7th Letter

BCT Day 19 5/23/11

Today was a very weird, hurry up and wait day for our platoon. We were informed that two other platoons would be spending all day at the shooting range getting to know their rifles with live fire. We on the other hand would be spending the day learning urban operations and going to the PX for haircuts and any hygiene items we may need.

I forgot to mention that the previous night was not very fun with 3 people coming down with fevers and one person going to the hospital as well because he said he had a list of people that would “take care” of on the range once he had live rounds. Afterwards, he would take care of himself. So… yeah. In addition to that, we had two people get into an argument and one person lost his cool and pushed the other. This prompted the DS to chew out all of the platoon leadership for about 15 minutes. Later in the night, the DS came back and dropped off the would-be shooter and said he is to be watched for suicide watch.

Any who, we had our most intense PRT session so far. We did our crappy warm session and then some other random warm up exercises. After that, they had us do 1 mile worth of 30/60s. Usually this means you sprint for 30 seconds and job 60 seconds. However, because this was our first 30/60, they had us sprint and walk. Plus, the sprinting didn’t feel like a full 30 seconds. I get the feeling the DSs had us moving late for chow by one DS telling another not to stretch us or give us a cool down because we needed to be at chow “Now.” Great!!! [Insert sarcasm] Have us push ourselves physically and not stretch…no one will hurt tomorrow.

After chow, we were instructed to spend our time working on BRM activities. I guess urban operations were not feasible today because it never happened. Later, one DS instructed to PG and platoon leadership that they need to get a list from each person as to what they need from the PX. They would then go to the PX for them. What the DS was not clear about was when. Our PG took that as going at will before and after chow and not when we were at the PX for haircuts.

Before chow, I went with the PG to get the last group of shopping lists. On our way back the DS freaked out on us and had us wait for another SFC DS. He then fired the PG and squad leader with us. He asked me what I do. I said “I was just a battle buddy.” He said, “Well it’s too bad you’re getting burned for another’s f-up.” I thought for sure we were getting counseling statements. Turns out we did not. The DS then appointed the goofiest people in the platoon as PG. He looked like he was embarrassed.

We then formed up and marched over to the PX for haircuts. Nothing notable other than getting a half ass haircut and DS catching someone singing to Jewel. All I heard was the DS yelling, “Are you F’king kidding me!?!” We got back to the bay, messed around with our rifles and practiced BRM on the various machines we have in CTA.

DS T got back from the range and had the platoon come and help clean up the deuce (the big work truck we use). He yelled for the PG and got PVT Goofy. He asked “Who the F are you?” “I’m the PG DS.” His response was “Yo ass is fired!” He looked at the PVT that I rode from MEPS with (PVT Hip Hop) and said, “Yo ass is PG.” We then got crap together. Later, that night, we had another bay meeting and the PVT Hip Hop gave a nice little speech of expectations of the platoon and himself. It was motivating. He then had a prayer with most of the platoon. We actually had people try to makeup who had some issues with each other. 

BCT Day 20 5/24/11

First Live Fire Day!

The two platoons shooting today (mine included) didn’t even participate at PRT this morning. I think we actually got out to the range earlier to start earlier and take advantage of more cool morning air. One of the purposes of today was for people to actually fire the weapon and utilize all of the learning from the past 3 weeks. The second was for people to group 4 out of 5 shots in a 4 centimeter area and to adjust their sights to center their shots within the center of a target. This is known as a “zeroing.”

I had a few issues at first. There are about four concepts you have to have right all at once to shoot around the same spot. After 25 rounds, I finally figured it out! After that I spent the rest of the day waiting and helping the DSs with running ammo and other various tasks. We then got back and helped unload the deuces and getting things together for the next day. DS T then came into the bay and BS’s with us and had us hunt the good stuff. That means even though we may have had a crappy day, we need to think of at least on positive thing from the day.

The fact that my squad no longer had a squad leader was addressed. The Ds said he didn’t care and said choose one. The common consensus among the people asked was that it should be me. I was reluctant but wanted to see how long I could last before getting fired. We then had our prayer for the night, but before that DS T came in and figured out we had 18 people with fevers of 101.7 and up. They had a nice trip to the emergency room.

BCT Day 21 Wednesday 5/25/11

We are now the pariahs of the company. 3^rd platoon is two inches from a full quarantine with 8 people in the platoon at the ER. This morning started with a little PRT and then an Ability Group Run (AGR). AGRS are broken into 3 groups: A, B, C and maybe D. Alpha group consists of the fastest runners while Charlie consists of the slowest. Because I was trying to get over this crud, I decided to try Charlie. It wasn’t a bad pace, about 9:15 mile speed. I kept up fine till the end where the DSs tried to see who they could lose. I stayed apart of the main group. The people who fell out of the Charlie group are actually who make up the Delta group. I think I will try Bravo group next time and try to step it up. I was a little annoyed that they only ran us 1.5 mile though.

Upon getting back, we promptly ate chow. After chow, we were instructed to go to our bays and…sleep from 0730 to 1100 hrs.…? Evidently the company brass thought the company was sick enough to warrant some extra sleep. Not an argument from any of us with in our platoon. 

After the bleach nap, we were promptly ordered to conduct another bleach drill in the bay. After that, the rest of the day till dinner chow. After dinner chow, we had our hydration formation. This is where we officially transitioned from Red phase to White phase. The difference means we can now get Gatorade and power bars from the “Gut truck” that comes around at or around 2000 most nights, we can walk ourselves to and from various locations without a DS, we can do PT around the CTa and other things. Nothing else happened with the exception of one or more people going to the ER for fevers in our PLT. What else in new. Oh yeah, I did receive a really nice package from my wife. It really helped my morale.

BCT Day 22 Thursday 5/26/11

BRM: LOMAH Range

Another fun morning of PRT in the bay, which is hot and humid in the morning, in our ACUs. Yay. The DSs had SGT Ski run our PRT session.  After PRT we formed up and loaded on Trans to go the location hit and miss range. This is arranged outside with targets like our regular range that illustrates where he hit or miss our shots.

We ate breakfast chow at the range via UPU. After breakfast, they then formed us up to get ready and fire on the range. It was relatively easy for me. I only miss a few shots here there. I actually had the rifle pop back and get me in the lip one shot. It drew a little blood. After I was done and went to turn in my magazines, the DS at the ammo shack told me to take an extra magazine and burn it off…Sweet! I got to go and shoot them off, however I wanted. What did suck was that I did start feeling like crap again and kept getting worse as the day went. I even started coughing up green mucus again. Great!

After the firing, DS T schooled us in tactical formations. He then challenged the other platoon that was with us to a one-man competitive match. Our Korean guy smoked their nerdy know-it-all… We then had a rap off and sing off. We won both as well.

We then rode back to the CTA and had a nice surprise from the DSs. Every PLT had their bay tossed. Our bay got it worse with laundry detergent spread all over almost every surface in the bathroom. I could describe it as a blood scene from “The shining,” but with blue replacing the color red. Evidently, our DSs were extra pissed because we were not doing or bleach drills properly. We cleaned up most of the mess before heading for dinner chow. After chow we had our hydration formation. We had to have it inside due to severe thunder storm warning in the area. Upon getting back, I had the DS on duty check my temperature. It read 100.8. He told me to come back in an hour to come back in an hour to re-check. Upon the second reading was a temp of 100.6. The DSs reply was “you’re getting better private; you don’t need to go to the hospital like all of your other sick platoon buddies.” Whatever, I was going to sick call the next day.

BCT Day 23 Friday 5/27/11

Woke up and tried to get a few bunks in my squad squatted away before leaving for sick call. Evidently, there was on AGR scheduled for that morning, but it was canceled. I think it had something to do with the 4-day weekend for Memorial Day because there were maybe two or three DSs on hand. However, I could hear the platoons working out upstairs in the bays.

Upon getting to the clinic there was a huge line of sick and broken people. There are always the same conversations going on: Who’s DS is meaner, what week they are in, who has a heavier weapon, how they got that nasty rash…etc. My temperature at the clinic was about 99.5. A low grade fever I guess. I was given some antibiotics, cough drops, Tylenol, and Claritin. The RNP asked if I had been to the infirmary before. I said, “No, is that where I am going?” Yep, for 48hrs.” I was then given a packing list and sent back to my unit to collect up my things.

