I talked to Sam the other day on the phone. He has completed all the requirements for graduation and will be graduating on October 4th. He told me that one of the last activites they did was a nine mile march. The march began at 2 am and they ended it at 6 am. When they rounded the last bend, a platform was set up and several of the guys in charge (commanders or captains, something like that) gave speeches. There were flags flying and (I think) a band playing. One of the officers said something like: "Nine short weeks ago you came here as civilians. You are no longer civilians. You are soldiers." Sam said he got goosebumps and almost cried.
My mother and I are on our way down to Georgia for Sam's graduation. You can read more (if you like) about our trip at http://rebekahjones.blogspot.com
I'll post more here after I see Sam again. Thanks for your prayers!
Rebekah
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 19, 2007
As you know, this morning was the PT test. I THINK I passed, but I don't know for sure yet because they didn't tell us how many situps we did. I know for sure I passed pushups and the two mile run. I will update this letter later tonight when I know for sure. For pushups, I had to do thirty to pass and I did 33. For the two mile run, all I can say is wow. You know that verse that says God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think? Well, this was a perfect example. I prayed and asked Him to help me me on the test. If you recall, on Saturday I ran the two miles in 17:09. Today, the whole time I was running I was thinking, "See Bekah on family day. See Bekah on family day." To pass I needed a 17:54. Today I ran it in 16:10. I don't know how, so it had to be the Lord helping me. Now if I can just find out how many situps I did.
After the PT test, we had breakfast and then caught transportation to Patton range where we learned how to load and fire the M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Then we got to fire it and oh man. That thing is something else. The bullets are roughly as big around as my thumb, and as long as my hand. The guns max effective range is over a mile and you can feel the power when you fire it. We each got to fire about 40 rounds through it. It was quite fun.
After that, it was just trans back to the company area. Now we are sitting in the barracks waiting for Drill Sergeant Smithling to tell us what to do or for chow, whichever comes first.
Well, it's now the evening of 20 Sept 2007. Last night got a little crazy and today was nuts too. The day started with PT and it was crazy. There are a couple of new drill sergeants here and we had one of them. We did over a hundred pushups and situps. Fun, huh? After PT was breakfast, followed by an inspection by the battalion commander (Lieutenant Colonel Lightner) and the battalion sergeant major (Command Sergeant Major Heurta). The company as a whole failed the inspection. My platoon and fourth platoon were okay, but first and third had dirty, rusty rifles and a lot of them didn't have water in their canteens like they were supposed to.
The PT scores are finally in. I PASSED! I PASSED! I PASSED! Fifteen people in my platoon failed and will have to retake it. Some of them missed passing by only one pushup or situp, which is a real bummer.
Tomorrow is Convoy Live Fire Exercise, so that should be interesting. It involves eight of us at a time riding in the back of a truck firing at targets. It's the last required training event other than the third FTX.
PFC Sam Jones
After the PT test, we had breakfast and then caught transportation to Patton range where we learned how to load and fire the M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Then we got to fire it and oh man. That thing is something else. The bullets are roughly as big around as my thumb, and as long as my hand. The guns max effective range is over a mile and you can feel the power when you fire it. We each got to fire about 40 rounds through it. It was quite fun.
After that, it was just trans back to the company area. Now we are sitting in the barracks waiting for Drill Sergeant Smithling to tell us what to do or for chow, whichever comes first.
Well, it's now the evening of 20 Sept 2007. Last night got a little crazy and today was nuts too. The day started with PT and it was crazy. There are a couple of new drill sergeants here and we had one of them. We did over a hundred pushups and situps. Fun, huh? After PT was breakfast, followed by an inspection by the battalion commander (Lieutenant Colonel Lightner) and the battalion sergeant major (Command Sergeant Major Heurta). The company as a whole failed the inspection. My platoon and fourth platoon were okay, but first and third had dirty, rusty rifles and a lot of them didn't have water in their canteens like they were supposed to.
The PT scores are finally in. I PASSED! I PASSED! I PASSED! Fifteen people in my platoon failed and will have to retake it. Some of them missed passing by only one pushup or situp, which is a real bummer.
Tomorrow is Convoy Live Fire Exercise, so that should be interesting. It involves eight of us at a time riding in the back of a truck firing at targets. It's the last required training event other than the third FTX.
PFC Sam Jones
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 18, 2007
Today was supposed to be mid-cycle testing, but it didn't really happen so I don't know if it's going to happen later or if it's going to be one of those everyone passes things. Today we also learned how to setup, disassemble, and reassemble the M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Tomorrow after the PT test, we are supposed to go fire them. That should be fun.
Also today, a lot of us went back to 30th AG to exchange ACUs and boots that were stained, damaged, didn't fit, etc. I got four brand new sets of ACUs in Large instead of Extra-Large. That was very exciting! I look much thinner in them because they are a much better fit than the XLs were. The XLs had gotten really baggy on me. Plus, my old ones had dirt stains and things like that from all the training. I'm hoping with these to only wear two pair between now and graduation and keep the other two sets in new condition. I'm not positive, but I think we wear our Class As (the dress greens) for Family Day and the Beret Ceremony and our ACUs for graduation itself.
Like I said, tomorrow is the final PT test. Here's hoping that I pass. I should be okay. I'll be thinking of you and of seeing you, and that should provide me with all the motivation that I need. I'm determined to pass.
Now that we are in blue phase, we seem to have much more free time. The drill sergeants leave around dinner time, so unless they leave us an assignment, we generally have from after dinner until lights out as free time.
PFC Sam Jones
Also today, a lot of us went back to 30th AG to exchange ACUs and boots that were stained, damaged, didn't fit, etc. I got four brand new sets of ACUs in Large instead of Extra-Large. That was very exciting! I look much thinner in them because they are a much better fit than the XLs were. The XLs had gotten really baggy on me. Plus, my old ones had dirt stains and things like that from all the training. I'm hoping with these to only wear two pair between now and graduation and keep the other two sets in new condition. I'm not positive, but I think we wear our Class As (the dress greens) for Family Day and the Beret Ceremony and our ACUs for graduation itself.
Like I said, tomorrow is the final PT test. Here's hoping that I pass. I should be okay. I'll be thinking of you and of seeing you, and that should provide me with all the motivation that I need. I'm determined to pass.
Now that we are in blue phase, we seem to have much more free time. The drill sergeants leave around dinner time, so unless they leave us an assignment, we generally have from after dinner until lights out as free time.
PFC Sam Jones
Monday, September 24, 2007
September 17, 2007
Today was a good day I guess. The drill sergeants left early and forgot to pass out the mail, so I have no mail to read tonight. That's kind of a bummer, but what can you do.
The day started with a very early transport to Pierce range, which is one of the ranges here. Today was Buddy Team Live Fire, which was actually pretty fun. I teamed up with my friend Heath Jones. It almost reminded me of playing paintball, except the gear is much heavier here. We had to do it while wearing our LCEs (load carrying equipment) which is a harness that has two ammo pouches and two full one quart canteens, our IBAs (body armor), and our ACHs (Army Combat Helmet). That's a fair bit of weight.
The way the training worked was this. The range is set up with bunkers of one type or another every ten meters, with groups of them on the right and left of each lane on the range. To start off, we did a dry fire run so that the drill sergeants could make sure that everyone was doing things safely. We had to low crawl from the starting point to the first bunker. Once the person on the left reached their first bunker, they would begin firing down range while the person on the right low crawled to their first bunker. Once the person on the right reached their spot, they began firing and the person on the left then had to commando crawl to their second bunker and the process repeated itself. After those crawls, we utilized a movement technique called the three to five second rush. After the dry run, we ran it again, this time with blanks. After that, it was time to do it with live ammo. That was pretty fun. It was safe though because we were probably twenty feet or more from our battle buddy.
