Day 27: Had staff duty from 0500 to 0800; I just had to set up cones on the road for PT. I did get to speak with my parents for the first time in a month which was nice.
We did combatives this afternoon and learned some new fighting moves. We also were taught some exercises to help with combatives. By the end of training, I could barely walk. We had personal time at 1800.
Day 28: I was actually able to enjoy breakfast this morning since we had 10 more extra minutes to east. Since I have not had any icecream for dinner, I decided to splurge on coffee. It was the first caffeine I have had in 5 weeks and now I am all wired after I got back from Mass. Right now I am doing laundry, writing letters, updating the blog, and studying combat lifesaving. It is always nice to be able to catch up on everything on Sundays.
We did have some classroom time but all we did was get our ACH's (helmets) checked for this week and clean our weapons.
We had MRE's for chow. The DS gave us 15 minutes to pass them out, cook, eat, and clean up. If we were able to accomplish it within that time period, then we would have personal time beginning at 1730. We did accomplish it which gave us plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming week.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Days 25 - 26
Day 25: We were supposed to be up at 0400 for muscle failure PT; apparently the DS do care about us since we got to wake up at 0500 and skip PT. They wanted us to rest up for BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship) Qualifications. To qualify, we had to shoot 23 out of 40 moveable and time targets at a distance between 50 and 300 meters. We had to shoot in the unsupported and supported proned, and kneeling positions. If we did not quality within 10 tries, then we would be restarted to the first week of BCT. I did qualify in my second try; I shot 26 out of 40. I was expecting to try about 5 times but was relieved that I qualified during my second try.
Those who qualified sat around in the heat doing absolutely nothing. Next time, I will bring paper to write letters. I am definitely motivated, especially when we road by graduation field on the way back to the barracks.
It is so nice to be showered and relaxed at 7:30. I can actually catch up on the blog and letters! Tomorrow will be another boring day since the whole company has to go to the range tomorrow while 20 people attempt to qualify.
Day 26: After PT (running) this morning, we went to the range again. We sat around doing nothing. We did learn new shooting positions (standing) for ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) that we have to qualify for next week. Three people did not pass and are restarting to red phase. Buses showed up a few hours early today. I thought we had the rest of the afternoon to relax; I was wrong! Female bay had a surprise locker inspection. The DS threw everything in our lockers across the floor and emptied our canteens everywhere. Although we had a big mess to clean up, I was relieved to not have any contraband. About 1/4th of the females got Article 15's for razors, tweezers and food. The DS explained to us why we can't shave: staph infection is common when we are out in the field sweating with open sores. We sweat constantly here.
Those who qualified sat around in the heat doing absolutely nothing. Next time, I will bring paper to write letters. I am definitely motivated, especially when we road by graduation field on the way back to the barracks.
It is so nice to be showered and relaxed at 7:30. I can actually catch up on the blog and letters! Tomorrow will be another boring day since the whole company has to go to the range tomorrow while 20 people attempt to qualify.
Day 26: After PT (running) this morning, we went to the range again. We sat around doing nothing. We did learn new shooting positions (standing) for ARM (Advanced Rifle Marksmanship) that we have to qualify for next week. Three people did not pass and are restarting to red phase. Buses showed up a few hours early today. I thought we had the rest of the afternoon to relax; I was wrong! Female bay had a surprise locker inspection. The DS threw everything in our lockers across the floor and emptied our canteens everywhere. Although we had a big mess to clean up, I was relieved to not have any contraband. About 1/4th of the females got Article 15's for razors, tweezers and food. The DS explained to us why we can't shave: staph infection is common when we are out in the field sweating with open sores. We sweat constantly here.
Days 22 - 24
Day 22: I went to the range today to work on shooting at different distance targets. My magazine got stuck 7 times which messed me up. I now realize the importance of having a clean rifle (although it was mostly the magazine's fault). We went back to the classroom and I spent almost two hours cleaning my weapon.
Day 23: Had en early wake up (0330) and headed for our road march by 0430 in full gear, including: ACH (helmet), flick (vest), knee/elbow pads and an assault pack, weighing about 60 pounds. The marches are getting easier, especially when you have boots that actually fit. After much enjoyed chow, we did the rifle simulation course and worked on shooting drills. Basically, once again, we sat around doing pretty much nothing.
