment, but you never know.
We were issued our 10 blank rounds for our M4s last night, and given a class on how to load and unload them, as well as how tracers work and several ball/tracer combat mix ratios.
Spent the last 2 days matching up our lockers for inspection, they all have to be alike, so we had to fold everything the same way and display it the same for 56 people. Was fun.
Also received batteries for our M68 CCO optics, the red dot sights on our M4s.
Oh, another note about the IVs, the guy supposed to stick me couldn't find a vein so DS Davis had the guy stick him instead, then just grabbed the IV Bag and continued coaching. It was pretty hilarious.
Today (Friday) marks our first week of Basic complete, and we celebrated by attempting to give each other IVs for our CLS certification. Several of us failed which means we won't get the certification, but won't be recycled and our home units will get us certified there.
Tomorrow is Test Day for medical, which all must pass to move on. Apparently it's really easy and nothing to sweat through.
New week we start combatives, which culminates on Friday when we will have to get a lock on a Drill Sergeant who will be wearing boxing gloves and punching us repeatedly in the face. Sounds like fun, looking forward to it.
Got told by DS Vildosok that I'm a future Drill Sergeant or Officer. Think that was a compliment, but you never know.
We were issued our 10 blank rounds for our M4s last night, and given a class on how to load and unload them, as well as how tracers work and several ball/tracer combat mix ratios.
Spent the last 2 days matching up our lockers for inspection, they all have to be alike, so we had to fold everything the same way and display it the same for 56 people. Was fun.
Also received batteries for our M68 CCO optics, the red dot sights on our M4s.
Oh, another note about the IVs, the guy supposed to stick me couldn't find a vein so DS Davis had the guy stick him instead, then just grabbed the IV Bag and continued coaching. It was pretty hilarious.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Medical and Yard Work - August 12
So today we started Combat Lifesaver Training. Got briefed on how to evaluate a casualty, open an airway, and stop bleeding. Learned to bandage and tourniquet wounds too. Medical training continues until Sunday and we'll do various things such as call for MEDEVAC, transport a casualty, insert an IV (which we do to each other), etc. The exact training we are receiving was tested with Task Force 1-19 in Afghanistan and during a 3 month period with 32 casualties they were 0 KIA and 0 died of wounds, so we know it works.
Our platoon was issued some of our heavy weapons too, we received 2 M249 SAWs, 1 M240B machine gun and a MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, which sits all nice and pretty in our bay. Before you ask, yes we were taught to disassemble them and are encouraged to do so at least until we break something. Google the weapons for pictures, they're beautiful machines and yes we will get to shoot them.
After dinner chow we got to do yard work, from which I got two of the greatest basic training stories ever. I won't write them here though, write me if you want to know, so I get the pleasure of your personal reactions!
Our platoon was issued some of our heavy weapons too, we received 2 M249 SAWs, 1 M240B machine gun and a MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, which sits all nice and pretty in our bay. Before you ask, yes we were taught to disassemble them and are encouraged to do so at least until we break something. Google the weapons for pictures, they're beautiful machines and yes we will get to shoot them.
After dinner chow we got to do yard work, from which I got two of the greatest basic training stories ever. I won't write them here though, write me if you want to know, so I get the pleasure of your personal reactions!
The Gas Chamber - Aug. 11
So for anyone who is curious, CS gas is not fun to breathe. Our platoon was second to enter the chamber, which was fortunate because they have a quota of capsules to burn, so the last platoon gets it worst, and we got to watch the first platoon exit the chamber, which was a beautiful sight, at least until we did the same.
Anyways, the gas chamber itself is a shack about 30' X 10' with at table in the middle where the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) person burns the capsules and releases the smoke. While in the chamber, you enter with your mask on, as well as your helmet and carrying your weapon. Once positioned inside you place your weapon between your knees with your helmet on top. A DS would approach each person, have them break their mask seal, sound off with their the last name and last four of social, then reseal their masks. Let me say, the first breath of the gas is well, memorable. After everyone sounds off, the most infamous part of the exercise is done. Everyone breaks their mask seals, removes their mask, places it in their left hand, places their helmet on their head chinstrap fastened and hold their weapon in their right hand. No one leaves until everyone is ready, and it you drop something at any point while inside, it is taken and you go back a second time to retrieve it. Without your mask.
