Journal Entry: "Ready, Aim, Fire!"
We’re currently on day 3 of a 3-day range Bivouac. I’m writing instead of cleaning my weapon for the 3rd time, like I’m suppose to, but it’s directly under Drill Sgt.’s Ortiz’s gaze. I’ve pretty much determined that he and I are cool. I guessed correctly by his accent that he was from Brownsville, TX. Not that I’m some Henry Higgins, but I suppose living in Texas for most of my life has given me some talents. Anyway, he thought that was amazing and when he found out I was in my thirties, he started sidling up to me with an occasional “old guy” joke. As long as I don’t let it go to my head, I’ll continue to enjoy a great deal of latitude. It’s nice that there is some acknowledgment of my efforts and maturity. It makes things feel less constricted when there’s no one yelling at you like a dog who just shit on the rug.
We started firing live ammo yesterday. They’ve got it fairly foolproof, so no one made any major safety violations. It was kind of fun. A break from the typical hurry-up-and-wait ennui – and I did well on my shots; kept my groups right on top of each other. If I keep doing this well an “Expert” qualification, I’ll be on the short list for soldier of session or whatever the official title is. It’d be some good "cred" to take back to my reserve unit, but at this pint it kind of feels like winning Gold at the Special Olympics. Hmm.. I guess after saying that I’d better win! Actually, there are several very bright and able soldiers here (mostly OCS candidates) so, I’m not going to get too cocky just yet, but the winner gets a day pass to leave base on family day and at this point that’s like Wonka’s Golden ticket.
With conversations centering around keg-stands, drinking games and prom adventures, I find myself becoming more withdraw and introverted; preferring to make journal entries, write letters, or my favorite pastime: thinking about spending time with my wife, dogs and family. I’m also compiling a list of foods I’m going to want as soon as I’m done: Venti vanilla-hazelnut latte, a king-sized Snickers Bar, a huge bowl of banana pudding, Salt lick BBQ, a big filet-mignon with a glass of Cabernet and a pitcher of vodka tonics. Strange the things you want when you can’t have them. Isn’t that always the case?
We started firing live ammo yesterday. They’ve got it fairly foolproof, so no one made any major safety violations. It was kind of fun. A break from the typical hurry-up-and-wait ennui – and I did well on my shots; kept my groups right on top of each other. If I keep doing this well an “Expert” qualification, I’ll be on the short list for soldier of session or whatever the official title is. It’d be some good "cred" to take back to my reserve unit, but at this pint it kind of feels like winning Gold at the Special Olympics. Hmm.. I guess after saying that I’d better win! Actually, there are several very bright and able soldiers here (mostly OCS candidates) so, I’m not going to get too cocky just yet, but the winner gets a day pass to leave base on family day and at this point that’s like Wonka’s Golden ticket.
With conversations centering around keg-stands, drinking games and prom adventures, I find myself becoming more withdraw and introverted; preferring to make journal entries, write letters, or my favorite pastime: thinking about spending time with my wife, dogs and family. I’m also compiling a list of foods I’m going to want as soon as I’m done: Venti vanilla-hazelnut latte, a king-sized Snickers Bar, a huge bowl of banana pudding, Salt lick BBQ, a big filet-mignon with a glass of Cabernet and a pitcher of vodka tonics. Strange the things you want when you can’t have them. Isn’t that always the case?
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