Day 18

Finally, a 10 hour day. Whew! I never thought it was going to happen. Today was dedicated exclusively to pre-qualification on the M4 rifle. All that really means is that we went to the range and shot the number of rounds and targets as we will tomorrow when we all attempt to qualify. For those taking the M4 to Oz (not me), they must qualify. Others "should" but it's not mandated. I, for one, plan on it. That's yet another Navy ribbon (like the one for the 9mm) that has eluded me for nearly 14 years. Shooting the M4 is so much more complicated than a pistol. For one, we were laying in wet sand (remember the hail storm from yesterday?), it was Heat Condition 5, 90F, blazing sun, and topped out humidity. By the way, sand and the M4 or any rifle for that matter don't mix. You really need to keep the weapon clean if you want it to shoot that projectile out the barrel towards the bad guys. So, crawling around in wet sand WITH all of the gear and body armor on is interesting, to say the least. Eventually, the sweat is running down the brow and into the eyes and fogging up the ballistic glasses. In the end, I did pretty good but not great. Tomorrow is the real deal and supposedly, the targets (silhouettes) are a lot easier to see and we are shooting more downhill. Both good things for the qualification. The weather is supposed to be a little bit more mild, around 80F, so that'll help, too. Today was by far, the filthiest, sweatiest day yet. Flat out nasty.

Oh yes...speaking of nasty...MRE's. Today's "entree" was beef enchilada. OK...that's a bit tough to imagine, I know. After the magical heater made it hot, it was acceptable...not wonderful, not horrible, but OK. Next cherry/raspberry cobbler. Hmmm..... "This is going to either be really good or really bad," I thought to myself. I heated it up as well and I must say, it was THE best thing I've eaten out of a MRE pack since I got here. Not bad at all. Eaten out of a green, plastic "sack" but still good. Everything else, I threw away. I instead enjoyed my banana that I had brought along.

We were also issued our chemical/biological warfare suit. It comes in a backpack-lookin' thing with a tamper seal on it. Hopefully, I'll just tote it around the world and never open it. It works in conjunction with the gas mask that I spoke of before. Big pants, jacket, hood, booties, gloves...the works. Once the bag is opened, it expires in 45 days so it's very important not to break the seal unless directed to...like in the case of a chemical/biological attack by the enemy. Wonderful...yet another heavy piece of gear to lug to Oz.

That's pretty much it for today. I am enjoying the gorgeous evening here by typing this outside while watching the sunset. It's nearly 8pm EST and 83F but a very swift breeze blowing by. Feels wonderful after being so nasty just a few hours ago.

On deck for tomorrow: like I said, we'll qualify on the M4, finally, and also start shooting some "heavy weapons." You know...the kind that can put holes in the side of buildings. :-)

A friend posted this yesterday and I've recalled it several times since then. I think it rings more true than ever for my family right now. Note: this is not to discount family at all...my family is 100% supportive of me and I/we appreciate that. "Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what." To all of you who fit this definition, my family and I THANK YOU!

Goodnight, everyone.