Sorry for the delay in getting another post up over the past few weeks, we have been doing a lot of running around and enjoying the city a little more. Over the past 2.5 weeks, Air Assault did an 8 mile timed ruck, had the 6 mile elimination ruck, went on a Saturday to Fort Pickett and did a confidence course, and most recently did a zero day number 2 as it was described to me. Airborne had the luxury of joining in with us for the zero day 2 (aka “getting smoked”) just one day after they had their spots released. They had a number of people max and get bonus PT scores into the 370’s (not bad for a bunch of lawyers).

We just took our final PT test (the actual one, no more diagnostics) on Monday and Tuesday. Last time I think the company average was around 250, which was the highest 1SG had ever seen. This last time the company average was 271 which was outstanding. The best part about that is, if the platoon/ company average is over 270, we get a day off of PT every week (too bad there is only one week left before graduation). 4th run group’s average was around 284, which we were happy about. I got better and maxed the push-ups and sit-ups and took 40 seconds off my run.

Class has become really interesting but things are beginning to get that winding down feeling. We did funding and fiscal law and learned how strict the budgetary process is and how funds are used to pay for EVERYTHING. I ended up acing that test (and while the class average was around 92, a lot of people were freaking out about the information as it is very difficult, but the review session basically hand fed us a lot of the answers on the test).

After fiscal, we did legal assistance with debt collection, consumer law, wills, family law, and all the other goodies. It was a lot of fun as we got to do a client interview of our mentors (mine likes to have a lot of fun with me, so he acted out a little, but not exactly what I would call Oscar worthy). After the interview he gives us about 30 minutes to answer the questions and identify the issues. We also had to draft a will for a person, do a health care power of attorney, and figure out the best solution for taxes.

Now we have moved into operational law and this is the fun stuff. This is all the rules of engagement, laws of war, and human rights conventions. We have class til noon and then we have seminars in the afternoon where we go over practice scenarios. These are issues like if we have this much info about the enemy, can we attack? What weapons would be permitted? Are they combatants? What if they are commingled with civilians. All really interesting stuff.

We also just played the faculty in soccer which unfortunately we lost as well, but only 2-1 and I had the assist for the goal. There has been a lot more social activities, but with that being said, some people are gaining weight from eating out so much.

Many of us have been going house/apartment shopping at our PCS locations (which is where I am currently writing from) and getting everything squared away before DCC and Fort Benning.  The DCC cadre is coming this week to talk with us about what to expect and answer any questions which is the first time that has every happened and should be really helpful.

On a final note, after 4th run group did a combination of 400 yards of lunges and tons of body weight squats, we had our long run today. To mix it up the Col took us on a running trail through the woods. Because of the terrain, myself and another soldier had to fall behind (lots of rocks, skinny trails) and got seperated slightly from the group.  We reaquired the trail and followed it to its end on the road.  Little did we know, that this was the back way to 0-hill and so he and I came out on top and then ran our way back on our own after picking a few side trails trying to figure out where the rest of 4th group went. A little adventure that kills the legs never hurt anyone.