Is it possible to run with a 80 lbs pack? Yes. Does it suck? Oh Ya. :)
Hey everybody!
Good Fast week, this week. Not a lot of time to write so it'll a fast one this time! :)
Sunday 10/28 - Liberty Secured at 2000, went to bed at 2030.
Monday 10/29 - Lights at 0430. Class on Patrolling. Actually patrolled (walked around, sooooooo much fun. ;) ) PT. Rack at 2030.
Tuesday 10/30 - Lights at 0430. Patrol XP. Got main pack and hiked up
the Alpha shelf and set up a Patrol base. On security most of night.
Around 9 went to COC, radio.
Wed 10/31 - Moved from radio to an LP/OP Listening and Observation
Post for all morning. Then moved the PB. Found a guy in the platoon that
knew the song, Hey Baby, freaking awesome. :D Held security again.
Finally got on QRF, Quick Reaction Force, which means you get to sleep
if there's nothing to do. And guess what ... yep there was something to
do. Lol. The LP/OP needed a resupply of water. So we did that and had an
hour and half left of QRF. So I pulled out my Scriptures and read a
little bit. Best feeling ever! Reading my Scriptures while in flax and
Kevlar with my rifle in the hills of camp pendlton, amazing! Got some
sleep, while that happened we got "attacked"by our instructors. Then we
were put back on COC.
Thurs 11/1 - moved to another hill. Briefed on tomorrow's mission. Weapons maintenance. Rack 1830
Fri 11/1 - lights 0500. patrol mission with live rounds. Went back to the barracks. Weapons maintenance. Liberty.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Oct 27,2012 Part 2
:)
pain. pain is good, i guess. It lets you know your alive, so it's good. But it doesn't always feel so good. haha :)
Sunday 10/21 - secured at 1600. All we did was pack for the week and hit the rack at 1940.
Monday 10/22 - Lights at 0330. Got bussed out to a range. Set up our packs and did an unknown distance shoot. Then we practiced fire and movement. :) this is what you do. You're lying down on the ground. You have to get up sprint for about 10 meters and dive into the ground and start firing so your buddy can do the same thing. You do this until you reach your objective which is normally 200 to 800 meters away. Oh and the ground is extremely hard and if it's not gravel it's covered with rocks. We then went and practiced with radio's. Then we had a PT session using... Sandbags! Oh ya, that was fun... good work out though. :) Then did the same shoot at night. After we were finished our platoon commander talked to us and got mad at us for something one or two people had done in the platoon. We then proceeded to do the hardest PT session of my life. We would sprint 200 or 300 meters then come back do push ups or jumping jacks or air squats or leg lifts or scissor kicks or all the above. It lasted about 2 hours. Lights at 2300.
Tuesday 10/23 - Lights at 0500. After we do our normal getting up in the field routine we PT'd for another 2 hours plus it was raining. We did 500 air squats straight. Then we proceeded to do a stress shoot which was supposed to show us the difference in shooting in a combat situation. What happened is we shot a single target ten times in the prone and got a number on our hand of how many time we hit it, i hit all ten times, then they PT'd us hard for about 40 minutes and made us shoot immediately after. Again i hit all ten, but then they explained that the shoot wasn't very realistic which i believe. But I had another blessing during the second part of the shoot. So when you do any shooting you wear ear pro (protection). Well during the pt session everyone took out their ear pro, and when i went back up to shoot i didn't have enough time to put in my ear pro. So i took my first shot and my ears started ringing, bad. I took my second shot and the ringing in my left ear dropped about and a fifth and doubled in pain. So I took my non shooting hand plugged my left ear, said a quick prayer and continued with the other eight rounds. After I had finished shooting i pulled my hand out of my ear and the ringing and pain and completely ceased. My right ear was still ringing a little so I plugged that ear for a few seconds and when i pulled my finger out the pain and ringing was completely gone. Also, other guys in the platoon who didn't have ear pro in still had their ears ringing on friday. I feel so blessed. After the stress shoot we didn't have anything to do so we talked with our instructor for a little while and then hit the rack at 1945 which is completely unheard of in the field.
Wednesday 10/24 - Lights at 0500. We did buddy rushes with live rounds. We then practiced buddy rushes for a few hours and did the same thing at night with NVG's on. It's a weird feeling running down range with rounds from your buddy flying past you. We are about 5 to 10 meters from each other but it's still an interesting picture. And the night shoot, the NVG's weigh down the front of your kevlar (helmet) so your doing whatever you can to see through them so you can shoot accurately. Rack at 2345.
Thursday 10/25 - Lights at 0430. Got up and it was FREEZING!! When i got out of my sleeping system it was like jumping into a really cold lake. That's the best way i can describe it. We then got bussed to another range and guess what we did... yep, more buddy rushes. haha :) We did a day and night shoot. Although buddy rushes can be a little painful when i took a step back and saw that i was really living my dream. That in it of itself is amazing, to realize that you are actually getting to live your dream and you still have a long life to live to be able to live more dreams. Absolutely an amazing feeling. So after our day shoot they told us the plan for the day and the next day. We were not planning on getting any sleep that night so they let us take a nap between shoots. AWESOME!!!!! Even if it was only an hour and a half it was nice. After the night shoot we police called (picked up all the brass on the range) and got bussed home and actually got to hit the racks at 0100. I hadn't had dinner yet so i ate and went to sleep at 0130.
Friday 10/26 - Lights at 0400. We then grabbed our packs and did the 15 K hike. It took about 3 and a half hours. It was a slower pace than i would've liked but it was alright. After the hike we cleaned weapons and got released on liberty.
So that was my week. Only 3 full weeks left! If you want to hang out with me once i get home please write me an email (lifeisatrumpet@gmail.com) and we can plan something out. I would love to hang out with anyone and everyone. Just let me know.
Thanks for the Letters and prayers! Until next week!
PFC Chipman
pain. pain is good, i guess. It lets you know your alive, so it's good. But it doesn't always feel so good. haha :)
Sunday 10/21 - secured at 1600. All we did was pack for the week and hit the rack at 1940.
Monday 10/22 - Lights at 0330. Got bussed out to a range. Set up our packs and did an unknown distance shoot. Then we practiced fire and movement. :) this is what you do. You're lying down on the ground. You have to get up sprint for about 10 meters and dive into the ground and start firing so your buddy can do the same thing. You do this until you reach your objective which is normally 200 to 800 meters away. Oh and the ground is extremely hard and if it's not gravel it's covered with rocks. We then went and practiced with radio's. Then we had a PT session using... Sandbags! Oh ya, that was fun... good work out though. :) Then did the same shoot at night. After we were finished our platoon commander talked to us and got mad at us for something one or two people had done in the platoon. We then proceeded to do the hardest PT session of my life. We would sprint 200 or 300 meters then come back do push ups or jumping jacks or air squats or leg lifts or scissor kicks or all the above. It lasted about 2 hours. Lights at 2300.
Tuesday 10/23 - Lights at 0500. After we do our normal getting up in the field routine we PT'd for another 2 hours plus it was raining. We did 500 air squats straight. Then we proceeded to do a stress shoot which was supposed to show us the difference in shooting in a combat situation. What happened is we shot a single target ten times in the prone and got a number on our hand of how many time we hit it, i hit all ten times, then they PT'd us hard for about 40 minutes and made us shoot immediately after. Again i hit all ten, but then they explained that the shoot wasn't very realistic which i believe. But I had another blessing during the second part of the shoot. So when you do any shooting you wear ear pro (protection). Well during the pt session everyone took out their ear pro, and when i went back up to shoot i didn't have enough time to put in my ear pro. So i took my first shot and my ears started ringing, bad. I took my second shot and the ringing in my left ear dropped about and a fifth and doubled in pain. So I took my non shooting hand plugged my left ear, said a quick prayer and continued with the other eight rounds. After I had finished shooting i pulled my hand out of my ear and the ringing and pain and completely ceased. My right ear was still ringing a little so I plugged that ear for a few seconds and when i pulled my finger out the pain and ringing was completely gone. Also, other guys in the platoon who didn't have ear pro in still had their ears ringing on friday. I feel so blessed. After the stress shoot we didn't have anything to do so we talked with our instructor for a little while and then hit the rack at 1945 which is completely unheard of in the field.
Wednesday 10/24 - Lights at 0500. We did buddy rushes with live rounds. We then practiced buddy rushes for a few hours and did the same thing at night with NVG's on. It's a weird feeling running down range with rounds from your buddy flying past you. We are about 5 to 10 meters from each other but it's still an interesting picture. And the night shoot, the NVG's weigh down the front of your kevlar (helmet) so your doing whatever you can to see through them so you can shoot accurately. Rack at 2345.
