Tuesday morning was the Humvee refresher course. Having never driven it before, "refresher" means that we really didn't have time to get the whole course (which takes a week at least) but they wanted us to have enough training to be able to drive around successfully. An hour and a half of demonstration and driving was enough for me. It's basically a big Jeep (and a heavy one at that), and any 4x4 enthusiast would have fun driving it.
Advanced Convoy Training started Tuesday afternoon with a drive to the middle of BFE (or BFK since we're in Kuwait), which really is in the middle of nowhere. We were issued 12 Humvees (a driver, 3 passengers, and a gunner) for our group and loaded up our rucksacks, and all the water and MREs we could fit. A short drive across the desert and we arrived at our location for the first night. Our accomodations included two room tents with no cots or bunks although it was air-conditioned. Did I forget to mention we brought along three days worth of MREs and there are no showers?
Wednesday was largely spent in the classroom learning and reviewing TTPs, with a few excursions outdoors.
Wednesday afternoon we returned to the same location where we were issued our vehicles for more training. Here the facilities were even better: instead of two tents, we had one, which was smaller than tents we stayed in during the first night. Simply put, there wasn't enough room. The Humvee became the sleeping quarters of choice.
Did I forget to mention that Wednesday afternoon our first sandstorm began? Just like you read about. It's raining sand, and you can't see a thing. The sand stings you as it hits you. Everything you have is covered in sand. Sand goes everywhere. Sand somehow finds its way into a Humvee that you're trying to sleep in!
Fortunately, the sand storm let up around midnight and I found that the hood of the Humvee was particularly comfortable (comparatively speaking, of course). A few hours of sleep can do you wonders.
Thursday morning was close quarters marksmanship which began very, very early (before 0500 qualifies as very, very early). We learned to fire from various positions and movements. Most thought it was a lot of fun, and also helped to reinforce our comfortability with the weapon.
Thusday afternoon/evening was convoy practice and rehearsal. All vehicles were assigned different roles and we went through different scenarios.
Finally, this morning (Friday) was our "final exam", which consisted of several stages. They tested our reactions to different events and overall we did fairly well. We were fortunate enough to have a live fire portion which was a lot of fun (at least for the gunners!).
Back at Ali Al Salem, everyone enjoyed their first shower in 3 days and their first actual meal in the same timeframe. MREs are OK if that's all you have, but they do wonders for the digestive system. I'll take an actual meal anyday.
Looks as if it'll be on to Baghdad in short order.
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
12 May 2006
05 May 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 12
Friday was our last full day at Camp McCrady. We started off with a "graduation" PT run followed by some classroom lectures (rules of engagement, Arab culture). I spent another hour on the land nav course trying to find my kevlar helmet but still no luck. I did luck out, however, when I was able to obtain a loaner.
Our flight leaves early Saturday morning and we're lucky enough to have a Boeing 747 for the flight! No word yet on details, stops, layovers, etc., but it seems like it should be a good flight.
Our flight leaves early Saturday morning and we're lucky enough to have a Boeing 747 for the flight! No word yet on details, stops, layovers, etc., but it seems like it should be a good flight.
04 May 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 11 (and some bad news, at least for now...)
Day Eleven of NIACT was another long day! Our group started early by meeting at 0615 for the final convoy preparations. We spent about two hours finalizing the plans, then mounted up the trucks. There were a few small firefights on the way to "Coopertown" (urban combat area), but nothing major. Once we unmounted on the outskirts of town, we began taking more "casualties", but overall we probably did a decent job.
After the convoy we went to the land navigation site (where I stayed the rest of the day for reasons I'll get to in a second). After a short brief, we navigated from a starting point through three different locations using a compass and pacing our steps. Just as we were returning back, I noticed that my kevlar hemlet had been knocked off my belt. I retraced my steps for about 15 minutes, but couldn't find it.
Several Drill Sergeants conducted a search of the suspected area but also came up empty. When the next group arrived for the land navigation, two Drill Sergeants and I accompanied a group that was navigating to the same points our group had covered. Despite a pretty exhaustive search, we were still unable to find it.
My plan is to get back over to the land navigation site early on (first light if possible) Friday morning. Hopefully I'll be able to find some volunteers to assist in the search. I'm confident that with some assistance we can find it. If not, I'm not looking forward to having to pay for a new one if that is what it comes to! And then even if I do, hopefully I can get a replacement tomorrow and not have to wait til the next group comes in for gear issue.
