Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:11 PM
jfitzer
Done processing, in the middle of CTT training.
MOSQ refresher for infantry is conducted with the same people here, and I hope to god they have their act together by then.
The classes, for the most part, have been unorganized, shallow, and taught by drill sergeants who, with a few exceptions, don't seem to have a solid grasp of the material themselves. Most of the important stuff I'm learning is being passed on to me from the few IRR callups who have already been over once before. The commo class was a friggin JOKE, as was the IED and vehicle search class. Unpreparedness seems to be the name of the game here. Anything from transportation to training materials is thrown together at the last possible moment.
Recieved our basic issue on friday, and luckily they're issuing ACUs instead of BDUs... I woulda been a little miffed about getting BDUs that I would just have to send home when I deploy. At least this stuff is what I'll wear. I like the new uniform, except for the fact that there is no more sewing on of skill badges. Pin on is worthless, and would probably hurt under body armor, so I guess people don't wear their stuff over there.
Maybe that's a lame complaint... but I am proud of my wings, and prefer sew on badges
Anyways, I am now "back in the army." I'm gonna try to get my E5 while I'm back in, and I'll be enrolling in an online degree program, so I can at least do SOMETHING in whatever down time I'll have.
Which reminds me... another complaint: The HRC people cajoled me into reporting by repeatedly telling me I'd get my E5 as soon as I passed a PT test. Soon as we get here, they tell us that they don't WANT to promote E4s to SGT, so they're only promoting eligable E2s and 3s. They did it up until recently, the commander apparently changed his mind.
Which isn't a problem, but WHY DID THEY PROMISE US THAT THEY WOULD PROMOTE.
Oh well. I'll get it soon anyways. But geez people, figure out what you are doing!
That's all. Any recalled 11b's with questions, feel free to contact me. james.fitzer@us.army.mil
James
PS: more Pics will be coming this weekend.
UPDATE: The Garmin eTrex Vista is a FABULOUS GPS unit. Also, the cadre here gave us a very nice CD with some very detailed maps of iraq and afghanistan. These CDs can be loaded into software which allows you to create GPS maps. VEry cool. It's somewhat restricted material, and I'm trying to think of a way to make it available to the proper people. I'm thinking that if I make people send me an email with their AKO mail, I can distribute copies. (once I check on AKO to verify your credentials.) If anyone thinks that would be a problem, let me know. I don't think it's a problem, but I'll ask JAG tomorrow.