Thursday 10/25 - Lights at 0430. Got up and it was FREEZING!! When i got out of my sleeping system it was like jumping into a really cold lake. That's the best way i can describe it. We then got bussed to another range and guess what we did... yep, more buddy rushes. haha :) We did a day and night shoot. Although buddy rushes can be a little painful when i took a step back and saw that i was really living my dream. That in it of itself is amazing, to realize that you are actually getting to live your dream and you still have a long life to live to be able to live more dreams. Absolutely an amazing feeling. So after our day shoot they told us the plan for the day and the next day. We were not planning on getting any sleep that night so they let us take a nap between shoots. AWESOME!!!!! Even if it was only an hour and a half it was nice. After the night shoot we police called (picked up all the brass on the range) and got bussed home and actually got to hit the racks at 0100. I hadn't had dinner yet so i ate and went to sleep at 0130.
Friday 10/26 - Lights at 0400. We then grabbed our packs and did the 15 K hike. It took about 3 and a half hours. It was a slower pace than i would've liked but it was alright. After the hike we cleaned weapons and got released on liberty.
So that was my week. Only 3 full weeks left! If you want to hang out with me once i get home please write me an email (lifeisatrumpet@gmail.com) and we can plan something out. I would love to hang out with anyone and everyone. Just let me know.
Thanks for the Letters and prayers! Until next week!
PFC Chipman
Oct 27,2012 Part 1
What's up everybody?!
I'm really starting to enjoy my training, fun stuff happened this week with some significant stuff as well. :)
Sunday 10/14 - Liberty secured at 1000. We had to go to a Corps Values brief by a retired First Sergeant then he also gave a religion brief. I didn't really agree with everything he said but it was and eye opener on how others think. We then got released for an hour for dinner. After that we did nothing for the rest of the day. I'm talking like just stood on line and looked at each other and studied our knowledge. We hit the racks at 1930 but we had 20 man fire watch, again. And again i was lucky and only had it once.
Monday 10/15 - Lights at 0400. Ate at the chow hall all day. After breakfast again just sat on line and "studied" for 3 and 1/2 hours. We then went and took the Phase 2 test. I passed, but 1/3 of the company failed. We then had classes on the IAR, M27. (HK 416) It's supposed to be taking over for the M249 SAW and eventually the M16, I think. We also had Gunner Bolten, the person our classrooms are named after, come and talk to us about his story in the Marine Corps and what he did to earn his Silver Star. After classes were over we offically had the Split, where all the 0311 rifleman go into 1st and 2nd platoon and all the weapons, 0331 machine gunners 0341 morterman (Barrus) and 0351 Assultmen, go into 3rd platoon. After we got our gear into our squadbay we hit the racks at 2100. I had fire watch and then organized my locker so i didn't get to sleep till 2330.
Tuesday 10/16 - Lights at 0515. Did the CSRE (Common Skills Retension Exam) Basically you run in full gear from point to point doing different stuff you've learned while being at SOI. lights was at 2115.
Wednesday 10/17 - Lights at 0330. We got bussed out to a range and worked with the IAR all day and assigned team assignments. I got assigned to be the IAR gunner. Freaking awesome!! lights at 2140.
Thursday 10/18 - Lights at 0500. All the IAR gunners got to shoot 425 rounds. Again, FREAKING AWESOME!!!! We then picked up the range and hiked home. About 5 clicks with hills, not the funnest thing in the world. lights at 2200.
Friday 10/19 - Lights at 0330. We did a range movement back to where we were the day before except we had day packs. Then our platoon commander make us run hills for a while. After that we did known distance day and night shooting. After the range was done we got bussed home, :) picture this, there is 98 US Marines with Flax jackets (adding 2 or 3 inches to our body size), rifles (adding 2 or 3 inches to our body size) , and day packs (doubling our body size) all fitting on 1 44 passanger bus. Worst bus ride ever. Funny looking back on it but it wasn't fun. :D haha.
Sorry this week wasn't descriptive like the others the internet crashed when i was writing so i had to wait a week to finish it.
I'm really starting to enjoy my training, fun stuff happened this week with some significant stuff as well. :)
Sunday 10/14 - Liberty secured at 1000. We had to go to a Corps Values brief by a retired First Sergeant then he also gave a religion brief. I didn't really agree with everything he said but it was and eye opener on how others think. We then got released for an hour for dinner. After that we did nothing for the rest of the day. I'm talking like just stood on line and looked at each other and studied our knowledge. We hit the racks at 1930 but we had 20 man fire watch, again. And again i was lucky and only had it once.
Monday 10/15 - Lights at 0400. Ate at the chow hall all day. After breakfast again just sat on line and "studied" for 3 and 1/2 hours. We then went and took the Phase 2 test. I passed, but 1/3 of the company failed. We then had classes on the IAR, M27. (HK 416) It's supposed to be taking over for the M249 SAW and eventually the M16, I think. We also had Gunner Bolten, the person our classrooms are named after, come and talk to us about his story in the Marine Corps and what he did to earn his Silver Star. After classes were over we offically had the Split, where all the 0311 rifleman go into 1st and 2nd platoon and all the weapons, 0331 machine gunners 0341 morterman (Barrus) and 0351 Assultmen, go into 3rd platoon. After we got our gear into our squadbay we hit the racks at 2100. I had fire watch and then organized my locker so i didn't get to sleep till 2330.
Tuesday 10/16 - Lights at 0515. Did the CSRE (Common Skills Retension Exam) Basically you run in full gear from point to point doing different stuff you've learned while being at SOI. lights was at 2115.
Wednesday 10/17 - Lights at 0330. We got bussed out to a range and worked with the IAR all day and assigned team assignments. I got assigned to be the IAR gunner. Freaking awesome!! lights at 2140.
Thursday 10/18 - Lights at 0500. All the IAR gunners got to shoot 425 rounds. Again, FREAKING AWESOME!!!! We then picked up the range and hiked home. About 5 clicks with hills, not the funnest thing in the world. lights at 2200.
Friday 10/19 - Lights at 0330. We did a range movement back to where we were the day before except we had day packs. Then our platoon commander make us run hills for a while. After that we did known distance day and night shooting. After the range was done we got bussed home, :) picture this, there is 98 US Marines with Flax jackets (adding 2 or 3 inches to our body size), rifles (adding 2 or 3 inches to our body size) , and day packs (doubling our body size) all fitting on 1 44 passanger bus. Worst bus ride ever. Funny looking back on it but it wasn't fun. :D haha.
Sorry this week wasn't descriptive like the others the internet crashed when i was writing so i had to wait a week to finish it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Oct 13, 2012
Hey everyone!
Well this up coming week is the
halfway point! Can't wait to get back home and chill with friends and
family till my mission!
So for my week. Sunday 10/7 -
Liberty secured at 1600 then we went in and packed for the week and then
we went out and did some combat conditioning. Easy but weird to pt on
sunday. Then we got to hit the racks at 2200 but we had 20 man
firewatch. I was lucky and only had it once.
Monday 10/8 - lights at 0400. we got to go eat at the chow
hall. we did a little pt. Then we went to class. Now for those of you
in high school your in school from about 7 40 to 2 30 right? You have
breaks to talk and walk around between classes, you have different class
rooms, different teachers and 30 minutes to an hour for lunch. Well i
had classes in the same classroom with the same teacher with a few 10
minute breaks to use the head and fill up on water from 0800 till 1630
with 20 minutes in the middle to eat. Crazy. haha. :) I thought i was
done with school. :) After that we went back and practice the first aid
we learned and learned how to use claymores. Yes, claymores... freaking
awesome. :D We then hit the racks at 2115.
Tuesday 10/9 - Lights at 0300. We got our main packs on and
did a slower movement out to the Alpha shelf, the "mountians" to the
south west of the barracks. The movements was about 5 clicks
(Kilometers) long and had an elevation change of about a click to a
click and a half. We then dropped our packs and started to dig
skirmisher holes (6 inches deep and the length of your body). We only
had an E - tool to dig with. (A foldable shovel that we use, the spade
is about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.) That took about a half hour.
We then paired up with another marine and were told to dig a fighting
hole. For me that was about 5 1/2 ft deep, 2 ft long, and 4 ft wide. We
had been digging from about an hour when i looked at my hand and felt
and noticed a big blood blister between my middle fingers on my right
hand. I remembered that i had a pair of gloves in my pack. I went and
got them and put them on and said a quick prayer for a blessing on my
hand. I dug for another hour the took off my gloves and the blister was
completly gone. You couldn't even tell it had been there. I had just
expecianced a minor miricale. It was absolutly amazing. We kept digging
for another 4 hours and still weren't finished when we got checked.
