Final Thoughts on Basic

After sitting here and being home for about 11 days or so it gave me some time to reflect.  I of course stuck with my normal routine and returned back to my Civilian Career the very next morning after getting back.  3:03 wake up.. gym.. on to work for a 10 hour day and back home.

Notes on being home:  To me time crawled while I was at Basic.  Here.. everyone says that the time went fast and it was like I wasn't gone very long.  Thats total BS because those days didn't even move some times.  I felt like I was missing everything that was going on and the lack of communication made that seem even worse.  After being home a few days I realized.. absolutely nothing did change. I didn't not miss any big events.. work did not change one bit and I was able to get back in the swing like I never left.  Weirdest feeling ever.

The demands of Basic:  Physically I feel like it was too easy.  I actually agree with some of the Drill Sergeants and believe the physical limits should be increased.  They did admit to us that Basic was not at a level to be physically demanding if you were already someone that was in decent shape.

Mentally: this is where the struggle was.  I only had about 3 bad days where I was dragging and fed up with all the demands, screaming, orders, and so on knowing that I didn't need that mess... that I had a great job and life back home.  That only set it temporarily before I had to remind myself that I didn't not join for myself.. that it was for a bigger purpose and reason.  Many of the guys had a rough first couple of weeks and several issues throughout the whole process.  Basic had a way of breaking the weaker guys down and made them do some real soul searching to pull out of it.  They all came out ten fold stronger in the end but it really tried them.

Upon the beliefs of some.. Basic is exactly like you see in the  movies.  They Drill Sergeants can not put their hands on you but as far as the yelling non-stop.. putting the guys down.. the jokes and making fun of every little thing.. the cleaning to a T... and so on is exactly how it seems.  It sucks major but thats how it is.  It builds men from kids.

My next phase is on to San Antonio for the Combat Medic training.  They say we get more freedoms.. keep our phone.. can go to the gym... I am actually looking forward to this new part for the next 4 months.


Keep in touch with the blog as I will try and update during big/fun events or once a week as a summary for the entire 16-17 weeks.

Thank you Everyone

Final Week

My last post was the last letter I really wrote due to the fact it would be pointless to send anymore home.  I would make it back before the  mail actually reached their.

Everything was pretty much the same so Ill give a summary.

We ended up doing alright in the final inspection but left feeling like we were the lowest of low and didn't clean or do anything right.  Apparently they left that feeling with everyone and we actually did decent.  No win for us but by this point whats new.

We did end up winning the final banner flag for combatives.  It was one of the few that didn't involve the whole platoon to participate.  The guys did awesome and won fairly easily.  Once again.. we by far had the strongest platoon but had just enough weak bodies to hurt us in most events.

Last week involved more and more cleaning.. graduation practice.  Everyone was pretty excited and we even got our phones back for good for the last few days.  This mean nonstop music playing which is what everyone really missed.

Family day was a neat little ceremony where we first earned the right to wear our berets.  Ive never been a fan of proper uniform and wear so it of course feels weird to me.  If you have time look up what it takes to form a beret.  Long process that involves shaving it, wetting it, and shaping it for hours in order for it to form the right way.

Graduation went off without any issue.  My mom was annoyed and trying to take as many pics as possible while all I wanted was to get the heck off the base and into civilian clothes.  Some good photos came out luckily but boy did it feel good to finally leave that place.  I even changed into my civi clothes and we found a neat little lunch spot.  I got to enjoy my first micro brew beer in 2.5 months so that was a big deal and it was amazing.

Recover week brought a new meaning to most of the guys.  Unlike how it might seem.. it is not a recovery for us.. it is for the Army to recover all of their equipment.  Total pain in the ass process and it took the entire week with not much sleep.  It was bitter sweet when it all ended.

12/9 WWE Tribute to the Troops/ Florida Georgia Line

Hi everyone..

I have 4 more days back home on leave before heading off to AIT in San Antonio so figured I would finish up the last few posts from Basic Training.

Another awesome day!!!  Started off at freezing temps this morning so we were let off of PT and just cleaned the bay.  Was suppose to have a class over sex signs and symbols but instead, starting with my group we were taken to trans to book our flights back home for the holidays.  Sweet.   Mine worked out perfectly.  My AIT is in San Antonio and my flight had a stop in Houston before continuing on to SA.  All I had to do was change the dates for the flight and my trip is 100% paid for by the Army.  Couldn't have gotten any better than that.

