1518 after leaving yesterday morning we finally made it back to the Company CTA. All the guys agree that it is good to be “home.” After 3 weeks it is as close to home as it gets.
Let me start with 10/30- our day started out at 0330. Out for PT and climbing drills. Climbing in on the pull-up bars. 5 hanging shrugs, 5 kick-ups (lift and hook ankles over bar), 5 pull-ups, 5 knee lift pull-ups and 5 alternating grip pull-ups. Then we had a big breakfast chow, packed our rucksack (2 sleeping bags, toiletry items, poncho, biffie (waterproof blanket the bags tuck into), mat, Flik (canteen, magazine holder, med bag), and a few other assorted items. We marched out and transported into the woods. There was a big field at the campsite. We are now at the stage we are learning the skills we will need to be a solider. The last couple of weeks were basic life and discipline. All day we learned field combat formations. Column, fire squad wedge, line and movements. The basics at the moment with 2-4 man squads moving together; 2 team leaders and a squad leader. The majority of the time I was chosen as a leader; which I appreciate, but also I am glad I’m coming into my own.
As dusk approached we got into security formation for sleeping time. All 200 warriors spread across the entire perimeter in 2 man groups, 5-10 meters apart. We would pull 50/50 watch; one team sleeps an hour and switch. If anyone approached they would have to know the correct phrase. If any of our gear got stolen then we would be punished. It was freezing outside. Doubled up on socks, long underwear, beanie, 2 sleeping bags and still cold. Since most of the men didn’t get out of the warmth, they fell back to sleep. The sky was gorgeous and we hear coyotes all night long. I made the perimeter sweep at 0100 and realized I was the only one in my platoon left awake. I gave in, tucked my weapon in my sleeping bag, secured all my gear and called it a night.
The DS left us alone this time. The next two, they bring guns out to test us all night so we will need to tighten up and stay awake.
10/31- HAPPY HALLOWEEN. They brought us a hot breakfast. Every platoon rotates weekly on serving food. Platoon 1 has been shorting us to give them larger servings and it is not sitting well with everyone. Those guys will be shorted the next 3 weeks.
Today we ran indirect fire drills and took the wedge through a wooded walk to practice taking better cover. We had MRE lunches and took off back home. I now help hand out the MRE’s and am able to pick mine. The chili and mac is a winner for candy and pudding. The rest of the evening after chow will be cleaning and prepping for tomorrow. The Gas Chamber is going to be interesting. Excitement, anxious, and scared emotions are running through the guys. This should be fun.
Brotherhood after three weeks. You are seeing bonds starting to form. MRE meal time is now a big sharing session, where before no one would even consider that. Everyone is lending a hand, helping when someone needs it, being supportive and opening up. Roles are starting to establish. Leaders, mentors, kids, followers, support roles, etc. this strengthens the team. A few are still going to be chaptered out for one reason or another over the next couple of weeks, but it is for the best.
We get a phone call SUNDAY!!!! Excited to talk to the outside world.
Good night.
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