A Letter to My Wife - Part 2

Hello again, my love.

So now I've been gone for a week. That means I've probably smacked it around 21 times already. Ha ha ha. Oh god, I hope not.

So at this point in my Army career, I'm sure there's not much to report. Here's a rough rundown of how my week probably went.

I stood in line. I got yelled at. I stood in line.

I stood in line. I got a haircut. I stood in line bald.

I stood in line, I got stabbed with every needle on the planet, I stood in line.

I stood in line in my skivies. I got a shot in the butt by a needle with the rough diameter of a telephone pole. I stood in line (with most of my weight on one leg).

I stood in line. I got yelled at. I answered tons of questions, filled out mountains of paperwork. I stood in line.

I stood in line. I got yelled at. I stood in line. I got my anal probe and visited the dentist. I got yelled at. I stood in line.

I stood in line. I got yelled at. I got yelled at again, I stood in line. Then I got yelled at.

I stood in line. I forgot what I'm standing in line for. I got yelled at for forgetting. I got yelled at for standing in line. I stood in line.

I stood in line. I got yelled at. I got my uniform. I feel like a fucking Soldier (although I'm not. Hell no. But I will earn the right to be called a Soldier. Hell yes and Hoo-ah!). I got yelled at in my uniform. I stood in line in my uniform. I got yelled at again.

I got yelled at. I got yelled at again. I stood in line. I got yelled at. Yes! I'm getting yelled at more than I'm standing in line. That means I'm almost done processing! I got yelled at again. That made me happy. I got yelled at for being happy. I stopped being happy. I got yelled at for being a sourpuss. Hoo-ah!

And yes, it went on and on like this for a week (and no more I hope). Each time I got yelled at, I had to do push-ups. And when I couldn't do anymore push-ups, I got yelled at. And my punishment for not being able to do enough push-ups was... oh come on, take a guess... you got it! More push-ups (while being yelled at).

But I'll tell you what. Every time I felt like, "this sucks," I stopped and thought of you. I thought of how hard this last week has been for you. I thought of how much I love you, and how much you love me. I thought of how proud you would be of me if you could see me, and how proud you are of me even though you can't see me. I thought of how this will be making a better life for us. That's all it took to find the strength to keep going.

Now if only I can make it through the next 3 weeks. But you know what? I will. I know I will.

I dedicate this last week and these next 3 weeks to you. Every moment of the hardest month of my life will be made easier by thoughts of you. You are the reason I have come this far and the reason why I will go all the way. You will be so proud of me when you see me. And I can't wait to see that look on your face when that time comes.

Basic Combat Training, here I come! (I hope... oh lordy let processing be done by now!)

A Letter to My Kids - Part 2

Hello again kids!

Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm thinking about you guys.

I hope school's going well and you guys are having fun.

This last week for me, I have just been in reception, getting shots in my butt and getting yelled at, so yeah, pretty boring stuff over here.

Anyhow, I'm sure you guys have been very good this last week, right? Keep it up. Don't forget you guys have some surprises coming soon if you're very good!

I love you guys. I carry your pictures around with me everywhere I go. Be good, have fun, and don't forget to take out the trash and brush your teeth. Also, if you guys wouldn't mind helping out with the dishes and keeping the house cleaned up, I would greatly appreciate it.

Okay, I'll talk to you here on the blog next Monday at 8:00 PM.

I love you!

Love,
Daddy.

A Letter to My Wife - Part 1

Hello, my love.

I actually wrote this letter, and all of the letters in this series, a while back, back before I shipped out. Although I'm not actually writing these letters from Basic, I have scheduled them to appear while I'm away in training.

Since I am writing these posts "in the dark," it may be interesting to compare them with my hand-written letters home to compare the accuracy or wild misses of reality and our expectations. Perhaps you could even comment on these posts or hack into my account and post accurate information, mis-information, letters home, etc, for our readers, if you've got the time.

I know that you are going to be very busy these next few months. Not only will you be continuing your own role on the homestead, but you'll be taking mine over as well, as well as helping the kids adjust to this new way of life, while you cope with it yourself. And on top of it all, you're busy preparing for the big changes ahead. And now for the first time since we met, you're doing it all without close support.

I applaud you. I love you. I respect you. And I appreciate all that you are doing.

Well, let's talk about me now, shall we? Do let's!

So I imagine I've had a pretty eventful last 24-48 hours. We had the Send-Off, which I'm sure was a blast. We said our goodbyes, which was hard. And just so you know, the goodbye's were about, oh to put an exact number on it, Id say, infinitely harder on me than I showed on the outside. But if I crack, we all crack a little (or a little more).

