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
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