Week 1 has been completely chaotic and busy....

Day 0: Flight to San Antonio, TX in my ACU uniform which draws tons of attention. I was able to fly first class on my flights and move straight through security lines. At the end of the flights I would always hear over the intercom "we would like to say thank you to our service members for serving our country." It is amazing how many people walk up to you and want to shake your hand and just say thank you. Anyway, after landing, took a cab with a group of other classmates to the base. Changed into our IPFU's (PT uniforms) and began in-processing. In-processing consisted of height/weight (which I passed with 12lbs. to spare), paperwork, and room/roommate processing.  The base is full with other enlisted trainees, therefore, my class is being housed at the Holiday Inn near the airport. It's a sweet deal.  Majority of the class has a roommate with double beds. I was able to luck out and have a single room with a king-size bed so I am definitely not complaining. The class leaders were assigned and we had formation in the hotel parking lot at 1930 after being up for more than 24 hours it was quite difficult to focus.  Formation customs and courtesies was introduced and then we were dismissed. The day was pretty hectic and unorganized with shuttle buses and lots of waiting in this Texas heat, but in the end all things were accomplished.

Day 1: 0400 formation which meant being in formation at 0350 because the motto in the Army is "to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late". I had to set my alarm for 0315 to be dressed in full ACU's and in formation by 0350 after not being released the previous day until 2045. I was exhausted but the day followed with more in-processing with paperwork, finances, and introduction to drill and ceremony. It was surprising to learn that the meals in the chow hall are not healthy at all. Very little choices if you are a vegetarian. Currently I have been living off of grilled cheese and soup. Breakfast is perfect because it's the same choices everyday so I am able to have a bowl of oatmeal every morning. Day 1 ended with direct commissioners being able to take their oath of office. (Link to video below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg2W7jNtNZs

Day 2-5: Again, 0400 formation and the wonderful death by power point. It is terrible. TERRIBLE!! Nothing will ever prepare you or be able to keep you awake. People are getting whiplash from falling asleep and their heads rapidly falling.   In the training environment instructors are only allowed to teach for 50 minutes and then they must give us a 10 minute break and then continue.  This is helpful because it allows you to go to the smaller PX and load up on energy drinks and as much sugar as possible.  This is terrible for health, but the only way to survive and I have 3 more weeks of this lifestyle. Day 5 consisted of formation at the Central Issuing Facility where we were outfitted and supplied all of our field gear and had a few hours of free time, before death by power point in the afternoon.  We have the weekend off so I'm not complaining and definitely resting up for the week ahead.  

This week we will have our first APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test).  In my age group I must be able to complete in 2 minutes 17 push-ups and 50 sit-ups.  My 2-mile run must be completed in 19:36.  I have been training for this in New York, but indoors on the treadmill due to the lack of running tracks in Manhattan.  I have quickly realized that this was a huge mistake.  I should have started running outdoors from the beginning, but I'm not even sure that would have helped.  The Texas heat and humidity is not conducive for running.  We will see how things play out on Tuesday, but I am definitely sending up an audible.  

Overall everything is okay and it could be a lot worst.  I must say that the heat and humidity hear is ridiculous.  You are always sweaty and the ACU's stick to your skin.  YUCK!!!  The bugs are on steroids.  I have never seen bugs this size EVER!!!  It's ridiculous.  Oh and they have an infestation of crickets.  Something about the heat and humidity so early in the year allowed them all to hatch and provided the perfect breeding environment.  All I know is that the crickets are everywhere in the bathrooms, chow hall, classrooms (which doesn't help when you are trying to stay awake and they are chirping).  The fire ants are insane and vicious.  These ants are angry and all 2 million of them will attack you at once.  SCARY!!! Other than that life is good.  LOL!!!

Stay tuned as I will keep you posted throughout this journey....