Anyhow, then came another trip to MEPS and another night in the hotel. And then came the ride to the airport, where I jumped on that plane. And that plane took me farther than I have ever been from home, and farther than I have ever wanted to be from you. And the whole time my mind is surely divided between the longing thoughts of what's behind, growing smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror, and the ominous and adventurous mass of what's looming ahead.

So now I'm all tucked in my new bunk, and of course thinking of you, and for the first time in a long time, I'm having troubles falling asleep.

I miss you already and I love you with all my heart.

Love,
Your Husband.

P.S. If you do hack into my account, don't read ahead into the posts that haven't gone up yet... there are some surprises in there that should wait until their scheduled posted dates. Trust me.

A Letter to My Kids - Part 1

Hi you guys!

So I just left for BCT today. Got to ride an airplane all the way across the country, which was a lot of fun.

I miss you guys already, but I am thinking about you.

Make sure you guys are good while I'm gone, okay? Listen to the Army Wife and do what she tells you. And try not to fight with eachother too much.

Just so you know, I have planned some little surprises for you guys, but that comes later. For the next few weeks, you guys have got to prove that you can be good (I know you can!) and be happy!

Remember, you have to be on good behavior while I'm gone if you want to get your surprises.

Your first surprise comes in a few weeks, so be very good until then, okay?

Okay. Check back here next Monday night after 8 o'clock to read the next letter.

I love you both and I miss you guys already.

Be sure to brush your teeth at least three times a day and do all of your homework. Also, don't forget that the trash goes out tomorrow night.

Okay, well I love you.

Bye.

Love,
Daddy.

The US Army Takes Over the Lake

On Wednesday, I got a phone call from my Sergeant telling me that our 16:30 Thursday PT has been cancelled. Instead, we would be meeting up at 15:00 and then heading over to the lake for a little R&R. I was told that the family is invited if they would like to come along.

Now I'm the kind of guy that likes the Army Chain of Command. Throughout my life, I haven't exactly been the type to follow orders without question, but I do feel that when it comes to the Army, following orders is an important and necessary part of being the best Soldier I can be. So when my Sergeant says to spend a relaxing day at the lake, who am I to question orders? After all, he's got many years in the Army under his belt and many stripes on his sleeve, and I am only an E-1, yet to even earn my 1st stripe.

We all had a great time at the lake. The Brats had a blast splashing around in the shallow waters of the lake. The Wife and I even enjoyed getting our feet wet a little.

Another little piece of info about me: I've always struggled making friends. So when the other Future Soldiers set up a volleyball net in the sand, my Wife insisted that I go play and make some friends. I suck at volleyball, but again comes the Chain of Command. I love my Wife with all my heart, and completely trust her, especially with decisions that involve my happiness. I know she has my best interest in mind, and she has never steered me wrong. She has earned her "stripes" as my Wife, and therefore she has the right to give certain orders that I must follow.

I headed over to the volleyball court, but the teams had already been decided. So I stood on the sideline and waited for someone to maybe want to rotate out so I could fill their spot.

But then I saw a football go flying through the air off in the distance. When it comes to footballs, I am like a Golden Retriever with a tennis ball. The football went flying through the air again, and I couldn't resist. I gave chase. We played some toss, and soon the group that had gathered around the football was big enough to get a game going.

We headed to a big open part of the beach. The Wife and the Brats took a tailgate seat to watch the game. The Sergeant joined the melee. And we got us a full fledged football game going on in the rocky sand.

The game was awesome and exhausting. We ran the old no-huddle 2-minute drill throughout the entire game, which went on for about an hour and a half. I played Safety on defense, and managed to pick up a few of tackles, including one touchdown saving tackle inches short of the goal line. I also deflected a few passes and even managed to intercept a pass and return it most of the distance back across the field. On offense, I played Wide Receiver, Running Back, and even tried my hand at Quarterback, which I really enjoyed.

After the game (which either ended in a tie or we won by a touchdown... the debate rages on), we'll all headed back over to the water to cool off. After a brief swim, we were all ordered out of the water and to fall into formation.

We all lined up.

What could this be for? I wondered.

The Sergeant called out a couple of names and ordered us out of formation and to stand front and center.

I was then presented with an award that states:

"DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Certificate of Promotion

MY NAME
(I omitted my real name here for a little online anonymity,
but my real name is printed on the certificate)

has been promoted to

Private Second Class

This promotion recognizes demonstrated ability
and is a credit to both the individual and the Army"

How cool is that? Turns out the day of R&R was actually a celebration in honor of our promotion. I was recognized in front of my entire unit. And my Wife and Brats were there to see me get my 1st promotion.