Say a prayer that one of the later groups found the kevlar helmet and if not, that we can find it early on tomorrow. I definitely need the help this time around.
After the convoy we went to the land navigation site (where I stayed the rest of the day for reasons I'll get to in a second). After a short brief, we navigated from a starting point through three different locations using a compass and pacing our steps. Just as we were returning back, I noticed that my kevlar hemlet had been knocked off my belt. I retraced my steps for about 15 minutes, but couldn't find it.
Several Drill Sergeants conducted a search of the suspected area but also came up empty. When the next group arrived for the land navigation, two Drill Sergeants and I accompanied a group that was navigating to the same points our group had covered. Despite a pretty exhaustive search, we were still unable to find it.
My plan is to get back over to the land navigation site early on (first light if possible) Friday morning. Hopefully I'll be able to find some volunteers to assist in the search. I'm confident that with some assistance we can find it. If not, I'm not looking forward to having to pay for a new one if that is what it comes to! And then even if I do, hopefully I can get a replacement tomorrow and not have to wait til the next group comes in for gear issue.
Say a prayer that one of the later groups found the kevlar helmet and if not, that we can find it early on tomorrow. I definitely need the help this time around.
03 May 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 10
Day Ten of NIACT was a long and hot one! Because of the long schedule we didn't have PT in the morning. We went immediately to a section of Camp McCrady north of the barracks area which is set up for urban combat. Over the course of the entire day, we rotated through four stations which each lasted about 2 hours.
Our group started off with a room-clearing exercise. We learned how to clear a room with a team of 4 (or 5, or 6...) people, providing entry, clearing, rear security, exiting, etc. After a lesson and walkthrough, we loaded blanks and cleared rooms with cardboard "bad guys" (although there were some "locals" who we weren't supposed to shoot!).
The next station was broken up into two parts: Individual Movement Training (IMT) and squad-based tactics. IMT involved crawling through the sand at different positions and speeds depending upon the enemy's position and your objective. There was also a blank-firing exercise involved. The second part was squad-based tactics, where our group was broken down into three squads and further into two fire teams in each squad.
After lunch we moved to the grenade training station which involved throwing practice grenades from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions. The practice grenades make a popping bang sound so you at least get the effect that the grenade went off, but of course there is no shrapnel so no one would get hurt!
The final station of the day was convoy preparation for tomorrow's final exercise. We broke our group into four squads each with two fire teams, and planned a platoon-level exercise which involves a convoy, ambush, and urban combat operation. We will be using Miles gear which is basically laser tag gear instead of shooting blanks. Of course, this means you can be "killed" if your gear goes off.
Also, we'll be doing a land navigation exercise and something else that I can't seem to recall (see tomorrow's post for an update on that!).
Our group started off with a room-clearing exercise. We learned how to clear a room with a team of 4 (or 5, or 6...) people, providing entry, clearing, rear security, exiting, etc. After a lesson and walkthrough, we loaded blanks and cleared rooms with cardboard "bad guys" (although there were some "locals" who we weren't supposed to shoot!).
The next station was broken up into two parts: Individual Movement Training (IMT) and squad-based tactics. IMT involved crawling through the sand at different positions and speeds depending upon the enemy's position and your objective. There was also a blank-firing exercise involved. The second part was squad-based tactics, where our group was broken down into three squads and further into two fire teams in each squad.
After lunch we moved to the grenade training station which involved throwing practice grenades from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions. The practice grenades make a popping bang sound so you at least get the effect that the grenade went off, but of course there is no shrapnel so no one would get hurt!
The final station of the day was convoy preparation for tomorrow's final exercise. We broke our group into four squads each with two fire teams, and planned a platoon-level exercise which involves a convoy, ambush, and urban combat operation. We will be using Miles gear which is basically laser tag gear instead of shooting blanks. Of course, this means you can be "killed" if your gear goes off.
Also, we'll be doing a land navigation exercise and something else that I can't seem to recall (see tomorrow's post for an update on that!).
02 May 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 9
Day Nine began as usual, with PT. There was no running today, but it didn't make the PT any easier. We did quite a lot of pushups, situps, and all sorts of other things to exhaust the muscles (and everyone seems a bit sore all day because of it).
