Dirt, Smoke, Ammo

Today started out very early and the movie apocolypse now was flashing thru my mind. The part where the helecopters are on the beach and the pilot says. God I love the smell of Napalm in the morning. Well for me it was the smoke bombs and gunfire as we were low crawling thru the sand. I think I was pretty low because the sand filled my pockets, helmet and boots.

Then it was on to moving tactics under fire and throw the grenade at the dummy. I had flashbacks to basic training when I hit the dummy on the head and the grenade bounced away. Not that unlucky today. I scared him so bad he didn't move and bang goes the grenade. I have to say the grenade throwing was an eye opener as I saw some people who couldn't hit the side of a barn at 5 feet. Some forgot to remove the safety device and dared the dummy to throw it back I guess.

Off to navigating obstacles using smoke and crawling under the wire and over the wall. Then off to the ranges. I qualified but not my best effort.

Well that has been my week here in Georgia, It may be a few days before I get back at this but have no fear, the DBR King will be back in the saddle again.

take care



I had a lot to be

Simulators: Boom Bang Ahh

Today was a long but fairly fun day. First the weather is on the positive side of the numbers. I think it was in the upper 50's today, and second I was outside going thru the TSIRT (Theatre Specific Individualized Readiness Training) avoiding the landmines, artillery simulators (think 1/2 stick dynomite), trip wires and booby traps. The afternoon wasn't as much fun since it was all about first aid; sucking chest wounds, fractures, evaluate casualty, treat for head wounds, to name just a few. Great to know but not nice to have. Tomorrow starts at O Dark 30. Will be out on the ranges. Fun stuff

The wheels on the bus go round and round

I have to say today was a good day. Personnel records review, there are stations set up each with a specific agenda... Chaplain, Legal, Finance..etc. The lines were bearable and fortunately having done my records a few times in the last couple of months, not too messed up. Then on to CIF (it's where you get lots of gear), where I had nothing to get as I already had that taken care of; though I did get to stand in line and practice patience. I am getting good at the line thing, might even turn professional.

I noticed that at home there is snow and cold weather; not so here. I haven't checked the actual temp but I was very comfortable with out a jacket. Not trying to rub it in but I believe I left at a good time.

I had to spin today as this is usually spinning night with the fun crew. I can honestly say that time goes by faster when you are working out with a group of friends then when you are by yourself. I had no one to to try and pass on my exercise bike today unlike in the bike shop. I found I am not as funny by myself, though I do laugh at myself occasionally.

Looks like CTT (common task training) for tommorrow. Hope your day was good.

Medical

Today was a great day to see the doctor. Sun shining, it must have been in the 60's today. Oh and more waiting in lines....waiting....waiting....waiting. This was a medical day. Got two shots and gave some blood. Also went to supply and got some expendable items: best ones; sun glasses and a gerber...watch out folks I can now pull a McGuyver. Started the work out today...just the thought made me break out in a sweat...round is still a shape. Most people ask about the army food and the best I can say: it's not five star quality but it's pretty good (like college food) and plentiful. Yes I take small portions and no I don't always get dessert. I believe that I shall miss spinning nights...not that I can't do it here but, I will miss my compadres. Doesn't sound like much of a day I know but if there is a civilian job for waiting in lines...I am getting proficient enough to go professional. Enjoy your day.

Warmer Weather

Left when it was -3 and headed out for warmer weather. It has been in the 60's here in Georgia. So far that has been the only bonus. Today was an exercise in how to stand in lines and waiting, waiting waiting. I know it all serves a purpose, but I haven't figured that part out just yet. It is a great patience builder. I believe all will be glad when this part of the journey is concluded.

Well at least the weather is nice. Hope you are all having fun