I am now officially and E-2, or Private 2nd Class. I have earned my 1st set of stripes (which comes with added benefits, including a nice little pay raise)!

I have been working my butt off in an attempt to promote early. Not only have I been studying hard to learn everything a Soldier should know, but I have officially done more push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and ran more miles than I can count in this last month. I am fortunate to be working under a great Sergeant who cares about his recruits and takes all the time we need to not only physically train us, but to also get us all the information we need to excel.

I am also very lucky to have a beautiful, supportive Wife and two adorable, supportive Brats who have been right behind me, rooting me on every step of the way.

Signed,
PV2 Delta... hooah!

9-Line Medevac Request

9 Line Medevac Request:

Line 1.
Location of the pick-up site.

Line 2.
Radio frequency, call sign, and suffix.

Line 3.
Number of patients by precedence:
A - Urgent
B - Urgent Surgical
C - Priority
D - Routine
E - Convenience

Line 4.
Special equipment required:
A - None
B - Hoist
C - Extraction equipment
D - Ventilator

Line 5.
Number of patients:
A - Litter
B - Ambulatory

Line 6.
Security at pick-up site:
N - No enemy troops in area
P - Possible enemy troops in area (approach with caution)
E - Enemy troops in area (approach with caution)
X - Enemy troops in area (armed escort required)
* In peacetime - number and types of wounds, injuries, and illnesses

Line 7.
Method of marking pick-up site:
A - Panels
B - Pyrotechnic signal
C - Smoke signal
D - None
E - Other

Line 8.
Patient nationality and status:
A - US Military
B - US Civilian
C - Non-US Military
D - Non-US Civilian
E - EPW

Line 9.
NBC Contamination:
N - Nuclear
B - Biological
C - Chemical
* In peacetime - terrain description of pick-up site

A Soldier's General Orders

There are quite a few things you will want to memorize for Army Basic Combat Training, including US Army Rank Structure, The 7 Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, A Soldier's General Orders, Reporting to an Officer indoors, 9-Line Medevac Request, UXO IED Report, and The Army Song, amongst other things.

Following are a Soldier's General Orders. If you don't yet have these orders memorized, commit them to memory now!

1st General Order

I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.


2nd General Order

I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner.


3rd General Order

I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions, to the commander of the relief.

The Army Song

There are quite a few things you will want to memorize for Army Basic Combat Training, including US Army Rank Structure, The 7 Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, A Soldier's General Orders, Reporting to an Officer indoors, 9-Line Medevac Request, UXO IED Report, and The Army Song, amongst other things.

If you are a Future Soldier preparing for BCT (Basic Combat Training), be sure to return to The US Army Life. Over the next few days, we will cover all of the basics mentioned above that you will want to memorize before entering BCT.

Today we'll cover the official Army Song:

“The Army Goes Rolling Along”

Intro:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We’re the Army and proud of our name
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim

Verse:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.

Refrain:
Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong (TWO! THREE!)
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.

Verse:
Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks,
And the Army went rolling along
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.

(refrain)

Verse:
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we’re right,
And we’ll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.

(refrain)

Army Physical Fitness Standards

In order to move along through certain phases of training and maintain your status as an American Soldier, you will be required to physically perform up certain standards. You will be tested regularly to track your progress and make sure that you are maintaining your physical fitness standards. Those standards vary by gender and age group.

Below is a rundown of the Army Physical Fitness Standards:

To be able to enter Army Basic Combat Training (BCT), you will be tested on and must be able to meet the minimum standards. You will be given this test in Reception:

For males:
Run - 1 mile in 8:30
Sit-ups - 17 in 1:00
Push-ups - 13 in 1:00

For males age 35 and older:
Run - 1 mile in 8:45
Sit-ups - 14 in 1:00
Push-ups - 12 in 1:00

For females:
Run - 1 mile in 10:30
Sit-ups - 17 in 1:00
Push-ups - 3 in 1:00

For females age 35 and older:
Run - 1 mile in 11:00
Sit-ups - 14 in 1:00
Push-ups - 12 in 1:00

In order to graduate from Basic Combat Training, you will need to be able to perform at the following standards. You will tested on this prior to graduating BCT. Note that after the intense physical training of BCT, you will be in excellent shape to pass this test. Failure is very rare.

