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
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
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
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