Second Drill

My second drill was much like the first, but this time I had a better idea of what to expect. I met up with the group again in Mustang, but due to a new recruit getting lost, we were late departing. We had to rush to get to first formation on time. Since it was now my second drill, I got to take my PT test on Saturday. Since this was my last drill before shipping out to Basic, I did not want to fail again. Pushups are always the first event, and with very shaking arms, I managed to squeak out 4 pathetic pushups. But they counted them! Situps are my easiest event, and I was able to get 32 situps in one minute. Then for the run. My recruiter was worried about me and said I didn't look good. I had to laugh. I was nervous, but felt fine. Unfortunately for me, exercising makes my face turn bright red. The run was hard, but I pushed through it. My brother was done a lap ahead of me and ran the last lap with me. I sprinted the last 1/2 of a lap with all I had and managed a 10:23 finish. I passed! That was such a relief!
We then went back to get ready for lunch, and those of us on our second drill were sent to the classroom. Of course, I failed to have my study book with me and got the pleasure of doing 10 pushups for the failure. I won't make that mistake again!
After lunch was when we had the most fun! We got to have a weapons training class where we learned to disassemble and reassemble an M-16. This was the first time I'd ever really handled a gun, so I was a little nervous at first. But after learning how easy it was and trying it on my own, I was quite excited about gaining the knowledge. I should be more comfortable at Basic now when we begin marksmanship training.
We finished out the day with final formation outside (the drill floor was being used by an Army Reserve unit). They took us back to the DFAC for dinner to go before taking us to the barracks. A group of us then went to check out the local movie theater. The movie didn't start for awhile, so we went and bought something for breakfast at the Shoppette (convenience store). The movie showing was Footloose and was only $1. It was a fun experience!
Day 2 was similar as last time to. We cleaned barracks and headed back to the Reserve Center for first formation. Since the drill floor was still being used by the Reserve unit, we ended up sitting awhile in a classroom with First Sergeant giving everyone a hard time. Then we got the fun of First Sergeant PT. It ended up not being nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but I was exhausted to say the least!
We then had a chance to visit with some of the Battle Handoffs and ask them questions about Basic. It was cool to hear more about what it was really like. We then had lunch followed by more drill and ceremony practice. I was then pulled to the office for my shippers brief. Our NCOIC made sure our paperwork was in order and we knew what to bring and how we would be getting to OKC. I'm shipping with one guy from our RSP unit.
After our brief we had the Battle Handoffs Ceremony and cake to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the National Guard. Then it was back to Mustang! The ride home was fun, as we are off duty, our recruiters let us relax a little and give them a hard time.
Only one month before I ship, it's hard to believe! I still have lots of work to do, but despite my nervousness, I'm also excited. I keep reminding myself that God would not call me to do something without giving me the strength to complete it.