After everyone in our platoon got checked we were told we had been
compramised and we had to fill in our holes and get our packs on. This
is how most of the guys felt, "You're kidding, right. We've been digging
these freaking holes for the past 6 hours and you want us to just pack
up and leave? Just like that?" I kinda felt like that but not really, I
was in a good mood because of the blood blister blessing. So we filled
our holes, got our packs on and headed down the shelf. We walked about a
click and set up a defensive 360 position and watched our sectors of
fire for the next little while then we got together as a platoon had hit
the rack at 2400.
Wednesday 10/10 - Got up at 0500. Did a slower movement back
to the barracks. We got tested on setting up claymores. After that we
did weapons maintinance. Then we had a wall locker inspection. We had a
class ate at the chow hall and had a gear check and hit the rack at
1940.
Thursday10/11 - lights at 0330. Put on our day packs and
flaxs and did a movement out to Bravo 3, an urban training town. That
was about 4 miles away plus lots of hills. But as a platoon we also had
to take 4 10 lbs ammo cans, 4 35 lbs ammo cans, 1 50 lbs ammo can, 4 5
gallon water jugs, 1 25 lbs log, and 1 100 lbs log. It took 2 hours to
get to the range. After many painful steps and sore shoulders we made
it. We then had classes on what we would be trained on. Midway through
the classes we saw these big rain cloulds coming towards us, "Aw crap."
We went and got our rain gear on and once we did it started to pour. Mud
was everywhere. Your boots were heavy. We sat back down in the
bleachers to finish our classes. Some people somehow feel asleep so the
instructor made everyone take off there hoods so our heads got soaked.
Oh and most of us were already a little sick before this. So the rest of
the class was horrible. After classes we went and practiced what we
learned, how to basically clear a room, how to move down an urban
street, and how to react when your convoy gets contact. Fun stuff. While
we were practicing the rain stopped and the mud started to dry up. We
put all the logs and ammo cans and water in a 7 ton truck to be taken
back, which meant we were running back. We did, i did pretty well. I was
13 out of the 92 guys in our platoon. Always something to work on
right? :) When we got back we did weapons maintiance then had another
wall locker inspection. I got hit on having about an 1/8 or protien
powder residue in my water bottle. So I'm on Delta Liberty because of
that. Lame, but whatever. We hit the rack at 2100.
Friday 10/12 - lights at 0400. Ate at the chow hall then had
pictures for the company. Basically like senior class photos at high
school. Then had classes for a little while and then got released on
liberty.
Well that was my week. I really enjoy hearing about what you
guys are doing back home. Thanks for everyone who has writen me and if
you haven't i'd love to hear from you. Thanks for all the letters and
prayers. Be home soon.
PFC Chipman, Bryson B
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Oct 6 2012
Bryson left for SOI (school of infantry) on Sept 18. We have talked with him a couple of times. I'll update those on another day. But for now, here is his most recent (and thus far, his only) letter.
Hey Everyone!
Sorry the blog hasn't been updated lately, i haven't really given my
sister any info to update it with. I should be doing a better job from now
on to update her so she can update you. :D
Monday 10/1; we got up at 0330 then did a range movement to where we
would be for the day. Range movements are really hard. You have your pack
with your gear (either your day pack 20 - 30 lbs or your full pack 60 - 80
lbs), you're wearing you flax jacket - 25 lbs, and your rilfe another 7 lbs
and you have to hold your rifle with both hands as it is slung over your
shoulder the rifle isn't so much heavy it's just uncomfortable, we are also
in boots and cammies. So that's what we are wearing, now we have to
actually do the movement, all the movements for this week were between 2 or
3 miles one way. Now the instructors that take us to and from the ranges
are by far hands down the fastest guys i've ever seen. Let's put it this
way, I run 3 miles in green on green, tennis shoes and shorts and a
shortsleeve shirt, in 19:39. One instructor runs it in green on
green 15:30. Another instructer runs it in green on green in 15:50, he can
also run it in boots trousers and a flax jacket in 19:30. THAT'S INSANE!!!
So to get to and from the ranges we run, at there pace. Range movements are
probably the hardest things of training. So after we got to the range we
learn how to fire and fired the AT - 4 rocket. Freaking Awesome! We then
had class on the M203 Grenade launcher. We then ran back did some more PT
(Physical Training) and did other random classes. Amazingly we got to go to
bed at 1940, CRAZY EARLY!!!!
Tuesday 10/2; lights at 0400, movement to a range. while the other
platoons stopped after they got to the range our Plt Cmd (Platoon
Commander) made us run up and down the hills of Camp pendleton for another
hour and a half with our gear still on. After that we finished our run we
got to shoot the M203. Again, FREAKING AWESOME. Although it had a little
more kick than i expected. While I was firing, I went to reload and the
breach came off the the M203. The Combat Instructor came to me grabbed it
shoved it into my throat right below my adams apple for about 15 seconds
while yelling at me the entire time. :) I also got to shoot an extra 15
rounds. :D We then got our gear and ran back to the barracks. When we got
back we dropped our gear off at the barracks and went to class. When we got
back the barracks had been torn up. I was so blessed because i had the
feeling to lock a locker that i don't normally lock before i went to this
class. When i came back I felt so blessed. The other guys who hadn't locked
their belongings had there stuff scattered everywhere. Hit racks at 2200.
Wednesday 10/3; Lights at 0415. Had morning chow at the chow hall
instead of an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) what we normally have for every meal.
For moving slow that morning our instructor made us do pointless drill
movements to make us feel dumb. We did day and night land navagation 4
hours each. All you had to do was find your points you were given and trace
the dog tags on the ammo can at that point. I did just fine. lights at 0100.
Thursday 10/4; Lights at 0415. Ate chow at chow hall, had the Phase 1
test, did just fine. Then had classes for the rest of the day. It was
really hard to focus and stay awake for those classes. We did get lunch and
dinner at the chow hall. Hit racks at 2400.
Friday 10/5; I had firewatch for an hour this night. Lights at
0300. 10K hike. I finished right behind the company First Sergeant who
was leading the hike. :D Then did fire and movement with a buddy and
live rounds. Again, FREAKING AWESOME!!! Then got tested on basic radio
skills and detainee handling. Did a range movement back to the barrack
(we finished the hike at the range). Cleaned weapons for the rest of
the night got released on liberty at 2200 but had firewatch till 0400.
So that was my week. I'm listening to General Conferance right
now, that the first church thing i've been able to attend in my 3
weeks of being here. I love the gospel and can't wait to serve my
mission.
Well until next week, thanks for the Prayer and Emails.
- PFC Chipman, Bryson B
Hey Everyone!
Sorry the blog hasn't been updated lately, i haven't really given my
sister any info to update it with. I should be doing a better job from now
on to update her so she can update you. :D
Monday 10/1; we got up at 0330 then did a range movement to where we
would be for the day. Range movements are really hard. You have your pack
with your gear (either your day pack 20 - 30 lbs or your full pack 60 - 80
lbs), you're wearing you flax jacket - 25 lbs, and your rilfe another 7 lbs
and you have to hold your rifle with both hands as it is slung over your
shoulder the rifle isn't so much heavy it's just uncomfortable, we are also
in boots and cammies. So that's what we are wearing, now we have to
actually do the movement, all the movements for this week were between 2 or
3 miles one way. Now the instructors that take us to and from the ranges
are by far hands down the fastest guys i've ever seen. Let's put it this
way, I run 3 miles in green on green, tennis shoes and shorts and a
shortsleeve shirt, in 19:39. One instructor runs it in green on
green 15:30. Another instructer runs it in green on green in 15:50, he can
also run it in boots trousers and a flax jacket in 19:30. THAT'S INSANE!!!
So to get to and from the ranges we run, at there pace. Range movements are
probably the hardest things of training. So after we got to the range we
learn how to fire and fired the AT - 4 rocket. Freaking Awesome! We then
had class on the M203 Grenade launcher. We then ran back did some more PT
(Physical Training) and did other random classes. Amazingly we got to go to
bed at 1940, CRAZY EARLY!!!!
Tuesday 10/2; lights at 0400, movement to a range. while the other
platoons stopped after they got to the range our Plt Cmd (Platoon
Commander) made us run up and down the hills of Camp pendleton for another
hour and a half with our gear still on. After that we finished our run we
got to shoot the M203. Again, FREAKING AWESOME. Although it had a little
more kick than i expected. While I was firing, I went to reload and the
breach came off the the M203. The Combat Instructor came to me grabbed it
shoved it into my throat right below my adams apple for about 15 seconds
while yelling at me the entire time. :) I also got to shoot an extra 15
rounds. :D We then got our gear and ran back to the barracks. When we got
back we dropped our gear off at the barracks and went to class. When we got
back the barracks had been torn up. I was so blessed because i had the
feeling to lock a locker that i don't normally lock before i went to this
class. When i came back I felt so blessed. The other guys who hadn't locked
their belongings had there stuff scattered everywhere. Hit racks at 2200.