Needless to say, it took every ounce of self control I had to not panic, but I did it on the first try. For those wondering, breathing CS gas is like having the worst sunburn of your life, chugging bleach, an pouring lemon juice into your eyes all at the same time. Cleans your sinuses out nicely though. The photographers were there at the exit snapping pictures for our yearbook. Let me tell you, once that door opens, all concern for dignity goes out the window.
After our visit to the chamber we received a brief on how to identify NBC hazards, and react in the event one occurs.
Went the entire day without a major smoking which was nice.
Also learned how to disassemble our M4s and put them back together.
Spent our final hour before personal time just chilling in the bay, chilling with DS V while he told us stories, answered questions and joked with us.
That's all for now, it's lights out.
Anyways, the gas chamber itself is a shack about 30' X 10' with at table in the middle where the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) person burns the capsules and releases the smoke. While in the chamber, you enter with your mask on, as well as your helmet and carrying your weapon. Once positioned inside you place your weapon between your knees with your helmet on top. A DS would approach each person, have them break their mask seal, sound off with their the last name and last four of social, then reseal their masks. Let me say, the first breath of the gas is well, memorable. After everyone sounds off, the most infamous part of the exercise is done. Everyone breaks their mask seals, removes their mask, places it in their left hand, places their helmet on their head chinstrap fastened and hold their weapon in their right hand. No one leaves until everyone is ready, and it you drop something at any point while inside, it is taken and you go back a second time to retrieve it. Without your mask.
Needless to say, it took every ounce of self control I had to not panic, but I did it on the first try. For those wondering, breathing CS gas is like having the worst sunburn of your life, chugging bleach, an pouring lemon juice into your eyes all at the same time. Cleans your sinuses out nicely though. The photographers were there at the exit snapping pictures for our yearbook. Let me tell you, once that door opens, all concern for dignity goes out the window.
After our visit to the chamber we received a brief on how to identify NBC hazards, and react in the event one occurs.
Went the entire day without a major smoking which was nice.
Also learned how to disassemble our M4s and put them back together.
Spent our final hour before personal time just chilling in the bay, chilling with DS V while he told us stories, answered questions and joked with us.
That's all for now, it's lights out.
CQ Duty - August 10
So Beheyt and I are on CQ duty from 0100 - 0200. CQ duty involves sitting at a desk in the CTA, answering the phone if it rings (never happens), acting as a runner for the DS on CQ when necessary, and cleaning the CTA.
We got literally destroyed via smoking tonight because people have been acting up all day, talking, moving, falling asleep, etc. We got to do push-ups, squats, flutter kicks, mountain climbers, lunges all with and without our weapons, as well as overhead arm claps for a good 5 minutes. Afterwards, most of us could barely move. Apparently there are two types of privates, smart privates ad strong privates. We're looking to be the strong type at this rate.
They issued us gas masks and taught us how to use them today, because we're going to the gas chamber tomorrow (Tuesday). From what I understand, the purpose of the gas chamber is both to demonstrate the kinds of effects gas can have and to build confidence that your equipment works as well as amuse the cadre. Apparently, it also cleans out your sinuses really well too.
As we sit at the CQ desk, we can hear other soldiers near their graduation practice firing their mortars during a night fire exercise. We'll be in their position in about 10 weeks time, which seems forever away. The last 4 days seemed an eternity and with our 10 days in 30th AG it feels like we've been here for an eternity. 10 weeks until we get to start learning our mortars, but first we must make it through Red Phase, or total control, the first 3 weeks of hell. The theme of Red Phase is mass punishment. One person screws up, the whole platoon pays and pay we do. Big time.
Just gotta make it through Red Phase. Then we'll be fine.
We got literally destroyed via smoking tonight because people have been acting up all day, talking, moving, falling asleep, etc. We got to do push-ups, squats, flutter kicks, mountain climbers, lunges all with and without our weapons, as well as overhead arm claps for a good 5 minutes. Afterwards, most of us could barely move. Apparently there are two types of privates, smart privates ad strong privates. We're looking to be the strong type at this rate.
They issued us gas masks and taught us how to use them today, because we're going to the gas chamber tomorrow (Tuesday). From what I understand, the purpose of the gas chamber is both to demonstrate the kinds of effects gas can have and to build confidence that your equipment works as well as amuse the cadre. Apparently, it also cleans out your sinuses really well too.
