Anyway, the first part of today's training was pretty fun. We learned about reading maps and using compasses, changing from grid north to magnetic north, and some other cool things. Then we split into four groups of three and each group had to land navigate to three points and then return to the starting point. Our team did pretty well. We only had trouble with our first point, which was about 800 meters from the starting point. The next one was only 200 meters from the first point, and the third was 600 meters from the second. Remember, during all this we're wearing about 25 lbs of gear. That might not seem like much, but go grab a 25 lb. weight and start walking around with it. The weight might be even more, but I'm not sure how much the M-16 and M-9 weigh, plus a full canteen, and a gas mask and carrier, and don't forget the boots and kevlar helmet. It was tough, but fun.
The worst part of the day started after lunch. We had to sit through over four hours of first aid slideshows and then demonstrate what we had learned. We are also looking forward to continuing that first aid training for maybe 15 hours tomorrow. Woo hoo! Not!
An update, of sorts, on the new guy I mentioned had joined us late. The day after he arrived, we had to go back to the Ft. for more gear. While we were there, he got sick, cramping and upset stomach. Yesterday, while I was on quarters lying here on my bunk, he came back from training... still sick. Apparently he was terribly uncomfortable even trying to sit down. He lay down on his bunk at about 9:30 am and didn't get up until after 7:00 pm, then went right back to bed. This morning... still sick. He got quarters again and, as far as I know, has been sleeping all day long again. Since tomorrow's training is a continuation of today's training, he won't be able to go to that either. He has so much mandatory training to make up. I feel bad for him when he recovers. He might even have to extend his training here.
The Calgon reference in the title is kind of a double joke. One, I remember the old commercials, where women just wished themselves away into a bubble bath. That would be nice right now. Two, this barracks is not even equipped with a bathtub (not that I would sit in it, if there was one,) showers only.
Day 8 means 1/4 done, by the way,
Eric
4 comments:
We're glad to hear you are feeling some better. Keep it up. We're just sitting here watching the Superbowl game with Ma and Pa Kettle....I am totally disinterested. Look forward to your next post.
My poor baby. So sad for you. Wearing all that gear, you're gonna end up like a double hunchback if you don't stand up straight all the time. Then your nickname might end up being "Stoopy" or something equally lame.
Just thought I'd mention it.
Also, warm regards to your sick shipmate. Poor guy. Sounds a lot like Montezuma's revenge. I'd ask him where he ate last before he got sick, and then promise to never go there.
I think the guy has a bad case of nerves. But we got word today that he has missed too much mandatory training, so he's DQ'd from training with our group. He's going to training in DC next week and then he'll be coming back here. Too bad for him.
Aw man! Rolled back in training. That sucks. If he's still there, convey my condolences.
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