Basic Training

Aug 8-16
Instead of getting the M-4 like Jon thought they were getting, they got another M-16 just heavier. They are carrying around a lot of weight between their guns and body gear. They went to the electronic range to do some practicing. They actually had steak for dinner that night! Needless to say Jon was in heaven :)
They've been doing a lot of shooting lately, staying at the range really late, then getting up and doing it again. They're almost done with this phase and will shortly move on to the next. They have to do an 8 mile march, a 3 day field exercise and nick at night. Which is where they crawl on the ground for about two football fields, with their faces as close to the ground as possible while live ammo is being shot above their heads. All the guys are rotated into leadership positions (Platoon Guide, Squad leader & Team leader). Jon hasn't hasn't been put in yet, but he'll get the opportunity to lead everyone soon enough.
They got their ASU (dress uniforms) which everyone was really excited about, shiny shoes and all. He says they're really uncomfortable.
17-20
Finally finished their 3 day exercise. "the field exercise was tight. We learned a lot of tactical movements. Entering & clearing a room, reacting to fire, indirect fire & searching dead & live hostiles. Entering & clearing a room was way fun. Kick down doors and get your 4 man team in the room in under like 4-5 seconds. Reacting to fire was fun too. We loaded up with blank rounds and played war in the forest. Indirect fire (mortar fire) sucked. You hear the whistle, yell incoming and hit the ground before it hits. Then someone yells a direction and a distance and we all run there and sprawl out on the ground".
They had hand grenade qualification and Jon got 6 out of 7! "Yay, I can throw a grenade. haha". They did convo training and Jon got to be the gunner. "I was just chilling with my top half hangin out of the roof. It was awesome"
The final PT test is sometime soon, followed by Victory Forge, then graduation! Yay, its finally almost here. Less than 3 weeks left!!
Final PT test is sometime soon, followed by Victory forge, then graduation! Less than 3 weeks left!!!!