AIT Week 8

Day 54
It's a cold raining day. Had early chow and then bussed over to the PT field where our whole Brigade was set to load up. We stood in the rain for hours before they moved us in the gym to wait. I guess we were going on the 2nd trip so we had to wait for the buses to come back. We ate MREs in the gym before finally leaving on the 2ish hour trip to Fort AP Hill. It's a small training fort. It's up in the hills and there was snow on the ground. We did hip pocket training before being sent to our tents for the night. Thankfully they are heated! But we were all freezing cold.

Day 55
Long day of training. We started at 0400. We rode LMTVs to the range where we shot to group and zero, then did an Advance Rifle Marksmanship range. I was horrible at both. My helmet was not adjust right and kept pushing over my eyes making it impossible to aim. Very frustrating, but it doesn't count for anything so I wasn't worried. We then went back to the FOB (camp) and started doing the Medical training. There was then a change of plans and we were moved over to complete our STIX lanes. The first was running a gate/checkpoint. I was in the tower so it was easy. Next we worked with two 2LTs as they were completing their training and they led us through a full operation. We drove to a village, made our way through, came under attack, moved out, suffered from a roadside bomb, and then had a debriefing. It was kind of fun and we did fairly well. The day then ended with a steak dinner cooked by the soldiers training to be Army cooks. It was the best meal I've had here at AIT. It was just miserably cold and windy eating outside.

Day 56
Easier day today. Did a review of all the training we've had for our MOS. Very relaxed setting in a heated tent. MREs for lunch again. Our PS made us do a formation every hour as punishment for being late for formation this morning. I lucked out and did not have to do guard duty in the middle of the night. Most of our platoon did. I was tired enough that I slept a little better. Ready to be done with the field.

Day 57
It's very cold and snowing. We lined up to leave only to learn we would be waiting for the second trip back just like before. So we sat in tents and ate MREs before finally leaving at 1300. We got back and unloaded and then started cleaning our weapons before they would let us go shower. So glad to be out of the field! Thankfully we had personal time after chow.

Day 58
Today we got to stay in our PTs all day and just work on cleaning our weapons and gear for turn-in. We took our weapons to the armory at 1000. Thankfully they passed inspection. We then worked all afternoon on cleaning our gear.

Day 59
A regular Saturday. Went on pass in the afternoon. Finally got paired with a couple of good battle buddies that I fit with better. We had a lot of fun. Shopping. Fast food. Lots of laughs.

Day 60
Had Waffle House for the first time ever. Awesome breakfast! Went to Walmart, the mall, and then enjoyed a super yummy Mexican lunch before heading back to post. Normal Sunday evening. No more weekends here!