Day 15

Day 9 of Basic

     The day started with an ability group run. They decided to disband the "D" group, and we were all moved to "C". We ran about 1.25 miles in 12 minutes. I was able to keep up okay and didn't fall out. We then changed, had chow, and formed up to march to the field. I'm guessing it was about a 2-3 mile march. Every time we march somewhere out of the company area, we have to have 8 people wearing orange vests. Two people act as "headlights", two as "taillights", and 4 as "rear guards", that stand and block traffic at each road crossing. For this month, I was a "headlight", meaning I was at the very front. we were marching in a tactical formation, two columns, one on each side of the road, with our Drill Sergeant in between. So I had to work hard to maintain a good pace since my DS was right next to me the whole time. The marching wasn't hard, but carrying 4 quarts of water and about 20 pounds of gear, made my shoulder's sore. Luckily, the bulk o of our gear (sleeping bags, tents, and extra boots) were in our duffle bags and were brought out on a truck.
     We spent a while standing in formation before we got chow and gathered on bleachers to get instructions for our map reading exercise. We broke into groups and were given 6 coordinates to plot and find on the map. Then using a compass, we had to find each point and write down the letter on the sign at that point. I was the only female in my group, but I also seemed to have the best sense of direction. We ended up plotting some of our points wrong which threw us off, but we eventually found all of our points.
We returned to camp to set up our tents and eat chow. By this time, I was starting to get a sore throat, so I was not looking forwarrd to doing the exercise in the the dark. We did better at plotting our points the second time, so we found our first three points fairly quickly. The goal was to move quietly without flashlights (not easy!). Several Drill Sergeants wondered around sneaking up on us. At one point they "captured" me and another male in my team, but the rest of our squad quickly figured it out. From then on, we were more careful to keep up with our whole team and maintain security. We only had to find three ponts, but since we had time, we went to the last three. After finding the last point, there was some disagreement as to which way to head to get back to camp. I think we did more wandering that necessary, but we eventually made it back.
     We were the second to last team to return, but at least we had all six points to show for it. No one wanted to fireguard in our platoon, since we had all done it the previous two nights already, but I volunteered for the experience. I had the 0300-0400 shift. It was cold and miserable, but I survived. I did not sleep well on the hard ground, but only being one night, I can't complain. Hopefully, it will be warmer for our next FTX (Field Training Exercise).