The morning was dedicated to the classroom portion of the Convoy class. This particular lesson covered the basics of convoys, including their mission, makeup, spacing, speeds, etc. We also covered what to do when encountering an IED, small arms fire, ambushes, etc. This classroom session will be put into reality on Thursday when we man up a convoy and attempt to employ the tactics against an ambush and "enemy" insurgents.
As expected, we spent the afternoon at the range ("Bastogne") firing the heavy weapons we learned about on Saturday: the M240B, M249 (Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW), M19 Grenade Launcher, and M2 (.50 cal machine gun). My vote for coolest weapon goes to the M19. The muzzle velocity of the grenade rounds is low enough so that you can follow them to the target, and adjust your fire to lob them in the appropriate direction.
A mid-afternoon finish was a nice end to the day, as we had plenty of time to ride the bus to the exchange and out the gate to get something to eat. However, the computer labs are now much fuller as we approach the middle of the week. Those that haven't already completed the required NKO courses (not a small amount) are feverlishly working to finish them. Fortunately, I started a while back and finished over the weekend. Another check in the block!
Tomorrow will be entry control point procedures, urban operations, and more. Wednesday and Thursday will be the last two days of training so we're getting into the more advanced training in the last few days. No more weapons to qualify on, so while physically demanding, it should be a lot of fun.
The morning was dedicated to the classroom portion of the Convoy class. This particular lesson covered the basics of convoys, including their mission, makeup, spacing, speeds, etc. We also covered what to do when encountering an IED, small arms fire, ambushes, etc. This classroom session will be put into reality on Thursday when we man up a convoy and attempt to employ the tactics against an ambush and "enemy" insurgents.
As expected, we spent the afternoon at the range ("Bastogne") firing the heavy weapons we learned about on Saturday: the M240B, M249 (Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW), M19 Grenade Launcher, and M2 (.50 cal machine gun). My vote for coolest weapon goes to the M19. The muzzle velocity of the grenade rounds is low enough so that you can follow them to the target, and adjust your fire to lob them in the appropriate direction.
A mid-afternoon finish was a nice end to the day, as we had plenty of time to ride the bus to the exchange and out the gate to get something to eat. However, the computer labs are now much fuller as we approach the middle of the week. Those that haven't already completed the required NKO courses (not a small amount) are feverlishly working to finish them. Fortunately, I started a while back and finished over the weekend. Another check in the block!
Tomorrow will be entry control point procedures, urban operations, and more. Wednesday and Thursday will be the last two days of training so we're getting into the more advanced training in the last few days. No more weapons to qualify on, so while physically demanding, it should be a lot of fun.
01 May 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 8
Day Eight was devoted exclusively to classroom training. After more running at PT (another 1.5 mile group ability run), we were off to the classroom (the chapel this time) for a full morning of first aid classes. This was a pretty basic review, covering what to do when encountering a casualty on the battlefield. After lunch, it was back to the classroom for basic land navigation including use of a compass, map and grid coordinates (in the Navy we call maps "charts" and we use Lat/Long, so grid coordinates are basically foreign to us). This was to prepare us for a practical exercise on Thursday afternoon. We also reviewed GPS and basic comms procedures and use of the SINCGARS radio (the most common radio used for Army ground communications).
Tomorrow morning will be a convoy class preparing us for a practical exercise on Thursday morning. Tomorrow afternoon we'll get to shoot the heavy weapons we learned about on Saturday.
We also got the initial report that we should be leaving this weekend. Three days of training left, the end of NIACT is fast approaching!
Tomorrow morning will be a convoy class preparing us for a practical exercise on Thursday morning. Tomorrow afternoon we'll get to shoot the heavy weapons we learned about on Saturday.
We also got the initial report that we should be leaving this weekend. Three days of training left, the end of NIACT is fast approaching!
30 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 7
Sunday is a full day off and a much-needed day of rest. Most everyone went out to Columbia last night and stayed in town while a handful of us stayed back. With nothing going on until tomorrow, most people slept in, stocked up on supplies, and rested some sore muscles.
29 April 2006
Same blog, new name
Given the nature of the posts over the next year, I've (at least temporarily) changed the name of MikeBlog to "The Chronicles of Narmya" which of course is a play on the C.S. Lewis series of books. "Narmy" is the popular term here at Camp McCrady for Navy guys going through Army training (and even spawned a "Narmy" t-shirt). However, credit for the full title though goes to my wife who suggested it during a phone call!
