IPB (Intelligence Planning of the Battlefield) makes me want to give up on life. Two weeks solid of IPB can do that to a person. Fortunately for me, I am trying to rely on some of my knowledge from AIT to help me out because the "Adult Learning Method" (Let's have a discussion, class!) is not the best way for me to learn. Basically, I've tabbed every FM issued to me in hopes that I can memorize where to look for this or that. Yes, I am whiney today. And I...read more

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I sat through two long days learning all about Critical Thinking. When this subject was over I rejoiced! Whoo hoo! Then my Mod B chief comes in and slams us with about 100 pages of reading, homework questions, and a Power Point to make. Welcome to MIBOLC, for real this time. During PT this morning at the MI Mile obstacle course, I was told by a fellow classmate that I do everything with a smile and have my heart in doing my best but also making sure others are taken care of as well. That...read more

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Back from the field with 16 new bruises, two blisters on my heels, and one halfway ripped off fingernail but had such a great time! I'll write a much longer post to give y'all an idea of MIBOLC Mod A (aka the Army's answer to getting rid of BOLC II), but for now I wanted to share the highlights: - I heart land nav. Always have and always will. I could care less that this was the cause of my now beaten body because I enjoy the challenge of it all (minus falling down ravines...read more

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Yesterday was a no good very bad day. Yesterday made me a student in humility. Yesterday made me want to hide me face. Yesterday made me wish I didn't shake. Yesterday showed me that there are no excuses. I am a perfectionist to the core. During my junior year of high school, I cried for days because I got a B+ in English and it took me out of the running for valedictorian. During my senior year, when I was getting offered this scholarship and that scholarship from...read more

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My packing list for spending four nights out in the field looks like something from basic training. Yes, it may be 105 degrees out but darnit, winter PTs are a MUST! I know the logic behind such things, better to have it and not need it and than to need it and not have it. Still, my poor Focus looks like a someone threw up all things camo-related onto the seats and in the trunk. Today was one of those days were I felt like I was not meant to a soldier. My shakes (which are always present)...read more

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As MIBOLC continues, let me give those who are heading out the Fort Huachuca (I call it Fort Wegotcha) a head's up: 1) No matter how much you work out now, the altitude is out to kill you. Your lungs will want to explode and there is nothing you can do about besides suck it up, say a Hooah, and keep on running. 2) You will get a schedule on a share drive. Disregard for the most part. In-processing is all about who actually shows up and if the computers are actually working. 3)...read more

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I come from a place known as Sea Level. I now live in a place at almost 6,000 ft. This leads to me sucking air half a mile into the run portion of the APFT and it does literally suck. Welcome to MIBOLC! What's on the agenda this week: CIF (love me some gear!), heading out to the ranges, reflexive fire, and lots of PT fun! I am so psyched to spend field time with my classmates! The more time I spend with them, the more and more I enjoy their company. They may never replace my...read more

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Where has my Hooah been hiding? I must be a horrible MI soldier because I don't have a clue. The good news is that I think I found it! Was it under the many DD Forms I had to fill out during in-processing? Maybe. Was it at Clothing & Sales as I tried to purchase the braid for my Class A jacket? Highly probable. Or was is that I just needed to get settled and meet my awesome BOLC class? YES! Although I've come to terms that I won't win Iron Woman...read more

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I write this from my motel room on Fry Blvd in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Tomorrow at 0600 begins my MI Officer Training. To sum up how I feel: FRIGHTENED! My biggest fear is failure and I'm afraid to be that LT. We all know one, don't kid yourself. I've gone over my checklist for everything I need at least half of dozen times today, my APFT uniform is laid out, the alarm is set, and yet I still feel like I'm going to the youngest, least experienced one and...read more

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I leave for BOLC soon. After reading over the course material I am fairly certain death is imminent. I'm not one to make excuses for myself but I think my MI Officer training is going to break me. This sense of dread and fear is new to me. Normally, I get a little anxiety. Where did my Hooah go?! Perhaps I need to start working out to cadence again instead of the World Cup theme song "Waka Waka" on repeat? Or maybe I just need to face up to this...read more

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