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.