Fort Jackson, Day 6
The weekend arrives, finally! Well, almost. Saturday started late (0830 formation as oppposed to 05-something) so most of us got an extra hour or so of sleep. And based on the schedule, we knew it wouldn't be a full day.
The morning was spent doing heavy weapons familiarization. We were introduced to the Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher, the M240 Machine Gun, the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), and the M2 .50 Caliber machine gun. We praticed the clearing procedures and the loading and unloading procedures. The goal here was not to make us experts but to familiarize us enough with the weapons to be able to load, use, and unload them if the situation ever presented itself. On Tuesday, we'll get to fire them at the range!
After lunch we headed across the road to the 25 meter range for the M16 flex fire exercise. This consists of three sets of fires starting from the low ready position with two ten round magazines: 4 "double-taps" of aim-quick-kill shots (using 8 of 10 rounds) from 25 meters; 4 more from 15 meters (after the first two is a mandatory magazine change); and then 2 more from 10 meters firing from the hip ("reflexive fire"). There was no qual here, just practice. Hopefully we'll never need to engage anyone at such short distances!
We got back to Camp McCrady before 1600 so the day was over a few hours earlier than normal. Most guys were out of the door quick with cabs to Columbia and hotel rooms waiting since Sunday is a day off. I took the bus to the Fort Jackson PX for some much-needed supplies.
And I'm definitely looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and resting up some very sore muscles.
The morning was spent doing heavy weapons familiarization. We were introduced to the Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher, the M240 Machine Gun, the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), and the M2 .50 Caliber machine gun. We praticed the clearing procedures and the loading and unloading procedures. The goal here was not to make us experts but to familiarize us enough with the weapons to be able to load, use, and unload them if the situation ever presented itself. On Tuesday, we'll get to fire them at the range!
After lunch we headed across the road to the 25 meter range for the M16 flex fire exercise. This consists of three sets of fires starting from the low ready position with two ten round magazines: 4 "double-taps" of aim-quick-kill shots (using 8 of 10 rounds) from 25 meters; 4 more from 15 meters (after the first two is a mandatory magazine change); and then 2 more from 10 meters firing from the hip ("reflexive fire"). There was no qual here, just practice. Hopefully we'll never need to engage anyone at such short distances!
We got back to Camp McCrady before 1600 so the day was over a few hours earlier than normal. Most guys were out of the door quick with cabs to Columbia and hotel rooms waiting since Sunday is a day off. I took the bus to the Fort Jackson PX for some much-needed supplies.
And I'm definitely looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and resting up some very sore muscles.
28 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 5
Day Five of NIACT was more time spent at the range. Those who had already qualified on the M16 (not me) went directly to the range to qualify on the M9. The rest of us who hadn't yet qualified went from Camp McCrady to Fort Jackson to two different M16 ranges. Almost everyone (including me over two different qualifying rounds) did absolutely horrible on the new range (for a variety of reasons), so they basically shut that range down.
En route to the original M16 qualifying range, we stopped by the M9 range and qualified there. We shot 10 practice rounds (any stance) and then qualified with seven rounds in the standing position (in 21 seconds), 13 rounds in the kneeling position (seven rounds and then six rounds with a mandatory magazine change in 45 seconds), 10 rounds in the crouched position (five rounds and then another five with a mandatory magazine change in 35 seconds), and finally 10 more rounds in the prone unsupported position (again, five rounds and then another five with a mandatory magazine change in 35 seconds). 24/40 was sufficient to qual; I shot 30/40 which was not great, but good enough for sharpshooter (24-29 marksman, 30-35 sharpshooter, 36-40 expert).
After lunch we moved back to the original M16 range and I started out with a round of 21 (we needed 23/40 to qualify). With some much appreciated assistance from a Drill Sergeant calling my rounds (high, low, etc.), I shot 29/40 and finally qualified on the M16! I finally found a good sight picture such that I shot 9/10 in the prone unsupported position (skipping the 300m target and saving the round) and 10/10 in the kneeling position.
Finally, it was back to Camp McCrady after a long and hot day. Taking the gear off my shoulders felt especially good considering the emotional lows of shooting so bad in the morning and then qualifying with a really good score in the afternoon.
