Thoughts from boot camp.
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2003 1:14 pm
As some of you may know, I've been at army boot camp these last three weeks.
It's a kindler, gentler army they say. And I'd believe it. But barely.
In place of the grueling runs and marches (which still happen, but aren't THAT bad) there is know very little sleep, and much to get done. They have an annoying habit (They being the course staff) of saying "You have 35 minutes to clean your weapons" which is a lot of time for trained troops, and 5 mintues later say "You have 5 minutes to clean your weapons for inspection" which is an entirely different matter.
Every morning, 530 wake up, followed by about 10 minutes to get beds made (with hospital corners and all), get dressed and shave for the guys. Then formed up outside to go do physical training, usually pushups, pullups, situps and various strength training, leading up to a run of a couple k.
We get back, have 20 minutes to change, shower and start cleaning quarters.
Breakfast for 15 minutes.
Clean for 30 minutes so the barracks shines
Then classes or drill all day til lunch, followed by more classes, followed by supper followed by free time. Which it isn't, because
you have kit and quarters to get ready for by the next day, weapons to clean, and laundry to do.
Lights out round 2300 hours.
long days.
But some cool things happen, like using assualt rifles.
And the team aspect is great, you make a lot of friends.
Anyways, I'm back in town for... about 10 hours from now. Thought I'd spend 10 min here to let y'all know I'm alive.
So, if any of you are thinking of joining up, do so. It's extremely rewarding. And don't mess with me, I can do a 4 inch grouping from 200 meters.
Hoyah.
Cheers all, enjoy your summers. I'll be busy during mine.
It's a kindler, gentler army they say. And I'd believe it. But barely.
In place of the grueling runs and marches (which still happen, but aren't THAT bad) there is know very little sleep, and much to get done. They have an annoying habit (They being the course staff) of saying "You have 35 minutes to clean your weapons" which is a lot of time for trained troops, and 5 mintues later say "You have 5 minutes to clean your weapons for inspection" which is an entirely different matter.
Every morning, 530 wake up, followed by about 10 minutes to get beds made (with hospital corners and all), get dressed and shave for the guys. Then formed up outside to go do physical training, usually pushups, pullups, situps and various strength training, leading up to a run of a couple k.
We get back, have 20 minutes to change, shower and start cleaning quarters.
Breakfast for 15 minutes.
Clean for 30 minutes so the barracks shines
Then classes or drill all day til lunch, followed by more classes, followed by supper followed by free time. Which it isn't, because
you have kit and quarters to get ready for by the next day, weapons to clean, and laundry to do.
Lights out round 2300 hours.
long days.
But some cool things happen, like using assualt rifles.
And the team aspect is great, you make a lot of friends.
Anyways, I'm back in town for... about 10 hours from now. Thought I'd spend 10 min here to let y'all know I'm alive.
So, if any of you are thinking of joining up, do so. It's extremely rewarding. And don't mess with me, I can do a 4 inch grouping from 200 meters.
Hoyah.
Cheers all, enjoy your summers. I'll be busy during mine.
