Day 48: After PT, chow and quickly changing into battle rattle, we headed to a medical simulation. We got into teams and had to react quickly to care under fire. I was 1 of the 2 medics. My team's situation was dealing with the aftermath of a suicide bomber in a marketplace while dealing with the threat of IED and experiencing direct fire. While my team members pulled security, I had to determine the best methods of quickly caring for the injured within a specific time and evacuate the injured. The wounds were realistic with missing body parts, sounds of live rounds, IED explosions and screams. The instructor was impressed with my team since we evacuated everyone within 4 minutes. It's crazy to think how much you remember & do without thinking while under intense and stressful situations.
After lunch chow, we were told that we couldn't go to the concert unless our weapons were spotless. So, I spent another 2 hours cleaning and already cleaned weapon. The concert was actually a lot of fun. It was nice to eat junk food that we haven't eaten in 8 weeks and cut loose. The concert was just for BCT blue phasers and AIT. I didn't realize that there were so many BCT soldiers here. It was a little strange being at a concert with the DS walking through the crowd. The first guy that sang was a lot better than Kelly Pickler.
Day 49: I was able to go to mass again today. Can't believe that I only have 2 Sundays left. Didn't do much the rest of the day except catch up on laundry and sleep.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Days 46 - 47
Day 46: Today we practice buddy firing. The first time was with no rounds and the second time around we had blank rounds. Basically we sat around or stood in line for about 6 hours and actually performed buddy firing for a total of 5 minutes. It was a 300 meter course where we had to patrol and kill the enemy while moving to the different barriers. The point was to cover our battle buddy while he/she moved to the next barrier. When we got to the end of the course, after throwing a grenade, we had to react after indirect fire and sprint the 300 meters back.
Day 47: Today we did the actual buddy firing (Omaha Course). We were told that it was the 2nd most dangerous thing we would do at BCT since we run to the next barrier as our battle buddy covers us, using the rounds. We had a practice run with blanks before we did the course with live rounds. It was not bad at all. The most important things to remember are to be aware of where you are pointing the weapon and making sure your weapon is on safe when you are not shooting it. The DS ran behind us the whole time. I was not nervous since I trusted my battle buddy. After Omaha, we spent about 3 hours cleaning our weapons.
Day 47: Today we did the actual buddy firing (Omaha Course). We were told that it was the 2nd most dangerous thing we would do at BCT since we run to the next barrier as our battle buddy covers us, using the rounds. We had a practice run with blanks before we did the course with live rounds. It was not bad at all. The most important things to remember are to be aware of where you are pointing the weapon and making sure your weapon is on safe when you are not shooting it. The DS ran behind us the whole time. I was not nervous since I trusted my battle buddy. After Omaha, we spent about 3 hours cleaning our weapons.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Day 45
Day 45: Today was an intense day! A few other females and I decided to volunteer for ammo detail since it's always the males doing it. We had to get up extra early & took a 45 minute LTV ride to the range. We had to prepare the range and put fuses on the practice grenades. Besides putting together the grenades, filling sandbags, and unloading the LTV, we had it easy.
Before we could throw a real grenade, we had a 1 hour safety briefing & had to throw 2 practice grenades in order to get certified to throw a live one. I had no issues throwing the practice ones.
It was quite intense at the live grenade range. We were told that this is the most dangerous thing we would do at BCT. While waiting in line to throw, we stood in tight quarters in a bunker. When it was finally my turn, I ran out on the range to where I was to throw & the NCO's were yelling at me to take cover. Apparently the lane next to mine thought their grenade was a dud and didn't explode. After 20 minutes, the NCO's figured out it was just a pine cone.
Because I was out on the range waiting for an 'all clear', it calmed my nerves. I threw both grenades with no issues. The NCO's on my lane got a kick on how fast I dropped to the ground after the grenade left my hand. Instead of squatting & tucking in my head, I dropped to my elbows and knees in the tornado position. I have bruised knees and elbows but I was able to throw live grenades today. I was kind of disappointed because I couldn't see it explode and it wasn't as loud as I thought it would be!
Before we could throw a real grenade, we had a 1 hour safety briefing & had to throw 2 practice grenades in order to get certified to throw a live one. I had no issues throwing the practice ones.