Tomorrow we get a late start and get to shoot reflexive fire and maybe even some heavy weapons. Now that the qualifying is out of the way, the rest should be more fun!
En route to the original M16 qualifying range, we stopped by the M9 range and qualified there. We shot 10 practice rounds (any stance) and then qualified with seven rounds in the standing position (in 21 seconds), 13 rounds in the kneeling position (seven rounds and then six rounds with a mandatory magazine change in 45 seconds), 10 rounds in the crouched position (five rounds and then another five with a mandatory magazine change in 35 seconds), and finally 10 more rounds in the prone unsupported position (again, five rounds and then another five with a mandatory magazine change in 35 seconds). 24/40 was sufficient to qual; I shot 30/40 which was not great, but good enough for sharpshooter (24-29 marksman, 30-35 sharpshooter, 36-40 expert).
After lunch we moved back to the original M16 range and I started out with a round of 21 (we needed 23/40 to qualify). With some much appreciated assistance from a Drill Sergeant calling my rounds (high, low, etc.), I shot 29/40 and finally qualified on the M16! I finally found a good sight picture such that I shot 9/10 in the prone unsupported position (skipping the 300m target and saving the round) and 10/10 in the kneeling position.
Finally, it was back to Camp McCrady after a long and hot day. Taking the gear off my shoulders felt especially good considering the emotional lows of shooting so bad in the morning and then qualifying with a really good score in the afternoon.
Tomorrow we get a late start and get to shoot reflexive fire and maybe even some heavy weapons. Now that the qualifying is out of the way, the rest should be more fun!
27 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 4
Day Four of NIACT was dedicated totally to M16 group and zero and then qualification (see yesterday's post for an explanation of the grouping and zeroing process). Yesterday we practiced grouping and zeroing on the electronic range, and today we did it on the range (in the rain no less). In terms of the overall group, I finished fairly expeditiously. My groups were all fairly close, started low, and worked their way up to the target in five three-round magazines after the Drill Sergeant raised the front sights.
After zeroing we moved to the qualification range which is a series of 16 "alleys" with popup targets ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters. The process starts with 20 rounds of familiarization; 10 rounds in the prone unsupported position and then 10 rounds in the kneeling position. After the familiarization, the actual qual is 20 rounds in the prone supported position, 10 rounds in the prone unsupported position and then 10 rounds in the kneeling position (a total of 40 rounds). 23/40 is required to qual. Since there was a considerable wait at the range, I didn't get to attempt to qual until late and only got once chance (all the groups before us had two qualification attempts). I didn't qual yet, I still have a ways to go. So back to the range tomorrow morning to try again. After that, it will be on to the M9 qualification.
After zeroing with very tight groupings, I was really looking forward to the qual range. Even after the 20 fam rounds I felt really good, but I guess today was not my day!
After zeroing we moved to the qualification range which is a series of 16 "alleys" with popup targets ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters. The process starts with 20 rounds of familiarization; 10 rounds in the prone unsupported position and then 10 rounds in the kneeling position. After the familiarization, the actual qual is 20 rounds in the prone supported position, 10 rounds in the prone unsupported position and then 10 rounds in the kneeling position (a total of 40 rounds). 23/40 is required to qual. Since there was a considerable wait at the range, I didn't get to attempt to qual until late and only got once chance (all the groups before us had two qualification attempts). I didn't qual yet, I still have a ways to go. So back to the range tomorrow morning to try again. After that, it will be on to the M9 qualification.
After zeroing with very tight groupings, I was really looking forward to the qual range. Even after the 20 fam rounds I felt really good, but I guess today was not my day!
26 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 3
Day Three of NIACT began with more Army PT. Today it was the 1.5 mile ability run. The Company was split into three groups (A, 8:30 mile pace; B, 9:30 mile pace, and C, 10:30 mile pace). Of course, I was in the C group and expected it wouldn't be too bad. Well, I was wrong. Let's just say the pace was a little bit faster than a 10:30 mile. At that pace, I wouldn't have had any problem keeping up. But since it was considerably faster, I fell back...a bit. I did finish, though! ;-) After talking to people in the other groups, it seems all the groups ran faster than their advertised paces. Oh well. No more running til next week, at least according to the schedule.
