This morning was the Battalion Activation Ceremony. It was at 0630 in place of PT, a nice change. It was rather exctiing because we are now "official" parts of the unit. Also all of the MSIVs recieved awards that they had earned in the Spring and Summer. It was kind of long because they rehearsed it all first. Which leads me to a few things I learned about the Army today. Number one, who rehearses ahead of time? Also, and more importantly, regardless of if the Army tells you to be there on time, or 15 minutes before hand... they always mean you should be there 15 minutes earlier than that. The time they tell you to meet is the time they want to start, so be there 15 minutes early! That is perhaps the most valuable piece of advice I have learned, and will be able to pass on anyone who follows in my footsteps, or is just enlisting. Overall the Ceremony was very good, Lt. Col. Gumbert our CO talked for awhile in a very informal setting. Though I have not met him on a personal one-on-one basis, he seems like a very approachable guy, I'm looking forward to talking Armor with him.