Wednesday 10/3; Lights at 0415. Had morning chow at the chow hall
instead of an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) what we normally have for every meal.
For moving slow that morning our instructor made us do pointless drill
movements to make us feel dumb. We did day and night land navagation 4
hours each. All you had to do was find your points you were given and trace
the dog tags on the ammo can at that point. I did just fine. lights at 0100.
Thursday 10/4; Lights at 0415. Ate chow at chow hall, had the Phase 1
test, did just fine. Then had classes for the rest of the day. It was
really hard to focus and stay awake for those classes. We did get lunch and
dinner at the chow hall. Hit racks at 2400.
Friday 10/5; I had firewatch for an hour this night. Lights at
0300. 10K hike. I finished right behind the company First Sergeant who
was leading the hike. :D Then did fire and movement with a buddy and
live rounds. Again, FREAKING AWESOME!!! Then got tested on basic radio
skills and detainee handling. Did a range movement back to the barrack
(we finished the hike at the range). Cleaned weapons for the rest of
the night got released on liberty at 2200 but had firewatch till 0400.
So that was my week. I'm listening to General Conferance right
now, that the first church thing i've been able to attend in my 3
weeks of being here. I love the gospel and can't wait to serve my
mission.
Well until next week, thanks for the Prayer and Emails.
- PFC Chipman, Bryson B
Friday, August 17, 2012
20120813
Hey everyone,
Well, only a few more weeks! :) This week (finals week, Final Drill, Final PFT, etc.), next week (gas chamber, CRUCIBLE) and the week after (Marine week and Graduation). Graduation can't come fast enough though, lol. But since the time is getting shorter PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ME AFTER AUGUST 24.
If you have written me in the past month and a half and asked some questions that I haven't answered it is because our SDI doesn't give us our mail, but training presses on. I guess when you're in a war zone you won't get mail much either. All well.
So what have I been up to? Well, last week we did the final CFT (Combat Fitness Test), 1800 m run, max ammo can lifts in 2 minutes, and a maneuver under fire course. I improved from my initial. I think I was only a few seconds off on the run from a total perfect score. I think I got between a 290 and a 295 out of 300. We drilled a lot last week prepping for final Drill or the DI's super bowl as we call it. And guess what today was. Yep, final drill. :) I don't think I can express how much drill means to the DI's through writing. Let's put it this way if we lost it would be a long 2 1/2 weeks. Well we went last and... we... did a good job. Not our best performance but still good enough to win. :)
So we go to the crucible next week. I can't wait!
Well time for me to go. Thanks for the letters and the prayers.
-Recruit Chipman
Well, only a few more weeks! :) This week (finals week, Final Drill, Final PFT, etc.), next week (gas chamber, CRUCIBLE) and the week after (Marine week and Graduation). Graduation can't come fast enough though, lol. But since the time is getting shorter PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ME AFTER AUGUST 24.
If you have written me in the past month and a half and asked some questions that I haven't answered it is because our SDI doesn't give us our mail, but training presses on. I guess when you're in a war zone you won't get mail much either. All well.
So what have I been up to? Well, last week we did the final CFT (Combat Fitness Test), 1800 m run, max ammo can lifts in 2 minutes, and a maneuver under fire course. I improved from my initial. I think I was only a few seconds off on the run from a total perfect score. I think I got between a 290 and a 295 out of 300. We drilled a lot last week prepping for final Drill or the DI's super bowl as we call it. And guess what today was. Yep, final drill. :) I don't think I can express how much drill means to the DI's through writing. Let's put it this way if we lost it would be a long 2 1/2 weeks. Well we went last and... we... did a good job. Not our best performance but still good enough to win. :)
So we go to the crucible next week. I can't wait!
Well time for me to go. Thanks for the letters and the prayers.
-Recruit Chipman
Thursday, August 9, 2012
20120805
Hey everyone,
Well another week down! I'm doing really good, we finally got mail. (Well some, we didn't get all of the mail.) Thanks for writing!
This past week was kinda slow. All we did was working parties and drill. It's a good thing I like drill. We drilled for about 8 hrs a day. So, for you marching band people it was basically a really intense 8-8 week.
So I go back to MCRD today. When we get back down there we should get our cami's with our names and U.S Marines on them. I can't wait for that!
Now my turn for questions, have they Olympics started yet? OK, I'm good. :) JK. What is everyone up to? Where is everyone going to school?
Well church is starting. I gtg. Thanks for the letters and the prayers!
-Recruit Chipman
Well another week down! I'm doing really good, we finally got mail. (Well some, we didn't get all of the mail.) Thanks for writing!
This past week was kinda slow. All we did was working parties and drill. It's a good thing I like drill. We drilled for about 8 hrs a day. So, for you marching band people it was basically a really intense 8-8 week.
So I go back to MCRD today. When we get back down there we should get our cami's with our names and U.S Marines on them. I can't wait for that!
Now my turn for questions, have they Olympics started yet? OK, I'm good. :) JK. What is everyone up to? Where is everyone going to school?
Well church is starting. I gtg. Thanks for the letters and the prayers!
-Recruit Chipman
20120801
Hey everyone,
Sorry I haven't responded to any questions lately, We haven't gotten mail in about 2 1/2 weeks. But life and training still goes on. One month from now I'll be down with boot camp. In 3 weeks plus about 10 hours I'll be a US Marine. This week has been going by kinda slow. All we do is get up, do our morning routine, go to chow, then get split up into working parties around the base. we are with Marines, not the DI's but we are still treated like crap. I can't wait to be treated like an individual again, lol. :) But it's all part of the recruit training experience.
Good news, I was sitting reading my BOM during square away time tonight and some came up and asked someone questions about the church. We talked for a little bit and I got him to commit to come to church on Sunday!
Well, gtg. Thanks for the letter and the prayers!
-Recruit Chipman
Sorry I haven't responded to any questions lately, We haven't gotten mail in about 2 1/2 weeks. But life and training still goes on. One month from now I'll be down with boot camp. In 3 weeks plus about 10 hours I'll be a US Marine. This week has been going by kinda slow. All we do is get up, do our morning routine, go to chow, then get split up into working parties around the base. we are with Marines, not the DI's but we are still treated like crap. I can't wait to be treated like an individual again, lol. :) But it's all part of the recruit training experience.
Good news, I was sitting reading my BOM during square away time tonight and some came up and asked someone questions about the church. We talked for a little bit and I got him to commit to come to church on Sunday!
Well, gtg. Thanks for the letter and the prayers!
-Recruit Chipman
Saturday, August 4, 2012
20120729
Hey everyone,
Well another week down.This past week was Field Week. Monday we hiked up to our campsite and had some classes on IED's (Improvised Explosive Device) and tactical formations. After that we did 3 Assault Courses. Those were CRAZY FUN. They were down in the dirt with a rifle. After we finished the courses, we had dirt everywhere. :) Tuesday we had classes on navigation and did a day land navigation course and a night land course. Wednesday we came back to the squad bay and learned about Table II, the second half of rifle qual. Thursday we shot Table II for practice and Friday was qual. for Table II. Perfect score is 100 I shot a 95. I'm a little frustrated because I couldn't hear one of the shooting drills we were suppose to do so I dropped a couple shots, but all well I still got a better score that like 95% of the platoon and probably the company. :) So over all on rifle I scored a 328, 233 Table I and 95 Table II. Expert (the best qual. you can get) is from 305 to 350, so I'm a rifle expert!! :)
On Friday night, we did a night assault course with flares, barbed wire, obstacles, walls, and bridges. That was the best part of the week! So funny story. On this course when a flare goes off you immediately get down with your weapon up and you don't move at all. You just scan your surroundings with your eyes. Well I was at the end of the course waiting to be cleared out and there was one other recruit ahead of me when a flare when off. So I get down and point my barrel to the left so I wouldn't flag the other recruit. Well this recruit forgot he was suppose to get down until a couple of DI's yelled at him to get down. Guess what he did. Fell down right on top of my barrel. Brilliant man, just brilliant. :) He got yelled at again. LOL.
Saturday we took weapons completely apart and cleaned them. This week was probably my favorite so far. And now I'm in the 3rd Phase! Almost done!
Well I gtg. Thanks for the letters and prayers! See you soon!