After breakfast we headed over to Fort Jackson proper for more marksmanship training. We rotated through several stations: the first discussed the procedures to disassemble, reassemble and clean the M9 (9mm Beretta pistol), as well as proper shooting stance and grip of the weapon. The second station reviewed NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) procedures for donning the gas mask and hood. The third station was M16 firing procedures at close range, shooting blanks from 25, 15, and 10 meters.
After lunch we headed back onto the bus across the base to an electronic range to group and zero the M16. This procedure adjusts the mechanical zero sights to the proper settings for the user. It simulates a 300 meter target where you must group 6 of 6 rounds in a 4cm circle (grouping) and then after adjusting the sights (the computer does this for you automatically at the electronic range), 5 of 6 rounds in the center black 4cm circle (zeroing). With exception to a few computer glitches, I grouped and zeroed reasonably quick and I was very happy with my shooting, considering I've never fired the M16 before.
Dinner was at Fort Jackson and then the group was split between those who needed shots and those who didn't (I didn't, thanks to prior planning!). Those who needed shots stayed at Fort Jackson while the rest of us headed back to Camp McCrady.
After breakfast we headed over to Fort Jackson proper for more marksmanship training. We rotated through several stations: the first discussed the procedures to disassemble, reassemble and clean the M9 (9mm Beretta pistol), as well as proper shooting stance and grip of the weapon. The second station reviewed NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) procedures for donning the gas mask and hood. The third station was M16 firing procedures at close range, shooting blanks from 25, 15, and 10 meters.
After lunch we headed back onto the bus across the base to an electronic range to group and zero the M16. This procedure adjusts the mechanical zero sights to the proper settings for the user. It simulates a 300 meter target where you must group 6 of 6 rounds in a 4cm circle (grouping) and then after adjusting the sights (the computer does this for you automatically at the electronic range), 5 of 6 rounds in the center black 4cm circle (zeroing). With exception to a few computer glitches, I grouped and zeroed reasonably quick and I was very happy with my shooting, considering I've never fired the M16 before.
Dinner was at Fort Jackson and then the group was split between those who needed shots and those who didn't (I didn't, thanks to prior planning!). Those who needed shots stayed at Fort Jackson while the rest of us headed back to Camp McCrady.
25 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 2
Day Two of NIACT at Fort Jackson began with a very early morning (0530) introduction to Army physical training (PT). After that, the large majority of the day was spent in full gear (including those heavy ceramic inserts for the body armor vest!). Total weight is estimated at 60+ pounds, and by the middle of the day it was plainly obvious. Sore backs, shoulders and feet were very common. Furthermore, the temperatures are increasing significantly (I would estimate it was close to 90 degrees F today).
We were also issued our weapons (M9 and M16) and began "Weapons Immersion", which means you have your weapon(s) with you at all times (with a few exceptions). We also spent the majority of the afternoon in Basic Rifle Markmanship, which included range procedures, practicing the various stances, and some tips and techniques to help us qualify once we get to the range.
By 1800 or so we were finally able to get out of our gear, which was a nice reprieve from the long day. After dinner and locking up our weapons, we were finally done around 1930.
Tomorrow we'll continue with the Army PT regimen and also start working toward rifle qualification.
We were also issued our weapons (M9 and M16) and began "Weapons Immersion", which means you have your weapon(s) with you at all times (with a few exceptions). We also spent the majority of the afternoon in Basic Rifle Markmanship, which included range procedures, practicing the various stances, and some tips and techniques to help us qualify once we get to the range.
By 1800 or so we were finally able to get out of our gear, which was a nice reprieve from the long day. After dinner and locking up our weapons, we were finally done around 1930.
Tomorrow we'll continue with the Army PT regimen and also start working toward rifle qualification.
24 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 1
Today was the first full day of Navy Individual Augmentation Combat Training (NIACT): gear issue!
The day started very early (0500) with breakfast and then busses from Camp McCready to Fort Jackson proper. Most of our group was at Fort Jackson from then until the late afternoon or even early evening. The entire day consisted of gear issue, three full seabags. We were first issues Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) and then all sorts of associated gear. All told, it can add up to 60+ lbs. on your body (not fun!). And like I said, it filled three very full and heavy seabags. The ceramic inserts for the body armor vest are particularly heavy.
