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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
Days 34 - 36
Day 34: Didn't do too much today. My platoon worked on Drill & Ceremony for a few hours. We have really improved over the last week since the new DS is strict about Drill and Ceremony.
Day 35: Our company had a rough morning. As soon as we went through chow line, the DS told us it was time to leave before we even sat down to eat. I also didn't get a change to go to mass since some of the guys were late to morning formation. After getting yelled at for quite a bit, we were able to go back to our bays for bay maintenance and personal time.
Day 36: We went back to reception/120th all day to get our ASU's/class A's. It was a long and tiring process which started at 0700 and did not end for the females until 1800. We would try on clothes, get measured, wait for them to get sewn and then try it on for the DS's so that they could approve of the fit. We received our berets that we wear for the last week of BCT and for family day/graduation. Did not get back until 2000 and had to pack for the road march/FTX the next day.
Day 35: Our company had a rough morning. As soon as we went through chow line, the DS told us it was time to leave before we even sat down to eat. I also didn't get a change to go to mass since some of the guys were late to morning formation. After getting yelled at for quite a bit, we were able to go back to our bays for bay maintenance and personal time.
Day 36: We went back to reception/120th all day to get our ASU's/class A's. It was a long and tiring process which started at 0700 and did not end for the females until 1800. We would try on clothes, get measured, wait for them to get sewn and then try it on for the DS's so that they could approve of the fit. We received our berets that we wear for the last week of BCT and for family day/graduation. Did not get back until 2000 and had to pack for the road march/FTX the next day.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day 31 - 33
Day 31: Today was a long day! After PT and breakfast chow, we practiced our new firing positions for awhile. After lunch we headed to the range. We started ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) where basically we shoot standing and walking. We were at the range from 1300 to 2300. It was fun shooting at night using the lasers. It was probably the only time many of us will ever use that equipment. Our goal today was to not necessarily knock down the target, but to be in the correct stance and be familiar with putting our weapon on safety. The DS told us today & tomorrow are the only days they have permission to knock us on the ground due to safety reasons.
Day 32: Had another very long day today. After running 60/120s at PT, we went to the range from 0900 to 2330. It was extremely hot, category 5 before 1100. We shot over 200 rounds at different positions and distances, in full battle gear. Our company got in trouble and is currently in no phase until we get discipline. I agree that our company as a whole needs discipline; however, my platoon is disciplined.
Day 33: Had light PT this morning since today was recovery day. The only things we did today was go to chow, clean our bays, learn how to hold the weapons in our opposite hands and practice drill & ceremony. We also got mail for the first time in 5 days since we have been so busy. Tonight we had to pack an emergency bag just in case the hurricane hits since our bays are manufactured and not very sturdy.
Day 32: Had another very long day today. After running 60/120s at PT, we went to the range from 0900 to 2330. It was extremely hot, category 5 before 1100. We shot over 200 rounds at different positions and distances, in full battle gear. Our company got in trouble and is currently in no phase until we get discipline. I agree that our company as a whole needs discipline; however, my platoon is disciplined.
Day 33: Had light PT this morning since today was recovery day. The only things we did today was go to chow, clean our bays, learn how to hold the weapons in our opposite hands and practice drill & ceremony. We also got mail for the first time in 5 days since we have been so busy. Tonight we had to pack an emergency bag just in case the hurricane hits since our bays are manufactured and not very sturdy.
Days 29 - 30
Day 29: We marched to our last obstacle course of BCT this morning, the Confidence Course. The obstacles consisted of: walking across a balance beam with only a net to break our fall, zip lining, climbing up and down a tall ladder that consisted of different length boards, and climbing down a rope upside down with our boots crossed together using our hands to maneuver. I achieved all of the obstacles. I was most worried about climbing the rope since the last time I did it, I fell. Our platoon really came together today and kept everybody motivated. I am now beginning to related to the males in our platoon as brothers and females as sisters. We are always cutting up with each other and helping each other out. I am exhausted; it's 1900 and I am already ready for bed.
Day 30: Today we went to the weapon simulation. I find it pointless because we wait outside for 5.5 hours and only practice for 10 minutes. The simulation is nothing like live firing on the range. We did practice our new firing positions. We also got mail for the first time in 4 or 5 days which always lightens the mood.
Day 30: Today we went to the weapon simulation. I find it pointless because we wait outside for 5.5 hours and only practice for 10 minutes. The simulation is nothing like live firing on the range. We did practice our new firing positions. We also got mail for the first time in 4 or 5 days which always lightens the mood.
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