After that we came back and Drill Sergeant Smithling gave us the MIG parts of the mid-cycle test so that we could get that out of the way. We will do the rest of the test tomorrow. Then Wednesday is the final PT Test. Other than the final nine mile road march, those are the last two things that I have to pass. I should be fine. I'm keeping my eyes on the goal.
PFC Sam Jones
The day started with a very early transport to Pierce range, which is one of the ranges here. Today was Buddy Team Live Fire, which was actually pretty fun. I teamed up with my friend Heath Jones. It almost reminded me of playing paintball, except the gear is much heavier here. We had to do it while wearing our LCEs (load carrying equipment) which is a harness that has two ammo pouches and two full one quart canteens, our IBAs (body armor), and our ACHs (Army Combat Helmet). That's a fair bit of weight.
The way the training worked was this. The range is set up with bunkers of one type or another every ten meters, with groups of them on the right and left of each lane on the range. To start off, we did a dry fire run so that the drill sergeants could make sure that everyone was doing things safely. We had to low crawl from the starting point to the first bunker. Once the person on the left reached their first bunker, they would begin firing down range while the person on the right low crawled to their first bunker. Once the person on the right reached their spot, they began firing and the person on the left then had to commando crawl to their second bunker and the process repeated itself. After those crawls, we utilized a movement technique called the three to five second rush. After the dry run, we ran it again, this time with blanks. After that, it was time to do it with live ammo. That was pretty fun. It was safe though because we were probably twenty feet or more from our battle buddy.
After that we came back and Drill Sergeant Smithling gave us the MIG parts of the mid-cycle test so that we could get that out of the way. We will do the rest of the test tomorrow. Then Wednesday is the final PT Test. Other than the final nine mile road march, those are the last two things that I have to pass. I should be fine. I'm keeping my eyes on the goal.
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, September 22, 2007
September 16, 2007
Here is how things will work for those last three days from what I understand. October 3 is Family Day. First thing will be the beret ceremony. Once that is over, we are allowed to leave on pass until 2000. The next day is graduation. After graduation is over, we can again leave on pass until 2000. The next day we should be able to leave for AIT, but I don't know exactly what time. I should know by Family Day.
I weighed myself when I got back from the FTX and I was down to 215! Can you believe it? I've lost at least 25 pounds so far. There are still almost three weeks to go, so 210 or maybe even 200 is still a distinct possibility. Sometime this week we are due for a quartermaster's refit, which is good because I think I need large ACUs now, not extra large. My extra-large pants are huge on me now.
Tomorrow looks like a fairly easy day. We're going to one range and doing some sort of weapons training. We're scheduled to be back by 1430 so that shouldn't be too bad. I'm not sure exactly what training we'll be doing, but that's nothing new.
PFC Sam Jones
I weighed myself when I got back from the FTX and I was down to 215! Can you believe it? I've lost at least 25 pounds so far. There are still almost three weeks to go, so 210 or maybe even 200 is still a distinct possibility. Sometime this week we are due for a quartermaster's refit, which is good because I think I need large ACUs now, not extra large. My extra-large pants are huge on me now.
Tomorrow looks like a fairly easy day. We're going to one range and doing some sort of weapons training. We're scheduled to be back by 1430 so that shouldn't be too bad. I'm not sure exactly what training we'll be doing, but that's nothing new.
PFC Sam Jones
September 15, 2007
Finally! Time to write again! This is my first free time in about four days due to the FTX. It was fun, but pretty tiring. We had a vehicle checkpoint set up that had to be manned twenty-four hours a day and our fighting positions had to be manned as well. So sleep was a pretty limited commodity out there. We learned battle drills which are sort of like plays in sports for specific situations. It's thinks like reacting to an ambush, squad attack, reacting to enemy contact, etc. With all that I've learned, I could train quite the paintball scenario team if I wanted to.
We got back from FTX yesterday a bit before dinner and were still up to midnight cleaning our rifles and gear and such. Wake up was at 0400, so needless to say, we're all pretty tired. This morning we had a practice PT test (the final is coming up on Wednesday) to see where we are at. To pass, I need to be able to do 30 pushups in two minutes, 36 situps, and run two miles is 17:54 or less. Today, even as tired as I was, I did 31 pushups, 28 situps, and ran two miles in 17:09. I should be fine for the test on Wednesday.
After that, we went to one of the ranges and shot at moving targets. That was a bit challenging but fun. There were 50 targets and you were supposed to hit at least 18. I got 31, so I was happy.
We transitioned to Blue Phase today! We really only have two weeks of training left. The last week is little stuff and recovery week.
PFC Sam Jones
We got back from FTX yesterday a bit before dinner and were still up to midnight cleaning our rifles and gear and such. Wake up was at 0400, so needless to say, we're all pretty tired. This morning we had a practice PT test (the final is coming up on Wednesday) to see where we are at. To pass, I need to be able to do 30 pushups in two minutes, 36 situps, and run two miles is 17:54 or less. Today, even as tired as I was, I did 31 pushups, 28 situps, and ran two miles in 17:09. I should be fine for the test on Wednesday.
After that, we went to one of the ranges and shot at moving targets. That was a bit challenging but fun. There were 50 targets and you were supposed to hit at least 18. I got 31, so I was happy.
We transitioned to Blue Phase today! We really only have two weeks of training left. The last week is little stuff and recovery week.
PFC Sam Jones
September 11, 2007
Can you believe that it's been six years since the twin towers and all the attacks? When First Sergeant said that today, I almost couldn't believe it. Where does the time go? It was a good reminder that time is precious and we need to make the most of what we have.
You wanted more information for the blog and you will certainly get some here. Yesterday, as I said in an earlier letter, was an extremely busy day. The first things we did was go to the ETS (Electronic Targeting System) building and get our first Advanced Rifle Marksmanship class. ARM involves close quarters combat. In the ETS, we were engaging targets at 25 meters and closer. It involves using a red dot sight, which is pretty cool. I scored 31 out of 36 possible during the ETS portion. So I was pretty happy with that.
After that, we had lunch, then caught transportation to one of the ranges. There, we did the same thing only with live ammo. It was quite fun. You start with your rifle on safe, locked and loaded, and at the low ready position. On the command to engage the target, you snap the rifle up into firing position while switching it from safe to semi and fire a controlled pair at the target. You then lower the weapon, flipping the selector switch from semi to safe. We fired two twenty-round magazines between twenty meters and five meters. I liked it a lot. It was much more fun than BRM was.
After that, we waited around until dinner time, ate dinner then walked over to the next range for night firing. Now that was really fun! For that, we used a combination of a night vision monocular that mounts to our helmet and a device that paints the target with a laser (visible only through the night vision) that mounts to the forward handgrip. That was really cool. The night vision device was amazing. There's a reason the US Army owns the night. We fired forty rounds there also.
Today was cool also. First, we caught transportation to a range where we learned to fire the AT4 rocket launcher. Then we got to fire five or so practice rounds from them. I hit my target every time and got several compliments from the drill sergeant working my firing station. After that, the two guys who scored the highest in BRM got to fire the real thing so we could see what they are like. Then we caught transportation to another range where we learned to fire the M203 Grenade Launcher. We got to fire several practice rounds from that as well and that was fun also.
You wanted more information for the blog and you will certainly get some here. Yesterday, as I said in an earlier letter, was an extremely busy day. The first things we did was go to the ETS (Electronic Targeting System) building and get our first Advanced Rifle Marksmanship class. ARM involves close quarters combat. In the ETS, we were engaging targets at 25 meters and closer. It involves using a red dot sight, which is pretty cool. I scored 31 out of 36 possible during the ETS portion. So I was pretty happy with that.
