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.