BCT Minimum Graduation Standard:

Males age 17-21:
Run - 2 miles in 16:36
Sit-ups - 47 in 2:00
Push-ups - 35 in 2:00

Males age 22-26:
Run - 2 miles in 17:30
Sit-ups - 43 in 2:00
Push-ups - 31 in 2:00

Males age 27-31:
Run - 2 miles in 17:54
Sit-ups - 36 in 2:00
Push-ups - 30 in 2:00

Females age 17-21:
Run - 2 miles in 19:42
Sit-ups - 47 in 2:00
Push-ups - 13 in 2:00

Females age 22-26:
Run - 2 miles in 20:36
Sit-ups - 43 in 2:00
Push-ups - 11 in 2:00

Females age 27-31:
Run - 2 miles in 21:42
Sit-ups - 36 in 2:00
Push-ups - 10 in 2:00

In order to graduate from Advanced Individual Training (AIT), the following standards must be met:

Males age 17-21:
Run - 2 miles in 15:54
Sit-ups - 53 in 2:00
Push-ups - 42 in 2:00

Males age 22-26:
Run - 2 miles in 16:36
Sit-ups - 50 in 2:00
Push-ups - 40 in 2:00

Males age 27-31:
Run - 2 miles in 17:00
Sit-ups - 45 in 2:00
Push-ups - 39 in 2:00

Females age 17-21:
Run - 2 miles in 18:54
Sit-ups - 53 in 2:00
Push-ups - 13 in 2:00

Females age 22-26:
Run - 2 miles in 19:36
Sit-ups - 50 in 2:00
Push-ups - 11 in 2:00

Females age 27-31:
Run - 2 miles in 21:30
Sit-ups - 45 in 2:00
Push-ups - 10 in 2:00

Now, whether you are trying to work your way up through these standards or are already there and looking to maintain, I highly recommend working out every day. I was given the following advice by my recruiter and follow it to the letter.

1. Look at the AIT graduation standards for your age/gender group. Those are the numbers I want you to use. For me (31 year old male) my standards are 2 mile in 17:00, 45 sit-ups in 2:00, and 39 push-ups in 2:00.

2. Do at least 3 sets of sit-ups every day. Once in the morning, once mid-day, and once again before going to bed.
Each time, do at least your minimum number for the AIT standard or go for 2 minutes, whichever is longer.

3. Do tons of sets of push-ups every other day. Do them when you wake up. Do them mid-day. Do them before you go to bed. On top of that, pick a frequent activity you perform throughout the day, such as going to the kitchen, going to the bathroom, or passing through a certain doorway. Each time you perform this activity, do another set of push-ups.
Each time, do at least your minimum number for the AIT standard or go for 2 minutes, whichever is longer.

4. On alternating days (the days you're not doing push-ups), run at least once.
Run for two miles or for your AIT standard time, whichever is longer.

Stick to this schedule like glue, every single day, and you'll be in fine shape to pass any PT Test the Army can throw at you.

The Soldier's Creed

The Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough,
trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

US Army Rank Structure

Each soldier in the US Army must be able to identify each of the different ranks of enlisted men & women and officers. If you are a Future Soldier or considering joining the Army, you will want to memorize the following rank structure:

Insignia	Grade	Rank	Abbr.	Addressed As
No Insignia	E-1	Private	PVT	Private
	E-2	Private	PV2	Private
	E-3	Private First Class	PFC	Private
	E-4	Specialist	SPC	Specialist
	E-4	Corporal	CPL	Corporal
	E-5	Sergeant	SGT	Sergeant
	E-6	Staff Sergeant	SSG	Sergeant
	E-7	Sergeant First Class	SFC	Sergeant
	E-8	Master Sergeant	MSG	Sergeant
	E-8	First Sergeant	1SG	First Sergeant
	E-9	Sergeant Major	SGM	Sergeant Major
	E-9	Command Sergeant Major	CSM	Sergeant Major
	-	Sergeant Major of the Army	SMA	Sergeant Major
Warrant Officers
	W-1	Warrant Officer	WO1	Mr. or Ms.
	W-2	Chief Warrant Officer	CW2	Mr. or Ms.
	W-3	Chief Warrant Officer	CW3	Mr. or Ms.
	W-4	Chief Warrant Officer	CW4	Mr. or Ms.
	W-5	Chief Warrant Officer	CW5	Mr. or Ms.
Officers
	O-1	2nd Lieutenant	2LT	Lieutenant
	O-2	1st Lieutenant	1LT	Lieutenant
	O-3	Captain	CPT	Captain
	O-4	Major	MAJ	Major
	O-5	Lieutenant Colonel	LTC	Colonel
	O-6	Colonel	COL	Colonel
	O-7	Brigadier General	BG	General
	O-8	Major General	MJ	General
	O-9	Lieutenant General	LG	General
	O-10	General	GEN	General
	-	General of the Army	GOA	General