After that, we had lunch, then caught transportation to one of the ranges. There, we did the same thing only with live ammo. It was quite fun. You start with your rifle on safe, locked and loaded, and at the low ready position. On the command to engage the target, you snap the rifle up into firing position while switching it from safe to semi and fire a controlled pair at the target. You then lower the weapon, flipping the selector switch from semi to safe. We fired two twenty-round magazines between twenty meters and five meters. I liked it a lot. It was much more fun than BRM was.
After that, we waited around until dinner time, ate dinner then walked over to the next range for night firing. Now that was really fun! For that, we used a combination of a night vision monocular that mounts to our helmet and a device that paints the target with a laser (visible only through the night vision) that mounts to the forward handgrip. That was really cool. The night vision device was amazing. There's a reason the US Army owns the night. We fired forty rounds there also.
Today was cool also. First, we caught transportation to a range where we learned to fire the AT4 rocket launcher. Then we got to fire five or so practice rounds from them. I hit my target every time and got several compliments from the drill sergeant working my firing station. After that, the two guys who scored the highest in BRM got to fire the real thing so we could see what they are like. Then we caught transportation to another range where we learned to fire the M203 Grenade Launcher. We got to fire several practice rounds from that as well and that was fun also.
September 8, 2007
Praise the Lord! I have several praises today to share with you. First of all, we did pretty good tody so the drill sergeant lifted the half the platoon on duty at a time which means it's back to normal fire guard, which means I get a full nights sleep tonight. That's exciting, epecially after only getting about two and a half hours of sleep last night. The other praise involves today's training. Today was grenade qualification. You have to qualify in order to graduate. First they had us go through some training to learn proper range procedures, safety procedures, and how to properly through a grenade. Then we threw a couple of practice grenades so that they could make sure we were doing it all right. I passed that just fine and then it was off to the live range to throw two real fragmentation grenades. I did fine there too. (I was praying the whole time). After that, we had to go through a series of seven stations. They involved things like throwing a grenade into a mortar position from the kneeling position at twenty meters, throwing a grenade into a trench at twenty-five meters from the standing position, indentifying various types of grenades by sight, and things like that. If you got four or less, you didn't qualify (each station was pass or fail). If you got five, you qualified as second class. Six got you a first class qualification. Seven, and you qualified as an expert. I got expert! I know the Lord helped me a lot. I was praying about it pretty hard once I found out that passing is a requirement for graduation.
Wednesday is the start of our second FTX (Field Training Exercise) and this one is a three day, two night deal...I know I will be pretty tired when we get back!
It sounds like at least some of the guys who had the dip and stuff are going to get restarted to day one. Hopefully it will be soon so that we can get them out of here. Several of them figure they are getting restarted anyway and so they aren't even trying to do what they are supposed to do anymore.
PFC Sam Jones
Wednesday is the start of our second FTX (Field Training Exercise) and this one is a three day, two night deal...I know I will be pretty tired when we get back!
It sounds like at least some of the guys who had the dip and stuff are going to get restarted to day one. Hopefully it will be soon so that we can get them out of here. Several of them figure they are getting restarted anyway and so they aren't even trying to do what they are supposed to do anymore.
PFC Sam Jones
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 7, 2007
Well, yesterday was very interesting to say the least. There was no time to write due to all that happened. I started off the day by working with some of the others on a job for one of the drill sergeants. Then, around lunch time, they took us out to join the rest of the company for training. We learned about the M240B machine gun, then we got to shoot 50 rounds through it. It was pretty fun.
However, at some point before I got out there, one of the guys from my platoon was caught with dip or snuff or something like that. They started questioning him and he named others who were involved and by the time they were done, they had five other people from the platoon, along with others from other platoons who were involved. Supposedly, all these people will be getting restarted, and I hope they do because some of them are some of the ones who keep acting up.
When we got back, they made us all wait downstairs while the drill sergeants searched the bays and everyone's lockers. As part of the punishment, we got very little sleep last night. Half the platoon had to be on duty for two hour shifts all night long. I got about four hours of sleep. This is supposed to continue until Drill Sergeant Slade says otherwise, so I think we're going to be tired for a while.
PFC Sam Jones
However, at some point before I got out there, one of the guys from my platoon was caught with dip or snuff or something like that. They started questioning him and he named others who were involved and by the time they were done, they had five other people from the platoon, along with others from other platoons who were involved. Supposedly, all these people will be getting restarted, and I hope they do because some of them are some of the ones who keep acting up.
When we got back, they made us all wait downstairs while the drill sergeants searched the bays and everyone's lockers. As part of the punishment, we got very little sleep last night. Half the platoon had to be on duty for two hour shifts all night long. I got about four hours of sleep. This is supposed to continue until Drill Sergeant Slade says otherwise, so I think we're going to be tired for a while.
PFC Sam Jones
Thursday, September 13, 2007
September 5, 2007
We got haircuts again today, so I'm bald again. I don't know if they will let us grow it out more for graduation or not. I might be bald then too. I guess we'll have to see.
Well then, since you asked, I will describe our barracks and such to you. It's a long, narrow room with a row of bunks extending down each wall. At the end of the room with the door is the fire guard desk and drill sergeants office. In the middle is a yellow rectangle two tiles wide all around. We are not supposed to step on the yellow at any time for any reason unless told to by a drill sergeant. That surrounds a middle area where our weapons racks and exercise equipment are.
There are 53 people in my platoon and somewhere around 190 in the whole company. There were more but the other platoon's have lost people for various reasons. We lost one, but gained another, so we've stayed at 53.
We do have more priveleges now. We don't have to have a drill sergeant march us to church now and things like that.
PFC Sam Jones
Well then, since you asked, I will describe our barracks and such to you. It's a long, narrow room with a row of bunks extending down each wall. At the end of the room with the door is the fire guard desk and drill sergeants office. In the middle is a yellow rectangle two tiles wide all around. We are not supposed to step on the yellow at any time for any reason unless told to by a drill sergeant. That surrounds a middle area where our weapons racks and exercise equipment are.
There are 53 people in my platoon and somewhere around 190 in the whole company. There were more but the other platoon's have lost people for various reasons. We lost one, but gained another, so we've stayed at 53.
We do have more priveleges now. We don't have to have a drill sergeant march us to church now and things like that.
PFC Sam Jones
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A Note from Rebekah
Sam told me that there are unlimited seats for graduation on Thursday, October 4th. If any of you will be in the Columbus, GA area on that day, let me know! We'd love to see you on this special day! My email address is: bekahj77_at_gmail.com. Just replace the _at_ with @ and you'll get me!
R
R
September 4, 2007
I have good news! I passed BRM! I qualified today! I only shot marksman level which is the lowest, but still, I qualifies! My first time shooting didn't count because of a rather large computer error. There are forty targets and forty rounds of ammunition, yet somehow I shot a 59. The guy in the lane in front of me shot a 58, so they shut that lane down after me. When I went over after shooting that time, I got really scared because First Sergeant Turner, our company First Sergeant and a VERY strict and tough guy said, "Who was in lane 7?" I raised my hand and said, "It was me, First Sergeant." He just started shaking his head and I was thinking, "Oh no. I missed them all or something." Then he explained what was going on and I was like, "Whew!" It wasn't funny at the time, but it is now. So yes, I passed! Only a couple of more obstacles to overcome and I will graduate no problem at all. I'm actually doing this! I'm making it through Basic. Isn't that exciting?!
PFC Sam Jones
PFC Sam Jones
September 3, 2007
Tomorrow is qualification day. I have to admit that I'm kind of nervous. I only really got to shoot once in practice. Hopefully, I will do okay. Let's pray that I do. I really, really need to qualify. Rumor has it that everyone qualifies, one way or the other, but I don't want to chance it.
