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We’ve been in Afghanistan for over a month now, and I’ve found that at times, I’m usually reflecting: life back home, who I want to be, where I am right now, where I’ve been, etc. Therefore, it seems all too fitting that the next step in this big “how to survive a deployment” blog is to reflect. So here are a few of my recent (somewhat random) reflections. On Slovenia: Slovenia is a beautiful country. I would love to go back...read more
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Hello, Im with the Rocket Battalion ROTC program and we recently had a FTX in which we conducted a night land navigation course. The course was set up with the regular 5 points and to pass you had to get 3/5. When the event started it was kind of still light out, but as it progressed darkness spread and you could see so many stars including Orion's belt, The big dipper, and Taurus. Im from Cleveland so seeing stars isn't a norm for me,...read more
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As we prepare to head into Afghanistan soon, I am forced to realize how much I’m grateful for in my life. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the next six months. But I still feel that this mission is worthwhile, and my dad instilled a strong “do not quit what you’ve started” mentality in my siblings and me, so it’s about time to dig the boot heels and drive on with full force. In doing so, I’ve created a list of things...read more
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The time has come. The 4th and final week. The week started with a Monday morning drive to the FOB. The first day was occupied with weapons draw and then getting down to business. The platoons were split up and we started the final phase of training. The last week was to focus on the different levels of military care. Primarily Level 1,2 and 3. Level one being the care provided by docs and PAs at the front lines. Level two is the next level back...read more
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Well week three is over. Just completed a wet, cold and soggy week at the FOB in Camp Bullis. All started as expected with an early ride to the Camp from the Hotel on Monday morning 0500. The plan was to head straight to the 9mm pistol range to get certified there and then on to the FOB. As luck would have it the range control would not let us start the firing range due to fog and rain so we had concurrent training that included litter carry technique and...read more
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Week two is complete! As you know Monday was a holiday so no Army Training. I figured the Army would train everyday but the Cadre is made up of civilians who are retired Army and they had the day off. Good for us. Tuesday began 0400 and off to Ft. Sam we went. We arived and drew our wepons from the armory at 0530 and marched to the on post field training area and were taught to assemble and dissassemble our M16. Pretty easy stuff. MRE (meal ready to...read more
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I sit here watching news of potential changes to the Army based upon funding and retention and wondering just how it will impact me. I have a rudimentary plan of submitting a packet to attend Physician's Assistant School once I return to the States. I also have horrible days that lead me to believe that 6 years is more than enough and perhaps I should call it quits. Decisions, Decisions.............he with the most knowledge wins. I will be patient and continue to...read more
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Well The first 4 days went well. Left Kentucky at 6 Am Thursday and arrived in San Antonio at around noon. Good flight. Found two other military lookalikes at the bagage carrosel and we shared a cab to Ft. Sam. We were all starting the first class together. After inprocessing for housing we made a quick switch in clothing from civilian to Army PT uniform. At that point we met at a predetermined location for inprocessing. Lots of paperwork and Hight...read more
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We’ve been in Slovenia for about two weeks now, and it’s been an interesting ride so far. Slovenia, nestled to the north-east of Italy, is a small beautiful country that sits in the southern Alps. Ever since the bus ride here, the main lesson I’ve learned is forcing myself to look around. On the bus ride across Austria, I looked to see mountains comparable to the Rocky Mountains, but these seemed to reflect the sun differently. Everything looked...read more
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I'm starting this post to keep my friends and family updated on my experiences as a newly minted army First Lietenant. I will be going to Ft. Sam in February to begin my officer basic training as a 65D, Army Physician Assistant. This has ben a life long dream to join the Army and I got in just under the wire(age limit). I look forward to serving my country and am proud to don the uniform of the US Army.
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