-Recruit Chipman
Well another week down.This past week was Field Week. Monday we hiked up to our campsite and had some classes on IED's (Improvised Explosive Device) and tactical formations. After that we did 3 Assault Courses. Those were CRAZY FUN. They were down in the dirt with a rifle. After we finished the courses, we had dirt everywhere. :) Tuesday we had classes on navigation and did a day land navigation course and a night land course. Wednesday we came back to the squad bay and learned about Table II, the second half of rifle qual. Thursday we shot Table II for practice and Friday was qual. for Table II. Perfect score is 100 I shot a 95. I'm a little frustrated because I couldn't hear one of the shooting drills we were suppose to do so I dropped a couple shots, but all well I still got a better score that like 95% of the platoon and probably the company. :) So over all on rifle I scored a 328, 233 Table I and 95 Table II. Expert (the best qual. you can get) is from 305 to 350, so I'm a rifle expert!! :)
On Friday night, we did a night assault course with flares, barbed wire, obstacles, walls, and bridges. That was the best part of the week! So funny story. On this course when a flare goes off you immediately get down with your weapon up and you don't move at all. You just scan your surroundings with your eyes. Well I was at the end of the course waiting to be cleared out and there was one other recruit ahead of me when a flare when off. So I get down and point my barrel to the left so I wouldn't flag the other recruit. Well this recruit forgot he was suppose to get down until a couple of DI's yelled at him to get down. Guess what he did. Fell down right on top of my barrel. Brilliant man, just brilliant. :) He got yelled at again. LOL.
Saturday we took weapons completely apart and cleaned them. This week was probably my favorite so far. And now I'm in the 3rd Phase! Almost done!
Well I gtg. Thanks for the letters and prayers! See you soon!
-Recruit Chipman
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
02120720
Hey everyone,
First off, thanks for all the letters! I wish I could write everyone back individually but I can't. We only have maybe an hour and a half a week to read and write letters or just chill. Every other time we are training. That's why I don't write very much. I wish I could write more to tell everyone what I'm doing. I guess I'll just have to have a party when I get back and I can tell stories and answer everyone's questions. So, funny story... :) This week is firing week, k. And so we go to the range everyday and shoot for half a day then come back and do other training. Well yesterday we came back to the squad bay and our DI found out we were locked out. So he called the smallest guy in our platoon over and put him through a wind so we could get in our squad bay. we literally had to break into our own squad bay. Our DI was looking around making sure no one was coming and while the buy was getting through the window, half the platoon was singing the mission impossible theme quietly.It was SOOOO funny!
So we qualified on our rifle today. The highest rank you can get is expert. It's based on a point scale. Marksman (lowest rank) is from 186-190, sharpshooter (middle) is 191-219, and Expert (highest rank) is from 220-250. You shoot from 200 meters. 5 rounds sitting, kneeling, and standing all in 20 minutes. Then also from 200 m 10 rounds sitting in 1 minute. From 300 m 5 rounds in 5 min and 10 rounds prone [laying down] in 1 minute. Then from 500 m 10 rounds in 10 minutes. Each shot is worth, at best, 5 points. The average for our platoon was 192. I got a ... 233! :) Surprising my favorite one to shoot was the 500 m.
Also, this week we've been getting up at 4 instead of 5 and I like it! A LOT! I wish we could get it like that but no. I like partially because we get to go to bed at 2000 instead of 2100.
The letters I'm getting are great. I can read everything fine. No, pencil doesn't smear. Write about whatever. If you could send the letters in smaller envelopes that would be nice.
Thanks for the letters and prayers. I'm feeling great. Can't wait to be a US Marine!
See everyone soon!- Rec. Chipman
P.S. Chhuth says hi to those who wrote him and tells Natalie good luck with her senior year. "It's the best year of school."
First off, thanks for all the letters! I wish I could write everyone back individually but I can't. We only have maybe an hour and a half a week to read and write letters or just chill. Every other time we are training. That's why I don't write very much. I wish I could write more to tell everyone what I'm doing. I guess I'll just have to have a party when I get back and I can tell stories and answer everyone's questions. So, funny story... :) This week is firing week, k. And so we go to the range everyday and shoot for half a day then come back and do other training. Well yesterday we came back to the squad bay and our DI found out we were locked out. So he called the smallest guy in our platoon over and put him through a wind so we could get in our squad bay. we literally had to break into our own squad bay. Our DI was looking around making sure no one was coming and while the buy was getting through the window, half the platoon was singing the mission impossible theme quietly.It was SOOOO funny!
So we qualified on our rifle today. The highest rank you can get is expert. It's based on a point scale. Marksman (lowest rank) is from 186-190, sharpshooter (middle) is 191-219, and Expert (highest rank) is from 220-250. You shoot from 200 meters. 5 rounds sitting, kneeling, and standing all in 20 minutes. Then also from 200 m 10 rounds sitting in 1 minute. From 300 m 5 rounds in 5 min and 10 rounds prone [laying down] in 1 minute. Then from 500 m 10 rounds in 10 minutes. Each shot is worth, at best, 5 points. The average for our platoon was 192. I got a ... 233! :) Surprising my favorite one to shoot was the 500 m.
Also, this week we've been getting up at 4 instead of 5 and I like it! A LOT! I wish we could get it like that but no. I like partially because we get to go to bed at 2000 instead of 2100.
The letters I'm getting are great. I can read everything fine. No, pencil doesn't smear. Write about whatever. If you could send the letters in smaller envelopes that would be nice.
Thanks for the letters and prayers. I'm feeling great. Can't wait to be a US Marine!
See everyone soon!- Rec. Chipman
P.S. Chhuth says hi to those who wrote him and tells Natalie good luck with her senior year. "It's the best year of school."
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
20120712
Hey Everyone!
Sorry for not writing, we haven't had square away time since the beginning of July. We have been really busy.
I'm feeling great and doing well. No problems with my body. :)
Well Phase 1 of training is OVER!!! This past Saturday we left MCRD and came up here to Edson Range, Champ Pendleton, CA. This whole week of training is called "grass week." All we do is dry fire our MIG A4 Service Rifle in different positions. It may sound boring but it really helps when you're shooting. I know that because we fired our weapons for the first time yesterday to zero in our RCO's (Rifle Combat Optic-A-Cog Scope). We were told the day before that we would take 15 shots to zero in our scopes. "Your first 15 rounds of the Marine Corps" is what they kept saying. Well it was my turn to shoot and I got up there, got into position, and took my first 5 shots. (We had 3 magazines of 5 rounds.) My RCO was off and my shooting coach fixed it. I took my 2nd mag and fired, all grouped and centered on the black. :) My shooting comes up, looks at it and says "Perfect, get out." So I only got to shoot 10 rounds. I feel good about my shooting but there is always something to improve on. Oh, we shot at a 12 in diameter target from 100 yrds. All 5 shots in the center :) Next week is firing week rifle qualification. We shoot from 500 yrds then. I'm excited for it.
Thanks for all the letters and prayers,
Bryson
Sorry for not writing, we haven't had square away time since the beginning of July. We have been really busy.
I'm feeling great and doing well. No problems with my body. :)
Well Phase 1 of training is OVER!!! This past Saturday we left MCRD and came up here to Edson Range, Champ Pendleton, CA. This whole week of training is called "grass week." All we do is dry fire our MIG A4 Service Rifle in different positions. It may sound boring but it really helps when you're shooting. I know that because we fired our weapons for the first time yesterday to zero in our RCO's (Rifle Combat Optic-A-Cog Scope). We were told the day before that we would take 15 shots to zero in our scopes. "Your first 15 rounds of the Marine Corps" is what they kept saying. Well it was my turn to shoot and I got up there, got into position, and took my first 5 shots. (We had 3 magazines of 5 rounds.) My RCO was off and my shooting coach fixed it. I took my 2nd mag and fired, all grouped and centered on the black. :) My shooting comes up, looks at it and says "Perfect, get out." So I only got to shoot 10 rounds. I feel good about my shooting but there is always something to improve on. Oh, we shot at a 12 in diameter target from 100 yrds. All 5 shots in the center :) Next week is firing week rifle qualification. We shoot from 500 yrds then. I'm excited for it.
Thanks for all the letters and prayers,
Bryson
Monday, July 9, 2012
20120702-03
Hey everyone,
Well things are going well. Well, as well as can be expected. :) One third of the way through!
I'm going to try to do better at letting you know what I'm doing. So I'll tell you what we do everyday. First, morning and evenings area almost always the same. Mornings we get up, use the head, get dressed in the attire for the day (normally desert cami's and boots), then we make our racks and go to chow. At night we come in, get undressed into our sleeping clothes (PT gear- green t-shirts and green shorts), to hygiene, have some square away time, then do some nightly lock checks on weapons and foot lockers, drink a full cantine then get into the rack.
