Day 17

Day 11 of BCT

      Instead of PT, we started out our day with our first Field March (FM!). They said it was only 2 miles, but I think it was more like 2 miles one way. It was dark and muddy, but we didn't have to carry much weight, so it wasn't too bad. We then had a Hot-A fro breakfast before heading to the classroom.
     We started Basic Rifle Marksmanship 1. My DS had already covered most of the information, so it was really more like a review. Our classroom is pretty small for 250 soldiers, and can get pretty warm. Even sitting on the floor, its really easy for us to all get sleepy. If you get caught falling asleep, they make you stand in the back of the room doing exercises like holding you rifle over you head while you hold a squat. so far I've managed to stay awake, but just barely!
     In the middle of class, another female from my platoon and myself were pulled to go help return the Hot-a chow to the DFAC and pick up chow for lunch. It was a nice break and a chance to sit more comfortably in the pickup truck with a radio. You don't notice how much you miss things like listening to music until you hear a radio after 3 weeks without one.
     While we were gone, the civilian athletic trainer for our battalion gave a grief on what kind of pain to have checked out and when to just ice and stretch and move on. From what by battle buddies said, I didn't miss much.
     After chow, was more class, and I again got to go help return the Hot-A. we continued to cover more information on our rifles and disassembled and reassembled them as a group. When it came time to do the functions check at the end, some pimple had a hard time paying attention. We all got smoked for not following directions. It wasn't too bad thought.
     My DS is the easiest as far as getting smoked, but event he other don't do too much. apparently, they can no longer do much to us as far as physical activity to correct us. I'm not sure why the Army is changing things about BCT, but apparently starting at the beginning of the year a lot of changes took place. The DS's said we are going through everything faster that usual too, so they understand that they've thrown a lot of information at us all at once.
     Every Wednesday night is MRG night, so we circled up by platoon, facing outward, and ate up. We then had platoon time where our DS started teaching us how to group our weapon. Basically hot to apply the fundamentals so that every time you shot, the shots are grouped within a 4 cm circle. I hope when we actually start shooting, I'll be able to do it!
     We then had personal time, and enough time to actually shower! It was off to Hydration Formation and then sleep!
     Every night at Hydration Formation, they have us recite the Soldier's Creed, with the DS walking around to check those who don't know it. Glad I memorized it before I came!