Upon getting back, another guy and I informed DS T that we are going to the Infirmary. His response was “Enjoy your vacation.” We got our things and left. The Infirmary had this really weird depressed inside. I felt like I had walked into a slow scene from “One who flew over the coos nest.” There’s bunks, a TV with movies constantly playing, some tables and a nurse there to baby sit us. The rules are simple. You can sleep, read, write, shower, watch a movie, and EAT whenever you want except when chow does come. I took a nice long nap after lunch and read “Boots on the Ground” the rest of the day. It’s been a decent book so far discussing the 82^nd Airborne and their invasion of Iraq in 2003. Lights out is 2200. I didn’t think I was going to need the sleeping bag I brought. Man was I wrong. The air in that building got down to the mid to low 60s overnight.

BCT Day 24 Saturday 5/28/11

MIN Field Trip

I have had enough of the Infirmary. I know I was scheduled 48 hrs. but I was told I could leave after 1 day should I choose. I felt like I am wasting time and just needed some sleep the previous day. There were shirkers in the place that said there was nothing wrong with them, but they did not want to clean up with their PLT during the last week or two. I just wanted to get back to my PLT. Upon getting back to my unit, I found out our bay had been tossed again and that the company was going on a field trip to the Nation Infantry Museum (NIM) here at Ft. Benning. I got changed and ready just in time. The NIM just relocated in Feb. to this brand new $100 million building with a nice new graduation field. It is quite impressive after taking into account is from local donations. I am not going to try and describe the exhibits on here. At some point I will try to upload some pictures when I get out of jail…I mean BCT. After a few hours inside they had us eat MRES outside. I gave away most of my food because the there was too many calories. 

After getting back, we worked on cleaning the bay before dinner chow. After dinner chow, we had hydration formation. After HF, my PLT had to do CQ cleaning duties. After that, I had CQ duty for an hour. At some point during my shift, my PLT was given 20 mine phone calls. Of course my relief was 15 minutes late. However, I did get to make my 20 minute phone call and speak to my wife. Luckily everything is going well at home. It felt so good to speak to my wife after nearly 3 weeks for more than 5 minutes.

After one phone call, I had about 15 minutes to shower and try and start on straightening up my locker for Sunday’s first locker inspection. I had problems sleeping with the cough I had the whole night.

BCT Day 25 Sunday 5/29/11

Toby Keith Concert

After wakeup this morning, it was a frenzy of people trying to straighten our lockers. We really didn’t know what time the inspection was going to take place. What made it worse was that the PG decided his locker was to be the standard 30 minutes before formation WTF?!?Whatever.

After chow, our SDS did his inspection with the PG and squad leaders. For the most part there were a few items that everyone got wrong across the board. I just found it nice to finally know his standard. He also gave us an offer. At 1900 Monday, he will do another inspection for each item that is wrong in the PLT; he will take 1.5 minutes off of a 30 minute phone call for Memorial Day. Yippie Kay Yay!! I just hope we end up with more than 15 minutes. At about 1045, the CQ DS called a short notice HF. Evidently, someone called a bomb threat. So our movement and activity will be limited. Also, he seemed to think that the Toby Keith concert may be canceled as well. We all hope not.

I went to mass and got back around 1700. We formed up and left around 1800 for the Toby Keith concert. It was a good time for most of the guys due to the pizza, ice cream, Italian ice, and half dressed women. What was bummer was the fact that Toby Keith didn’t even start playing till about 2125 and we had to form up to leave at 2145. We got about 2 ½ songs in before leaving. We marched back where we had one guy pass out and a few fevers. We’ll see how they feel tonight.

6th Letter

This post took me a while because Keith's letter is about 20 pages long.

BCT Day 12- Monday 5/16/2011

We had formation at 0600. We were suppose to meet our transit buses for our leadership resource course at 0630, and eat breakfast at the range. However, the civilian transporters screwed up and sent our buses to another company. So we headed back to the CTA (Company Area) and had breakfast. They then  marched us down the road about 1 1/2 mile to a different course. I think the DSs were a little disappointed because the original course had water for us to fall into when we fell off an obstacle.

The course was fairly fun even though my team never fully completed a task.The DSs were a little angry about something. We kept having to get down and push for so many dumbasses. The weather was chilly. At one point it rained in the afternoon and it was cold. If I buy the DVD, I will post video from the event. Basically, all of the obstacles were about a team trying to get over a bridge that had been destroyed while trying to get a piece of important equipment or casualty across in 25 minutes. The day did not end on a good note though. DS T and another DS from 1st platoon decided that 1st and 3rd platoon needed more training on first and casualty evacuation. This meant that we had to do fireman carries, neck carries, and single person carries up a hill. It was insanely tiring. DS T then surprised the hell of of us by sitting and BS'ing with us for a half hour. We then showered and went to bed.

BCT Day 13 5/17/11
Confidence tower

We got up to find that it was a bit chilly, but it warmed up a little bit. We then got our assault packs loaded up and marched down to the confidence tower. This course involves rappelling and various maneuvers across certain rope configurations about 30 feet in the air.

The rope course involved moving across two ropes, one for the feet and one for the arms. That was probably the hardest one. After that you have to move across one thick rope on your stomach. That was though towards the end because it was riding one area between my legs and press against my chest. I started telling myself that I was doing it for my wife. The XO thought that was cool and started asking more questions. He even asked me what the square root of 36 was when I was still on the rope. I answered "6 sir." He said
"alright warrior, drive on."

The third part involved one rope for the feet and two for the arms, that was fairly easy. After that they then had us climb down a cargo net that was about 40 feet up. I had problems with that because I tried to go down too far. We then had chow UPU, your pick it up, which is a delivered chow line. After chow, I got to be the second person in the line for the rappeline. I was really nervous till I got to the top and saw DS T there to make sure I went down. He was pretty cool actually. The hardest was putting all my weight and faith on the rope and hardware.After my first jump I started jumping and having fun with it. Most people myself included, wanted to go and do it again. Then, chilled out for about 2 hours waiting for the rest of the people to finish.We then marched back and did chow. We got a few minutes to shower and go to bed.

Wednesday 5/18/11 BCT Day 14

FTX1/Night Infiltration

The morning started out very chilly. I think it was in the late 30s. It was made worse by the DSs telling us to alter our uniforms to at least Cat 5 (some heat measurement system her at FT. Benning) This means we had to roll up our sleeves and pant legs. Everyone was shivering. We stood there for about 30 minutes before marching out. We marched 20 minutes and came to this field on the edge of these woods. We then had to form up security formations and watch for any breaches in security. My platoon sat there for about 3 hours before moving to any classes and testing. The test were a part of our testing out of red phase.

First we had to show a DS that we could fix a malefaction with a rifle with he "Sport" method and do a functions check. After that we then went and were shown and tested on how to clear a room with a 4 person squad. Pretty fun and easy to pick up.

We came back to eat on lunch, which happen to be our first issued MRE's I got this beef patty with Mexican macaroni...not that special. After the MRE, we had to sit and run security some more. The company commander came around and did his version of a greet. I had my head down and was actually aiming when he came around. I popped my head up when I saw him looking. He said,
you better not be fucking sleeping." I forgot to mention that earlier in the week he came around at the team exercise and was chit chatting with people. He saw my SPC rank and asked if I was OCS? I said "No sir." He then said that he was about to "fuck me up" when he looked at my uniform. Evidently, I put the patches on backwards in a haste that morning. FML!! Oh well.

After some more security, we went and did some testing on our pro-mask (gas mask), first aid, and some group firing movements up a hill. The gas mask sucked because it still had cs gas remnants on it and caused my face to burn for 10 minutes. First aid was easy because we had a combat medic train us. The firing movements was fun, nothing to complain about it.