As we sit at the CQ desk, we can hear other soldiers near their graduation practice firing their mortars during a night fire exercise. We'll be in their position in about 10 weeks time, which seems forever away. The last 4 days seemed an eternity and with our 10 days in 30th AG it feels like we've been here for an eternity. 10 weeks until we get to start learning our mortars, but first we must make it through Red Phase, or total control, the first 3 weeks of hell. The theme of Red Phase is mass punishment. One person screws up, the whole platoon pays and pay we do. Big time.
Just gotta make it through Red Phase. Then we'll be fine.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Feet First Into Hell - Part 2
Alright, it's day 3 of Basic and I finally have some free time.
Have we seriously been here for 3 days? Time flies by when you're getting smoked, I guess.
That first day by far was the longest. Spent all day laying about until our ship time of 1100. We were supposed to ruckmarch with our gear down range, which turned out to be 4 miles or so, but since it was Heat Cat 5, we were bussed. Let's just say the drill sergeants made up for it. Ah, the infamous Shark Attack. The whole company holding your bags over your head for 5 minutes while 12 drill sergeants run through the formation and scream at you followed by forming up in a new place, getting smoked, running back, trying to find your bags, getting smoked again as we fail continually (3 times in our case, got it on the 4th).
After the shark attack we were assigned to platoons. I am in 4th platoon, Warriors with DS Davis, DS King (currently absent) and Senior Drill Sergent Vilodosa. Our drill sergeants are cool. They smoke us when we mess up continually, but not constantly like the poor bastards in 3rd platoon where some of my friends from 30th AG are. Reynolds, Daoud, and Franks are in my platoon, also friends from 30th. My Battle Buddy's name in Beheyt, he's pretty cool, always pushes me to give 110%.
At the entrance to our company area, you have to drop and do 10 push ups. We've been smoked for people not doing them, but we think the DS are lying. Regardless, we do them as a group now and count off together, it looks and sounds impressive, which is what I think they wanted from us. Teamwork.
Day 2 was spent in issue, getting a second duffel bag, body armor, plates for the armor, MOLL-E vest (the thing with all the pouches for ammo, canties, etc.) which we got to assemble, our helmet, and other gear. Today we spent meeting our company commander CPT Perkins, and being issued our M4 carbies with an M68 close-quarters optic red dot sight.
We are set to graduate on 20 November, with family day on the 19th and a 36 hour pass around week 9 or 10.
That's all for now, still got to take a shower. Also, DO NOT send anything but letters unless I specifically request it.
Matt
Address: (must be exactly as shown)
RN 406 PV2 Bradley, Matthew
A Co. 2-58th IN ITB
9375 Conway Dr.
Ft. Benning, GA 31905-4926
Part 2 blog update coming soon, no time now, write address exactly as written.
Have we seriously been here for 3 days? Time flies by when you're getting smoked, I guess.
That first day by far was the longest. Spent all day laying about until our ship time of 1100. We were supposed to ruckmarch with our gear down range, which turned out to be 4 miles or so, but since it was Heat Cat 5, we were bussed. Let's just say the drill sergeants made up for it. Ah, the infamous Shark Attack. The whole company holding your bags over your head for 5 minutes while 12 drill sergeants run through the formation and scream at you followed by forming up in a new place, getting smoked, running back, trying to find your bags, getting smoked again as we fail continually (3 times in our case, got it on the 4th).
After the shark attack we were assigned to platoons. I am in 4th platoon, Warriors with DS Davis, DS King (currently absent) and Senior Drill Sergent Vilodosa. Our drill sergeants are cool. They smoke us when we mess up continually, but not constantly like the poor bastards in 3rd platoon where some of my friends from 30th AG are. Reynolds, Daoud, and Franks are in my platoon, also friends from 30th. My Battle Buddy's name in Beheyt, he's pretty cool, always pushes me to give 110%.
At the entrance to our company area, you have to drop and do 10 push ups. We've been smoked for people not doing them, but we think the DS are lying. Regardless, we do them as a group now and count off together, it looks and sounds impressive, which is what I think they wanted from us. Teamwork.
Day 2 was spent in issue, getting a second duffel bag, body armor, plates for the armor, MOLL-E vest (the thing with all the pouches for ammo, canties, etc.) which we got to assemble, our helmet, and other gear. Today we spent meeting our company commander CPT Perkins, and being issued our M4 carbies with an M68 close-quarters optic red dot sight.
We are set to graduate on 20 November, with family day on the 19th and a 36 hour pass around week 9 or 10.
