So finally, after 130 days of "training" the 182nd has finally completed both its Officer Basic Course and its Direct Commissionee Course and we have scattered to the winds that will take us to our various duty stations (with the exception of Airborne Candidates, who are sticking around Ft. Benning, hoping to get a slot... a continuing drama I will not delve into, because I don't understand it).

The last three days have been extremely slow, and can be summarized with the all too common Army adage "Hurry Up and Wait." Monday, we did have PT in the morning. It was freezing, and we did an hour or so of circuit training, because being released with a late formation allowing us to get a full breakfast. After we formed up again, all we did was sign a few pieces of paper, and we were released until 1300. At 1300, we had the dreaded return to CIF to hand back in our issued gear. We had been hearing horror stories about this procedure all week, and many of us had taken the stories seriously (as I think was a good idea) and spent some of our weekend cleaning what gear we had that had gotten dirty in the field. The common belief is that CIF (which is run by civilians) is notoriously picky about how gear must look before they will accept it back, and if they wont accept it or you've lost that particular piece of gear, you will then have to pay for it, at a GREATLY inflated price. The experience (for most of us) turned out to be significantly different then we had heard, in fact, I was out of there in 45 minutes. Once that was completed, the three of us with smallpox wounds on our arms had to report to the SRP to have those wounds checkout before we PCSed to our duty stations. It turns out that my crater of a gash is actually normal, and it is proceeding as planned, even though it itches like crazy, oozes constantly, and apparently can infect an entire room of people, by simply looking at it (only kidding on the last point).

Once the check up was complete, we returned to the company and were released. Most of us spent the evening starting to pack up our stuff, in preparation for our move out. I went for a run with BBB and dinner at Chili's off post to "celebrate" our completion. We also had a couple beers, as we didn't have a wake up call until 0830 the next morning to continue our out-processing. However, some how I got talked into a morning workout by BBB, and so that late sleep was not to be.

After Tuesday's workout, and a quick breakfast, the entire company formed up and we headed down to Freedom Hall, the site of the graduation ceremony, to practice the procession. Most of us thought this was going to be a pretty informal process, and we'd be out by lunch time. We were WAY off... First we had to set up the space, then we started practicing what the Cadre thought was the way to do the ceremony. Then the Command Sergeant Major showed up and told us we looking like idiots, and he reprogrammed the whole ceremony and told us to practice it, and have it perfect by 1600 when he'd be back to watch. So that is exactly what we did... From about 1000 to 1600 (with an hour lunch break) we practiced the graduation ceremony, and the singing of the Army Song (which we are all experts in... NOW). Suffice it to say, by 1600, we were experts at both and we executed to the CSM's liking and were released. When we returned to the company, we had more papers that needed to be signed, and then we were on our way. I finished packing, and then borrowed a car to take a couple of bags to my uncles place and to meet my family who had arrived for the graduation.

I realize that I told many people in my blog that, if you have family that want to see a "real" graduation, you should go to the Charlottesville ceremony, and I still think that is the best option. But if you're family is like mine, and were unable to make the Charlottesville ceremony, and still want to see a ceremony of sorts, then the DCC graduation isn't half bad. There's a guest speaker, everyone walks across the stage, and it last as long as the C'Ville ceremony, so it is another option. However, in the Ft. Benning ceremony everyone is wearing ACU's, where as in C'Ville, everyone is in your formal ASU's.

Finally, Wednesday rolled around. We had a 0530 formation, to finalize our move out of the rooms, turn in of linens and keys, and a final clean-up inspection of the rooms by Cadre. We then had breakfast, and were ordered to be at Freedom Hall at 0830 to rehearse once more before the ceremony began at 1000. Everything went smoothly, the graduation was a success, and by noon I was moved out of my room, all the final/last minute paperwork was complete and I was sitting down to lunch with the family. After a quick tour of the installation, and a visit to the amazing (new) Infantry Museum on post, I was officially done with Ft. Benning (for now) and on leave until Monday when I fly to Korea. I can't say I'm bummed to leave (far from it), but there are many classmates I will miss, and I hope to see sometime soon at another installation.

Questions

Joey JoJo had a couple questions, and they are easily answered, but good to know. When it comes to boots, there are a ton of options to buy. Many people in the class bought the more expensive, high-speed boots and loved them, so totally go for it if you want to spend the money. However, you must make sure that they comply with AR 670-1 (the Army Regulation on uniforms) or Cadre will not let you wear them at Ft. Lee, or C'Ville, but at Ft. Benning the Cadre never really took a look unless they were obviously wrong (i.e. there was a zipper on the boot, or velcro, both "no-go" items according to 670-1). With all of that said, I bought both basic, vanilla Standard Issue warm and cold weather boots, and I haven't had a problem yet. They are the cheapest, and in my opinion the best, because they get the job done and are easy to clean, and you don't have to worry about pissing anyone off. When it comes to brand names, it doesn't matter, try them on, make sure they are snug on your feet (because they will expand to some extent, and make sure you're comfortable with them. AND HAVE TWO PAIRS (one cold weather and one warm weather set).

As for socks, get moisture wicking socks, regardless of brand or style. I've had plain old wool socks the entire time, and they've served me well. I just bough a couple pairs of "wigwams" and they are pretty awesome. Regardless, socks should be thick, and offer you some support, as well as being moisture wicking.