It was quite intense at the live grenade range. We were told that this is the most dangerous thing we would do at BCT. While waiting in line to throw, we stood in tight quarters in a bunker. When it was finally my turn, I ran out on the range to where I was to throw & the NCO's were yelling at me to take cover. Apparently the lane next to mine thought their grenade was a dud and didn't explode. After 20 minutes, the NCO's figured out it was just a pine cone.
Because I was out on the range waiting for an 'all clear', it calmed my nerves. I threw both grenades with no issues. The NCO's on my lane got a kick on how fast I dropped to the ground after the grenade left my hand. Instead of squatting & tucking in my head, I dropped to my elbows and knees in the tornado position. I have bruised knees and elbows but I was able to throw live grenades today. I was kind of disappointed because I couldn't see it explode and it wasn't as loud as I thought it would be!
Day 44
Day 44: After PT (pullup bars) and chow, we headed to the range to throw grenades. Although the one's we threw today were just fuses, they could still harm us. It took a few throws to get used to it but they are not hard. I was pretty nervous the first time I threw the grenade but got more comfortable. We did buddy throws in an obstacle-like course. I wish we would have practiced throwing before we actually threw the grenades. "Proper grip, thumb to clip, twist pull pin, grenade out, get down" was what we have to say & do every time.
I forgot to mention yesterday that we are officially in blue phase. The DS mentioned that we were phasing a few days ago but the phase banner did not change until today.
I forgot to mention yesterday that we are officially in blue phase. The DS mentioned that we were phasing a few days ago but the phase banner did not change until today.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Days 42 - 43
Day 42: I was able to go to mass today. During breakfast, I heard the DS yelling at red phase privates. I am glad that I am not in their position anymore. It's crazy to look back and remember all of the stuff I have been through and have actually accomplished. I have no regrets!
We finally went to the PX for the first time in 4 weeks. It took almost three hours for the whole company to make their purchases.
Day 43: Had another easy day today since it was Labor Day. After PT, we had to clean our Bays for an inspection. We cleaned our weapons for an hour and were told that we had a 5 minute phone call. It was the last phone call we have since graduation is just around the corner. My phone calls were a bit longer but oh well. It was good to hear from everyone.
In the afternoon, we watched a documentary about war. I actually watched the same documentary before I left for BCT. I have a totally different perspective now since I am being trained to fight.
We finally went to the PX for the first time in 4 weeks. It took almost three hours for the whole company to make their purchases.
Day 43: Had another easy day today since it was Labor Day. After PT, we had to clean our Bays for an inspection. We cleaned our weapons for an hour and were told that we had a 5 minute phone call. It was the last phone call we have since graduation is just around the corner. My phone calls were a bit longer but oh well. It was good to hear from everyone.
In the afternoon, we watched a documentary about war. I actually watched the same documentary before I left for BCT. I have a totally different perspective now since I am being trained to fight.
Days 40 - 41
Day 40: It was so nice to somewhat catch up on sleep! We had a company-wide run this morning. It was probably the hardest run I've ever ran. It took a while for me to recover. I volunteered for post duty since I wanted to get out of the bay. We picked up trash around post. It was actually pretty fun since we got to tour the post. The DS bought us candy for lunch which was nice. In the afternoon we had to walk down streets picking up trash and probably walked about 7 miles. I am glad that I didn't stay back at the bay because they ended up having to cut grass with their hands.
Since we are constantly sweating and wearing ACU's and boots, it is very common for heat rashes to occur. I was treating the rash on my inner legs like a regular heat rash until it started to get bright red and blister. I ended up having poison oak; I am surprised that it does not itch, burn or hurt. It just looks bad.
Day 41: Did not do too much today besides PT and chow. I was able to catch up on sleep, laundry, and organizing my wall locker. We were supposed to go to the PX but it looks like I will have to wait until tomorrow. I can't believe that we have three weeks left. Time is flying by.
I decided to make a list of things that I will never take for granted:
1. Toilet paper: we have to keep our own roll locked up in the lockers. For some reason, we can't keep them in the bathrooms. The males ran completely out and are having their families mail them some.
2. Cell phones: It is hard not being able to pick up the phone and call someone when you need to escape. I have been luck and able to call my parents a few times. You just need to ask the right person at the right time.
