Wow! Phase 1 of my JAOBC training has come to an end and alot of things about the past 12 days stand out to me. First and foremost I am almost certain that 20 years from now (LORD willing Im still here) when I look back what I'll remember most is that Ft. Lee was cold as hades!! Despite the weather, Ft. Lee was an enjoyable experience. We spent three cold days in the field learning basic warrior tasks such as, first aid, requesting medevac (medical evacution), how to effectively apply camouflage to oneself and equipment, map reading/land nav, how to identify and classify UXO's (unexploded ordinance such as IED's), how to effectively use the M9 9mm pistol, and last but certainly not least how to properly use our gas masks when threatened with a chemical agent such as CS gas. (This part was terrible although it also has a suprising fun factor to it as well. I guess nothing bonds a class together better than getting gassesd collective as a group....NAME....DOB....and SOCIAL....HOOAH!). I've already began to build relationships with classmates that I think we stretch beyond our Army years/careers.  We've also gotten a real taste of PT in the army is like and I will take this opportunity to suggest to those in the 182nd JAOBC and beyond to run, run, run, and maybe more importantly "learn" how to run the proper way, especially when it comes to breathing. During phase 1 we've gotten the chance to know our cadre and I will say this...They are hard but fair...they expect alot out of us and rightfully so because as officers our soldiers will expect the most out of us. They have made it clear that they are here to help us but more importantly make sure we have a clear idea of what officership is and the duties/obligations that go along with the insignia we wear.  We arrived in C'Ville Friday afternoon (19 Feb 2010) and in-processed/checked into our rooms. We were given the weekend off and informed that on Monday (tomorrow) we will hit the ground running...literally (@0540)....Then class from about 0830 to 1730...I must admit when a LTC from JARO briefed us and exclaimed in the Army you'll get do more before 0930 than most people manage to get done in a day. You weren't lying m'am! Hooah! So now that I've settled into my home for the next 3 months I look forward to getting in great shape, learning the military side of the law, and getting to see the beautiful VA countryside. I miss my family (fiancee', mom, sister, brothers, nephews and niece [thats you mya]), my pit bull Rock Lee, my PS3 [I mean alot], joking with Wood and Kell, bothering/disagreeing with QB, and all my LB's and chapter bruhz from the Xi Beta and Rho Beta Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Franterinity, Inc.