Hello everyone, again, I apologize for such a long time between entries, but the wireless internet has been out at TJAGLCS so I haven't been able to write (which isn't entirely true, because there are plenty of computers available, I'm just too lazy, kind of...)

But, now that there is only one week left here is C'Ville I feel as though I should start reflecting back on my spent here, and begin thinking about the transition to Ft. Benning for DCC as well as pieces of advice to give the incoming class when they get here. Now, I said I would start thinking about it, but this entry will not include those thoughts, but they will be forthcoming soon.

So, I left off with last Monday last, so what happened Tuesday? Not a whole lot to be totally honest. Since my record PT test was set for the next morning we did not have PT. Instead, we took a class photo that morning and then were released for class. Tuesday was the final day of Tax, Estates, Consumer and Family law, before we got to start what many consider to be the sexiest topic of Operational and International Law. Classes went smoothly and I don't have a whole lot to report. Tuesday night, I took it very easy, drank A LOT of water and got to bed around 8am.

Wednesday morning I was up by 0445 and getting ready for the PT test. Surprisingly, the weather was actually pretty cold compared to what we're used to this time of year and since we've been here. This actually made the PT test a little more difficult as it made it difficult to warm up your muscles. Regardless, my PT test went very well, as I improved my pushups by 10 to 65 and sit-ups by 12 to 67. Though this can hardly be considered "crushing" this test, the improvement did not go unnoticed. My run did not improve, but I am perfectly happy maintaining a 13:35 two-mile time. The only people the PT test really matters to at this point are those who haven't passed it yet, and those going out for Airborne, for whom their scores make up part of the selection criteria.

After the test, there was a palpable sense of relief among the half of the class that had completed it, and a tangible stress emanating from the remainder of the class that had their test the next morning. Class on Wednesday was great, as it was a three hour lecture on the history of warfare and Operational/International Law. Really good stuff, and I learned a lot. For lunch, all of the people going to Korea and I had lunch with the former Deputy SJA and the former G1 for the Second Infantry Division, to talk about the coming experience and what we should be doing now to prepare for that move. We went to Darden and ended staying a little later then we should because we had so many questions. I am far less nervous about the move now, and my excitement is growing by the hour as the time for my departure approaches. For those who are interested in being stationed internationally, but the moving process appears daunting, rest assured. The Army makes the moving process as easy as possible, so long as you stay on top of everything and don't leave the preparation to the last minute.

After lunch, the class was broken into seminar groups where we discussed the 30,000 foot view of International and Operational Law through a number of hypothetical situations before being released for the day. Wednesday afternoon, I had another squash match with Ranger Powell before doing a "neck, ab and back" workout and ending up down at the Res Inn pool for a good soak in the jacuzzi.

Thursday morning I was up the same time as the morning before. I volunteered to help with the second half of the classes PT test holding feet for the sit-ups, offering motivation to those who were nervous, setting up mats and pacing people who were trying to break into the sub-14 minute mile pace. It was fun, and the air temp was surprisingly warmer then the morning before. After I watched the vast majority of my classmates "crush" the PT test, we reported back to class for more Op/Int Law. This class dealt with the Geneva and Hague Conventions (as will all our classes in this subject), and it remains very interesting. After a lunch and nap in the room, it was back to the seminar room. After class, I went and workout again before heading to Karoake, as most Thursday evenings. I was the DD this evening, because I've given up drinking until I make tape (motivation?). There was an amazing group present for this evening because we were given Friday off of PT because the class had done so well on the PT test over the past two days. It was a great night, and for many a not so great Friday in class.

Friday, again was all about Op/Int Law. However, after two hours of lecture, we were herded over to the UVA Law school for a very interesting lecture from Philip Zelikow, and prominent Statesman and Member of the 9/11 commission. He spoke to us about the current "twilight wars" as he called them and the military's place in international relations. I wish I wasn't as tired as I was from the night before, but I remained focused the entire time. He was a fascinatingly brilliant man who has been involved with some of the pivotal moments in US History over the past 30 years. After being totally amazing by this man's brilliance, it was off to lunch and a final seminar before the weekend.

Friday night was actually a very easy, lazy night. A good group of classmates and I went to great restaurant for dinner; Vivace. After that it was to bed, because Ranger Powell, BBB and I were "competing" in a 10K the next morning to support the Special Olympics. The event was amazing, and though BBB beat me maintaining a 7:36 pace, I was very happy with my performance maintaining my 8-minute mile. After getting a little coffee Ranger Powell and I played yet another masterful game of squash (victory was mine this day) before heading to the Res Inn jacuzzi for another soak of our sore muscles. Yesterday afternoon was spent watching football, just like last Saturday, and as always a good group of rowdy fans from the 182nd were out in force. However, seeing as I had no real allegiances to any team playing, I called it an early night because my body hurt.

Now its Sunday morning, and I've run my errands. I'm off for a slow 5-mile jog with BBB and Ranger Powell, and then who knows what after that... Probably some contemplation about lessons learned and advice to be given to the coming classes.

If you have any questions about time spent in C'Ville this is the time to ask them. Once I get to Ft. Benning, my time to write the blog will be severely limited (probably just the weekends) and by then, those in the 183rd will likely be reporting to or will have already reported to Ft. Lee. So ask your questions, even if you think they're stupid, I will do my best to answer them. I will also poll my class for advice they think should be passed on (especially for Reservists and National Guards) and I'll report that back over the next week as well.

Thanks for reading and your continued support.

P.S. Daniel - I watched the video you posted. Though I am extremely impressed with the individual who is the subject of the story, I am totally unpersuaded that "bare-foot" running or the five-finger shoes are the foundation of his recovery. That is simply my opinion, and there are several people in this class who would argue against me, regardless, don't plan on running barefoot at all during Army time, what you want to do on your free time is, of course and as it should be, up to you.

Phil - Thank you for reading and your very supportive and kind words, I appreciate it. As for exchanging email address, I hesitate to provide my actual contact information on such a public source. Should you get into the Army, and set up an AKO account, or you know someone with an AKO account I am not difficult to find and neither is my email address. So, not that I want to be difficult, but if you can find my email address, I will gladly discuss any questions or comments you have regarding the JAG Corps at that time. Until then, keep reading and ask any questions you may have.