So, on Monday July 2nd, after morning chow we went to the swim tank and did swim qualifications. You are dressed in boots, trousers, and a blouse. They are not yours so my trousers and blouse were a little big and my left boot sole was a little messed up. To pass swim qual you had to do 5 things. 1st swim 25 meters in the shallow end of the pool without touching the bottom. It was a little harder than I thought it would be but I made it. 2nd you had to jump off a 15 ft platform and swim 25 meters in the deep end. That was a little hard but again I made it. 3rd you had to float for 4 minutes. I was really nervous about this one in the beginning but after they showed us some techniques I felt a little better. When it was my turn, I got in and did really well. 4th you and to put on a flax (?) jacket, a helmet, and sling a rifle on your arm then jump in the pool and in 1 breath go under and take everything off in 10 seconds. It was really easy. 5th you had a pack that you threw in the water and had to swim 25 meters with it. It might sound hard but the pack floats.
After swim qual we went back to the squad bay and changed and for the rest of the day we worked on drill except for a short MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) that dealt with knife strikes, chokes, and counter to chokes.
Today, July 3rd, we got up did our morning thing, went to chow, came back and took 2 practice tests in the squad bay. I felt pretty good about both. After that we drilled until we lunch chow. After that we changed into woodland cami's and went to the confidence course. We had already done the low obstacles so today we did the high ones.
There were 3 high ones that we did . 1st was one that was basically a ladder going 30 ft in the air, but the further up you got, the further the rungs got. You had to go up one side and down the other. [Bryson drew a pic but I'm not sure how to show it. But it looks like there was a pad at the bottom.]
The next one you had to climb up a rope 20 ft until you could pull yourself onto logs that were in the air. You had to walk across then climb down some other logs that were at an angle then reach out and grab a rope and slide down 30 ft to the ground.
The last one you climbed a ladder onto a platform that was 30 ft up. Then you had to get on a rope and slide down on your chest, the half way through they told me to flip over. Then a little farther they told me to dead hang on the rope, then re-wrap your feet and continue. If you lost your grip you fell into a pool of water. That was considered disrespectful to your SDI. I didn't fall in.
After that we had chow and I got to go to church for the prayer leader training for the rest of the night. :) Church is great. We talked about Helaman.
After that I came back to the house and did the nightly routine.
Well hope you all have a good 4th of July! Thanks for the letters and prayers!
-Bryson
Well things are going well. Well, as well as can be expected. :) One third of the way through!
I'm going to try to do better at letting you know what I'm doing. So I'll tell you what we do everyday. First, morning and evenings area almost always the same. Mornings we get up, use the head, get dressed in the attire for the day (normally desert cami's and boots), then we make our racks and go to chow. At night we come in, get undressed into our sleeping clothes (PT gear- green t-shirts and green shorts), to hygiene, have some square away time, then do some nightly lock checks on weapons and foot lockers, drink a full cantine then get into the rack.
So, on Monday July 2nd, after morning chow we went to the swim tank and did swim qualifications. You are dressed in boots, trousers, and a blouse. They are not yours so my trousers and blouse were a little big and my left boot sole was a little messed up. To pass swim qual you had to do 5 things. 1st swim 25 meters in the shallow end of the pool without touching the bottom. It was a little harder than I thought it would be but I made it. 2nd you had to jump off a 15 ft platform and swim 25 meters in the deep end. That was a little hard but again I made it. 3rd you had to float for 4 minutes. I was really nervous about this one in the beginning but after they showed us some techniques I felt a little better. When it was my turn, I got in and did really well. 4th you and to put on a flax (?) jacket, a helmet, and sling a rifle on your arm then jump in the pool and in 1 breath go under and take everything off in 10 seconds. It was really easy. 5th you had a pack that you threw in the water and had to swim 25 meters with it. It might sound hard but the pack floats.
After swim qual we went back to the squad bay and changed and for the rest of the day we worked on drill except for a short MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) that dealt with knife strikes, chokes, and counter to chokes.
Today, July 3rd, we got up did our morning thing, went to chow, came back and took 2 practice tests in the squad bay. I felt pretty good about both. After that we drilled until we lunch chow. After that we changed into woodland cami's and went to the confidence course. We had already done the low obstacles so today we did the high ones.
There were 3 high ones that we did . 1st was one that was basically a ladder going 30 ft in the air, but the further up you got, the further the rungs got. You had to go up one side and down the other. [Bryson drew a pic but I'm not sure how to show it. But it looks like there was a pad at the bottom.]
The next one you had to climb up a rope 20 ft until you could pull yourself onto logs that were in the air. You had to walk across then climb down some other logs that were at an angle then reach out and grab a rope and slide down 30 ft to the ground.
The last one you climbed a ladder onto a platform that was 30 ft up. Then you had to get on a rope and slide down on your chest, the half way through they told me to flip over. Then a little farther they told me to dead hang on the rope, then re-wrap your feet and continue. If you lost your grip you fell into a pool of water. That was considered disrespectful to your SDI. I didn't fall in.
After that we had chow and I got to go to church for the prayer leader training for the rest of the night. :) Church is great. We talked about Helaman.
After that I came back to the house and did the nightly routine.
Well hope you all have a good 4th of July! Thanks for the letters and prayers!
-Bryson
Thursday, July 5, 2012
120626-120630
Hey Everyone,
Well I've had some questions that I think I have time to answer. So we get our first hair cut during receiving. What it is they get a buzz cutter (or whatever you want to call it) and completely shave your head. Now most of you will probably think that that's not too bad but when the people shaving your head are pushing as hard as they can, or at least that's what it feels like. We also get haircuts every Tuesday. Same thing, it still sucks.
When we got here to receiving, we got to wear the trousers and green shirt. After receiving, we got to wear the blouse, not with our names stitched in or US MARINES stitched either. We also had to button up the top button of the blouse. We got to wear boots about half way through the 2nd week.
2012 06 30
Well today was initial drill, one of they few things there is a trophy for. We've spent the last 4 weeks prepping for this. If we won our senior drill instructor, Sgt. Flores, said he would let us hygiene on our own as well as let us blouse our boots and un-button the top button of our blouses, making us look more like Marines. Initial Drill is where all the platoon's compete one at a time on the parade deck. For all you marching band people, it's a lot like a competition. There are 4 drill cards your platoon can be assigned. 3 and 4 are the hardest in my opinion, 4 being harder than 3. It's graded by about 5 DI's, 1 of which is a Drill Master. To put that in perspective, at MCRD there are about 300 total DI's but only 4 Drill Masters.
So we got up, went to chow and got ready for Initial Drill. We were the 3rd platoon to compete out of 6. Also Initial Drill is scored out of 100 points. The record for Initial Drill is held by our Senior Drill Instructor's (SDI) last platoon with a score of 68. The score that platoons get that decide who are 1st and 2nd are normally between 1 point. To make that clearer, 1st and 2nd are normally separated by less than a point.
So we competed and I did really well I thought. I also thought the platoon did well.
Well after we competed, we went back to the squad bay and tightened things up while we waited for the other platoons in our company to compete. Well, we were squaring stuff away when our SDI came in and yelled at us. It went something like this "Last Place! You guys just wasted 4 weeks of our time! And you guys thought you did good! Pathetic! Last Place!"
The silence after that sucked. All our hearts dropped. After about 30 seconds, one of our DI's, Sgt Haly, the one who taught us the drill walked in with the first place trophy in hand. The squad bay erupted. We saw the SDI and the other two DI's smile, even if it was only for a few seconds.
Things are going better. Thanks for the prayers and letters.
- Bryson
Well I've had some questions that I think I have time to answer. So we get our first hair cut during receiving. What it is they get a buzz cutter (or whatever you want to call it) and completely shave your head. Now most of you will probably think that that's not too bad but when the people shaving your head are pushing as hard as they can, or at least that's what it feels like. We also get haircuts every Tuesday. Same thing, it still sucks.
When we got here to receiving, we got to wear the trousers and green shirt. After receiving, we got to wear the blouse, not with our names stitched in or US MARINES stitched either. We also had to button up the top button of the blouse. We got to wear boots about half way through the 2nd week.
2012 06 30
Well today was initial drill, one of they few things there is a trophy for. We've spent the last 4 weeks prepping for this. If we won our senior drill instructor, Sgt. Flores, said he would let us hygiene on our own as well as let us blouse our boots and un-button the top button of our blouses, making us look more like Marines. Initial Drill is where all the platoon's compete one at a time on the parade deck. For all you marching band people, it's a lot like a competition. There are 4 drill cards your platoon can be assigned. 3 and 4 are the hardest in my opinion, 4 being harder than 3. It's graded by about 5 DI's, 1 of which is a Drill Master. To put that in perspective, at MCRD there are about 300 total DI's but only 4 Drill Masters.
