NBC

Today we got issued our M40 series gas masks and learned two of the three firing positions we'll be using at BRM qualification. I'm pretty much ready to hit the sack at lights out, I just have to brush my teeth and write now. Maybe it's a trick, but the first week of red phase really hasn't been that bad so far.

So much for laying low...

Today we had the team development course, our platoon basically tried to overcome two obstacles using teamwork and the tools at our disposal while following the rules laid out. First one was laying down planks to move people and supplies from one side to another, I improvised and said something smart (I think) and now I've been assigned to be a squad leader. I didn't want to stand out, now I'm leadership!

"There are no thieves in the Army, only people trying to get their stuff back."

Today was a long day of classes on customs, Equal Opportunity, and a few other things that I don't really remember but jotted some notes on. Gotta learn stuff that might not be in either the Soldier's Handbook or Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks, hmmm. It seems that five words will define the next few weeks: front leaning rest position, move!

2100 - I can't believe it, some dirty motherfucker stole my PT shirt, shorts, and unclean underwear while I was in the shower. It's only the second day we've been here!

Reception, Day 1

Holy crap I'm miserable, really didn't get any sleep at all, and it didn't help that I couldn't sleep at the hotel the past two nights from anticipating BCT. We were issued PT uniforms as soon as we go there (one of my shirts ended up being a XXL, not sure what to do about that), and finished processing around 0200... then wakeup at 0400, lame! After that, we got issued our smart cards and went to the PX, had some medical testing, etc. The reception platoon I'm in, the 41st, is actually kind of small since it's only 23 people. Seems like most people are in the same boat as me, MEPS command delayed their flights and whatnot and now we're all here together. It's cool for the most part, people are pretty funny but they also do a lot of dumbass things. It's been a long day and I don't remember much else, I'll add more if I remember.

Ugh.

Somewhere along the chain of command, someone decided I was going to Fort Leonard Wood instead of Fort Jackson. Apparently they might have fixed that in the records, but they didn't get me a plane ticket... and I don't find out until I'm ready to go to the bus, I'm still not entirely sure what happened. Awesome. My irritation is turning back into nervousness though, we'll see how this reception/basic training thing play out!

One last trip to the recruiting office...

Had to take care of some last minute things today. Went to the recruiter's office to double check my paperwork and to make sure of what I could bring along to basic training, then purchased shower sandals, undies, and a watch at Old Navy and Target. I still need to get a phone card before I hit up the hotel tonight. Two of my other friends who enlisted this year have finished basic, one graduates this week, and two more go to OSUT (combined basic/AIT) in May. Good times?

It's all a mental game at this point - I'm not the lowest common denominator in American society, so I should be able to make it through alright, right? Haha.

Further updates on this blog will be posted by Ivan as I mail him stuff, so it may take a while.

Leaving this week!

It's about to happen! Updates will be coming by mail to whoever can maintain this for me, right it's probably gonna be Ivan, haha. If you decide to mail me, ONLY send me letters, cards, or pictures. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes would also be nice so I can respond right back without hassle, haha. Do NOT send me any food, candy, porn (I know y'all are perverts,) or other contraband of any kind. Thanks in advance!