Lots of standing around (especially outside in the sun with no shade) was a long day in the sun for most so sun tan lotion was a must, and feet are already beginning to hurt and we haven't even put boots on yet! All told, it was a very long day. We didn't do all that much, but the sun took its toll.
Tomorrow is introduction to Army physical training (PT) followed by weapons issue and then basic rifle markmanship. Hopefully we'll be able to get some good pictures in the next couple of days.
The day started very early (0500) with breakfast and then busses from Camp McCready to Fort Jackson proper. Most of our group was at Fort Jackson from then until the late afternoon or even early evening. The entire day consisted of gear issue, three full seabags. We were first issues Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) and then all sorts of associated gear. All told, it can add up to 60+ lbs. on your body (not fun!). And like I said, it filled three very full and heavy seabags. The ceramic inserts for the body armor vest are particularly heavy.
Lots of standing around (especially outside in the sun with no shade) was a long day in the sun for most so sun tan lotion was a must, and feet are already beginning to hurt and we haven't even put boots on yet! All told, it was a very long day. We didn't do all that much, but the sun took its toll.
Tomorrow is introduction to Army physical training (PT) followed by weapons issue and then basic rifle markmanship. Hopefully we'll be able to get some good pictures in the next couple of days.
23 April 2006
Fort Jackson, Day 0 (and the events leading up to it)
So once again after a long hiatus the MikeBlog continues. Perhaps the blogging will be more frequent these days, at least that's what I am hoping for.
After being selected for Individual Augmentation (IA) orders to Iraq for a year, I'll try to post timely updates of what's going on. So far, we spent a week at NAS Whidbey Island at the Electronic Attack Weapons School going through a Joint Electronic Warfare course.
After that it was off to Navy Mobilization Processing Station (NMPS) at Norfolk Naval Station to make sure we were ready to be deployed (medical/dental issues and the like). NMPS was originally scheduled for a week, but since Bill and I had already done much of the legwork, it made the process a little less painful and we were out in three days.
Two weeks at home was spent sleeping in (at least a little bit), finishing up a number of projects, and spending as much time as possible with my family.
Now we're on to Fort Jackson, near Columbia, South Carolina, for two weeks of Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training.
Yes, it's day zero because it's not a full day and it doesn't really count toward any sort of training. Bill and I left State College at 0745 and flew from State College through Cincinnati to Columbia, South Carolina, where we were met by the Army folks from Ft. Jackson. Most of the other folks from RFF 611 showed up about the same time. They gave us a tourbus ride to McCrady Training Center, which is about 20 minutes away from Ft. Jackson, and seemed like about 30 minutes from the Columbia Airport. Arriving around 1400, we sat through several in-briefs from both the Army and Navy, filled out more paperwork, and moved into our billeting. Open-bay barracks with about 40 or so bunks and stand-up lockers. And 4 showers for everyone. Should be fun. The day starts at 0500 tomorrow morning: gear issue.
After being selected for Individual Augmentation (IA) orders to Iraq for a year, I'll try to post timely updates of what's going on. So far, we spent a week at NAS Whidbey Island at the Electronic Attack Weapons School going through a Joint Electronic Warfare course.
After that it was off to Navy Mobilization Processing Station (NMPS) at Norfolk Naval Station to make sure we were ready to be deployed (medical/dental issues and the like). NMPS was originally scheduled for a week, but since Bill and I had already done much of the legwork, it made the process a little less painful and we were out in three days.
Two weeks at home was spent sleeping in (at least a little bit), finishing up a number of projects, and spending as much time as possible with my family.
Now we're on to Fort Jackson, near Columbia, South Carolina, for two weeks of Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training.
Yes, it's day zero because it's not a full day and it doesn't really count toward any sort of training. Bill and I left State College at 0745 and flew from State College through Cincinnati to Columbia, South Carolina, where we were met by the Army folks from Ft. Jackson. Most of the other folks from RFF 611 showed up about the same time. They gave us a tourbus ride to McCrady Training Center, which is about 20 minutes away from Ft. Jackson, and seemed like about 30 minutes from the Columbia Airport. Arriving around 1400, we sat through several in-briefs from both the Army and Navy, filled out more paperwork, and moved into our billeting. Open-bay barracks with about 40 or so bunks and stand-up lockers. And 4 showers for everyone. Should be fun. The day starts at 0500 tomorrow morning: gear issue.
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