So we got up, went to chow and got ready for Initial Drill. We were the 3rd platoon to compete out of 6. Also Initial Drill is scored out of 100 points. The record for Initial Drill is held by our Senior Drill Instructor's (SDI) last platoon with a score of 68. The score that platoons get that decide who are 1st and 2nd are normally between 1 point. To make that clearer, 1st and 2nd are normally separated by less than a point.
So we competed and I did really well I thought. I also thought the platoon did well.
Well after we competed, we went back to the squad bay and tightened things up while we waited for the other platoons in our company to compete. Well, we were squaring stuff away when our SDI came in and yelled at us. It went something like this "Last Place! You guys just wasted 4 weeks of our time! And you guys thought you did good! Pathetic! Last Place!"
The silence after that sucked. All our hearts dropped. After about 30 seconds, one of our DI's, Sgt Haly, the one who taught us the drill walked in with the first place trophy in hand. The squad bay erupted. We saw the SDI and the other two DI's smile, even if it was only for a few seconds.
Things are going better. Thanks for the prayers and letters.
- Bryson
Saturday, June 30, 2012
120623
Hey Everyone,
Well, today has been one rough day. First off, my left hip joint has been having some occasional sharp pains for the past 2-4 days. I'm still sick and my left hand has been almost completely numb for a day because we have to hold our arms parallel to the deck with our elbows locked out until we do the movements right. Now today, I got up and got IT'd (Intense Training) for the first time. During PT we did the S&E course (Strength and Endurance) which is a 2.5 mile run with small exercises every 1/4 or 1/2 mile. I coughed the entire way through it. Then we got back to the house and had some free time I had a nose bleed. When I got that one under control the other one opened up. I began to change out change out the tissue and a lot of blood came out and made the entire toilet I was standing over turn red. I had Barrus give me a blessing along with Boyd, another LDS guy in our platoon but he's a returned missionary. It was Barrus's first blessing but afterwards the nose bleed was done and I cleaned out my nose with no further complications. Today has not been my best day :(. Oh well I still need to press on.
Hey if you guys feel so inclined I would really appreciate it if you could write a simple letter to my rack mate, CHHUTH, because he hasn't received any mail yet. Thanks!
Thanks for the letters and Prayers!
Bryson
Well, today has been one rough day. First off, my left hip joint has been having some occasional sharp pains for the past 2-4 days. I'm still sick and my left hand has been almost completely numb for a day because we have to hold our arms parallel to the deck with our elbows locked out until we do the movements right. Now today, I got up and got IT'd (Intense Training) for the first time. During PT we did the S&E course (Strength and Endurance) which is a 2.5 mile run with small exercises every 1/4 or 1/2 mile. I coughed the entire way through it. Then we got back to the house and had some free time I had a nose bleed. When I got that one under control the other one opened up. I began to change out change out the tissue and a lot of blood came out and made the entire toilet I was standing over turn red. I had Barrus give me a blessing along with Boyd, another LDS guy in our platoon but he's a returned missionary. It was Barrus's first blessing but afterwards the nose bleed was done and I cleaned out my nose with no further complications. Today has not been my best day :(. Oh well I still need to press on.
Hey if you guys feel so inclined I would really appreciate it if you could write a simple letter to my rack mate, CHHUTH, because he hasn't received any mail yet. Thanks!
Thanks for the letters and Prayers!
Bryson
Monday, June 25, 2012
June 19 & 20
Hey everyone-
Got the first two pieces of mail today, thanks Natalie B. and Dad. If you guys can do me a favor and date your letters that would be nice.
To answer your questions, Chow is great! It's 3 times a day. Breakfast chow is around 0600. We get up at 0500 everyday. Lunch is around 1100 and dinner is around 1800. On average, I get a salad, jello, and like 4 packets (1 in. by 4 in.) of peanut butter. Then there are 3 main choices you can pick from and 3 veggies to choose from. Then you can have a little dessert (most of the time it's 2 small cookies). We hit the racks around 2100.
I've been sick for about 4 days now with a bad cold. You just have to battle through it. Training is getting harder but I'm still enjoying it as much as I can. Today (120620) was the bayonet training and pugil sticks. Pugil sticks is where you have padded poles and you fight each other. I lost, but all well. I'm also a prayer leader for the Church in my platoon. That means during our 5 min. devotional every night. I read it for the guys that are LDS in our platoon. I also get to go to church every Tuesday night for training. It's great.
I've made two really good friends in my platoon, Chhuth, my rack mate and Barrus who is LDS as well. We talk and tell each other what we are going to do right after we graduate. :)
Well I got to go. Letter are appreciated as well as prayers.
Miss you all,
Bryson
Got the first two pieces of mail today, thanks Natalie B. and Dad. If you guys can do me a favor and date your letters that would be nice.
To answer your questions, Chow is great! It's 3 times a day. Breakfast chow is around 0600. We get up at 0500 everyday. Lunch is around 1100 and dinner is around 1800. On average, I get a salad, jello, and like 4 packets (1 in. by 4 in.) of peanut butter. Then there are 3 main choices you can pick from and 3 veggies to choose from. Then you can have a little dessert (most of the time it's 2 small cookies). We hit the racks around 2100.
I've been sick for about 4 days now with a bad cold. You just have to battle through it. Training is getting harder but I'm still enjoying it as much as I can. Today (120620) was the bayonet training and pugil sticks. Pugil sticks is where you have padded poles and you fight each other. I lost, but all well. I'm also a prayer leader for the Church in my platoon. That means during our 5 min. devotional every night. I read it for the guys that are LDS in our platoon. I also get to go to church every Tuesday night for training. It's great.
I've made two really good friends in my platoon, Chhuth, my rack mate and Barrus who is LDS as well. We talk and tell each other what we are going to do right after we graduate. :)
Well I got to go. Letter are appreciated as well as prayers.
Miss you all,
Bryson
Monday, June 18, 2012
Week 2
June 14, 2012
Hey everyone,
Well don't have much time so I need to keep it short. We ran sprints on Tuesday and we split into 3 groups depending on your IST (Initial Strength Test) run time. I was in the fast group and on the last sprint I was first! Wednesday we started MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). It was way fun. I'm glad I went to PT (physical training) every change I could cause it's paying off now.
I've heard two things about Phase one (there are 3 phases) of training, both of which I agree, you'll always be a little tired and you'll always be a little hungry.
Well I gtg
Bryson
Hey everyone,
Well don't have much time so I need to keep it short. We ran sprints on Tuesday and we split into 3 groups depending on your IST (Initial Strength Test) run time. I was in the fast group and on the last sprint I was first! Wednesday we started MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). It was way fun. I'm glad I went to PT (physical training) every change I could cause it's paying off now.
I've heard two things about Phase one (there are 3 phases) of training, both of which I agree, you'll always be a little tired and you'll always be a little hungry.
Well I gtg
Bryson
Saturday, June 16, 2012
More Letters! Part 2
Here is Bryson's second letter.
Wed June 13(?), 2012
Hey everyone!
Well I've made it through a week and a half of basic. I'm in platoon 1022 of Bravo Co. The First week straight up sucked. Then Black Friday came, the day we met our real Drill Instructors, I thought it was going to be horrible but it wasn't all that bad. Wee are doing a lot of drill, marching, right now. That's probably the majority of the day. I don't have much time so I'll just cover the the important stuff. Sunday, now my favorite day of the week :) because... CHURCH. I LOVE CHURCH!!! The two people in charge of the branch are Bro. and Sis. Everett. Both are amazing! Well the moral of the story is I cried my eyes out because of how strong the Spirit was. I know the church is TRUE! I'm making friends. Miss you all!-Bryson
Wed June 13(?), 2012
Hey everyone!
Well I've made it through a week and a half of basic. I'm in platoon 1022 of Bravo Co. The First week straight up sucked. Then Black Friday came, the day we met our real Drill Instructors, I thought it was going to be horrible but it wasn't all that bad. Wee are doing a lot of drill, marching, right now. That's probably the majority of the day. I don't have much time so I'll just cover the the important stuff. Sunday, now my favorite day of the week :) because... CHURCH. I LOVE CHURCH!!! The two people in charge of the branch are Bro. and Sis. Everett. Both are amazing! Well the moral of the story is I cried my eyes out because of how strong the Spirit was. I know the church is TRUE! I'm making friends. Miss you all!-Bryson
More letters! Part 1
We got two more letters today.