The normal cleaning and organizing took place the rest of the day getting ready for our big night.

This evening we got a special treat.  WWE (fake wrestling) did their 12th annual Tribute to the Troops show and it was here in Fort Benning this year.  We were given free tickets to attend the event and a cool shirt.  I've never been into WWE but it sounded fun to go to.  The tribute was pretty awesome to say the least.  Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Big Show, and others were there along with doing a military theme.  They also filmed their Smackdown segment the same night.  In between we knew there was going to be a concert but we did not know who was playing yet.  It turned out to be Florida-Georgia Line.  I saw them at the Houston rodeo last year and really like their up beat country music.  They rocked it out and put on a great show.  Any of the music fans and esp. country music fans agree that they made the night well worth it  The rest of the WWE show was entertaining as well.  Best part was we could eat/drink whatever they had besides alcohol.  Most everyone loaded up on Monster Energy drinks, candy bars, pizza, and hot dogs.  Yummy and yes yes.  The whole show was about 4 hours and we left about 2330.. home at midnight.  It is 233 and I am on another fireguard shift.  25% or about 12 of us are up at a time for 1.5 hours which means a combined 4 hours of sleep at best but well worth it.  When we woke up it will be out last day to clean before our big test/inspection on Thursday.  Pretty big deal so no sleep and 24 hours awake is coming up for us.  Oh jolly.  Suck but all gravy and graduation practice is only left for the rest of the time here after Thurs


SMILE!!

12/7/2014 "A Perfect Sunday"

This is the last letter I received from James in Basic Training. He is now home, catching up with his responsibilities and getting ready for AIT.

 

Today was a great day. Started the morning off having to work the last fireguard shift which was my third night for the night at 0500. Since I was up I got a quick workout and shower before chow. A big Sunday breakfast was on my menu and it was delish. Afterwards we cleaned some before leaving for church service. It was a beautiful day and we were awarded a “Sandhill” pass today. That means we can go anywhere on Sandhill and do whatever within limits. YESSSS mam!!!!!! Service was packed and was the second to the last one for our group and for the cycle as well before exodus. The Chaplin was in a holiday mood so threw in Jingle Bells in at the end for fun. Afterwards my group went to the Rec center. We ate Subway for lunch. I’m not a big fan of Subway but after 9 weeks of MRE’s and defac food the chicken, bacon ranch, sour cream and onion chips and coke tasted like Heaven. We then needed to waste time before the PX opened so we went to the computer room and browed everyone’s Facebook. Next was the PX trip. On this trip was the ice cream shop. BAM- 2 scoops of chocolate in a waffle cone. Again, not an ice cream fan but this rocked. Then back to the rec center. It was 1300 and NFL football time. We got to sit down and watch the first half of the Cincinnati vs Pittsburg.  I think that’s who it was but either way it was football. Freedom was nice. About 1400 we headed back to our normal cleaning duties but by then the day was already made. Its 213 and about to be lights out. We have 0300 and 0400 fireguard with 0430 wakeup so its bed time.

Hope everybody had a blessed Sunday and only 9 days left.

J

12/6/2014 "Soldier of the Cycle/ Recovery"

Every cycle each platoon has one soldier compete as soldier of the cycle against each other. Winners look good for the platoon but also win some gifts and recognition. This soldier may not be the best at all the events (I.E fitness, shooting, testing and so on) just needs good military presentation and knowledge. The “older” guys like myself and a few other good candidates decided to leave this to the young guns. A young guy that will be active duty will get the most honors. Anyways we chose our Platoon Guide, young kid; he has been a good motivator. Not the top in all of the categories but he is higher than average. Works hard and presents well so a good choice. This morning all four went to the Board for the test and he ended up winning. Awesome achievement and great for my platoon.

I was told my last writings made me seem a little down. Through this process I have been pretty good and steady. Had one week of impatience but that was the bad sick/ allegery week recently. We are on a coast now. Recovery for 11 days which is not physical recovery for us like it sounds…it’s Army recovering all of its gear from us. Long days of cleaning every piece of equipment, long nights waking up twice a night to do fire guard, to clean weapons over and over. Not going to be fun, but it is almost over. We continue to process today.