After that, we marched back to the CTA and ate dinner chow outside. After that we then loaded up our gear and got on some buses to head to a night infiltration course range. I was looking forward to hit and was not really nervous at all. What was funny was some of the DSs asked who was seared. Some very wide eyed privates raided their hand. (BuZZZZ) Wrong answer. The DSs then said "alright, Ill be right behind yo ass to make sure you go." There really isn't anything to worry about because any live fire (which real rounds are being fired) is flying at least 15 feet above our head. They also fire a flare up in the air. At that point you have to stop whatever your doing, no matter what position and stay completely still. I consider that to be the 20-30 second break because you have to be the low crawl about 100 yards across this range. What made it difficult was that  towards the end, my eye- pro started fogging up bad and I couldn't see anything at all. The DSs then did some more yelling at us to get our crap and go. We packed our stuff and waited for our trans (buses). During this time, people were complaining because of their assault packs. I couldn't believe how pissy people were being. We happen to have an E-5 (sergeant) in our platoon for OCS. He was pissed too. He explained that he was at FT Benning 12 yrs ago. They had their heavier ruck sacks, their IBA's (flack jacket), old dark color BDU's (the former camos), black leather boots, and a few other things. It's a new Army, sergeant.

We came back, had some pep talk fro our reservist DS. Evidently, this week we got 4 DSs from a reserve unit for two weeks. The one for our platoon is pretty cool. However, the first day they were being stealthy and sneaking up on us in formation and scaring us. I had one correct my hands for attention and tell me "I'll blow your shit up if you don't get your shit together, private." We then showered and went to bed. What sucked was I had fireguard from 0300-0400. It was very difficult not to fall asleep. I had to wake my relief up twice. The second time wasn't so subtle.

BCT Day 15 Thursday 5/19/11
Land Navigation/Radio Communication

We woke up at a decent time. I don't remember what time because...I was dead. Waking up is the worst part about being here. That is the common consensus in the bay too. Part of it for me is the fact that I am not waking next to my wife. This whole experience is rearranging my priorities in life. I no longer have the urge to get on facebook, my phone, or both. It has also made me appreciate handwriting my communication rather than typing it, or texting. I'm sure after graduation , that will disappear though.

They had us load up our FLC vests and assault packs. These assault packs usually have about 30-40lbs in them at any given time' not too heavy. We then marched about 1.5 miles to this location where we learned how to use and communicate on an Army radio. We also learned how to call in a 9 line MEDEVAC. I won't go into delta, for reasons.

After the Radio class, they marched up another 1.5-2 miles uphill to the land navigation range. It was disappointing to see so many people falling out at such a slow pace with so little equipment. However, that chilly air has been replaced by 80's and 90's weather. Oh well, hopefully they will get stronger.

We got into the range and formed up for lunch chow with UPU. After chow, we formed up for teams to navigate the range and find 3 points on the map. I looked back behind me to see who was on my team and smiled to see the OCS E-5 who has done 3 tours in Iraq. This wasn't because he could do the work, but if I got lost, he could fix it , especially with me being selected at team leader for the event. SGT Ski (the E-5) gave us a few pointers for finding our points. The biggest idea was to follow roads to find our points rather than traversing in a straight line through thick woods. A lot of people did it and about 50% of the company failed or No go'ed the event . We found all three points with a little time to spare.

After we got back, we waited and then had dinner chow via UPU again. After chow, we formed up in the same teams again and were briefed on night navigation. However, they had us start around 1830 and gave us only about 2 hrs to complete before it got dark makes sense right? They gave us 5 points to find and used the compass predominately with this exercise.
We found the first 3 points with out too much struggle. However, our 4 points were questionable and didn't feel like finding the 5th point with it being 870 meters away. We guessed the number and headed back. We felt pretty confident with the first 3 points and that is what we needed to pass.

We got back and turned our answers in and found out we got a Go with 3/5. Yay. We waited for the DSs to round up the people who were lost and could find their points or way back. Evidently, we waited too long to march back and rode back on some trans.

We got back and got a pep talk from DS Kat (Our temporary reserve DS). We seem to like him. I like that he calls us "crazy" instead of "fucker" or "retard." It's also odd for me to realize I am the same age as him, 25, and he acts so much older than his real age. We then showered and went to bed. It was nice because I had no fireguard. I actually laid down and went to sleep a half hour before lights went out.

BCT Day 16  Friday 5/20/11
IED Training Day

I forgot to mention that this week that the DSs have been doing PRT with us in the morning. Nothing wrong with that, but we have been doing it in our ACU's to save time. I love this because we start the day off all sweaty and grimy in our uniform [Insert sarcastic tone]. Oh well.

They had us march about 2.25 miles uphill. It was a decent pace that had me sweating and thinking of home. We did have one kid passout, but he's ok.

We got to the range and spent about the next 8 hours learning about IEDs for OPSEC reasons, that is all I will say. We did get a tip form one of our IED instructors on getting caught sleeping by a DS. If you are caught sleeping or halfway asleep and a DS  swaps at you, bless yourself and pick your head up as if were praying. I don't plan on doing it, but I thought it was amusing.

We then marched back at a very slow pace. Someone even passed out then too. I guess the heat here gets to some people. They were ok, I guess. After our hydration formation, all but one DS disappeared and we got about an extra hour of personal time to try and catch up on this journal. I then went to sleep about a half hour early.

BCT Day 17 Saturday 5/21/11

The day was pretty chill compared to the fast pace of this week. Evidently, we are moving through basic really fast. I was talking with another company before they graduated, they said that we are just blowing through all of our training courses compared to them. The first would confirm the rumor that our cadre is trying to get us done early as to graduate us prior to July 4th, rather than July 7th. SGT Ski said it would make sense because of the leave involved for the cadre at the company and dealing with us. We would more than likely get a 3 to 4 day pass to be out of their hair. My other theory is that so many people are getting injured and sick, or failing courses, they are trying to build in time buffers to allow people to heal up and retake tests. I just want a confirmation on the dates if they do change. 

The day involved our platoon and another platoon working on more Army combatatives and detailing techniques. We had to hold off someone they came at us. I ended up getting this big guy with a head length over me. I held him off me for a bit and then he bowed up on me and I lost my stance and fell back on my rifle. It was kind of fun.

After that we were given time to go and work on our laundry and go get money from the ATM for concert tickets to the Toby Keith concert on May 29th. Evidently, we are allowed to go and eat pizza and soda. I plan on just to get away from the CTA and enjoy a little bit of country I do like.

About the ATM machine, I forgot to mention the previous day that I realized that I had $60 stolen from my wallet during the past few days. I was stupid and never wrote down the serial numbers like the DSs told us to do on Day 1. So I didn't even bother bringing it to the DSs attention. I was so angry.  It really breaks my trust level with everyone in my platoon because they had to be very sneaky. I very rarely leave my locker open except to run to the bathroom. It was very demotivating.

After chow, the same two platoons marched over the EST (Electronic Shooting Training) buildings. Here we started practicing on the machine I mentioned previously, but on a bigger scale. Our platoon finished quicker than any other platoon. In fact, we finished quicker than any platoon that the technician has had come through. This means we grouped and zeroed our shots in little time. It only took me one turn. This left us with a boat load of time. Our DSs decided to have us clean rifles and pass out mail. I finally got some mail from my wife. Evidently, she is not writing "A Co. 2-47" in the address and its delaying when I receive it. So if anyone wants to mail me anything here, please us this address:

SPC Keith Miller, RN: 309
A. Co. 2-47 IN
5375 Hauson Dr.
Ft. Benning GA 31905-4930

I will write back to anyone ASAP should I receive anything.

After dinner chow, we formed up for hydration formation where we then lined up to buy tickets to see Toby Keith. I'm a little bit of a fan, but I really want time away from the CTA

We just so just so happened to get woken up at 2200 and to be dressed in our ACUs and formed up at 2215. We had the privilege of going to cheer on a company from a totally different battalion as they came back from their last FTX, thus signify the end of training. As it happened, we marched over their to find out they wouldn't be back for another 1.5 hours. The DSs messed with us and said we would go back to our bays for 1 hour and go back. The DS then said "no, someone else can wake up." I then went back to sleep promptly after chewing some people out for talking or screwing around.

BCT Day 18- Sunday 5/22/11

Not as relaxing as I had hoped. We finally were able to start doing laundry on our own, in our own laundry room. We have had difficulties with laundry because of sewage back ups in our septic lines. We have been using a few people to wash our clothes, but that resulted in people losing a variety of items, me included. I finished some laundry and worked most of my time on this journal to catch up. I have been motivated ever sine receiving and reading my wife's letters and pictures that were scented with her perfume. Very uplifting.

We were enjoying peace and quiet till DS T came in and informed us that our platoon had company duty this week. He then went out to explain that meant we are in charge of setting up the ranges, and ice sheet coolers, and other items for the next week. He then went on to have prep equipments for the next week. After we were done, we disappeared.