20120607 (6/7/12)
Hey everyone,
I don't know when I get to send this but I might as well write it.
The week started by going to the hotel and going to bed around 2100 (9:00) but I didn't fall asleep until 2330 (11:30). We woke up at 0430 and went to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). Spent the day there until 1430 (2:30) then went to the airport for a flight that left at 1650 (4:50). I slept on the plane and that was a good idea.
When we landed we went to the USO (not sure what that stands for) and hung out with other recruits until 2 DI's (drill instructors) came and got us- HOLY CRAP that was scary! They filed us on some buses and made us put on our heads down. When we finally stopped another DI got on the bus and made us stand on the yellow footprints. We got yelled at, got our phone call, haircut, and got issued clothing. Long story made short we were up until Tuesday night. Life sucked completely until the first time we did drill. That raised my spirits a little bit. THANK YOU MARCHING BAND! We have like 3 minutes to eat chow (yes that is the official military term for food). The first time we slept it was heaven except it only felt like 10 minutes. We hit the rack (bunks) around 2000 (8:00) and got up at 0330. They have taken tired to a whole new level. I'm in Platoon 1022 of Bravo Co. right now but that might change because we are cutting the platoon in half. We have 120 guys in the platoon right now. We got some shots and yesterday and I'm still sore. Tomorrow we should get our real DI's instead of our receiving DI. I'm so glad I know some hymns that I can sing in my head.
Thanks for the support. THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!
Bryson
I added the parenthesis to help those a little less familiar with the military jargon understand what he's talking about. I'll only do it now for the new terms he adds.
20120607 (6/7/12)
Hey everyone,
I don't know when I get to send this but I might as well write it.
The week started by going to the hotel and going to bed around 2100 (9:00) but I didn't fall asleep until 2330 (11:30). We woke up at 0430 and went to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). Spent the day there until 1430 (2:30) then went to the airport for a flight that left at 1650 (4:50). I slept on the plane and that was a good idea.
When we landed we went to the USO (not sure what that stands for) and hung out with other recruits until 2 DI's (drill instructors) came and got us- HOLY CRAP that was scary! They filed us on some buses and made us put on our heads down. When we finally stopped another DI got on the bus and made us stand on the yellow footprints. We got yelled at, got our phone call, haircut, and got issued clothing. Long story made short we were up until Tuesday night. Life sucked completely until the first time we did drill. That raised my spirits a little bit. THANK YOU MARCHING BAND! We have like 3 minutes to eat chow (yes that is the official military term for food). The first time we slept it was heaven except it only felt like 10 minutes. We hit the rack (bunks) around 2000 (8:00) and got up at 0330. They have taken tired to a whole new level. I'm in Platoon 1022 of Bravo Co. right now but that might change because we are cutting the platoon in half. We have 120 guys in the platoon right now. We got some shots and yesterday and I'm still sore. Tomorrow we should get our real DI's instead of our receiving DI. I'm so glad I know some hymns that I can sing in my head.
Thanks for the support. THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS!
Bryson
I added the parenthesis to help those a little less familiar with the military jargon understand what he's talking about. I'll only do it now for the new terms he adds.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
When it rains, it pours :)
We got a couple more letters today! One is from Bryson and the other is from his drill instructor. We also got his mailing address!
Here are some highlights from his drill instructors letter:
"He (Bryson) is about to undergo a rigorous training cycle that will test him both physically and mentally. The first phase of training will take place here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, California. His training here will consist of: physical training, close order drill, water survival qualification, and an introduction to military life. In addition, he will receive numerous classes on Marine Corps history, first aid, military customs and courtesies, and military law.
The second phase of training takes place at Camp Pendleton, California and consist of rifle marksmanship, field skill straining and the "Crucible" event. During this period he and his fellow recruits will have attained a higher lever of team work and esprit de corps through shared hardship.
The third phase of training will bring your young man back to MCRD. Upon returning to MCRD the last two weeks will consist of final events such as close order drill evaluation, battalion commander's inspection, physical fitness test, the practical examination of military subjects and graduation.
Positive and encouraging letters from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his moral and attitude."
Here is Bryson's letter:
Dear Dad (everyone),
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego safely. I have been attached with Platoon 1022 of Company Bravo. I have started training. I am allowed to receive mail (and pictures). I am not allowed to receive any contraband. Sorry for a short letter.
-Recruit Chipman
You can write me at:
Rec. Chipman, Bryson, B.
1st RTBN Bravo Company
Platoon 1022
39011 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140
So feel free to write Bryson. Be aware he may not be able to write you back personally, he may just add it to the "family" letter.
Here are some highlights from his drill instructors letter:
"He (Bryson) is about to undergo a rigorous training cycle that will test him both physically and mentally. The first phase of training will take place here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, California. His training here will consist of: physical training, close order drill, water survival qualification, and an introduction to military life. In addition, he will receive numerous classes on Marine Corps history, first aid, military customs and courtesies, and military law.
The second phase of training takes place at Camp Pendleton, California and consist of rifle marksmanship, field skill straining and the "Crucible" event. During this period he and his fellow recruits will have attained a higher lever of team work and esprit de corps through shared hardship.
The third phase of training will bring your young man back to MCRD. Upon returning to MCRD the last two weeks will consist of final events such as close order drill evaluation, battalion commander's inspection, physical fitness test, the practical examination of military subjects and graduation.
Positive and encouraging letters from relatives and friends will greatly contribute to his moral and attitude."
Here is Bryson's letter:
Dear Dad (everyone),
I have arrived at MCRD San Diego safely. I have been attached with Platoon 1022 of Company Bravo. I have started training. I am allowed to receive mail (and pictures). I am not allowed to receive any contraband. Sorry for a short letter.
-Recruit Chipman
You can write me at:
Rec. Chipman, Bryson, B.
1st RTBN Bravo Company
Platoon 1022
39011 Midway Ave.
San Diego, CA 92140
So feel free to write Bryson. Be aware he may not be able to write you back personally, he may just add it to the "family" letter.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
TWO letters... Yup, we're that cool!
We got two letters today! One we got in the mail. The other one came from another marine mom. Her son in down with Bryson but he left 2 weeks before him. So Bryson wrote a letter and had his buddy mail to his mom who then got in contact with Dad and gave him the letter. The first one we got in the mail was just a Father's day card for Dad. He said he loves everyone and misses us too.
Here is his letter that came via other marine mom:
Hey Dad,
I love you! I'm not much of a cryer but since I have gotten to church I've been crying my eyes out. First week went by as smoothly as it could. I'm so glad you have raised me in the gospel. Thank you so much. Tell everyone Hi and that I miss them them. I have scriptures and can't wait to read them. Sacrament is starting so I gotta go.
I love you!
Bryson
So he's alive and as far as we can tell, doing well. Writing address is still pending.
Here is his letter that came via other marine mom:
Hey Dad,
I love you! I'm not much of a cryer but since I have gotten to church I've been crying my eyes out. First week went by as smoothly as it could. I'm so glad you have raised me in the gospel. Thank you so much. Tell everyone Hi and that I miss them them. I have scriptures and can't wait to read them. Sacrament is starting so I gotta go.
I love you!
Bryson
So he's alive and as far as we can tell, doing well. Writing address is still pending.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Adventure has begun.
Bryson entered Basic Training yesterday. Sunday night he stayed at a hotel near the airport. He had to be up at 4:30 Monday morning. He was suppose to be sworn in at 10:00 that morning but due to a hold up, he had to wait about 3 hours. I can only imagine that Bryson was going crazy because he is a very time oriented person. Dad and Christopher were there to watch Bryson swear in. Bryson was able to talk to them for a little bit while they were waiting. He said he didn't fall asleep till about 12:30 and that it was a very restless sleep.
Last night, about 10:30, my dad got a call on his phone. The conversation went something like this:
(Dad) "Hello?"
"This is (whatever his rank is) Chipman. I have made it to San Diego. I am safe. Please do not send any packages. My next correspondence will be through mail. Love you. (Click)
(Dad) "Bye."
Bryson was talking into the phone so loud that I could hear him even though I was 4-5 ft away from Dad. The whole phone call lasted 11 seconds.
Hope he is doing well. I'll keep things updated here.
Last night, about 10:30, my dad got a call on his phone. The conversation went something like this:
(Dad) "Hello?"
"This is (whatever his rank is) Chipman. I have made it to San Diego. I am safe. Please do not send any packages. My next correspondence will be through mail. Love you. (Click)
(Dad) "Bye."
Bryson was talking into the phone so loud that I could hear him even though I was 4-5 ft away from Dad. The whole phone call lasted 11 seconds.
Hope he is doing well. I'll keep things updated here.
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