At lunch we marched up to the PX as a company. Everyone got a final haircut. We were allowed to get high fades/ high and tight instead of bald. Due to the 4 haircutters having to do 218 guys, some were not that efficient at this haircut. I picked the good guy and it turned out looking like my normal cut I get back home. Some guys were not that lucky, bald looks better. We got soaking wet marching the 2 miles back.

Anyways- good day. Got a brief phone privilege- life is good.

 

“Strength is the product of struggle, You must do what others don’t to achieve what others wont.”

 

“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”

 

“You can do whatever you are willing to struggle for.”

12/5/2014 "Final of FTX's and 16K Ruck March"

What a long freaking day. We got up early to pack and clean our entire campsite. We are set to hike out on our final ruck 10-12 miles at about 1400. We still had blank rounds left so for inventory reasons it is easier to expend them all. Everyone loaded up a 20 round mag and fired the, off one last time.

We had an official ceremony before starting our ruck. Lieutenant Colonel came out as well. My Drill Sarge was re-upping for his second time and signing on for another 5 years.

About 1420 we started the march. My platoon started off as lead group so myself and my battle buddy set the pace for the entire company. During the first three miles we were going to take “Stairway to Heaven” a hill that is the highest elevation in the area. Due to our route. We attacked it after the first mile and then turned around after about ½ mile and did it again. No lie…it was pretty tough. During the march we stopped about every hour, so 3 stops in all for about 10 minutes apiece. We kept pretty good time. Our rucks were unloaded from 75 lbs. to about 30 lbs. the end of our march was the best. As we approached out bay (CTA) area it was complete darkness. They had chem lights along the path. Closer to our area they had tiki lights on the sides and smoke going across the entrance. Music was blaring and everyone was pumped since our Basic journey was finally wrapped up. Pretty sweet feeling.

The best feeling was finally hitting a shower after 5 days. Chow was nice too since they made us skip lunch chow.

After chow it was already 2230. Instead of recovering we had Drill Sarge Sierra (major buzzkill) so he had us lay out all of our equipment and start cleaning. Worn out tired, right at midnight he finally left us alone.

Bed was amazing.

12/3/2014 "Stench of Men"

1524 sitting in a foxhole. We just finished running another battle drill. This time it was reaction to a near ambush. I led my fire team wedge with Bravo closely behind led by the squad leader. We crossed a bridge and as soon as we formed back up we were ambushed by 2 enemies. Ambush is within grenade range or 35 meters and closer. My team covers/ returns fire- gets in line and chunks grenades. Shortly after we assault though. A near ambush has about 70% chance of death for the squad team getting ambushed. Scary numbers. Our Drill Sarges gave a face painting class so like little girls we all applied the correct camo war paint on now. Cute stuff. Now we are on security until next drill.

Last night got interesting. Our Drill ran over about 2100 saying Delta team/ company was on their way. They fired a flare signaling their attack. Everyone locked and loaded and too perimeter security positions. Got some of the guys worked up BUT in the middle of all of that one of the soldiers from my platoon lost his weapon. BIG NO NO and very serious. If not found in one hour then the entire Fort Benning gets put on lock down until found. Turns out another platoon stole it as a prank. Not so funny to the drills. The flag is one thing but a weapon is a known- don’t mess with. Out Drill was mad at our guy but furious with platoon 4. As of last night they were going to give him an article 15 and kick him out of the army. That serious, not sure if that changed or not. For the next 2 hours 4^th platoon ran indirect fire with mortars having to run everywhere. Major suckfest. They also got hit again about 0230 with the same drills. This morning, same drills for us…pack up all of camp and 70 lbs. rucksack; haul them off to morning chow. Pain taking this dang thing everywhere.

The more I write the more I feel sorry for my mom. In the field I can barely read my writing.

Notes: to: Highlight- exactly 2 weeks until graduation!!!

Yesterday was two weeks until family day.

I found out the Army won’t pay for my way home but they will pay to get me from Atlanta to San Antonio.

They reimburse the difference if we go anywhere else. Since I am living in Houston they basically pay for me to get home and I have to take care of getting to AIT in San Antonio when training starts.

3 days outside and no shower- WE STINK.

