So, I'm sure everyone is dying to know whether I "crushed" the APFT as predicted? Well, the answer is a resounding NO, and I am not proud of my performance, with one minor exception I will get to in a minute.

The morning began a little earlier this morning, instead of reporting for PT at 0550, those of us testing reported at 0520. We were met by Chief and 1SG who were our only official counters for the event. We were then broken into two smaller groups for the purposes of push-ups and sit-ups. We all lined up, and those not performing their test were ordered to turn their backs and not watch. Whoever was testing would then approach either Chief or 1SG and they would have two minutes to get as many push-up and sit-ups, while the grader sat right next to the student counting each repetition. If the testee did not perform a suitable push-up or sit-up according to Army Regulations, the grader would not count the rep, and instead would simply repeat the number of reps that had already been completed. To have a number repeated is demoralizing, particularly if you think that you did a good rep. Some people were very frustrated with the grader's scoring, the worst discrepancy I've heard of thus far is one student said he did 100 push-ups, but only 72 of them were counted. I will not share the actual number I did, but suffice it to say, it was NOT good, and the same goes for sit-ups. I did miss a couple reps, but certainly not the 28 claimed by my cohort.

Next was the run. We lined up as a group (roughly 23 of us) and we all started at the same time. The track is not a traditional quarter mile track, instead it is an uneven asphalt walking path around a number of sports facilities. The course is actually only 3 and 3/4 laps around this facility and mentally speaking, it makes the run significantly easier. There are also obstacles, which if you can get past their annoyance factor, they make the run more interesting as well. My last two mile, which I ran at Ft. Lee was timed at roughly 14:30, this morning I ran the two-mile track in 13:32. Basically, I crushed the run and as you'll find out in a minute, got some attention for it.

After the APFT (which if you didn't already guess, I technically failed) we had class the rest of the day. We started out with some Federal/State Relations, then moved to Administrative Remedies. The hour before lunch we had our first seminar where we went through a practical exercise in which we analyzed a hypothetical AR 15-6 investigation for faults.

During the lunch hour 1SG and Chief held a meeting for those of us interested in trying out for Airborne and Air Assault slots. Airborne and Air Assault are additional (extra) skill/training schools that soldiers can attend to learn how to Jump out of planes (airborne) and out of helicopters (air assault). These are very cool things to do, but to get into these schools your Unit has to pay for you to go. Those of us in JAG OBC have the unique chance to try out for a limited number of slots that will be funded by the JAG Corp. The training for these schools are rigorous and are in addition to the PT we already do, therefore, to even try out you have to prove to the Cadre that you have a chance in surviving. This is normally done by scoring well on your APFT, which I didn't do. However, I went to the meeting anyway. 1SG asked those of us who had not passed the APFT to raise our hands. He then went through our records and started dismissing most of those individuals. When he got to me, he gave my file a once over. The class was then informed that I had not passed my PT test, but seeing as I can "move," having run a 13:32, 1SG was willing to give me a chance for an airborne slot. Essentially, what I mean by "a chance" is that those who are interested in either school have to survive "0 Day" (zero), which takes place on Saturday morning starting at 0500. "0 Day" is essentially a hell week of work packed into one morning, the goal of course is to weed out those who don't deserve one of the limited spots.

I have to admit, I'm nervous about "0 Day," but I just wanted a chance to try out. I'm not making any predictions, but it should get pretty ugly, as 1SG will continue to hold "0 Day" until at least 8 people quit, it could be a VERY long day.

After lunch we had a two hour lecture on Army Code of Conduct, essentially an introduction into Army Ethics (oh, did I mention that each lecture today was supported by a thrilling power point?) Once that class was over, we were informed that, unless you're taking the APFT tomorrow, you had PT off tomorrow morning. So that is something to look forward to.

Lastly, I had a question on my last blog regarding the FLEP program from a very experienced officer. The FLEP program for those who don't know is a Army sponsored program that takes active duty soldiers and essentially pays for and pay them to attend law school. The Army only accepts 25 or so individuals a year, and it is an incredible opportunity. There are no FLEPs in my class this year, so I cannot answer specific questions about treatment, however, I would STRONGLY encourage you to take the opportunity if you are accepted into the program. However, if I really understand your question, you're hesitant about doing the FLEP program because you're thinking it might be frustrating to be thrown into a situation where you're a HIGHLY experienced officer surrounded by total newbies like myself. Don't let that concern you in the least bit, and by all means, TAKE THE FLEP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY. I guarantee that there will be fellow OBC students with as much, if not more experience then you in your class. In my class alone, we have several West Point graduates who have served as officers for years before heading to law school and then joining the JAG Corp now. We also have many enlisted personnel with extensive service and training, including but not limited to Ranger Training, Green Beret, and a whole list of additional special forces. Though you may totally dominate your class and get frustrated with how slow us newbies are in picking up the Army lifestyle, I don't think it will bother you that much (I say that because I don't think you're on the proverbial "high horse," and if you are, I would strongly encourage you to get off it). Personally, if I were you, I would do it, this is the good life right now... Just my two sense, hope it helped.