PFC Sam Jones
PFC Sam Jones
September 2, 2007
Tonight's been fairly easy so far. We cleaned the barracks, straightened our lockers, etc. The rest has been free time. I'm happy. Wakeup tomorrow isn't until 0600 because of the holiday, so more sleep! It's kind of sad that 0600 is sleeping in, isn't it? Oh well. I'm used to it now. Used to going to bed at 2100 too.
PFC Sam Jones
PFC Sam Jones
September 1, 2007
Today is the first day of week 5! It's hard to believe that it's already been four full weeks. The time seems to be going pretty fast. All we've been working on lately is BRM (Basic Rifle Management). It's been a pretty easy last few days. PT in the morning, eat breakfast, head to one of the ranges until mid-afternoon, then back and clean our rifles until dinnertime. That was pretty much the schedule for the whole week. So yeah, it was pretty easy.
I've been thinking about family day and what I would like to do. I think I'd like to eat one meal at Pizza Hut. Beyond that, I don't much care. I just want to spend it with you, Mom & Dad, and whoever else is there. I wouldn't mind a good, long, hot shower at wherever you're staying though. That would be nice.
Are you off for Labor Day? We are to some degree. There is no training that day at least. We will probably have to do some cleaning and stuff like that. But we should also have plenty of free time. I will use it to write to you and read my Bible. I figure those are pretty much the best ways to use my free time!
PFC Sam Jones
I've been thinking about family day and what I would like to do. I think I'd like to eat one meal at Pizza Hut. Beyond that, I don't much care. I just want to spend it with you, Mom & Dad, and whoever else is there. I wouldn't mind a good, long, hot shower at wherever you're staying though. That would be nice.
Are you off for Labor Day? We are to some degree. There is no training that day at least. We will probably have to do some cleaning and stuff like that. But we should also have plenty of free time. I will use it to write to you and read my Bible. I figure those are pretty much the best ways to use my free time!
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, September 1, 2007
August 28, 2007
Today was an unbelivably hectic day! I grabbed my rucksack, body armor, knee and elbow pads, load carrying harness, canteens, camelback, and helmet, and headed off to the range to zero my rifle. Once we got back, we spent the rest of the time cleaning the area. Apparently, some big shots are coming through in the next few days.
When I went up to the barracks to tell Drill Sergeant Slade that all the sick calls were ready to go, there were three of my platoon members in there who were in BIG trouble. Apparently, they cheated on the run and turned around sooner than they were supposed to. I don't know what's going to happen to them, but they could get restarted all the way back to day one for an Army Values violation (one of the Army Values is Integrity). One of them is the guy in the bunk under me. I wouldn't be too sorry to see him go. He's a troublemaker and he's also lazy. This also is not the first time he's been in trouble, so we'll see what happens.
Saturday (Sept. 1st) is pre-qualification for shooting and Tuesday (Sept. 4th) is actual qualification. Please pray for me!
PFC Sam Jones
When I went up to the barracks to tell Drill Sergeant Slade that all the sick calls were ready to go, there were three of my platoon members in there who were in BIG trouble. Apparently, they cheated on the run and turned around sooner than they were supposed to. I don't know what's going to happen to them, but they could get restarted all the way back to day one for an Army Values violation (one of the Army Values is Integrity). One of them is the guy in the bunk under me. I wouldn't be too sorry to see him go. He's a troublemaker and he's also lazy. This also is not the first time he's been in trouble, so we'll see what happens.
Saturday (Sept. 1st) is pre-qualification for shooting and Tuesday (Sept. 4th) is actual qualification. Please pray for me!
PFC Sam Jones
August 27, 2007
some more information about White Phase and what that means....R
Now that we are in White Phase, we have more freedom. The drill sergeants go home earlier, which is kind of nice. The leadership is in place too, so the drill sergeants tell the platoon guy what they want done and the platoon guy and squad leaders make sure it gets done. It's a pretty good system, really.
PFC Sam Jones
Now that we are in White Phase, we have more freedom. The drill sergeants go home earlier, which is kind of nice. The leadership is in place too, so the drill sergeants tell the platoon guy what they want done and the platoon guy and squad leaders make sure it gets done. It's a pretty good system, really.
PFC Sam Jones
August 25, 2007
Today was a pretty good day. We had a company run for PT this morning that was something like two and a half miles. I stayed with the company the whole time! I could hardly believe it, but I did it. After the run, we took showers, then ate breakfast. The it was time to catch transportation to the range. Today was grouping day. In order to qualify you had to get five out of six shots into a circle four centimeters in diameter at twenty-five meters. I prayed before my turn, asking God to help me do well. I grouped in my first six shots! I was pretty excited and was complimented by Drill Sergeant Smithling and Captain Fox, the company commander.
Also, with moving to White Phase, they appointed leadership within the squads and over the platoon as a whole. My friend Heath Jones was appointed Squad Leader of third squad and he chose me as Assistant Squad Leader. so now I have some responsibility.
Also, with moving to White Phase, they appointed leadership within the squads and over the platoon as a whole. My friend Heath Jones was appointed Squad Leader of third squad and he chose me as Assistant Squad Leader. so now I have some responsibility.
August 24, 2007
Boy am I tired. Not only that, but I have some rather large blisters on my feet. We had a six and a half mile march today while carrying our rucksack with something like forty-five pounds of gear in it. Not much fun believe me. But I made it through. We will be starting shooting on Saturday. I'm excited about that!
Today was a pretty good day. We had a surprise inspection which we passed. With passing it, we officially moved from Red Phase to White Phase. So that is exciting. Today we went to an Electronic Simulator thing to learn how to group with our rifles. It was pretty cool. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but I finally did. Tomorrow, we do it for real on the range.
PFC Sam Jones
Today was a pretty good day. We had a surprise inspection which we passed. With passing it, we officially moved from Red Phase to White Phase. So that is exciting. Today we went to an Electronic Simulator thing to learn how to group with our rifles. It was pretty cool. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but I finally did. Tomorrow, we do it for real on the range.
PFC Sam Jones
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August 22, 2007
We have gone on our first Field Training Exercise. We left yesterday morning after breakfast and got back around 1330 today. It was extremely tiring to say the least. We had to dig a hasty fighting position for each two man team. It had to be big enough for both people and our rucksacks. It had to be 18 inches deep as well. That was a LOT of work, let me tell you. Then at night we had to have one member of each two man team on guard duty at all times, so it was two hours on and two hours off. I only got four hours of sleep last night. I'm sooo tired. I had a good teammate though. It was the guy I mentioned before, Heath Jones. We work well together.
I came close to passing out yesterday. Jones and I didn't receive our compass directions for our fields of fire until 1330 and we were supposed to have our position dug by 1400, so we were digging like mad in a heat index of something like 105. I survived though. They made us stop and rest, then follow the army standard for work in those temperatures, which is work for ten minutes, then rest for fifty. Kind of hard to get much done that way, but at least you don't pass out.
That FTX was my first time sleeping outdoors without a tent. We just slept on the ground. Tomorrow we have another foot march. This one is supposed to be around 4 to 4.5 miles long. At least it's in the morning when it's a bit cooler.
PFC Sam Jones
I came close to passing out yesterday. Jones and I didn't receive our compass directions for our fields of fire until 1330 and we were supposed to have our position dug by 1400, so we were digging like mad in a heat index of something like 105. I survived though. They made us stop and rest, then follow the army standard for work in those temperatures, which is work for ten minutes, then rest for fifty. Kind of hard to get much done that way, but at least you don't pass out.
