AIT Week 1

Day 1
I left on Thursday, January 24. Went through Direct Ship, same as BCT, but it was only for a few hours this time just to get my packet. They were very chill and I was the only person from Oklahoma shipping out. They took me to the airport (and helped with my bags). I flew to Chicago, then Richmond, VA. Had a delay out of Chicago along with 6 gate changes, so it was late when I landed in Richmond. Luckily the USO was still open so I had a place to wait while I waited for my shuttle. I ended up being shuttled in a town car. Very cool. I had to call the Reception Battalion to find the CQ office. They were in trailers. But the SFC on duty was super nice and got me in a bed right away. I got a few hours of sleep then before starting the next day. Everyone there was pretty helpful about what to do.
Day 2
The first day nothing much happened, as I was early for in-processing. We ended up helping to move a supply closet from the third floor of one building to another building a block away. Everyone from BCT started arriving that evening. It also started snowing. And it was quite cold. We helped get everyone in. I had to switch bays. Glad my stuff was still packed.
Day 3
The next day we chilled all morning while they took people to the PX. They didn't want to start in-processing until everyone arrived and one of the busses from Fort Jackson had to turn back from the weather. They ended up moving all of us 92Y to our company to make room. It was nice to know I was finally in my spot for the next 8 weeks. And it meant I was going to be starting a week sooner than my contract said. We met our platoon sergeant. He seems really cool. I think he'll be fair and take good care of us. We got to relax that evening which was a nice break. I got unpacked. We walked ourselves to chow. Had final formation with our soon to be company, Bravo Company, 266th QM BN. They have a lot of silly cadences and all. It will take some getting used to.
Day 4
The next day was a little later wakeup. 0515. We went back to reception and did some paperwork. Signed rosters. Went to Sunday brunch. Had a chaplain's brief. Did more paperwork, had another breif. Then we waited while they took the new arrivals to the PX. Afterwards we went back to Bravo Company. We had 10 minutes before going to chow. The rest of the company was late so we got to experience the repercussions of that. Lol. Our dorms are really old, but I still find it a step up from the trailers I was in at BCT. Here we have lots and lots of super hot water. Very nice! :-) Everyone else is coming from nicer barracks in BCT so they don't like this place much.
Day 5
Had to be up at 0215 on Monday morning. We didn't get picked up until 0400 and they marched us to chow. We then went to a large auditorium to do financial paperwork and a ton of breifings. It took forever. Eveyone kept asking the same questions. It was all very frustrating. The STD breifing was disturbing. Lol. We took a break for chow and then all the 92Y and 92G had to come back for one last breifing. Then we went back to Reception and waited a few hours until our Platoon Sergeant (PS)picked us up. Our platoon now has 45. About half male, half female. We had chow and then had to fill out paperwork with our PS. We are officially starting AIT! 8 weeks and 2 days until graduation!
Day 6
0400 wake up. This will be my wake up 5 days a week for the next 8 weeks. Had our first day of PT. Did sprints. Pretty much just like BCT, so no big deal. We got an hour to shower and have our bunks ready for inspection. Our room was good to go. Went to breakfast and then they marched us straight to the school. We had a breifing in the auditorium and then we were split into two classes. I'm in class 034 with SSG Dingle. Our first few hours of class were pretty slow and boring. Our insturctor teaches kind of hit and miss so it took me a little to figure out what was going on. We basically were learning how to use Army Publications to do our jobs. We had lunch from 1300-1400, then back to class until 1730. We get breaks each hour and there is a break room with vending machines. After class was chow, and then more paperwork wtih our PS and a breifing from our 1SG.
Day 7
8 more weeks... No PT today. Put on ACUs, went to breakfast, and then early to school. Same thing as yesterday. Pretty boring. It's hard to stay awake. We each have a laptop to use, so I try to take good notes just to keep my mind engaged. Our first test is tomorrow. It was starting to rain so they took us back to the barracks on the bus. When we got to our floor (females are on the third floor) it reeked of cigarette smoke. So then we had the drama of the cadre trying to figure that out. We lost all personal time until chow from it. After chow we got our rooms ready for inspection and had to wait forever for our PS to come and check. Our room was good and he said my locker was good to go as well. We had final formation and headed to bed.
Day 8
PT was inside today due to the weather. Pretty cramped. We did pushup/situp drills. My arms are going to be sore. But it was a good workout. Showered, got our rooms ready for inspection, and went to chow. Went to school, finished covering material for the test and started the test right before lunch. They gave us 3 hours for a 50 multiple-choice question test. It only took me 20 minutes. So after lunch I sat in the breakroom until everyone was finished. I passed the test with 96%. After chow I found out they do random drug tests every Thursday. And of course I got chosen. Lol. It took a little while, but no big deal.
Day 9
PT was an Ability Group Run (AGR). I did okay and kept up with the group. Ran about 2 1/2 miles they said. Class was the same. Started learning forms for ordering supplies. We took a lot of breaks, which was good since we were all sleepy. After dinner we got personal time which was nice. We then met with our PS to cover the schedule for the weekend. They are changing it up with Super Bowl on Sunday.
Day 10
I had BayGuard from 0300-0500. Not much fun. It was hard to stay awake.
Saturday. Wake up at 0600. After breakfast our platoon went to the Quartermaster Museum. I found it really interesting. Our PS then took us to the PX to get uniforms dry cleaned and get the ribbons and medals we need for graduation ceremony. After chow he also took us to the main PS as well. It was super busy. We then had personal time and could order food in if we wanted. I ordered a pizza but it took way too long to arrive so I won't do that one again. I enjoyed the downtime though. Final formation was a little later, 2200.
Day 11
Sunday! Normally we get to sleep in as long as we want on Sundays, but today we had to get up at 0600 and do PT so that we can sleep in later on Monday since they are letting us stay up for the Superbowl. Our PS took those of us in our platoon that wanted to run on the track over to the track where he timed us if we wanted. So I went ahead and made myself to a full two miles. I made it in 20:07 which is passing! So Thursday when I take the PT test I should be good to go! We walked ourselves to brunch at 0900 and the whole day was personal time. I took a three hour nap and did laundry. It was so nice to have a break. We had recall formation at 1600 and they took us to dinner. Afterwards was personal time again. I had BayGuard again from 1700-1900. I then went down to the SuperBowl party long enough to bum free food off of people. Then early to bed for me! Hopefully the next 8 weeks fly by fast! :-)