12/2/2014 "Day 2 Final FTX"

It is only 2005 but seems so late. Waking up at 0430 and spending all day outside makes it seems late when it’s been dark for a couple of hours now. This morning we started a war with one of the other platoons. About 0530 we sent 2 guys over to steal their Guidon “flag”. They walked right in their camp acting as DS, telling them to make sure everyone was awake and to be quiet and turn the lights out. Then while they were busy waking everyone up our guys just took the flag and walked out. We had it at morning chow and the DS got it back only after our Drill took a picture with it and text it to all other Drills.

Today we relocated camps. Spent part of the day making it home and camouflaging the hutches only to have to move everyone back to company guard just like last night. We were told Delta company may try to night raid so the Drills wanted a tighter security will all platoons. We think it is because it makes it easier for our Drills to run raids on us. We shall see I guess.

Today was fun. Everyone was given 3 clips (60 rounds) of blanks for battle drills. We got on Fire Team wedge and then march formation running scenarios. In one while I was team lead we got ambushed/ took fire from enemies. We took cover, fired back and got everyone positioned without having causality. Other squads had 3-8 causalities. They also threw out simulator mortar rounds where we would take cover/ drop during “incoming” and the go or rally to a safe location, set security perimeter, and check everyone. We were able to go through a few runs and using blanks and our laser vest made it more realistic. Tomorrow we bus out for Urban operations so it should even be better. Long night ahead so off to start guard.

Night J

12/1/2014 "Day/Night 1 FTX3"

Happy December. Month of cheers, family, Christ, fun, and me coming home YAY!!! Sorry mom for the bad writing but I’m sitting on my helmet in the middle of the night writing by moonlight.

This morning we just issued out gear and packed our 70 lb. rucksack for those 5 days. After lunch chow we hot the trans to take us to location. They so kindly dropped us off ½ mile away so we could walk through the soggy bottoms and hills to our location. This afternoon and night we just set our initial camp up. They issued out high tech laser tag equipment to everyone. Laser attachments on our M16’s that react when we fire blanks and everyone has a vest and helmet set of sensors that knows when we are shot.  A DS then has to reset us. Didn’t try it out today but the next few days we will use them in battle drills. FUN, FUN, FUN.      AFTER TONIGHT WE WILL SPLIT UP INTO PLATOONS TO SET UP NEW Alpha Alphas or home base. The weather is nice and only about high 40’s to low 50’s. tonight since we are packing up in the morning I am opting not to roll out my sleeping bags set. Since it is a pain in the ass to roll it back up. I brought an extra blanket and my poncho over top we strung together will block the wind and keep the dew off. Once we move tomorrow we will be there for the next 3 nights so we will make a kick ass fort then.

All I hear in the distance is rounds being fired from night ops going on around us. I drew first security watch so off to that for me. See you manna. When I write.

121/30/2014 "Final Test Pre-pack/Sunday Funday"

Fav Song today:

“Like a Lion”

 “My God’s Not Dead,

He’s Surely Alive

He’s living on the inside

Roaring like a lion”

 

Other Songs:

“Our God is greater

Mighty to Save”

 

Sunday relaxation day. Chow was great. Service was packed at church. Half the guys are from Alpha and Bravo companies and graduate on Thursday so they were into worship today. It was a gorgeous day today. We did normal cleaning but today was all about preparation. Tomorrow we leave for FTX3. This will be 5 days and 4 nights of being out in the field. Field exercises/ battle drills during the day and sleep/ security at night. During the night the DS and other platoons will make raids on every platoon to ensure they are actually pulling security. Not taking a shower for 5 days will suck and stinking highly. Our rucksack we are packing and taking weigh around 65 lbs. on the last “Friday” we will pack up and hike out at 1600 for our 12ish mile final hike back. Last big test.

Today a few of us were able to go to the gym near us that is used by the athletic trainers during the week. Not allowed to use dumbbells but it felt great to get a sort of weight workout in. I miss the gym for real…and music.

This will be my last chance to mail out until next week so expect all my field experiences to come as one. Excited and ready to get Basic over with.

Love yall.