That FTX was my first time sleeping outdoors without a tent. We just slept on the ground. Tomorrow we have another foot march. This one is supposed to be around 4 to 4.5 miles long. At least it's in the morning when it's a bit cooler.
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, August 25, 2007
August 20, 2007
Today we had PT in the morning. It was quite a workout. We ran a mile in platoon formation, then we did four 60/120s. That's when you sprint for one minute, then walk for two. I was very tired after that. Then we marched to an area and learned how to set up checkpoints, how escalation of force at checkpoints works, and how to search dead bad guys. Fun, huh??
PFC Sam Jones
PFC Sam Jones
August 19, 2007
This morning was mostly barracks maintenance and some classes from Drill Sergeant Smithling to help get us ready for the first FTX (Field Training Exercise) which is coming up Tuesday. There is also a lot of information that we need to retain since there is a mid-cycle written test that you must get at least a 70 on. Week 7 will be the final PT test, so please pray that I pass it.
In addition to the upcoming FTX, we also have BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship) coming up this week. It should get much more fun from here on, especially if the platoon can learn to start working together.
I had CQ duty night before last. That means that one of our platoon's drill sergeants has charge of quarters duty for the night and so two of us have to man the CQ desk in hourly shifts to answer the phones and refer any situations that come up to the drill sergeant. Well, that night I was at the desk when someone from 1st platoon ran down looking for Drill Sergeant Slade. As it turned out, someone in that platoon tried to kill themselves by swallowing two entire bottles of pills. They took him to the hospital and that's the last I heard about it. Never a dull moment around here!
I have made a couple good friends. There's Derek Kassman who is in the bunk on one side of me, and Heath Jones who is in the bunk on the other side. Both are pretty nice.
PFC Sam Jones
In addition to the upcoming FTX, we also have BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship) coming up this week. It should get much more fun from here on, especially if the platoon can learn to start working together.
I had CQ duty night before last. That means that one of our platoon's drill sergeants has charge of quarters duty for the night and so two of us have to man the CQ desk in hourly shifts to answer the phones and refer any situations that come up to the drill sergeant. Well, that night I was at the desk when someone from 1st platoon ran down looking for Drill Sergeant Slade. As it turned out, someone in that platoon tried to kill themselves by swallowing two entire bottles of pills. They took him to the hospital and that's the last I heard about it. Never a dull moment around here!
I have made a couple good friends. There's Derek Kassman who is in the bunk on one side of me, and Heath Jones who is in the bunk on the other side. Both are pretty nice.
PFC Sam Jones
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
August 17, 2007
Well, after today, two more of the things I was dreading are over and done with! This morning, we got up, got our rucksacks, helmets, and other gear together and took it downstairs to the Company Training Area (CTA). After that, it was PT time, followed by showers and then breakfast.
After breakfast, all of Charlie Company loaded up on buses and headed off to the gas chamber. People say that the gas chamber is the worst experience during basic training, and I well believe it. The gas in question is CS gas which is used for riot control like tear gas, but is much stronger. The way it worked was we put on our gas masks and went into the room. Then they released the gas. Then they had usbreak the seal on our masks, then reseal and clear them. That wasn't bad because I held my breath during that part. Well, wasn't TOO bas because iCS is an irritant so any exposed skin (hands, neck) felt like it was on fire. Then was the bad part. We had to take off our masks, put our helmets on, buckle them, then walk out the far end of the room. As bad luck would have it, I was the last of a group of about 20, and so was in the room the longest. It was not at ALL pleasant. Then, when we got done they made us walk back through. I held my breath that time.
After that, we bused back to the barracks and had lunch. After lunch, it was time to clean our rifles, then it was time for inserting IVs into each other. Fun, fun, huh. I lucked out though!My battle buddy for it is a big guy named Griffin. When it was my turn to stick Griffin, neither I nor Drill Sergeant Smithling could find the vein, so he had me sit down instead. Then, as Griffin was getting ready, Drill Sergeant Smithling went ahead and stuck me because time was short and had Griffin finish it. Then he said, "Ok, you guys are done, get out of here." So that was nice. I was more nervous about sticking someone else that I was being stuck.
Can you believe that tomorrow officially starts my third week of basic? One that week is over, I'll be 1/3 of the way done! Most of next week will be Basic Rifle Marksmanship, which I'm really looking forward to! We may have our first field training exercise next week also, but I'm not sure.
PFC Sam Jones
After breakfast, all of Charlie Company loaded up on buses and headed off to the gas chamber. People say that the gas chamber is the worst experience during basic training, and I well believe it. The gas in question is CS gas which is used for riot control like tear gas, but is much stronger. The way it worked was we put on our gas masks and went into the room. Then they released the gas. Then they had usbreak the seal on our masks, then reseal and clear them. That wasn't bad because I held my breath during that part. Well, wasn't TOO bas because iCS is an irritant so any exposed skin (hands, neck) felt like it was on fire. Then was the bad part. We had to take off our masks, put our helmets on, buckle them, then walk out the far end of the room. As bad luck would have it, I was the last of a group of about 20, and so was in the room the longest. It was not at ALL pleasant. Then, when we got done they made us walk back through. I held my breath that time.
After that, we bused back to the barracks and had lunch. After lunch, it was time to clean our rifles, then it was time for inserting IVs into each other. Fun, fun, huh. I lucked out though!My battle buddy for it is a big guy named Griffin. When it was my turn to stick Griffin, neither I nor Drill Sergeant Smithling could find the vein, so he had me sit down instead. Then, as Griffin was getting ready, Drill Sergeant Smithling went ahead and stuck me because time was short and had Griffin finish it. Then he said, "Ok, you guys are done, get out of here." So that was nice. I was more nervous about sticking someone else that I was being stuck.
Can you believe that tomorrow officially starts my third week of basic? One that week is over, I'll be 1/3 of the way done! Most of next week will be Basic Rifle Marksmanship, which I'm really looking forward to! We may have our first field training exercise next week also, but I'm not sure.
PFC Sam Jones
August 16, 2007
Today started out pretty fun. We had the pugil stick competition today where we fought people from other platoons. We each had one fight and I won mine! Not only that, my platoon won the competition! It came down to a tie between us and 4th platoon with one person from each still to fight. They fought and our guy won! Severl competitions here earn the winning platoon points and a streamer to add to their company guidon and banner. This was the second event. We came in third in the obstacle course, which was the first event. The platoon who earns the most points wins honor platoon.
Tomorrow is the gas chamber, which I am not looking forward to. I'm also not looking forward to Saturday because we have to give each other IVs. You know me and needles.
PFC Sam Jones
Tomorrow is the gas chamber, which I am not looking forward to. I'm also not looking forward to Saturday because we have to give each other IVs. You know me and needles.
PFC Sam Jones
Sunday, August 19, 2007
August 15, 2007
I'm soo happy right now. I finally got mail last night! I got a letter from Leah, one from my mother-in-law, one from my mother and six from Bekah! I was so excited! I will keep all letters and reread them over and over. It's such an encouragemen to know that so many people are praying for me.
Monday was mostly classes covering Land Navigation and compass use, map reading, etc. Yesterday, we put it into practice as we did daytime and nighttime navigation. It was actually pretty fun. Well, the night part was. For the day part I somehow got stuck with the platoon idiot. He freaked out every time he saw a spider web, insisted the sounds of insects in the air were rattlesnakes, and literally started screaming whenever he actually saw a spider. It was a mess. I couldn't keep track of my pace count because I was contanstly having to try to calm him down (without much success I might add).