Overall, life here has not been as bad as I though it was going to be. It must be because our company is not infantry. The smoking's here have been...crap. The recruiters were tougher on PT than the PRT crap. It certainly is a new Army. The DSs have to pay attention to anything they say that might offend someone. There are very little racial jokes or remarks. There are people being called fat and bacon though.

We had lunch chow and I was able to finish my laundry. I was able to finish my letters as well to my wife. I would like to try and write one to my parents here son, but training has been fast paced.



At 1430, I got downstairs to wait for a DS to take us to mass. However just before 1500 (which when mas is scheduled) we found a DS and he told us to just march ourselves down ourselves. ok. We got there on time. It was an interesting mass. We had two brothers who got to be baptized, received holy communion, and confirmation at mass.

After mass, I got to chow just in time. After chow all of the platoons got setup for some pictures in the CTA. It will probably be on the FB fanpage for 2-47. My platoon is the platoon with the green strips of tape. After that, we had a DS, who I'd like to call DS cajun, smoke us and have us stand at parade rest for about 30 minutes. This because of the stupidity of a few people throughout the company. He said this shows we are not ready for white phase. We then went to our bay and had some discussion about our issues. Our biggest problem is that there are few people who cannot get along with each other. It's so annoying, I don't understand why some of these personalities can't eat a slice of humble pie and straighten out their ego.

After that we had another DS come in and take people's temperatures to find out that they had a fever. The DS then chewed us out for being sick and having to take them to the ER. [Insert sarcasm]. Don't these people know health care for soldiers is free because we are not suppose to have access to without criticism. We then had a bleach drill and one of our quitter got in a fight with someone for taking his number off the fireguard schedule. I will now go shower and bleach something.

5th Letter

BCT Day 7 5/11/11

The morning was just delightful…not! Sick call was scheduled to be lined up at 0500. I got there on time. I was there for my knee and my chest crud. The company XO came by and asked each person what was wrong with them and why they had to go that day, the day of the AGR. I told him I was coughing up blood the day before and his response to me was “How about today?” I told him not much better. He shrugged and walked away. I then got more flak from another DS because he had me down for my knee and I could have gone and seen the athletic trainer, and avoid a profile. I explained that I had no idea. He then threw his clip board down and walked away. He then led us into a room and said that another DS would be with us soon to take us to sick call. We waited there for more than 45 minutes! Finally a DS came in and escorted us to the clinic. After getting into the clinic and checking in, my treatment as being sick go to be a lot nicer. I was seen fairly quickly. The nurses told me and a bunch other guys from my company were dehydrated and ordered us to get two bags of saline IV’s. I also got an X-Ray because I might have had pneumonia. The X-ray came back negative, but they think I might have had it and got through it ok. The two bags of saline felt nice though. It did help my knee feel a little bit better though. Luckily they gave me a meal kit for lunch and had to wait for a DS to come and pick me up.

 Luckily, I got back in time for my platoon to start first aid training. I thought I was going to be missing the class and read ahead in our instruction book. It just made it easier for me to follow along we basically went to different bays for different classes where the DS were being pretty funny with us. The Asian DS who pronounces splint as sprint even wrote sprint to be funny. The DS was the one that had us in tears. Every slide had a sexual joke for each slide. We were discussing tubes, mouths, and throats. I will keep the decency of my journal by not mentioning any quotes. 

After that, DS T was pretty cool with us and we got a lot of extra free time. Also, the fireguard at night (including me) had to be on alert for the DS on duty that night to be sneaking in and trying to take our rifles.

My shift was 0100-0200. As I was walking around, I heard a key in our back door. I stood back in a shadow by the door and waited. He slowly opened the door and creped in and let the door close quietly. He creped right by me and then I asked, “What can I help you with DS?” He spun around and said “Damn private you’re good” and walked out. My ninja traits finally kicked in.

BCT Day 8 5/12/11

Not a very eventful day. I am feeling a lot better and so is my knee. I did get a profile saying I would run at my own pace for a week, but I did not let that give me an excuse to wimp out on my training. My cough is mostly dry with no more green crud…yay!!

We had PRT at 0615. We did the prep exercises and for the core, and condition up drill 2. Easy stuff till the DSs had us do as many push-ups and sit ups as possible in 30 seconds about 8 times each. I am proud to say that I am one of the few people not to put my knee down here since I got here. “A little heart privates.” After that we had chow. It sucked because we had loads of sand all over us from outside and got in our food. Luckily we get free dental because we might grind out teeth that way. 

We then got to change our shirts and get ready for land navigation class. The class was more of a review because I didn’t in high school and online with the FS site. It was hard not to fall asleep though, holy crap! The rest of the day got opened to personal time for the most part because some briefs from brigade staff for us got canceled. The tone has certainly chilled a little since last week. However, there are times when the DSs do snap when people screw up on the little things that they should know.

I started using the meds the clinic gave me; light pain reliever, nasal spray, mucinex, throat lozenge, calcium supplement and pain reliever cream.

BCT Day 9 5/13/11 Confidence Course!

I did not have to do fireguard or CQ duty somehow last night, so I was able to sleep through the night somewhat. I seem to remember jumping out of my bed and snapping to parade rest for a DS. I don’t know if I was dreaming or if there was really a DS. Oh well. 

We had chow and cleaned the bay before showing up for formation. I don’t know what it is about the humidity here, but I just start sweating and my eye protection fogs up like nothing.

We then moved over to the German wall. This is a series of walls that a squad has to figure out how to get the group over. My squad went first and finished the fastest we then moved to what they call “the skyscraper.” This is a wooden 4 or 5 structure with ladders or stairs. I thought this was going to be the hardest station. Actually, it was probably the easiest and quickest station. We were supposed to do a 4^th station but the officers double booked our courses for the day. We were supposed to get to do the rappelling tower too but that got postponed as well. Overall, I didn’t know what to expect from the confidence course. It was a lot of fun and built more teamwork skills among everyone.

We then marched back. I was disappointed to see people not being able to stay in formation for 15 minutes with just our rifles. We had 3 guys slow down and not really care. I don’t know what they will do when we load up our full battle uniforms. We got back, had our chow outside. They then had us change into out PTs and do some count. We then loaded into our bay for a classroom on tactical soldier recovery. It was going well till the DS saw so many people dozing off. He then yelled and told us to go downstairs and for up. Everyone thought we were getting smoked. Turns out he had us setup a scenario outside and do teams to practice the lesson. I think we realized this would keep us engaged and awake. We then loaded into our bay again for a class on staying clean and healthy. The laughs came with the STD jokes. 

We then had to do a bleach drill. This is where we take bleach and wipe it on all visible surfaces. This meant to help stop the spread of the illnesses flying around the bay.

I had fireguard duty from 2200-2300. Not too bad of a shift. I wanted to go to sleep so badly, but made myself walk the bay to prevent falling asleep. I basically slept the rest of the night. I did wake up at 0400 instead of 0430. My sleep cycle is starting to sync for a 0400 wake up.

BCT Day 10 5/14/11

First official Army performance fitness test. Formation was for 0515 to start the push ups and sit-ups. I did 44 push ups. This was more than my requirement for basic and AIT. The last 5 or so were for my wife. I did 52 sit-ups. This is 15 more than what I needed for BCT and AIT. We then had to do the 2 mile run. I debated on not running because I’m on profile and my breathing is not back to where I wanted. I decided to do it and try my best. The road was somewhat flat and the weather was cool and moist, so it felt good. I did alright for the first mile, but during my 2^nd mile, I started coughing and hacked up blood again like I did back on Tuesday. I was able to trudge along to finish line for a 17:45. That is 15 seconds above what I needed to pass BCT. I was a little annoyed. The DSs then had us run back to the company area. 8 people including me fell out of formation. It just to be too much after the other 2 miles. The DSs then yelled at the people who fell out and took their roster numbers. The DS did remember that I was profiled and marked it down.