Day 24: After PT (ran 60/120s), we went to the range and shot single & multiple targets between 50 and 300 meters. We had to shoot in the unsupported and supported prone and kneeling positions. I did pretty well. It was extremely hot at the range. Another male tried to commit suicide. The DS and officers lectured us about suicide preventions.
Day 23: Had en early wake up (0330) and headed for our road march by 0430 in full gear, including: ACH (helmet), flick (vest), knee/elbow pads and an assault pack, weighing about 60 pounds. The marches are getting easier, especially when you have boots that actually fit. After much enjoyed chow, we did the rifle simulation course and worked on shooting drills. Basically, once again, we sat around doing pretty much nothing.
Day 24: After PT (ran 60/120s), we went to the range and shot single & multiple targets between 50 and 300 meters. We had to shoot in the unsupported and supported prone and kneeling positions. I did pretty well. It was extremely hot at the range. Another male tried to commit suicide. The DS and officers lectured us about suicide preventions.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Days 20 - 21
Day 20: Had our first Pt test today. I was nervous about my run since I have only ran twice at Pt. I did better than I thought; I dropped 4 minutes off my run time and was able to control breathing. It gave me a big boost of confidence! We headed to a field and did pugil stick fighting for the rest of the morning and afternoon. We learned combat fighting with our weapons and then had competitions with each platoon. We had a company-wide tournament at the end. It was actually a fun day and everyone was able to get aggressions out. It kind of reminded me of a high school pep rally since we were all cheering & cutting up. It was decent weather until it down-poured, but that just created more fun for us as we got all muddy. We got more personal time today. It's still strange how my life has changed. I am spending my Saturday evening washing clothes, writing letters, catching up on the blog and going to sleep at 2100.
Day 21: First time in 4 weeks that I was able to get 8 hours of sleep. I was able to go to mass which is the only thing that reminds me of home. It is a 3 hour event just to go to the service since we have to wait for the bus for one hour each way.
We had a formation before lunch chow where we phased into the white phase officially. BCT is already much better since, instead of 45 minutes of personal time, we have almost 3 hours. The formations are all soldier led also.
I can't believe that I have been here for 4 weeks now. Time has been moving more quickly. We had a company-wide meeting to discuss a suicide attempt that many soldiers witnessed. I did not see it or know the person. Many people are having issues but I have my head on straight. You cannot bring personal issues to BCT or it will effect you negatively since it is such a stressful environment. They also keep telling us to remind family/friends back home not to tell us things what will worry us.
Day 21: First time in 4 weeks that I was able to get 8 hours of sleep. I was able to go to mass which is the only thing that reminds me of home. It is a 3 hour event just to go to the service since we have to wait for the bus for one hour each way.
We had a formation before lunch chow where we phased into the white phase officially. BCT is already much better since, instead of 45 minutes of personal time, we have almost 3 hours. The formations are all soldier led also.
I can't believe that I have been here for 4 weeks now. Time has been moving more quickly. We had a company-wide meeting to discuss a suicide attempt that many soldiers witnessed. I did not see it or know the person. Many people are having issues but I have my head on straight. You cannot bring personal issues to BCT or it will effect you negatively since it is such a stressful environment. They also keep telling us to remind family/friends back home not to tell us things what will worry us.
Day 18 - 19
Day 18: After Pt & chow, we had to attend a change of command ceremony. After standing completely still at a position of attention for over an hour, my legs were so stiff & sore. The cadre are handing out article 15's right & left for anyone who moves in formation. I am not taking any chances. After the ceremony, one of the other DS's sat us down & gave us advice. It was very informational until we got smoked pretty good. We went back to our classrooms and basically did nothing for the rest of the day. I was able to catch up on the blog, letters, and study up for the combat lifesaver course. The cadets did update us on the news; apparently we are limited on the types of news. They also updated the officer candidates on OCS. We are all freaked out about OCS but must get through BCT first. Looks like I will be doing extra Pt at night!