That's all for now, still got to take a shower. Also, DO NOT send anything but letters unless I specifically request it.
Matt
Address: (must be exactly as shown)
RN 406 PV2 Bradley, Matthew
A Co. 2-58th IN ITB
9375 Conway Dr.
Ft. Benning, GA 31905-4926
Part 2 blog update coming soon, no time now, write address exactly as written.
Feet First Into Hell - Part 1
This entry is a two-parter. This entry will cover our final days in 30th AG and the start of OSUT.
First, the bad news, got screwed over for BAH, since my apartment complex's fax machine broke and they couldn't fax my lease in. Might try talking to my DS downrange to see if they can mail it.
Supposed to get my address tomorrow, we ship out at 1100, so be ready to send mail.
Our bags are packed and freshly stenciled with our name and last four of our social. While most groups are bussed to training, we Infantry, get to walk. Gonna be a long first 24 hours. I've spend the last few minutes making phone calls and collecting contact info from everyone in our line (92091150) so we can keep in touch if/when we get split up. Tomorrow, we meet our Drill Sergents and the real work/fun begins.
Gonna end this here, last few days have been interesting. 6 AWOLS from our company, a whole 30 man line missing for about 5 hours, and an incident in Alpha Company not fit to describe on a blog.
Anyway, wrapping this up since we're only getting a few hours of sleep.
Matt
First, the bad news, got screwed over for BAH, since my apartment complex's fax machine broke and they couldn't fax my lease in. Might try talking to my DS downrange to see if they can mail it.
Supposed to get my address tomorrow, we ship out at 1100, so be ready to send mail.
Our bags are packed and freshly stenciled with our name and last four of our social. While most groups are bussed to training, we Infantry, get to walk. Gonna be a long first 24 hours. I've spend the last few minutes making phone calls and collecting contact info from everyone in our line (92091150) so we can keep in touch if/when we get split up. Tomorrow, we meet our Drill Sergents and the real work/fun begins.
Gonna end this here, last few days have been interesting. 6 AWOLS from our company, a whole 30 man line missing for about 5 hours, and an incident in Alpha Company not fit to describe on a blog.
Anyway, wrapping this up since we're only getting a few hours of sleep.
Matt
Monday, August 3, 2009
Reception Day 3 31 July 2009
We've been here at 30th AG for 3 days now. 3 long hellacious days. We aren't PT'd and in fact are largely ignored by the NCO's often standing in formation for 30+ minutes waiting to be noticed. Our legs and backs are sore, and our feet were killing us until we were issued our combat boots today.
ACU's were issued yesterday and we've been wearing them with our running shoes, which by the way are a size 7, compared to my usual 9 1/2 size shoes. They're small as hell, but I guess they'll work.
Shots were yesterday, along with audiology, optometry and blood work. Royally sucked, butt/hip bone still sore from Penicillin shot, actually worse than yesterday. We've had so many drugs pushed into us that we're out of it. Had 4 shots yesterday, 1 in butt, 2 in left arm, 1 in right arm, and the arm shots were all at once. Also had about 7 vials of blood drawn too.
The drill sergents keep telling us to stay positive, that this isn't the real army and that even they hate it. It's hard to be here, we're often bored and tired, but we'll persevere. Next week sounds promising, PT and lots of free time. I personally as almost done processing, just PBA left.
We're on barracks maintenance right now, which means we chill in the bay, tidy it up, and then relax, but can't sleep. We do maintenance whenever they can't find stuff for us to do and it's basically our favorite thing to do.
We actually just played a joke on Sellers, tied his boots to his bunk rail. That's what he gets for sleeping. Stuff like that we take on care of ourselves since if one person is wrong, we're all wrong for not squaring them away. Oh crap, we've got up to 15 shots on Monday. Had one in the forearm today. Sucked.
ACU's were issued yesterday and we've been wearing them with our running shoes, which by the way are a size 7, compared to my usual 9 1/2 size shoes. They're small as hell, but I guess they'll work.
Shots were yesterday, along with audiology, optometry and blood work. Royally sucked, butt/hip bone still sore from Penicillin shot, actually worse than yesterday. We've had so many drugs pushed into us that we're out of it. Had 4 shots yesterday, 1 in butt, 2 in left arm, 1 in right arm, and the arm shots were all at once. Also had about 7 vials of blood drawn too.