They then tried to stretch us out, but people were having problems remembering the sequences and that pissed DS T so much that he smoked us for about 10 minutes and degrading, firing, and screaming at people.  After he was done, we ate chow outside. After chow, we went inside to change into our ACUS and start a more in depth bleach drill. We took everything out of our lockers and cleaned the inside of the lockers. After that we took all of the lockers out to the middle of the bay and mopped under the beds and lockers. This too was a team building exercise. The problem with this bay is that there are people who want to take church when it is not their place. I'm usually the person that ends up explaining why they are wrong. We also have the egos with a chip on their shoulder. One kid has had little altercations with multiple people in the platoon. He wanted to get into a fight with me, even after I kept walking away. And people were pulling him away. He is a very sensitive, short tempered person and he is going to learn that the hard way more likely. We got called down to go and watch this interactive movie called “True loyalty and Allegiance. It’s a 3 part series for the next 3 weeks following a kid around and explaining the consequences of his actions in the army. Bad acting and easy decisions.

After that, we did more cleaning and had personal time from 1600 till about 2100. I guess we started and finished our bleach drill early. Also all but one DS left for the night. I guess they will be refreshed tomorrow and Monday. Oh well. 

BCT Day 10 5/15/11

Today was my first relaxed Sunday since even before I left for BCT. We woke up just before 0600 and formed up at 0615! We then went to chow. What’s nice now is that the DSs have allowed the PG’s to control the platoons to chow, with some minor monitoring by the DSs.

After chow, the DS told us we need to clean the bay till 0800, and after that “you so play with your ding-a-lings.” Everyone thought it was funny which I said that it was a direct order to go and masturbate.

We then just sat around writing, talking, napping (if you don’t get caught), working out, or anything to pass the time till they go to mass. At 0900, I had CQ shift for an hour. The DSs are definitely mellower on Sundays. I just hope no one screws up and the DSs decide to make us pay tomorrow.

On a side note, PVT whiney really screwed up last night. Evidently, last Sunday, he got caught buying a Gatorade and some candy at church. They gave him a second chance. Next, he got his article 15 at the obstacle course. I mentioned previously. Last night, he decided he needed to make a call badly. So bad that he got into the DSs room and stole some other persons IPhone. Someone realized that there was a phone somewhere. The E-5 in that platoon decided to talk to him. PVT Whiney was fixing his pant leg, the charger fell out. As he was going for his locker, he darted out of the platoon and outside where he ran for the woods and tossed the phone. The guys did get him. With his attempt for AWOL, there now has to be two more people on fireguard duty to watch him at night. Id hat to say it, but I called it the first night here when I first met him. I’m curious if he will get more than Article 15 for theft.

We went to lunch chow and did more of the same till about 1400 when our SDS decided to do more training and Drill and ceremony (DNC) and the rifle. I didn’t get to do a lot of the rifle because I had to leave for mass.We actually go to mass on time at 1500 and sat waited till almost 1600 before mass. I guess confessions are long and the priest said that mass doesn’t actually start till 1530. Whatever. I have never seen a priest hold a mass so quick. The DS didn’t want to come back and had us march back on our own. We got back in time for chow and to help my platoon with the company cleaning duties. Also, one of the guys on our platoon fainted and needed an ambulance. I don’t know what’s up, we will find out tomorrow.

Wow I need to finish this letter to mail and start on my assault pack for tomorrow’s leadership course (LRC). Evidently we will get dirty. We will see how much.

4th letter

BCT Day 0

The day started at 0400. We were required to clean the bays up immaculately. The weather outside was perfect. It felt like upper 60s with a slight breeze. We were scheduled to load up leave for "down range" at 1000 hrs, but the civilians at the reception building were moving slow on the last minute fixes. While waiting the company ISG assigned 4 "high speed" specialists, including myself, to go to the various bays and square away any details missed. We had to take 10 other soldiers each to get it done. After doing that, I pray that I don't get some of these people in my platoon. I cannot just sit around and screw around when a DS asked us to do something. I was just annoyed to bananas. We sat and sat and went to lunch. Then the trucks came and they had us file out and stack our duffel bags and got into formation. The belittling started here. I knew what to do so I brought no attention to myself. It was intimidating to say the least. I was distracted enough due to the fact that my laundry detergent started leaking in my laundry. This was the bag that we're holding the whole time. It had all of my personal items, (including the new bag I purchased and not the one I donated. Thank you again SSG WTF." and other misc gear. My bag felt like about 25-35 lbs.

They then had us march about a mile up a hill with the bags still in our hands. We came across the battalion and company building. They marched us into this courtyard and pressed us together really close. They then had us sit down somehow. This was about 215 people mashed together. They then had the company 1SG talk to us over a PA system. He just gave an introduction to the  company and DS staff. They then had us all run over to our stacks of bags and find ours. During this, the DSs were finding people to pick on. I kept my head down and was constantly running, so I avoided any attention. During this whole time, I emptied all emotion, and became a rock. They had us move into our PLT. formation. Here they yelled at us some more. They then had us go to our bay upstairs.

Once in our bay, they had us hold our laundry bags over heads and out in front of us. I was sweating fairly well by now. They then had us do half-jacks for a while. We did it longer because there were guys having problems with the cadences. One guy even passed out just from those exercises. And of course, they had us do push-ups. I have the name already for the one DSs; DS T, He sounds like Mr. T, except he doesn't say fool.

He then had us fill out some paper work that I have already filled out before.We went to chow afterwards. The selection is a little different and is healthier then the reception; no fried food. I got some good ribs. The DSs then took us on a tour of the battalion grounds. We then had to deal with a fire alarm. Around 1800 hrs, the whole company meets up around this big company and army logo and had what they call "Hydration formation." This basically gives a status quo of events and a preview of the next day. We went back in our bays. More paper work and push ups. Then at about 2140 they told all 54 of us to shower in 20 minutes. Lots of fun, we even had DS T com in looking at tattoos. We then went to bed, but I ended up having fireguard duty at 0200 for a hour...yay.

BCT Day 1

My name is not Keith Miller anymore. I now go by Roster #309. That means, 3rd platoon and 9th on the roster. We are know as the Regulators, I guess a past cavalry division.

Wake up was supposed to be at 0430, but the DSs had other ideas. What's a first morning at basic without a wake up call from modified air horns @ 0400. Part of the experience. I saw that coming because there was no fireguard scheduled till 0430. We then had to try and make our beds the way they wanted, shave, brush our teeth, and get dressed in about 45 minutes. There are so many sick people right now. There is constant hacking and sniffling. I hope I can stay clear of the crud.

We had our initial PT test, which is known as the 1-1-1. 1 minute of push ups, 1 minute of sit ups and a 1 mile run. I did 25 official push ups with about 5-10 not counted because I guess my form was not right. Oh Well. I did not have as much of a problem with my sit ups. I did 34. For my 1 mile run, I ran 8:14, which is my best time so far, but according to DS T, "That's Shit."

The DSs in my platoon are the strictest in the company. Evidently, we get smoked more than anyone else. DS T is the worst. I can see what he is doing though. He's training us harder to get our discipline squared away better than the other platoons.

We basically sat in a classroom all day trying not to fall asleep or dealing with a DS in your face. I managed the classes were basic topics like Equal Opportunity, hot weather injuries watched some IED rules on Taliban, and operation security. OPSEC

Friday -> Tuesday  BCT Day 2-6

The last couple of days have been very stressful and busy. I have not been able to write very much at all. I will highlight the last couple of days.

Friday- We were issued our weapons, M-16 M-4. These things are .06 lbs without the sling and magazine. It doesn't sound like much, but you take a 9 lb weight and hold it out on your side for 2-5 minutes. I now have to carry this around just about everywhere, including the bathroom and chow. We started training on the new Army PRT system, which is replacing the old Army PT. This is the new system I mentioned that SSG Lime thought it was gay. It's not even that hard for me with the personal training I paid for. It's the coordination with the cadences that takes practice. If you screw that up, the DSs are on you quick.

Saturday- I really do not remember what happened that day except that I did wake up with that crud in my lungs and head. Freaking great! The whole day I was dizzy and disoriented and even fell asleep standing up a few times.