Day 19: We went to the range again today but got to ride the bus instead of march. Today we worked on shooting at the 175 and 300 meter target. I was okay with the 175 but the 300 was more difficult. We sat around at the range for 4 hours straight, waiting for the buses.
Day 19: We went to the range again today but got to ride the bus instead of march. Today we worked on shooting at the 175 and 300 meter target. I was okay with the 175 but the 300 was more difficult. We sat around at the range for 4 hours straight, waiting for the buses.
Days 15 - 17
Day 15: I thought we were going to the range today but, instead, practiced our breathing & positions. Once again, we sat around for hours, doing nothing.
Day 16: We finally went to the range today. We left for the walk at 0600 and got there at 0700. The road marches with all of our equipment are getting easier. It was about a 3 mile march. We had MREs for breakfast. I am getting used to eating pasta for breakfast since you need the fuel to survive in this heat. We shot from 0800 to 1600. It was a long day. Only at BCT can you fall asleep at the range, listening to the live rounds. I did pretty well. The rifle is actually easy to shoot. You just have to remember the 4 fundamentals (breathing, steady position, trigger squeeze, and aiming). We were able to ride back since it was so hot outside.
Day 17: Went to the range again today to finish zeroing in within the center mass. It was another long, hot day. I probably shot for 5 hours straight today. Time passes more quickly on the days we are actually doing stuff. Our minds are not thinking about home.
Day 16: We finally went to the range today. We left for the walk at 0600 and got there at 0700. The road marches with all of our equipment are getting easier. It was about a 3 mile march. We had MREs for breakfast. I am getting used to eating pasta for breakfast since you need the fuel to survive in this heat. We shot from 0800 to 1600. It was a long day. Only at BCT can you fall asleep at the range, listening to the live rounds. I did pretty well. The rifle is actually easy to shoot. You just have to remember the 4 fundamentals (breathing, steady position, trigger squeeze, and aiming). We were able to ride back since it was so hot outside.
Day 17: Went to the range again today to finish zeroing in within the center mass. It was another long, hot day. I probably shot for 5 hours straight today. Time passes more quickly on the days we are actually doing stuff. Our minds are not thinking about home.
Friday, August 12, 2011
BCT: Days 12 - 14
Day 12: After scrambling to pack everything in the pitch black, we headed back to our company. I had an interesting walk back and let's just say that I'm lucky I didn't break my hand. After a quick but much needed shower, we headed to weapon simulation course where we practiced shooting rifles. It was fun but shooting our rifles next week will be different! We sat outside for 6 hours but only participated in the simulation for 20 minutes. Once again, too much time was wasted. We also were able to make our first trip to the Px. Most common items purchased were: cough drops (like candy), mole skin & febreeze.
Day 13: We got to sleep in to 0500 today. Had a good run at Pt today but my legs are killing me from the road marches & running up and down hills. We started combatives today which was fun. It was a relief to be actually sitting down in AC instead of being outside. We also had a lot of inspections since a new commander is coming next week. Once again, 7 hours was wasted doing useless stuff.
Day 14: We got to sleep in again until 0545. After chow, I was able to go to Mass. It actually reminded me of home, except for the fact that everyone had ACU's and rifles. After we waited 2 hours for the bus, I was able to organize my locker & prepare for another inspection of all our the gear that we have accumulated. It's nice to have personal time & to study because the weeks are getting busier and busier. We are heading to the range next week.
Thanks everybody for all of the letters. It is really helping me stay positive! I may not be able to write back right away since things are getting busier but will try to as soon as I can!
Day 13: We got to sleep in to 0500 today. Had a good run at Pt today but my legs are killing me from the road marches & running up and down hills. We started combatives today which was fun. It was a relief to be actually sitting down in AC instead of being outside. We also had a lot of inspections since a new commander is coming next week. Once again, 7 hours was wasted doing useless stuff.
Day 14: We got to sleep in again until 0545. After chow, I was able to go to Mass. It actually reminded me of home, except for the fact that everyone had ACU's and rifles. After we waited 2 hours for the bus, I was able to organize my locker & prepare for another inspection of all our the gear that we have accumulated. It's nice to have personal time & to study because the weeks are getting busier and busier. We are heading to the range next week.
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