11/28-11/29/14 "Staff Duty/Buddy Team Fire Drills"

11/28/14

SLOW, BORING, DAY. We had a split day today. Platoons 3 & 4 had combative while 1 & 2 packed and took off to the firing range. One of our DS had staff duty today, which is an “Admin/ Secretary” coverage type fill in. it goes for 24 hours and 2 of us soldiers from 3^rd rotate every hour to help cover. I had morning shift at the same time combative started so I was going to have to show up late to that. Or so I thought. Right before my shift ended some Sergeant Something brought in a huge stack of tests. He needed them graded today so my Drill has us stay to help the next shift. All of this, 8 guys total in all, as 5.5 hours later we finished. Good part: it was the end of the cycle test we have to take to graduate and have family day so we got a pre-study guide. Always a positive side.  The rest of the day was chow and cleaning.

11/29/14 Fire team movements

Today was another fun day for me. It was a bad day for chow. We had morning chow at 0700 and trans at 0730 which summed up to only 5 minutes to eat breakfast. So no cereal, no big fruit platter, no time to enjoy. Pshhhhh…lunch was MRE and I drew a dang vegetarian pasta one. Usually vegetarian ones have the best snacks and candy. Mine had nada, a dang pound cake and strawberry shake. LAME.

As for the firing range, it was Buddy Team Tactics today. It was set up with an outer fence and a building in the middle. A dirt road down the middle and on either side was 4 different barriers at about 10-15 yards apart. There was a 25 meter target and then another 5 or so starting at about 100 meters and beyond. The team members would start patrolling towards the targets. The purpose of the drill was to move as a team, cover each other as we advance to the target assault. A Sergeant would yell “Contact” and the drill would start. The first run was done with blanks and final run was live fire with 2-20 round mags a piece. We would hit the first barrier and “return fire” at the close target. 3 hits and it would remain down. From there the members took turns advancing while the others did suppressive fire at the “enemy/ other targets”. At the last barrier the inner guy would throw a frag grenade at them after we would expend the remaining rounds if any were left. The other big key was SAFETY of course. Most don’t have barrel awareness so keeping it forward while running, initiating setup, and withdrawing from a barrier were main items. I had a blast. My team members and I moved through with no issues while slaughtering the targets. These are the kind of drills I love here.

Rest of the night…packed rucksack for our 4 night final FTX on Monday. Last big event then recovery week and graduation. Excitement is in the air.

BOOM

11/27/2014 "Thanksgiving/Suckfest Morning"

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Whatever idea that us soldiers thought in regards to having an easy day went out the window quick before morning chow. Drill Sergeant Sierra had night shift and sometime this morning he locked himself out of his office. In return for his boredom, he spent the morning in my platoon’s bay harassing us. At 0500 we started morning PT as a group in our bay. At 0600 he came in and took over until 0730 making us do exercise rotation several times. This man has the abilities to take a cheerful spirit and morning and crush everyone’s desire to work. We get so annoyed by his tactics that we actually lose motivation. The loss of spirit causes the men to turn on themselves and start pointing fingers. As we started getting dressed for breakfast he stepped back in, didn’t like something he saw and started playing games. Giving us 3 minutes to change into full ACU’s (pants, green socks, boots tied correctly, tan shirt, ACT top, PC (Cap) then as one person was not 100% right we had 3 minutes to change into full winter PT (Shorts, long wind pants, white socks, shoes, gray short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, wind jacket, fleece cap). This went on for about 6 changing’s…meanwhile other platoons were eatingL. Finally we get to eat and all that was left was granola bar each and 2 overcooked boiled eggs. NOOOoooooooo!

After morning chow we spent the time doing cleaning detail. Lunch was a special treat…one hour to eat…Drill Sergeants served us. Turkey, ham, chicken, roast beef, mac & cheese, stuffing, peas, sweet potatoes, rolls, salad, fruit and 3 kinds of cake. Music playing and everything was good again UNTIL right after. The minute we got back to CTA…we did a “gas drill” and had to put on our gas masks…then we had to do 30 minutes of working out. This sucked and lunch was trying to come up. Either way we got through it and things got a little better. We got our phones for a little bit to call family. This helped since most guys here have never been away from family for the holidays. My shift work has taken me away a few times in my civilian job so I was not hit as hard but I loved talking to everyone at home.

This evening my senior DS got everyone together…admitted to being wrong when he got my squad lost 3 hours and talked about how much of a “suckfest” it was. Because we didn’t complain and put all the extra miles in…he gave us an extra 30 minutes of phone. I used this for a few texts but mainly to listen to music. Man I miss music. Saw my Texas Aggies score first against LSU and that was it. Hopefully they pull it out. Gig ‘em.