God is so good! I've really felt his presence over the last few days. It's been amazing. I've been reading my Bible every day. So far I'm 20 chapters into Genesis and 25 into Matthew and will probably be a good bit further than that by tonight. I'm still also reading the Proverb of the day. Also, everytime I'm marching or walking, I find myself singing in my head. Hymns, southern gospel, and contemporary songs are all tere. Your head can be a pretty good sound system!
Monday was mostly classes covering Land Navigation and compass use, map reading, etc. Yesterday, we put it into practice as we did daytime and nighttime navigation. It was actually pretty fun. Well, the night part was. For the day part I somehow got stuck with the platoon idiot. He freaked out every time he saw a spider web, insisted the sounds of insects in the air were rattlesnakes, and literally started screaming whenever he actually saw a spider. It was a mess. I couldn't keep track of my pace count because I was contanstly having to try to calm him down (without much success I might add).
God is so good! I've really felt his presence over the last few days. It's been amazing. I've been reading my Bible every day. So far I'm 20 chapters into Genesis and 25 into Matthew and will probably be a good bit further than that by tonight. I'm still also reading the Proverb of the day. Also, everytime I'm marching or walking, I find myself singing in my head. Hymns, southern gospel, and contemporary songs are all tere. Your head can be a pretty good sound system!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 11, 2007
Well, another week's come and gone again and I'm now officially in week two of Basic Training. Today was our first foot march, a three kilometer one. That's not all that far, but when you've got a full rucksack, an M-16, and other assorted gear, it's a pretty good work out. Once we arrived at our destination, each platoon got a series of classes. One was how to set up and use a claymore mine. Another was on recognizing and procedures for dealing with unexploded ordinance. The third was on IEDs (improvised explosives devices), and the fourth had us walking a simulated Baghdad street trying to spot IEDs. It was quite interesting.
I'm not sure what the training schedule is for next week except we are supposed to have pugil sticks and the gas chamber. Fun, huh? Also today we had our first MREs. Mine was jambalya with sausage and shrimp. It was actually pretty good.
PFC Sam Jones
I'm not sure what the training schedule is for next week except we are supposed to have pugil sticks and the gas chamber. Fun, huh? Also today we had our first MREs. Mine was jambalya with sausage and shrimp. It was actually pretty good.
PFC Sam Jones
August 9, 2007
Yesterday we went to the obstacle course and the confidence course. The obstacle course was very challenging. It took almost everything I had to get through it, but I did. After that, we went to the confidence course where we did four obstacles, or rather everyone else did. I ended up suffering from heat exhaustion, and so wasn't allowed to do them. I had a temperature or over 100 when they checked me. They made me sit on the ground and poured cold water on me until they got my temperature down to 97ish. It was a weird feeling, let me tell you. You're really hot, but you feel cold and your skin is cool and clammy. It's not serious if taken care of though. I'm fine today. By the way, the temperature yesterday was around 103.
Today was even hotter. I heard it was 105 and I believe it. People were dropping (passing out) like flies today. I think at least 20 out of our total company of 212 did. Most if not all were taken to the hospital. One of my drill sergeants, Drill Sergeant Smithling, went down too from what I understand. We haven't been told yet what his condition is.
Today was the day I took on one of my greatest fears and beat it. That's right. Today was the tower. I jumped off a 65 foot tower and rappelled to the ground. I was scared at first, especially climbing up the ladder to the top of the tower. We had to tie our own rope harnesses (something called a Swiss seat) and the drill sergeants at the top I think could tell I was scared so they kept giving me a hard time by pretending there was something wrong with my rope. Drill sergeants can be very cruel people. Anyways, once I got started, it was actually quite fun. I still didn't look down, but I enjoyed the experience. I would probably even do it again.
Things are going fairly well. I've lost about eight pounds so far according to the scales here in the barracks. I was 232 when I weighed myself today. I guess tomorrow we start the hand-to-hand combat training. The army now teaches us what is essentially Brazilian jujitsu, which is the style many of the ultimate fighters use. I'm looking forward to learning it.
The battalion chaplin is very nice. He's Nazarene, so he does most of the General Protestant services. He spoke to the company and did a good job. I liked him
PFC Sam Jones
Today was even hotter. I heard it was 105 and I believe it. People were dropping (passing out) like flies today. I think at least 20 out of our total company of 212 did. Most if not all were taken to the hospital. One of my drill sergeants, Drill Sergeant Smithling, went down too from what I understand. We haven't been told yet what his condition is.
Today was the day I took on one of my greatest fears and beat it. That's right. Today was the tower. I jumped off a 65 foot tower and rappelled to the ground. I was scared at first, especially climbing up the ladder to the top of the tower. We had to tie our own rope harnesses (something called a Swiss seat) and the drill sergeants at the top I think could tell I was scared so they kept giving me a hard time by pretending there was something wrong with my rope. Drill sergeants can be very cruel people. Anyways, once I got started, it was actually quite fun. I still didn't look down, but I enjoyed the experience. I would probably even do it again.
Things are going fairly well. I've lost about eight pounds so far according to the scales here in the barracks. I was 232 when I weighed myself today. I guess tomorrow we start the hand-to-hand combat training. The army now teaches us what is essentially Brazilian jujitsu, which is the style many of the ultimate fighters use. I'm looking forward to learning it.
The battalion chaplin is very nice. He's Nazarene, so he does most of the General Protestant services. He spoke to the company and did a good job. I liked him
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, August 11, 2007
August 7, 2007
Today was the most fun day I've had here so far at basic. This morning, for PT, we did running. I didn't do as well on the initial PT test as I'd hoped. I ran the mile in 9:56. I think it was the humidity. Anyway, we did what they call 30/60s. You sprint all out for 30 seconds, then walk for 60 seconds. It's supposed to be really good for increasing running speed and endurance. It was acutally pretty fun.
After PT, we took showersm then dressed in ACUs, grabbed our rifles, and headed down to breakfast. After breakfast, we loaded up in buses and headed off to something they call a leadership evaluation course. It's basically a team building thing where your team has to solve a series of physical puzzles such as transporting ammo containers across a ravine (simulated of course) to which the bridge has blown up. All you have are two pieces of lumber and a rope. It was pretty challenging, but my group managed to complete about half of them in the time allotted (10 minutes each). It was a lot of fun, especially the water ones. If you didn't complete it in time, they made everyone jump in the water. The heat index was 109, so the water felt pretty good.
That took most of the day, really. We came back, took showers, then worked on some things in the bay getting ready for upcoming events. Tomorrow we have the obstacle course and confidence course and I think we start hand-to-hand combat as well. Next week is Eagle Tower (or that might be this week) and the gas chamber, neither of which I'm looking forward to.
I did things today on that course I didn't think I could, even some involving heights. So I was pretty proud of myself!
PFC Sam Jones
After PT, we took showersm then dressed in ACUs, grabbed our rifles, and headed down to breakfast. After breakfast, we loaded up in buses and headed off to something they call a leadership evaluation course. It's basically a team building thing where your team has to solve a series of physical puzzles such as transporting ammo containers across a ravine (simulated of course) to which the bridge has blown up. All you have are two pieces of lumber and a rope. It was pretty challenging, but my group managed to complete about half of them in the time allotted (10 minutes each). It was a lot of fun, especially the water ones. If you didn't complete it in time, they made everyone jump in the water. The heat index was 109, so the water felt pretty good.
That took most of the day, really. We came back, took showers, then worked on some things in the bay getting ready for upcoming events. Tomorrow we have the obstacle course and confidence course and I think we start hand-to-hand combat as well. Next week is Eagle Tower (or that might be this week) and the gas chamber, neither of which I'm looking forward to.
I did things today on that course I didn't think I could, even some involving heights. So I was pretty proud of myself!
