And so we have finished the substantive, and more importantly the testable, portion of our instruction for the 185^thJAOBC.  It’s been 12 weeks since we reported to Fort Lee – and we are now down to 3 days of administrative wrap-up, equipment turn-in, the dining-in and graduation.

The Air Assault group started their week on Sunday night with a 12 mile ruck march.  The standard is 3 hours, but most were done in 2 and ½.  The whole class did PT every other day with Tuesday being breakfast with our ability groups and Thursday being a class photo.  The PT on Wednesday was a Company run with the Commanding General.  A number of class members were our cadence callers – and we were so loud that we had to stop and one point when we passed a residential area so as not to wake the sleeping civilians.  I am told that normal people are still asleep at 0600.

International and Operational Law finished up this week, culminating in the Gauntlet.  In true Army tradition, it rained all day, so we got to conduct some lane training in inclement conditions.  The tough (of silly depending on your point of view) among us refused to wear rain gear and were summarily soaked when we went back inside.  It was a really good, though very long day.  It gave everyone a chance to put some of the knowledge we have gained to work in simulated situations.  My team had one gunshot wound, while those causing attacking us suffered one killed.  Another villager was detained and questioned, while one was subdued and turned over to local police after killing a local police officer.  Naturally, it was all simulated – but being able to do a little tactical work was a nice change of pace.

The flag football game between the faculty/staff and the 185^thwas a rousing success.  The 185^thdominated the game; and when it was over had won the game 27-6.  Apparently it has been a long time since the students were able to route the faculty/staff so convincingly.  In all fairness, the faculty/staff team had a problem with catching the ball.  I am sure there is a good explanation for it – I just cannot imagine what it is.  Maybe field grade officers have been out of the game too long; or they are used to fielding questions and not footballs; or maybe their nerves just caused their hands to shake too much.

During the course of instruction, class members earn roughly 70+ hours of continuing education.  That means most won’t have any extra to do for a couple of years.  You cannot complain about getting CE done without cost while you are being paid.  Not everyone is so lucky.

Next week will also mean that roughly 22 class members are denoted as honor graduates.  The top graduate is the “Distinguished Graduate”, while the number 2 is the “Honor Graduate”.  The remaining 20% (including the top 2) are denoted as “Honor Graduates”.  In real terms it just means your Academic Evaluation Report will indicate “exceeded course standards”.  Nonetheless, you cannot put 118 attorneys in a group and not expect some competition.  There is also a student who receives the “Leadership Award”.  This year’s winner really deserved it.  The class member is a natural leader.  Always willing to assist and guide fellow class members – and a real motivating soldier, this class member earned the distinction. 

Everyone is ready to move on to Fort Benning.  I am not sure everyone will be as excited when we get there, but it does signify our qualification as Judge Advocates and puts us one step closer to getting into the fight (and being promoted to Captain for those not already there).