3. Civilian life: It is a big adjustment going from being able to do what you want to being sucked in the Army life. It is not too bad, I just want to break away once in awhile. I have learned to accept the Army for what it is and to never make plans until you know for sure what is going to happen. I was expecting to have a few days off to spend with family between BCT and OCS. I found out a few days ago that I have to report to Ft. Benning the day after graduation by 1700. Although I am disappointed, at least my parents will be able to drive me and I will be able to be with my family.
Since we are constantly sweating and wearing ACU's and boots, it is very common for heat rashes to occur. I was treating the rash on my inner legs like a regular heat rash until it started to get bright red and blister. I ended up having poison oak; I am surprised that it does not itch, burn or hurt. It just looks bad.
Day 41: Did not do too much today besides PT and chow. I was able to catch up on sleep, laundry, and organizing my wall locker. We were supposed to go to the PX but it looks like I will have to wait until tomorrow. I can't believe that we have three weeks left. Time is flying by.
I decided to make a list of things that I will never take for granted:
1. Toilet paper: we have to keep our own roll locked up in the lockers. For some reason, we can't keep them in the bathrooms. The males ran completely out and are having their families mail them some.
2. Cell phones: It is hard not being able to pick up the phone and call someone when you need to escape. I have been luck and able to call my parents a few times. You just need to ask the right person at the right time.
3. Civilian life: It is a big adjustment going from being able to do what you want to being sucked in the Army life. It is not too bad, I just want to break away once in awhile. I have learned to accept the Army for what it is and to never make plans until you know for sure what is going to happen. I was expecting to have a few days off to spend with family between BCT and OCS. I found out a few days ago that I have to report to Ft. Benning the day after graduation by 1700. Although I am disappointed, at least my parents will be able to drive me and I will be able to be with my family.
Days 37 - 39
Day 37: We had our 10k (6.2 miles) road march this morning. It was not too difficult. The worst part was walking in the thick sand. Marches are very mental. I don't mind them because I get to do a lot of thinking. I was hot, exhausted, and sore by the end. After eating MRE's and setting up tents, we learned about squad maneuver. We had to act out scenarios and used blank bullets. In the lat afternoon we headed to NIC (Night Infiltration Course). We had to low crawl, high crawl, and maneuvering on our backs under barbed wire fences. For most of the way, we were able to high crawl. We had full gear on (helmet, bullet proof vest, and knee/elbow pads). While we were crawling, live rounds were being shot. It was pretty neat crawling under live rounds. I made sure that the guys behind me kept me motivated. They pushed me and I was one of the first ones finished. I was sandy, exhausted and extremely hot. We had to dunk our arms into ice water to cool down our air core temperature. Another graduation requirement is checked off the list. We got back around 2300 and I fell right asleep. The weather was much more comfortable in this FTX than the previous one.
Day 38: Like always, I woke up early. It was chaotic getting dressed in the pitch black. We learned urban fighting today & practice clearing out buildings in teams of 2, 3 and 4. We also practiced scenarios dealing with indirect and direct fire, along with IEDs. I can't wait until we head back tomorrow morning so that I can take a shower.
Day 39: We woke up one hour early (0300) and the DS's were impressed that we were packed up by 0345. We had to wait until 0630 for the buses. After chow, I took the best shower! We spent 2 hours cleaning our weapons because we had a platoon competition on the cleanest weapons. They were extra dirty with sand since we had to low crawl with them. Didn't do too much else the rest of the day except organize lockers and do some laundry.
Day 38: Like always, I woke up early. It was chaotic getting dressed in the pitch black. We learned urban fighting today & practice clearing out buildings in teams of 2, 3 and 4. We also practiced scenarios dealing with indirect and direct fire, along with IEDs. I can't wait until we head back tomorrow morning so that I can take a shower.
Day 39: We woke up one hour early (0300) and the DS's were impressed that we were packed up by 0345. We had to wait until 0630 for the buses. After chow, I took the best shower! We spent 2 hours cleaning our weapons because we had a platoon competition on the cleanest weapons. They were extra dirty with sand since we had to low crawl with them. Didn't do too much else the rest of the day except organize lockers and do some laundry.
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