PFC Sam Jones
August 5, 2007
Things are going as well as can be expected. It's a pretty high stress environment. They are constantly throwing new things at us even before we have time to absorb the old. The trickiest part is remembering it all because there is so much of it.
Yesterday we were issued our M-16s. We then spent the rest of the day in classes learning such things as how to field strip it, clean it, safety procedures, etc. So now we have weapons racks in our barracks containing fifty-three M-16s.
PFC Sam Jones
Yesterday we were issued our M-16s. We then spent the rest of the day in classes learning such things as how to field strip it, clean it, safety procedures, etc. So now we have weapons racks in our barracks containing fifty-three M-16s.
PFC Sam Jones
August 3, 2007
Well, my second day of basic training is over. At least now I can get letters. I'm going to need them as often as possible! We were issued a bunch of new equipment yesterday. I now have body armor, a helemt, and all sorts of stuff for the outdoor field exercises.
There are three drill sergeants assigned to my platoon. They are Sergeants Slade, Smithling, and Williams. So far they seem tough, but pretty fair. They haven't smoked anyone for no reason, at least not yet. Sergeant Smithling is pretty easy going and funny. He told us he doesn't really like being a drill sergeant because he doesn't really like to yell and scream. Sergeants Slade and Williams are okay also. So far unless it's a lot of people messing up, they only punish individuals, not the whole group. Today was a pretty good day. We had several classes and did PT for the first time. Tomorrow we get issued our M-16s.
PFC Sam Jones
There are three drill sergeants assigned to my platoon. They are Sergeants Slade, Smithling, and Williams. So far they seem tough, but pretty fair. They haven't smoked anyone for no reason, at least not yet. Sergeant Smithling is pretty easy going and funny. He told us he doesn't really like being a drill sergeant because he doesn't really like to yell and scream. Sergeants Slade and Williams are okay also. So far unless it's a lot of people messing up, they only punish individuals, not the whole group. Today was a pretty good day. We had several classes and did PT for the first time. Tomorrow we get issued our M-16s.
PFC Sam Jones
July 31, 2007
Today was another busy day of processing. We began with breakfast and went straight from there to the auditorium in Johnson Hall for our medical brief. After the brief and paperwork, it was off to medical for shots. I got four shots. One in the left arm in the bend above the elbow, one in the left shoulder, and two in the right shoulder. Only one (one of the ones in the right shoulder) really hurt. Most people got five shots because they got a penicillin shot also. After that they drew four vials of blood.
Next we went to the optometry so that they can order the army issue glasses. After that we went down and got our boots and hats so I now have my full uniform which is exciting!
That was pretty much it for the day, except for due to the barracks across from us, all Bravo barracks have to mount a 6 man fire watch tonight. That means 6 people each hour all night. Last night, the drill sergeant said five times to read the rules in the barracks. He walked in and saw all kinds of rule violations. They got stuck with 20 man fire watch all night, but the rest of us get to suffer for it tonight. I'm on the 3 am to 4 am shift which is okay since first formation is at 0415.
PFC Sam Jones
Next we went to the optometry so that they can order the army issue glasses. After that we went down and got our boots and hats so I now have my full uniform which is exciting!
That was pretty much it for the day, except for due to the barracks across from us, all Bravo barracks have to mount a 6 man fire watch tonight. That means 6 people each hour all night. Last night, the drill sergeant said five times to read the rules in the barracks. He walked in and saw all kinds of rule violations. They got stuck with 20 man fire watch all night, but the rest of us get to suffer for it tonight. I'm on the 3 am to 4 am shift which is okay since first formation is at 0415.
PFC Sam Jones
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
July 30, 2007
Today we were officially Day Ones (of four days) at Processing. It was a busy day. First formation was at 0430, like normal. From there, we went to breakfast. After breakfast, we went to Johnson Hall where we filled out some paperwork for awhile. Then came a finance briefing. After the finance briefing, we got our $250 smart cards and went to the PX to get supplies. There were quite a few things on the list that wew were supposed to buy. things like razor blades, shaving crea, boot care kits, flashlight, batteries, running shoes, etc. I had enough left on the card to get more stamps and a camelback. A camelback is an insulated water holding backpack with a drinking tube. It holds three liters of water as opposed to the one quart a canteen holds. Another plus is that with buying it, I don't have to wear the uncomfortable pistol belt and canteen anymore. They are very serious about us drinking water here due to the heat and humidity. They said two soldiers have already died this year due to heat related illnesses. I've been drinking somewhere between two and three gallons a day, I would guess.
Also today, before the PX, we all paid a little visit to the barber shop. Yes, that's right. My head is now shaved.
After the PX, it was time for lunch. After lunch, it was back to Johnson Hall for fingerprinting and photo taking for our military ID cards. After that came dental x-rays, which was it for the day.
Lights out is in about an hour, and I have fire watch at 0200 to 0300. This means I stand around and make sure the barracks don't catch on fire. It seems kind of dumb, but it's required so oh, well. Last night I did it from 0000 to 0100. So with tonight, I shouldn't have to do it again this week.
Tomorrow we are supposed to get our shots (fun, fun). Hopefully, we will also get our boots tomorrow. We have our ACUs, but not the boots and bunch of us don't have the hats either since we needed haircuts first.
PFC Sam Jones
Also today, before the PX, we all paid a little visit to the barber shop. Yes, that's right. My head is now shaved.
After the PX, it was time for lunch. After lunch, it was back to Johnson Hall for fingerprinting and photo taking for our military ID cards. After that came dental x-rays, which was it for the day.
Lights out is in about an hour, and I have fire watch at 0200 to 0300. This means I stand around and make sure the barracks don't catch on fire. It seems kind of dumb, but it's required so oh, well. Last night I did it from 0000 to 0100. So with tonight, I shouldn't have to do it again this week.
Tomorrow we are supposed to get our shots (fun, fun). Hopefully, we will also get our boots tomorrow. We have our ACUs, but not the boots and bunch of us don't have the hats either since we needed haircuts first.
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, August 4, 2007
July 29, 2007
The Salute
The salute is used for officers. Soldiers are required to salute officers. Officers are always addressed as Sir or Ma'am, Sergeants are always addressed at Sergeant or Drill Sergeant. Whenever you speak to one, you are supposed to stand at the at ease position.
Meal Time
Tonight at dinner, I had been sitting at the table for about two minutes when the drill sergeant said we had three minutes to finish eating. He told us at BCT you get three minutes from the time the last person sits down, so learn to eat fast. We are not allowed to talk at meals either.
The Soldiers Creed
Another thing we had to do was memorize the Soldier's Creed:
Barracks Life
As far as barracks life, it's interesting at best. Most of these guys act more like junior highers than soldiers in the U.S. Army. There is guy in the barracks who looks like David Hasselhoff and another who looks like Dave Chapelle.
The salute is used for officers. Soldiers are required to salute officers. Officers are always addressed as Sir or Ma'am, Sergeants are always addressed at Sergeant or Drill Sergeant. Whenever you speak to one, you are supposed to stand at the at ease position.
Meal Time
Tonight at dinner, I had been sitting at the table for about two minutes when the drill sergeant said we had three minutes to finish eating. He told us at BCT you get three minutes from the time the last person sits down, so learn to eat fast. We are not allowed to talk at meals either.
The Soldiers Creed
Another thing we had to do was memorize the Soldier's Creed:
- I am a warrior and a member of a team.
- I serve the people of the United States and live the Army values.
- I will always place the mission first.
- I will never accept defeat.
- I will never quit.
- I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
- I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.
- I am an expert and a professional.
- I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
- I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
- I am an American soldier.