The drill sergents keep telling us to stay positive, that this isn't the real army and that even they hate it. It's hard to be here, we're often bored and tired, but we'll persevere. Next week sounds promising, PT and lots of free time. I personally as almost done processing, just PBA left.
We're on barracks maintenance right now, which means we chill in the bay, tidy it up, and then relax, but can't sleep. We do maintenance whenever they can't find stuff for us to do and it's basically our favorite thing to do.
We actually just played a joke on Sellers, tied his boots to his bunk rail. That's what he gets for sleeping. Stuff like that we take on care of ourselves since if one person is wrong, we're all wrong for not squaring them away. Oh crap, we've got up to 15 shots on Monday. Had one in the forearm today. Sucked.
The Long First Day
As we rode our bus to Benning, everyone felt the same feeling of dread approaching as the minutes ticked ever closer to midnight, when our lives were changed forever.
Truth be told, it has been over 36 hours since I last slept, with at least another six ahead of me. I can barely even recall what sleep feels like, and these last hours seem to have gone on forever.
Our first few minutes in 30th AG (fondly known as operation charlie foxtrot; military slang, ask me later) would be spent being tiraded at by drill sergents at what was and was not considered contraband, followed by our last chance to dispose of it without consequence, the amnesty room.
Another large portion was spent organizing ourselves into groups based on infantry/non-infantry and service, followed by writing our line numbers (platoon and roster numbers, or 9201BO-010 for me) on about 12 different documents and turning them in. We were then issued our PT clothes and had everything we brought locked away until we graduate.
As we sat in our first formation outside what would become our bay, we were hopeful to catch an hour of sleep only to discover it 0400, wake up time. The hour and a half spent for breakfast was only topped by the amazing dull dental exam and mouthpiece issuing which followed. After a visit to the PX , where we bought a select list of items all while being monitored (our own money was used of course; in the form of an advance on our first check, which also covered the haircut we received just before) we hauled our now overflowing duffel bags around until we were assigned a bay. The final procession attempt for the day, ACU issue, ended in disaster however, so we get those tomorrow.
Truth be told, it has been over 36 hours since I last slept, with at least another six ahead of me. I can barely even recall what sleep feels like, and these last hours seem to have gone on forever.
Our first few minutes in 30th AG (fondly known as operation charlie foxtrot; military slang, ask me later) would be spent being tiraded at by drill sergents at what was and was not considered contraband, followed by our last chance to dispose of it without consequence, the amnesty room.
Another large portion was spent organizing ourselves into groups based on infantry/non-infantry and service, followed by writing our line numbers (platoon and roster numbers, or 9201BO-010 for me) on about 12 different documents and turning them in. We were then issued our PT clothes and had everything we brought locked away until we graduate.
As we sat in our first formation outside what would become our bay, we were hopeful to catch an hour of sleep only to discover it 0400, wake up time. The hour and a half spent for breakfast was only topped by the amazing dull dental exam and mouthpiece issuing which followed. After a visit to the PX , where we bought a select list of items all while being monitored (our own money was used of course; in the form of an advance on our first check, which also covered the haircut we received just before) we hauled our now overflowing duffel bags around until we were assigned a bay. The final procession attempt for the day, ACU issue, ended in disaster however, so we get those tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fort Benning
Matt has shipped and is currently at Fort Benning, GA. He will be sending updates through me (mom) as soon as he can get mail out. I will do my best to keep this as up to date as I possibly can.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Last RSP drill
So at about Midnight (EST) last night, I got back from my last drill with RSP before I ship. It was actually pretty fun compared to the usual routine, we went out to the "field" on Saturday, which is to say we all piled in a van and drove out to the lake, did a company run, had some watermelon, then chow from Golden Corral like usual, followed by a good 4 hours of Ultimate Frisbee and Combatives. Sunday contained an ability group run, Ultimate Football, and some light DNC work during the last bit.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Preparing to ship
For those of you reading this, the purpose of this blog is to save me writing 800 letters to different people all saying the same thing. Still send me letters (The address will be posted here once I get to reception), but here is where i'll have family members uploading general information about what i'm doing in training at this time, to save me including that in every single letter I reply to.
So I got a call today from OC Dougherty telling me my shipdate was moved forward a day, from 29 July to 28 July, and I report to the hotel on the 27th.
So I got a call today from OC Dougherty telling me my shipdate was moved forward a day, from 29 July to 28 July, and I report to the hotel on the 27th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)