More prep for the next couple of days. Y’all enjoy the rest of the week.

Miss everyone.

11/26/2014 "FTX3-Lost Hike"

This morning we wake up and the raining finally stopped. The Drills left us alone the first couple of hours. We were to pull 50% security and pack up our local camps. Hygiene is tough in the fields, baby wipe- wipe down baths, dry shaving (my face hates this), everyone smells. The clouds blew out to revel a clear sky. Stars were popping. After morning chow we worked on assault and ambush formations. By daytime, weather was cool, clear sky and nice. Georgia or at least Fort Benning weather has more mood swings than any female I know.

At 1030 we marched out to run drills in the terrain. This started an unplanned adventure. We ran a 9 man fire team wedge through the woods. The Drill would throw a smoke/ grenade dummy and we would have to react and assault as appropriate. As we started walking back, the Senior DS got us a little off track. His phone had bad service so the GPS app was screwing up. We hiked around for 2.5 hours and several miles. This turned out top be an enjoyable hike. We went across a few terrain changes, steep hills, soggy muddy bottoms, high tree lines and so on. Wearing the bullet proof vest is the only thing that ruined it. We eventually found a road and the Senior had other Drills drive to get us. We were no where near our camp.

Bad- little sleep, rainy and cold, knowing Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

Good- nature, fire squad drills, being back at our platoon bay, Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

I’m TIRED L

11/25/2014 "Unperfect Fitness/ Nick at Night"

Well I didn’t reach my personal goal of a perfect score on the Army Fitness Test. As an athlete/in shape as I would consider myself, I never trained or conditioned my body to max at reps on sit-ups. My core and abs are great but my hip flexors and quads tired to failure. I started at maxing points on push-ups with 80 pushups in 2 minutes. I felt great. I needed to reach 82 sit-ups and I knew that would be a struggle. At 45 reps my legs were already feeling it…bad sign. I pushed it and never quit but 70 reps was all I could reach which is only good enough for 87 points. HUGE disappointment but I can guarantee that I will get a perfect score when the official test is taken at my Advanced Training in San Antonio after the Christmas exodus. High points- I PR’d (personal record) in all events. Hit a best of 12:10 minutes on the 2 mile run. My score of 287 was 3^rd in my platoon behind two 18 year old high school athletes. Top 12 in the company of 218 soldiers. (Train harder, stay positive, don’t quit, and succeed).

Next on the list. FTX2 (Field Training) we rode on the bus for over 20 minutes and were dropped off on a dirt road. Each platoon assembled a fire team squad of 7 guys to advance ahead of the group to secure base. I was part of my squad. The area we were in has been used for several years as a training area. The roads were lined with razor wire, barricades, foxholes, other defensive builds. We arrived at our base and each platoon spread out to different sections in order to provide 360 º securities. There was barbed wire perimeter, 10-12 guard towers an open field in the center. My squad setup security and then I took 3 guys back to get the rest of the platoon. When we got back we spread the rest of the soldiers up in battle teams and we were to setup our sleeping area. Past foxholes were still present. The weather projected rain so we had set up hutch’s and use our porches to create a dry environment over the foxholes or using trees and limbs to build a tent. Being the smart individual I am. I claimed the space under a tower so I already had overhead cover, dug it out more, and hung mine and my battle buddies porches up in a way that the rain drops would run out to the ground. It was also next to a back entrance gate so we had prime guard spot. After watching most of the guys setup, I knew any rain would get them wet.

The skies were getting darker and it started sprinkling. We took off for night training at 2000. Nick at Night is a live fire obstacle course crawl. 107 meters through dirt, mud, under wires, over logs, a couple of tower setups firing live rounds over our heads and more. It was completely dark so we would see tracers rounds going by, when the flares hit the sky we had to freeze, and smoke bombs going off. Rain had been coming down for about an hour by the time we went. Miserable and cold. By the time we finished we were caked with red mud and nasty. It was cool but I would be alright not doing it again. Crawling that far sucks. We had Kevlar vest with plates (25 lbs) boots and helmet, FLC (9 lbs), and weapon. I was glad when we were complete.

