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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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.
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