Sunday- It was supposed to be a more relaxing day. However, DS T saw the guidelines through his own eyes. Supposedly, DSs are not supposed to smoke PVTs on Sundays till 1600. Well at about 1300, DS T came in and got all pissed about the various stupid stuff that our stupid people were doing. Mainly talking and moving at the position attention. I don't know why it is so hard to follow simple instructions. DS T. had us doing PT stuff from about 1515 to about 1410. In the meantime, I was hacking and sniffling the whole time. What annoyed me about that was that it got me very sweaty before church. My church service was scheduled for 1500 and you have to report 30 minutes prior to march. I got there on time at 1430 with no DS there till about 1545 and then we waited another 10-15 minutes for more people. We got to church at about 1515 with a long line for confession still in place that caused mass to start around 1540. Fine by me! More time away from DSs who are not allowed in the masses. After mass, we got to ride back in a van. However, six of us had to stuff ourselves into the back of a van on the ground.

DS T did ask us to huddle before personal time to ask questions. It's got to be the funniest Q and A session from a step back. Stupid people asking stupid questions, and DS T giving them a "you dumb fucker" answer. He did talk about the gas chamber the next day. The part that stands out, is when he asked about what we were going to have to recite and how bad while in the CS gas chamber. His response was, "depends on whether his woman was gonna give him any pussy that night. So pray for pussy fuckers." Holy crap, I lost it. We actually got some free time to ourselves that night too. Wow!

Monday- Gas Chamber Day!

We started the day with chow around 0600. I had a feeling that it would be smart to eat a small meal to lessen the chance of regurgitation in the gas chamber. The DSs made it sound like you may have to clean any mess you leave behind in there. Oops, before chow we did more of intro to the PRT exercises. Easy stuff, slightly challenging. However, when we were leaving, we were the only platoon to decide to run two laps around the track. About a 1/4 of the platoon kept up with the DS. I was having problems with the breathing because of the chest crud, but I nearly stayed the pace. We did have a guy who the DSs call PVT Hip Hop who I rode up from MEPS in the van, who could barely walk much less run because of his knee. Turns out after seeing the athletic trainers, he may have done something to his MCL, not good. He is now on crutches. PVT Hip Hop still wanted to go to the gas chamber. We then all got in our ACUs, got our assault rifles. We marched a bit and met up some "cattle trucks." I volunteered to carry Hip Hops bag as well as my own. Not too bad, just more sweat. At the gas chamber, we did a quick check of the mask. I didn't know what I was doing for the check because I missed the chemical class the day before because of church. I was praying that my seals were good.

They marched us in and within 5 seconds, my skin where I shaved that morning started to burn. My mask worked though, whew. They had us pull our mask off and say our last name and last 4 digits of our SSN, then reseal the mask. I was ok till my last digit and got hit. It took me a minute to recover. They then had my line pull our masks off,  put our helmet on properly, put our rifle in our right hand, our mask in the left, and hold both hands out. I was the first done, but waited for the freaked out people. Finally, they had us run out. You could see the sick people because the faces and jackets were covered in snot!. I was one of them. I slowly could breathe again. The rest of the day was low key though! Didn't really do much training, and we got a full hour of personal time.

Tuesday- Obstacle course day

I was dragging it hard in the morning from whatever it was I have. Worse, DS T smoked us in the bay before leaving. I sweated like crazy. I was dizzy as hell. After the smoking, I asked if he could take my temp where he then chewed my ass for being 25 and not letting someone know that I was sick sooner. It was bad enough that I needed some time to myself in the bathroom for a minute. Oh well, I decided I would stick it out for the day to see how far I could take it.On top of that, I started having problems with my knee the night before. So I had that going for me.

Attire for the obstacle course was ACUs, boots and our camel backs. We marched to the course and learned how to stack our rifles. We then went on a tour of the course. Lucky for us PVT Whiney and my bunk mate (who happens to have the same last name as me, and I have been trying to help him with bunk, rifle, etc) did some stupid things and caused the whole company to drop. My bunk mate already got Article 15 the night before from our SDS(Senior). Because of both soldiers' actions and attitudes, it looks like both will be getting ELS (Entry level Separation). This means they are leaving the Army early. We then got in starting positions and the platoons competed against themselves in squads. I thought I was going to on the first obstacle. Luckily, I had some good battle buddies pushing my ass! I could barely breathe through the whole thing. It was fun though. I didn't feel my knee either. After that run, each platoon picked their "super 8" to compete against each platoon. I was definitely not on that team. Our platoon ended up coming in 3rd. Unfortunately, I think if Hip Hop and our ELS guy were able to make it to the course, we could have won.

After the competition, they marched everyone up through a water hose that was dumping a load of water on each person. It was so refreshing. By this time I had noticed that my knee was starting be sore again. Oh well.

The DSs took it somewhat easy on the rest of the day. I did decide previously that I was not better by Tuesday, I would be going to sick call for my knee and chest crud Wednesday morning. After I turned in my request, I found out that I would miss the first Ability Group Run (AGR). AGR is where they have a run with people broken up in groups based on their run time. But, I made a decision and was not planning on second guessing myself. Lucky for me, I did not have fire guard duty and tried to get some sleep.

3rd Letter

Hello, Lisa again. Here is the 3rd letter I received from Keith. It's short because it was inserted into an Anniversary card. We celebrated our two year Anniversary on May 2.


Reception Day7

For some reason everyone woke up dog-tired, but we moved quickly. However, my bay was squared away, but the other one was ate up horribly in terms of beds. I tried to help, but there were too many for me to try and help. In fact, some weren't even made yet.

We formed up and the ISG (First Sergeant) had us recite the Soldiers Creed, Army song, and General Orders a few times. Of course, she said it sounded "ate up."
DS Prick then asked for 20 people to come and clean up and move two offices around. The floors ended up needing to be mopped. I got that task and was able to shine. DS Prick actually told the group that how I was mopping is how you should do it. Thanks Giovanni.

We then  went to chow, and back to the reception loading to get our last haircut for BCT. For recruits, it costs $4.80 and came off of a pay card they issued us.
We got back and on DS had us busy cleaning. This included raking the clay dirt. I took this as it was kind of relaxing muck like a real zen garden with sand. After that, we went to chow. After chow they took us to the PX for the last time prior to BCT. A group of us had to go back and get our pay cards because of cleaning detail prior to chow. DS Short wasn't happy, but took us back. We then wanted 20 minutes in the A/C at classroom for the line at the PX to go down, so it worked out. At the PX, I bought a new ACU wallet, baby powder, dog tag silencers, some better pens, boot inserts, a card for my wife for our Anniversary, and a big Army brand travel duffel bag. I have to throw out my suitcase because I have to limit all of my stuff to my duffel and laundry bag. Thank you SSG WTF for the advice. I should have stuck with my back pack. Oh well, I really like this bag.

My group got back to the classroom and was told to watch TV or a movie. We tried to finish We Were Soldiers, but DS Prick came in and had a cow! He called and formation and bitched about the TV and the barracks. . He then had us fall in our barracks for an inspection. Of course it wasn't clean enough.

We did more formulations and went to chow. We had some new people in our group and we were warning them of things, I mentioned DS Prick to the newbies. We got back and finalized the processing and shipping procedures. The DS's were just cranky and were just yelling at us left and right.

We finally got released for the night. I got to call my lovely wife and my parents. I packed some things up, did laundry and now I am going to bed. I ready for tomorrow and what it hold. Hooah!!

2nd Letter

4/29/11 Reception Day 3

I figured out, I think, why reception is longer and/or shorted for people. I was put into Aplha Co. Here at the 30th AG Battalion. I got in on Tuesday. There were guys who got in the save company on Monday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday. It seems we we'll ship on this coming Tuesday or Wednesday to "Down range," the basic everyone thinks of when they hear "basic training."

This morning we woke up at 0400 for a formation at 0430. I was up about 10 mins early to shave and brush my teeth before other people. We were then taken for any required additional shots as well as evaluate the TB shot site for a reaction. Turns out our Company has our own version of PFC McGuire's PVT Home school. He is an obviously underweight, pale, bad postured kid who seems like he was home schooled. PVT Home school passed out or was close to for some reason in the shots room. I also got one additional shot that I have no idea was for in the least. All I know is it hurt like hell for 20 minutes in my shoulder and then it mellowed me out for about 40 minutes. Also, i thought it was funny when our DS, DS Rhythm, saw PVT Home school passing out, he said "ah shit, we got a funky chicken."

We then went to the DFAC for breakfast. Again eggs were the main entree. I'm betting that is always the entree because it's probably about 40% eggs and 60% other crap. I guess PVT Home school threw up in the chow line and caused some issues. Luckily, he was behind me.