We got back to base about 2300. Rain was still falling and everyone was soaked.

As I figured…most of the guys foxholes had standing water in them and their gear was wet either because they didn’t support the poncho covers enough to block the rain, or they didn’t build a trench/levee around their site to redirect the ground water away from them. My tower hutch was NICE & DRY! By the end of the night guys were cramming 6 deep into guard towers to stay dry and get some sleep. We had to pull 25% security so one in every 4 guys ran security for an hour while the other 3 slept. This kicked off at bedtime (midnight) max sleep before wakeup…3 hours…bummer. The temperature dropped some but in my 3 layer sleeping bag with the rain, I slept like a beast for those few hours. 4ish am wake up for Field Training in the morning and Wednesday during the day.

11/23/2014 "Sick Sunday/ Another Tornado Warning"

Today has been a Sunday unlike the others. Although some parts were slow and relaxing like the others, it was weird and annoying. It started out good, morning chow, great breakfast, cleaning the bay. Then the other DS that has been gone for the last 4 weeks came back today. This is another platoon’s Sarge but takes abuse out on our platoon. He made us write a 1000 word RBI over Respect last night. Made us pack, repack, empty  and repack our rucksack that we are going to need for Tuesday and Wednesday, when we have our FTX2 overnight training. We had to form up in the rain and wait for him to finally grant us lunch chow. This evening while he gave his platoon phone time, we had to clean the command center and the entire CTA (which is big). AND SO ON>>>>J but oh well.

The good…the Sunday service this morning was great. Not so much the sermon today, but the music and worship was moving. Oh yeah, it was raining all morning. Then right before lunch it came down super hard, wind, lightening and sideways wind, and dangit. 218 guys crammed back in the hallway. Luckily it only lasted about 15 minutes. Right after evening chow we came out to a double rainbow. The first rainbow was the brightest full one I have ever seen. Gorgeous sight. Then, within 10 minutes of standing in formation, we came out to rainclouds everywhere, then high winds and clouds zooming by, then bright blue clear skies. Weird, weird.

Tomorrow starts out busy but important week leading up to thanksgiving. Last and final fitness test, FIX2 overnight and combative competition if time. Hope everyone had a blessed Sunday and great thanksgiving week.

11/22/2014 "Return of Drill Sarge"

Today was one of the best Saturdays we have had in terms of being busy. With some of our biggest tests coming up they are trying to throttle down for a couple of days. We were supposed to have our combatics competitions today, first aid drags, and prepare for our final fitness test on Monday. They changed our fitness test to Tuesday and moved combatics to the following week to give everybody the best chance at a full recovery prior to the test. The last 4 days we have been in full battle rattle so an extra 40ish pound wears on the legs.

After chow we hit the rock pit PT fields. We had to successfully complete a series of carries/ drags. I won’t lie; in the soft rocks it adds a little higher level of toughness. One of the kids I have mentioned before is the small one that has heart but lacks physical abilities. A DS from another company made fun/ picked on/ bullied him pretty hard for a solid 5 minutes while we were in formation after chow. He is a Drill for an infantry platoon so naturally he didn’t respect our support squad. He went on about how our small kid couldn’t drag or save one of his big guys out of the field during a battle. In the Drill’s defense, he’s probably right but in our defense his platoon looked like crap for infantry. Out of shape, not in matching uniformity, not covering right while in formation and just sloppy. Anyways, I partnered up with the little guy and we carried a kid that was probably 180 lbs. little man struggled big time which moved the bulk of the load to me. I hated doing it but I told him he better start working his butt off because that bully Drill was right. If he is ever put in the position to have to drag someone to safety he is going to need to buckle down on a strength program. Anyways rant over, the rest of the caries were pretty cool.

On another note. One of my Drill Sarges returned from being gone due to training for the last 4 weeks. He is tough, demands perfection, but is extremely detailed oriented and explains and helps us with everything. He is what out platoon needs at this time to straighten up. He gave us an hour before evening chow and the time after chow up till free time at 2000 to clean weapons, clean the bay, and get a “sweat session” in. everyone needed to conduct one last workout session in our own bay to prepare for the test.

It is 2100 and almost lights out. It is Sunday tomorrow so excited buzz is all around. We get relaxation, Sunday services and a phone call. Happy freaking weekend everyone.