Gary Owen - Army Strong Stories

Week 6 at DCC and Final Thoughts

Gary Owen — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:42:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Last week was the end of what seems like a long journey. “Graduation week” was a relatively uneventful period. Monday started off with PT for most folks. I say most folks because there were two-dozen class members who went to the Medical Clinic to have their injuries evaluated and recorded. As two-thirds of the class is from the Reserve Component, any injury sustained during active service must be documented as a “line of duty” injury or the...read more

Week 5 at DCC

Gary Owen — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:46:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
This week was “Patrolling Week”. It is the one chance we get to truly taste the life of an infantryman. Monday started with PT for those that had already been through the convoy simulator. For those that had not, we made our way over to complete the simulation. The simulator was an interesting experience. Basically, 20 people mounted 5 Humvees and conducted a four truck route clearing mission. A driver, truck commander, two dismounts and a gunner...read more

Week 4 at DCC

Gary Owen — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:53:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
This week was Land Navigation week at DCC. The goal is a “go” on the examination. The journey began Monday with PT. The remainder of the day was spent receiving classroom instruction on the way to read a military map. Contour lines, azimuths, back-azimuths, man-made structures, roads, bodies of water; we learned it all. Tuesday was spent in the field. We took a bus ride out for 45 minutes to Red Diamond Range and spent the morning in fire teams...read more

Week 3 at DCC

Gary Owen — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:06:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Class 01-12 at DCC threw approximately 30K rounds down range this week. When the firing had stopped, 100% of the class was qualified with the M4 and Close Combat Optic. What a week! Monday started with PT and the remainder of the day was spent at the EST2000 – a weapons simulator. The day went well, though it did start with an issue. The buses that took us to the simulator building dropped us at the wrong facility. So, in true Army style, the class...read more

Week 2 at DCC

Gary Owen — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:05:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The class reassembled after a nice long 4 day weekend and started training again this week. Most everyone seems rested and recharged – though not exactly happy to be back in our barracks. The week included two days of PT – on Tuesday and Thursday. One day was 30-60-90 second running drills and the other day was all the new PRT exercises or push-ups, sit-ups, etc. – depending on your PT group. The class was issued weapons this week, and we spent one day...read more

Welcome to DCC and the Home of the Infantry

Gary Owen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185th JAOBC (and elements of former classes) reported into Fort Benning for DCC on Sunday. Fort Benning is not Fort Lee. It is bigger, busier, and is full of Infantry, Cavalry and Armor personnel. It also means no more post lodging, and no more hotel living. We reported in to our new home – Building 2838. Building 2838 is an older barracks. Most people are assigned two or three to a room. One person (the first to arrive) typically gets a...read more

Graduation Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:57:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185th JAOBC graduated. Arguably the finest collection of men and women to complete the Judge Advocate’s Basic Course in years finished up on Wednesday. The week was a short one. Monday was a great day. It started with ultimate Frisbee and ultimate Football (for lack of a better term). The CG came out as well as some other staff, to play with our class. We had a couple of final classes and completed some administrative work as well. Monday...read more

The 10th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:13:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
And so we have finished the substantive, and more importantly the testable, portion of our instruction for the 185thJAOBC. It’s been 12 weeks since we reported to Fort Lee – and we are now down to 3 days of administrative wrap-up, equipment turn-in, the dining-in and graduation. The Air Assault group started their week on Sunday night with a 12 mile ruck march. The standard is 3 hours, but most were done in 2 and ½. The whole class did PT every other...read more

The 9th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:58:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185thJAOBC class finished Admin Law – Client Services this week and began our last block of instruction – International and Operational Law. The class started off the week with a PT test. As I have written before, passing the PT test (and the accompanying height/weight/tape testing) is a requirement to meet course standards. Failure to do so causes the class member to have their Academic Evaluation Report noted with “marginally achieved course...read more

The 8th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:48:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185thJAOBC returned after our first long weekend to continue our Admin Law – Client Services instruction this week. This block of instruction makes up the second half of our Admin Law grade. The instruction is divided between Tax, Estate Planning, Family Law and Consumer Law. There is a ton on information. There are also quite a few assignments that must be completed. As busy as this week was in the classroom, it was equally slow in PT. The weather...read more

The 7th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:53:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185thJAOBC class finished its Fiscal Law block this week. We followed it up by jumping back into Admin Law – this time in Legal Assistance. Legal Assistance is probably the most direct way that Judge Advocates help soldiers and officers. This is where JAs help our service members solve problems. Sometimes it is with family law, sometimes with claims, while other times it is creditors or property issues. Most JAs start in Legal Assistance and regardless of...read more

The 6th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:32:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185thJAOBC class finished its Military Justice block this week. We followed it up by jumping into Fiscal Law with both feet. Fiscal Law is a field of practice unique in many ways. Some class members really like it, and others are not the biggest fans. However, if mastered, the knowledge and skill can be a real asset to the Army and to the service member should he/she decide on a second career in the public sector. Every day after class there was work to do for...read more