Barracks Life
As far as barracks life, it's interesting at best. Most of these guys act more like junior highers than soldiers in the U.S. Army. There is guy in the barracks who looks like David Hasselhoff and another who looks like Dave Chapelle.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
July 29, 2007
Well, here it is my third day as a soldier. Today has been a very light day so far. First formation was at 0600 as opposed to the usual 0430. Then came breakfast. I had eggs, biscuits and gravy, and french toast. After breakfast we had a little bit of time before a second formation. During that formation Sergeant Schultz (yes, that's really his name!) went over the schedule of services as well as the other activites. He then choose people for a work detail and sent the rest of us back to the barracks to clean them.
After that was lunch. I had a grilled chicked breast sandwich, a hot dog, some fruit and jello. It's currently 1215 and I will be leaving to sign out for the service at 1245. At 1330 they will be showing a movie in one of the barracks. Sgt. Schultz hasn't told us yet what it will be, but it's certain to be something Army related. After that will be dinner, probably around 1630. At 1800 will be what they call an accountability formation. That is where they make sure everyone is there. "All present and accounted for, Herr Kommandant!" As long as everyone behaves, Sgt. Schultz said after that he will give us personal time until lights out at 2100.
PFC Sam Jones
After that was lunch. I had a grilled chicked breast sandwich, a hot dog, some fruit and jello. It's currently 1215 and I will be leaving to sign out for the service at 1245. At 1330 they will be showing a movie in one of the barracks. Sgt. Schultz hasn't told us yet what it will be, but it's certain to be something Army related. After that will be dinner, probably around 1630. At 1800 will be what they call an accountability formation. That is where they make sure everyone is there. "All present and accounted for, Herr Kommandant!" As long as everyone behaves, Sgt. Schultz said after that he will give us personal time until lights out at 2100.
PFC Sam Jones
July 28, 2007
Well, I'm about halfway through my second day at reception. So far, the day has gone like this. We formed up at 0430, then waited in formation for an hour. After that, we went into the dining hall where we waited for another hour before we could eat. After breakfast, we formed up and headed down to get our ACUs (Army Combat Uniforms) and other clothing such as gloves, t-shirts, underwear, etc.
Survived our first "smoking" as it's called. I swear some of the guys in my company have IQs equal to celery. They can't seem to get it through their heads that when the drill sergeant says no talking, he means just that. We had to do three sets of pushups (about 15 each) followed by holding our arms out at shoulder height sideways for about two minutes. Then, from that pose we did the top part of jumping jacks--basically clapping our hands over our head. The count was 1 (up), 2 (down), 3 (up) = 1. And we did it 105 times. Several other exercises followed as well. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow.
They're pushing us to drink lots of water due to the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I drank something like six full canteens of water. I think it's safe to say that I'm getting used to it. The food has been fairly good as well, much better than I expected.
PFC Sam Jones
Survived our first "smoking" as it's called. I swear some of the guys in my company have IQs equal to celery. They can't seem to get it through their heads that when the drill sergeant says no talking, he means just that. We had to do three sets of pushups (about 15 each) followed by holding our arms out at shoulder height sideways for about two minutes. Then, from that pose we did the top part of jumping jacks--basically clapping our hands over our head. The count was 1 (up), 2 (down), 3 (up) = 1. And we did it 105 times. Several other exercises followed as well. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow.
They're pushing us to drink lots of water due to the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I drank something like six full canteens of water. I think it's safe to say that I'm getting used to it. The food has been fairly good as well, much better than I expected.
PFC Sam Jones
July 27, 2007
This first day has been a very long one. We didn't actually leave the airport until around 1830, so we arrived at Ft. Benning sometime around 2000. As I write this it is 0230 and we have to be downstairs in formation at 0430. Thank goodness I slept on the flight and on the bus ride here.
The first thing that they had us do was watch a video about their amnesty system. Basically, they list all the prohibited items and then you go in a room with curtained booths and drop any such items through a slot in the wall. After that, if they catch you with something you arent' supposed to have, you get in big trouble.
After that came some paperwork, and then we all got our PT (physical training) stuff. I was issued three short sleeve t-shirts, three long sleeve t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, two sweatshirts, and two sweat pants. I was also issued a duffle bag, a laundry bag, and four towels.
Then it was more waiting (I don't know how many recruits are here, but there are 76 in my barracks alone). Next we learned what our formations would be for the remainder of our time here at the Reception Battalion. After that, they locked away our civilian items and showed us to the barracks.
So far I have managed to avoid getting yelled at for anything, but others have not been so lucky. Some of them are going to be in a world of hurt when we actually get to basic if they do not learn to listen.
PFC Sam Jones
The first thing that they had us do was watch a video about their amnesty system. Basically, they list all the prohibited items and then you go in a room with curtained booths and drop any such items through a slot in the wall. After that, if they catch you with something you arent' supposed to have, you get in big trouble.
After that came some paperwork, and then we all got our PT (physical training) stuff. I was issued three short sleeve t-shirts, three long sleeve t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, two sweatshirts, and two sweat pants. I was also issued a duffle bag, a laundry bag, and four towels.
Then it was more waiting (I don't know how many recruits are here, but there are 76 in my barracks alone). Next we learned what our formations would be for the remainder of our time here at the Reception Battalion. After that, they locked away our civilian items and showed us to the barracks.
So far I have managed to avoid getting yelled at for anything, but others have not been so lucky. Some of them are going to be in a world of hurt when we actually get to basic if they do not learn to listen.
PFC Sam Jones
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Hot-lanta
Sam made it just fine to Atlanta, GA yesterday afternoon. He and three others from Boise flew together and met up with a group of others coming to Fort Benning for Basic. They were to take a shuttle from the airport to the fort (about a 2 hr drive). As soon as I get his address, I'll post it here. Thanks for your suppport!
Sam called this afternoon from a pay phone with poor connection. He made it just fine to Fort Benning, but due to some reason or other only got a 1/2 hour of sleep last night. He said they were going to bed early tonight and would be able to go to church tomorrow. He told me that he won't have an address until he is through with the preliminaries and starts actual training on Friday. As soon as I hear, I'll let you know. Thanks for your prayers!
Sam called this afternoon from a pay phone with poor connection. He made it just fine to Fort Benning, but due to some reason or other only got a 1/2 hour of sleep last night. He said they were going to bed early tonight and would be able to go to church tomorrow. He told me that he won't have an address until he is through with the preliminaries and starts actual training on Friday. As soon as I hear, I'll let you know. Thanks for your prayers!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Heading off to Basic
Today I reported to MEPS (Military processing area) at 5:30am. It was a day filled with waiting. There were thirteen other people processing for shipping today, eleven for the army and three for the navy. The day began with a briefing from Captain Gray, the current commander of the Boise MEPS. He explained how the day would go. After that, we waited a bit, and then went in to be measured, weighed, and for those of us over the actual weight limits, taped to determine body fat percentage to see if we still meet standards. Then, the doctor came in and gave us all a quick once over, making sure we had no new injuries or anything since our physicals. After that, we waited some more. Then we waited a little more (anyone seeing a pattern here?) After that, we were split into two groups of seven, and were taken into the ceremony room where we were sworn in by Captain Gray and became official members of the military. Next, we waited some more. Then, we got our transportation briefing where we received our plane tickets, written orders, etc. I was assigned as group leader for the group going to Fort Benning, since I hold the highest rank in the group. (E-3 or Private First Class). After that, the day was done. My group flies out tomorrow morning at 8:11am. We will change planes in Chicago, and arrive in Atlanta sometime around 4:45 pm Eastern Time. Next time, I will hopefully tell how the trip went and how Reception Battalion was. -- Sam
Monday, July 9, 2007
Those final days...
The going away party was very successful and was a great encouragement to me. We counted over seventy people who came out! Thank you to all who attended. It was greatly appreciated! --Sam
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