Financial Issues for Reserve and National Guard people are tricky. All I can say about it has a former Class Leader who had to deal with issues with finance is, BRING ALL YOUR PAPERWORK!!!! Copies of your mortgage, marriage certificates, child's birth certificates, spouses birth certificates, etc. ANYTHING THAT AFFECTS YOUR BAH OR BAS, because you DO continue to receive both when you're at Ft. Lee, C'Ville, AND Ft. Benning. The biggest problem everyone had, was not turning in all their paperwork (it wasn't the classes fault though, the finance lady said she didn't need it, so everyone's pay was screwed up for a couple weeks). Make sure you have NUMEROUS COPIES of everything and have it nicely organized so you get grab it and go when you need it.

Lastly, when it comes to take notes (and this goes for EVERY PHASE) you should try to follow the "Five Rights/Writes"; (1) Be at the Right Place; (2) At the Right Time; (3) in the Right Uniform; (4) with something to Write On; and (5) something to Write With. This goes for just about anytime you're in uniform, with some common sense exceptions (PT, etc...). Too easy right?

Final Thoughts

I'll preface this section with the statement, that these are simply MY opinions, and though many people may agree with me in this last class, I am sure there are may who do not. So take them for whatever they are worth to you.

First, I've said it many times, and in my mind it continues to bear repeating... Remember, you are joining the ARMY, a branch of the United States Military. In making this decision you must try your best to understand the role and responsibilities that are unique to this line of work, and you MUST be sure that you are willing to accept them and live within the structure that WILL be imposed on you. In the Army (even in the JAG Corps) you are NOT unique, all the rules apply to you, and there are very VERY few exceptions to them. You will be put in tough positions, you will be uncomfortable, DEAL WITH IT. If you're ready for this, and you've sat down with yourself and made the decision that you can make it, and you are willing to make the sacrifices it takes, then welcome to the Army, its a pretty great place.

Second, be a Good Battle Buddy. The Army is not individualistic, we work as a group. The whole idea of "the Army of One," really isn't true. Don't leave your battle buddies (and I mean anyone in a uniform around you) hanging. If they need help, help them. This applies to cleaning up the barracks or your weapons, helping practice Land Nav or getting someone to workout extra so that they pass their PT test.

Third, watch your actions, because there is ALWAYS someone watching you. I haven't been perfect over the past couple months, I'll be the first to admit it. And each time I've done something stupid, someone has found out about it, and within minutes, the whole company knows, and I'm not alone. If you get to C'Ville, you'll hear endless lectures on the "Third File," which is what the JAG Corps calls your reputation. Everyone needs to worry about this file, and protect it. Because if you get a reputation for being an idiot, or having a bad attitude, or posting stupid stuff on Facebook, etc. everyone will know about it, you will get "counseled" by your superiors, and that stuff doesn't go away. The JAG Corps is a small group, 1800 people total, you're reputation will follow you. That is not to say you can't repair your reputation, its actually easy... Recognize you're issues, and change them. If you're being an idiot and not helping out your classmates, be a better battle buddy; don't mess around at PT, crush your PT test, etc.

Four, GET INTO SHAPE before you show up. If you show up out of shape to Ft. Lee, it not only reflects poorly on you and your motivation (which everyone notices), it also drastically increases your chances of getting injured and going on Profile. I've already discussed my opinions on Profiles (Army Doctor's Notes) and you don't want them. Just be in shape, that goes for National Guard and Reservist as well. I know you have civilian jobs, and that your military services isn't your primary occupation, but have a little respect for the cause and the position, and your classmates and be ready. The group is only as good as its weakest link, and you don't want to be that person who can't do a single push-up, or who is constantly quitting, or is holding the group back.

Five, DON'T QUIT and PUSH YOURSELF. As it was put to me just before we started Zero Day three months ago. There is nothing the Army can throw at you that your mind can't overcome. If you're going to fail, make it be because your body has been pushed to the limit. This goes for PT as much as it does for Drill and Ceremony. Pay attention, and don't just give up. The best example I saw was during the Obstacle Course at Ft. Benning. Some of these obstacles were WAY to big for some of the shorter people, or way to physically strenuous for those of us with bigger frames. However, you can see people who don't quit continue to try, and eventually they always exceed. And then there were those, who "knew" they couldn't complete the obstacle, and gave up and walked around it. Those who tried and tried and tried but failed were respected and supported by their squad, those who just gave up were ignored. As a fellow classmates put it, "just make sure you're not a perpetual fail, you wont last long in this institution."

Six and Final Point, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. I heard this piece of advice the day before I left for Ft. Lee, and it has done good for me. All kinds of crap will happen during your training, and I imagine, your career in the Army... DON'T SWEAT IT. During training specifically, as long as you're not being lazy or stupid, you will have the chance to complete whatever it is that you've failed to do. If paperwork isn't perfect, don't sweat it. If you failed the first PT test by one sit-up, don't sweat it, you'll get another chance to remedy the failure. If you don't qualify the first 6 times, don't sweat it. If you get so  caught up in the small stuff, you're life (particularly during training) will suck, you'll get flustered, and you're attitude will turn for the worst. Don't let it. The last 5 months went pretty quickly, but it could have been miserable.

That's it, that is all I have. Its been a pleasure recording my experience. I hope I've provided useful information to those who are following my class into training, and to those who are interested in joining the JAG Corps. I will continue to blog, but it wont be as a student any longer. I'll be in Korea and actually working. I hope you've enjoyed what I've had to say.