Last week was a huge change of pace for everyone but refreshing at the same time.  After doing a normal group 4 workout in the morning (I believe it was a combination of 50 yards sprints, pull ups, berpies (those are dropping and doing a pushup and then jumping up from that position to repeat it), lunges and push-ups) we had our criminal law exam.  Unlike the first one, this one was more difficult.  I believe a number of students got below 77 and that delayed getting our grades back to us til a week later.  But after that was taken care of, there were no more power points for the week. 

Instead we entered the fun performance side of criminal law work.  We have working through a hypothetical case (based closely on a real one that is an aggravated sexual assault).  One of the perpetrators we did a guilty plea for and sentencing trial.  A guilty plea in the army is WAY more extensive than on stateside.  The plea alone can take more than 3 hours as they have to be informed of every right and wave it and then give a statement of facts about the crime.  If at anytime they raise a potential defense or are unsure, they have to be readmonished, informed of the defense and then make clear that they dont think it applies.   There is way more due process which was surprising as I thought it would have been the opposite when I came in. 

I was a defense counsel on the first day (there are 3 potential time slots a person can be assigned to- One in the morning on the first day, one in the afternoon, and one in the morning on the second day.  If you are not a counsel, you're most likely playing a witness or just observing).  As far as I know we got the best deal for our client (who plead not guilty to aggravated sexual assault but guilty to indecent acts, AWOL, and disobeying a direct order).  We only got him 6 months in the brig, and no pay forfeitures, no discharge, and no reduction in grade (rank). 

On these days, we have meetings with our small group heads to discuss strategy and what not but there is a lot of down time.  This was an enjoyable time for me since I have some trial experience and this was very basic so pretty easy.  I also had good judges who liked to laugh and have a little fun.  Some of the others I heard about or witnessed for were NOT as fun and took it way more serious than need be. 

Later that week we had another ruck march.  This time it was 6 miles and I lowered my weight to the 35 lbs.  Whether, it was the practice or the lower weight, my time improved by almost 5 minutes in the first 4 miles and stayed consistent overall.  I also passed a few more people this time so at least it is getting better (not easier though as I am basically hobling around on shin splints half the time and using one of the bigger trash cans as an Ice bath for them twice a day).

Which brings us to the big game.  The faculty and staff play a number of intramural sports against the students (and usually win) including basketball, football, and softball.  We had already got basketball out of the way (I didnt play as I wouldnt have contributed besides knocking people over) and now we were to football.  I was put in charge of the defense (former d back in college) and a number of students took the offense.  We had 2 practices (kind of) and were ready for the game.   I implemented a cover 2 zone which really gave the faculty trouble at first.  We scored first and by then end of the half we were losing only by one point 13-12.  However, we probably would have scored more if our QB hadnt broken his thumb and ligaments after the first 2 drives.  With him out, it was only a matter of time before they scored more as the offense never scored again for us and this put our D in a bad situation.  Needless to say, we got beat down by the end of the game, especially when the faculty was reenforced by the NCO's that work here around halftime.

After the game, the faculty invited us to buffalo wild wings where we all got to chat, talk a little more trash, and watch some of the NCAA tournament (Kansas destroyed us all by the way as the OBC had a pool going). 

The next morning run group 4 did 0-hill twice in the hour which from all indications took a toll on most peoples knees and shins. 

On a more personal note, I had some visitors this weekend and had a great time going hot air ballooning on Saturday morning (which was gorgeous) and then horseback riding in the afternoon.  It was fun to see a 4 1/2 yr old girl who could climb the large rope as good as some of the 28 year old soldiers.