After breakfast, our DS that I call DS Rhythm because he's good with cadences, loud, and black. I always keep in step and have fun when he's marching us. I feel like I have gotten the marching thing down pretty well in the last couple of days. After that, DS Rhythm had us clean our barracks,. He told us that he wants to be able to set a cheeseburger on the urinal, piss, and then pick it back up to eat. I took charge on toilets. My time with Giovanni's cleaning came in handy. I was showing people little tidbits everywhere. I also took the time to finally organize all of my crap. after that DS Clean (looks like Mr. Clean) took us into our classroom and played a BCT DVD showing us what to expect. After that, he put in Troy. I was a little thrown off. He paused it, took us to lunch and brought us back to finish Troy, but then they put in We Were Soldiers. I twas good till DS Tall Prick and DS small Prick saw some people not wearing their camel backs, which is a big no-no. They then turned the movie off and proceeded to yell at us. Because of PVT whiny pants, they said there had to be six people on fire watch at each hour. GREAT! That meant 30 people instead of 12, AND ME!. Oh well I got from 2200-2300.

We then had to clean the barracks again. Oh well, its more bonding experience in my eyes. And DS Clean gave us from 1930-2100 for personal time. I got to talk to my wife before her performance. I miss her so much. Anyways, I got my shift now.

4/30/2011 Reception Day 4

The morning was beautiful! The last two days have had great weather in the morning. I wish it could last, but I know the Georgia summer will start soon. Went to chow with no events. After that, we had a class run by a BCT DS from down range. He spoke about a lot of things. The 25 series Moss (my job is one) is the one mentioned most. He mentioned that my MOS is the one where people make a boat load of money once they get out. He then sobered us up on the Afghanistan fighting. It was crazy to explain how guys with no tactical training at all can challenge a superior army like ours. Also, I guess the Taliban have been working on floating IED's on balloons to get helicopters. Wow. Hurt Locker is a tough movie. It was tough to watch because it was real and it went on to say that FT. Benning will be training about 50% of all income FS's.

On a funnier note, there are people falling asleep all the time, and we have to wake them. Someone nudged me to wake one such fellow. I'm just so happy to have my boot off with my insert out. The first thought was to slap him in the back of the head with my insert. It made everyone lose it around me. Luckily the DS was not in the room.

On a side not, I feel like I need to rename DS Tall Prick to DS Terminatior. This guys looks like he is Arnold walking through and scanning the room for anyone up. I just picture his site as an infrared screen with a grid deciding who to destroy. He was actually cool today for a while. He has been a DS for 12yrs. I think he treats us like the Army from the 1990s when things were tougher.

We went to chow, I figured out that one line has crap for food like cheese burgers while another has healthier stuff like baked chicken and fish. I tried veal today for the first time. We then headed back. The DS then ordered us to make a bunk, what to do about heat injuries, and the uniform. We then had DS Terminator go over our items and stick things we don't need for the next few days in our duffel bag and lock it up. He then went over any issues people have with their processing; clothes, equipment, and finance, etc. This is where the dumb asses came out. Some people kept doing the dumbest things to DS Terminator. One kid would mention his problem and the DS would ask him why and he would respond like a zombie. Later the kid was talking to DS Pinter (he constantly points when he talks) and when Ds Pointer asked him a question he hesitated and said "No" in a condescending tone, with no DS on the end of the statement. I thought he was gonna get punched.

We finally got released to personal time, I made a call to my wife and left a voicemail because she was doing a performance. Tomorrow is church. We also get to wear our ACUs for the first time. Hooah! I think everyone has been waiting for that. We also don't have to wake up till 0600. Never thought I would think of 6am as late wake up. I am in good spirits right now and apparently we will ship down range on Wednesday. I am looking forward to exercise. Goodnight!

05/01/2011 Reception Day 5

Wake up was supposed to be at 0600, but DS Clean decided that 0540 was when we should wake up. We then went to chow. Hard boiled eggs! Sweet! After chow, we signed up for our selected service. I signed up for confession and mass, 1200 & 1500 respectively. We were released to our barracks to clean and wait for our service. About 1030hrs, DS Clean called us into the classroom thinking he was mad. We then find out he wanted us to watch Rambo?!?! One of the goriest and violent movies I have seen in a while. The at 1115, 15 minutes before I was gonna go to confession, DS Clean lined us up for chow. I asked him about me and confession with chow and he said "either you go to chow or church, your choice." I thought that was a little crappy. I went to chow. During chow, some people saw a mouse running across the floor in the DFAC into the kitchen area. DS Easy said, "don't worry guys, it's still alive, they ain't cooking it." wow! After chow, we started watching Terminater Salvation. I didn't care, I read my Initial Entry Training (IET) Book. DS Easy released us about 1930 to the barracks. I got the chance to call my wife. I really miss her, but its not eating me up. I know the quickest way for me to see he will be to finish BCT. There are guys at the reception center who are waiting 1 to 2 months to discharge from the Army.

I had fireguard duty at 2100 to 2200 tonight. I'll take that all week. Best shift! I also just finished my BS 250 word Essay on guide lines. Now I'm going to bed.

05/02/2011 Reception Day 6

This morning, I think that my bay had a case of the Mondays, The DS small prick (now known as DS Prick), came in about 0430 when wakeup was still at 0400, and people were still sleeping. Oh shit! He then had DS Rhythm come in and toss our bay for cleaning that had not been finished. All of the Ds's were yelling at us this morning when we got into formation. I then got yelled at for doing road guard duty wrong by DS Prick's standards. I had no idea what I was doing, I just did it because no one else was at the time. No more volunteering for me I guess. Problem is, it's in my nature to volunteer rather than sit back and hide.

They had us clean for the next two hours. During that time, we came across a letter to someone from his girlfriend. The letter was pretty off the wall. The girlfriend said because she knew he would be lonely, he was allowed Bj's and Hj's...Oh man people lost it. We got back to the classroom with a senior Ds, DS Short. He asked who knew the soldiers creed, general orders,and a few other things. I raised my hand and he then had us sit down and wait for something, but none of us knew what we thought we were getting tested. Turns out, the company commander sat down and surveyed us and let us ask questions about BCT. It was actually really relaxing while everyone else was cleaning. A benefit of standing out for once.

After that, we worked on some drill and ceremony (DNC) with DS Terminator, who was being pretty cool. We then went to chow uneventful except that my spirits were fairly low because I didn't speak to my wife today, given it was our 2 yrs Anniversary, because phone privileges were revoked in the morning. We got back to the classroom and waited for them to take us to the Tricare and Ranger class while waiting, I asked SGT Crazy Eyes if I could call my wife seeing it was our anniversary. He said he would make it happen. I said thank you and sat back down. He called me back up and asked if I was ok because I was in tears. I said yes, I was just worried about her. He told me not ti feel like a sissy, and that I'm feeling normal, because he knows I'm a "hard ass" and to go to the latrine and let it out. I DID. I felt better thinking about what we would do when I get some freedom.

They then marched us to the Tricare class. It didn't help that it made me think of my wife more, but Tricare sounds like a great program though. After Tricare, DS Alright tried to sell us on the rangers and joining. It was tempting, but my wife would kill me. After every sentence by the ranger was "Alright?" I wish I counted.

We then went to chow and came back. DS Short told us we will be shipping Wednesday at 1000 hrs. to Alpha 245. I don't know what that means, but it was motivating for a shitty day. What was funny was that DS Short first told us, "Correction, Alpha. My fault right, but your bad Hooah!?!" Like say I'm wrong, but so are you because I said so. We then had our dog tags pitched at our faces. We were then released at 1930 hrs and they forgot about the phone freedom. I got to speak to my wife for a bit. Being here has made me appreciate her more that I ever, though I could and thank God for her everyday here. I did get a free ACD (Army Camo Design) Bible today from the Chaplain's table. I even read a little bit sitting here while waiting for my laundry to finish. I found that Deuteronomy ch 30 verse 6 will be a good verse for me to live by for BCT when it starts. "Be strong and good courage, fear not nor be afraid of them; for the lord thy God, he it is that cloth so with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Good night.

1st Letter

This is Lisa, Keith's wife. I will be updating his posts every time I receive a new letter from him in Basic.

Bus Ride to Tampa- 4/25 Monday

I had the pleasure of eating breakfast with my wife this morning. Up until this point, I have not gotten emotional or teary eyed. However, after my mom sent me a text with a prayer, combined with watching my wife, my emotions started to take over. My wife then dropped me off at the recruiter's office for me to wait for the shuttle to take me down to Tampa.

I'm riding in the van to Tampa right now. Luckily the van is full and I don't think we will be picking anyone else up on the way down. On a side note, the guy behind me is driving me crazy. He is constantly making this sniffing noise as if he has to blow his nose! I usually don't get annoyed like this, but I can compare this to water boarding torture but for the ears. I am passing the time by practicing and reciting the soldiers creed, the general orders, the Army Song, and other material I will need the know at Basic.

About to head off to bed for the evening. We stopped in Lakeland on the way and picked up a few more people and then went to the hotel by MEPS. We waited for about 15 mins before I got my first of what I'm sure will be the first of many briefings. Basically get rid of any knives, don't knock-up any females, and get back to the hotel by 10pm. After being let free, my wife came by and picked me up. We went to the hotel she's staying at and enjoyed each other's company and went out for dinner. After she dropped me off, I ran a little on the the treadmill and took a shower. Now I sleep till about 0445 and get ready to got to MEPS. Hopefully, all goes well!



4/26- MEPS

The morning started off at around 0430. I probably fell asleep around midnight and slept on and off through the night. I guess I kept worrying about waking up late. I drank a little water to aid my anticipated urine fest. After getting my stuff together, I made my way over to the dining room at the hotel. I only ate a very small portion considering I worried about my weight. After breakfast, we all waited for the bus to take us to the MEPS building. What I found annoying was that there were a number of people that could not help but break out, light, and puff away a cigarette in record time.

I got situated painlessly at MEPS upon arriving there were no issues with my files or records. Then they had all of the shippers (people like me) into the examination room to see us in our underwear. First, they took height and weight measurements. Then the people that passed were asked to perform a few movements and questioned about traffic tickets and Dr. visits. However, people that did not pass the height and weight standards had to be measured for Body Fat Indext (BFI). Evidently, I was one pound over! After measureing me, they found that I was around about a 21% BFI, the limit for entering the Army is 26%, so I was fine. On a side note, it was unfortunate to see one guy who was suppose to be shipping to Ft. Benning as an officer candidate school recruit get held back. Evidently, he had his appendix taken out and there is a 6 month wait before shipping. Today marked 4 days prior to the 6 month mark and the Dr. said he was disqualified for another week. Problem for him is that OCS ship dates are very scattered and random and he already quit his job. His recruiters thought that a fews days difference would not be a problem.

My wife was able to make it to the building to see me before she left Tampa to got to work. She was able to sit with me between me going to see various people process my paperwork. After getting my contract finalized, I waited for another swearing ceremony. Luckily my wife was able to be in the ceremony room and could take as much video and as many pictures she wanted. It was very surreal to have finally swear in and to know that I would be starting a new chapter for my wife and I's life. She had to take off promptly. I did not get very emotional like I thought I would when she left. This was around 11:40, I then had my free lunch and waited till about 1430 before getting in a van to leave. I'm already running into guys I do not want in my platoon. Mainly the smokers who kept crying about not being able to go outside to smoke a cigarette. I would have expected that they would have to quit by now as to limit their jonesing at basic. It was so bad that in the two minutes of us leaving the building and getting into the van, the guys had to light up a cigarette! They then got threatened with not shipping for not listening. We made a couple of stops before getting to Ft. Benning.

As we pulled up to reception, I started feeling nervous for the first time. I wasn't sure if something I brought was considered a weapon. Turns out my van missed the training video that explained a lot. Oh well. They then yelled at us, called us out for forms, made fun of people's names, and walked us out to another part of this huge building to get our duffel bags and first bit of clothing to start. They then had us back to the first room and had us stuff our personal bag from home into our duffel bag. This is where I needed to call SSG WTF back in orlando for telling me that my carry-on roll on would not be a problem for me. I had to stuff that thing in my duffel somehow walk to our barracks.

It's 0350, I have not gotten any sleep. I have to wake up at 0400 and what's worse is that there was a group getting in after us.

For my first jerk in my group award, I would like to issue it to private Blondie. He is a 25U-signal guy who is lazy, whiny, and annoying as hell! I almost told him off but bit my tongue and decided to let him hang himself. Hopefully, not at any inconvenience to me. He was actually laying down when we were issued our clothes.
Anyways, it's 0400 and I am gonna S.S. (shower and shave). I usually do 3 S's, but you can guess the 3rd, My friends know what I am talking about.

Wednesday, 27 April 2011- 1st Day Reception
The 40 hr. first day

As I said before I did not get the chance to go and sleep the night before. Wow. I'm in such a horrible mood right now. It's about 10:15pm. My morning started off with a chaotic 5 min. breakfast at 5am. I am a little disappointed because I thought the Army was going to start changing the food standards and dropping the fried foods and using whole grain. Hah NOPE!

The morning started out with us doing some drilling with a Sgt. that helps the Drill Sergeants. We will call him Sgt. Crazy Eye. He was the most entertaining yet scare stare. He also is kind of funny. His voice broke during cadence and laster he said if anyone made fun of him and his voice he would f*ck then up. BTW, there's a rumor the DS's can't curse at you...Big Lie!! Stupid goes hand in hand with the 4 letter words too.

Later, I did my eye exam. I have 20/20 vision so no BCGS! Then our shots, not fun. Then, we got issued our uniforms. And our stuff is getting heavier and heavier to carry. We have had to move our things multiple times. Each time it gets heavier.

Holy shit, we finally got time around 1930 to go to our bunks for free time and cell phone time until 2100. Yay...it would have been fine except there was a tornado in the area and we had to evacuate from our barracks upstairs with all of our stuff and move to another packed barracks across the street. FML baby. Then, it gets better. While I was sitting in what I thought was an empty bunk. I tried calling my wife one last time because I hung up on her during the tornado scare. And then I text her "tornado" like an idiot. We then had to drag all of our crap downstairs to another barracks. I had a bed but when I tried to call my wife back, no answer. We could hear tornado sirens! Afterward, I finally went to take a shower and went to sleep promptly after writing a little.

Reception Day 2- 4/28/2011

I slept like a rock, no tossing or dreaming. I did however wake up at 0330, rather 0400 and could not get back to sleep. Oh well. We then did breakfast...nothing exciting. You are not allowed to look around or talk. I did wake up to my butt hurting from the penicillin shot. We did a hearing test and I'm not deaf thank God. We saw the dentist, I have good teeth evidently. Pretty neat Star Trek-esque X-ray. We went and did DEERS (insurance for family) my wife has insurance again!!

After seeing DEERs, the unit took individual pictures in our ACUs, but with just the top. Later, we went to dinner. I clocked my self at 5:57 for chow time. After dinner, we listened to SGT crazy eyes about how we have been doing a good job and that we need to stay motivated. He explained that somehow he has stayed motivated for his daughter even though his wife killed herself. He's a strange character, he said "If she wants to kill herself fine! There's another Mrs. Crazy Eyes out there." I like talking with him though. I feel like I am slowly feeling the Army mindset and having fun a little even though the new boots are a little sore and the duffel bag is killing my back.

After getting back from our dinner, we formed up in our chair less classroom. One DS informed me and 4 buddies of mine that out of 45 people we only had our forms from the night before. I replied back, "What..." He said " You know I love those civilian answers. I love them so much that you are to do CQ duty tonight from 2100 to 2200." Oops. He later explained to me that they are just trying to get the civilian out of us. He was actually pretty cool about it. I could have gotten 0000 til 0100.

They then told us where to move our bunks for the last time, hopefully. I think it was planned into a team exercise because he told 70 people to fill in a 68 bunk bay. Total cluster-fornication! But we got it. As for CQ duty, I ended up riding with the main DS in a van to get ice for the ice stations for heat injuries. After that  he had my battle buddy and I go and fill up these huge camel back filling stations called water buffaloes. It was not bad even though it went into my sleep time. The weather here at night is amazing. I also got to make a new friend with a "Kennedy" accent. PVT Chowder. We talked about our families. He has 3 kids, and he is 33. Nice guy.
Well off to sleep

P.S. I'm loving our names right now. Everyone is "Hey guy, hero, or retard."