The 5th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:59:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
What a week! Our Military Justice instruction held an Article 32 hearing, two (2) courts-martial and a sentencing case. Every class member will serve as lead trial or defense counsel once, assistant defense or trial counsel once, and as a witness more than once. We all know the case front to back by now, and everyone did a great job of advocating for their client (the Army or the accused) when given the opportunity. Likewise, we had some really great witness...read more

The 4th Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:23:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Class started this week with a PT test. For those unfamiliar, it is composed of two (2) minutes of push-ups, two (2) minutes of sit-ups, and a two (2) mile run. Until the new Physical Readiness Test is authorized, both the push-ups and sit-ups have authorized resting positions. As such, stopping doesn’t end the test as long as the authorized resting positions are utilized. One platoon went on Monday and the other Platoon went on Tuesday. Physical fitness...read more

The 3rd Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:27:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Our Military Justice instruction is full force now. Some class members have already had the opportunity to use their advocacy skills in a Pre-trial Confinement Hearing. All class members have gotten to use their writing skills to provide a Memorandum to a Commander. The Military Justice block of instruction is very different from Ad Law. Our grade is a combination of participation, writing assignments, advocacy and a written exam. Almost every day includes a...read more

The 2nd Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:02:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
We have now completed two weeks of our JAOBC training. I apologize for the delay in getting this post completed. As many of you who have followed JAOBC blogs in the past, not much changes from week to week in Charlottesville. We spend five (5) days a week in class most of the day, and PT eight (8) out of every ten (10) weekdays with one day of recovery and one day of road marching. The second week was no exception. We took a test on Thursday in General...read more

The First Week in Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:00:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185thJAOBC has completed its first week in Charlottesville. Last Saturday was zero-day for those class members competing for an opportunity to attend either Airborne or Air Assault training. When it was over, there were roughly 11 Airborne competitors and 7 Air Assault competitors. Obviously more class members showed up to compete, but a few were excused almost immediately for various issues. When the workout was over, others had either fallen out or been tapped...read more

Welcome to Charlottesville

Gary Owen — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:08:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 13 We formed up for a safety briefing at 0650 and were on the road by 0715. 105 miles and 90 minutes later (feel free to do the calculation you may think I was speeding) we were at The Judge Advocate General Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS). We fell in again at 1000 when the entire class had arrived. The day at Charlottesville included administrative briefings from the Associate Dean for Students, a couple staff sections from the Commanding General’s Staff,...read more

Goodbye, Ft. Lee

Gary Owen — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:07:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 12 Today was the 185thJAOBC class’s last full day at Ft. Lee. Our morning PT was cancelled by a kind and generous cadre. That allowed a number of class members to go out on the town the night before. Everyone made it home safely and without incident. The day was filled with administrative briefings and final details to prepare for the move to Charlottesville tomorrow morning. We covered topics related to Cultural Awareness (we will deploy to areas...read more

Zero Dark Thirty and a PT Test

Gary Owen — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:58:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 11 At 0350 the first chalk fell in for the PT test. The second followed at 0520 and the third at 0650. Virginia is a warm place in July. It is about 90 degrees by 0900 with humidity in the 80-90% range. Needless the say, the earlier the chalk, the cooler the weather. However, the human body isn’t really used to full exertion in the middle of the night either. There is a large range of physical fitness within our class. Two class members...read more

Dental and Inventory, Inventory and Dental

Gary Owen — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:36:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 10 Today was an administrative day for the 185thJAOBC. We fell in early for the Dental Clinic or Uniform Inspection (your platoon determined which was first). For those that didn’t have a full dental exam on file, one was completed. For those that did, they were excused to go through the inventory checklist. The opposite applied to the 1stPlatoon. The inventory inspection was pretty straightforward. We were given the list long ago, before...read more

BG William “Little Billy” Mahone – Hero of the Battle of the Crater

Gary Owen — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:31:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 9 Today started early at the Medical Facility on Post. Everyone needed to get their lab work, immunizations, DNA, HIV, and vision work completed. The staff had a good system working and most of the class was completed well before lunchtime. After completing Medical, class members went about securing whatever packing list items they needed for tomorrow’s inventory inspection. The highlight of the day was OPD, or a “staff ride”. In this...read more

A Good Day's Work

Gary Owen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:25:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 8 Today started a little after 0500 with a company formation. After accountability, the 185thJAOBC class conducted a short (it’s all relative) tactical march to the training area for the day. It was a beautiful sight to see. There were 110 faces painted in camouflage eager to train. 110 faces looking like warriors headed into the field. There was just one problem; we had made the decision without involving the Chain of Command. Lesson –...read more

Who doesn’t love to throw lead downrange?

Gary Owen — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:24:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 7 Did I mention we were spending the day in the field? Did I mention that we all got to fire the 9MM service weapon today? Does it get any better than throwing lead downrange? The 185thJAOBC assembled a little after 0800 for transport to the pistol range. Once on the range everyone received another round of PMI. Everyone wants to have fun, but at the end of the day SAFETY is the key. It isn’t a successful training rotation if injury occurs....read more

Gas, Gas, Gas

Gary Owen — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:43:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 6 Did I mention that 0420 is early? Our class had to be quiet not to disturb the rooster on our way to formation this morning. The 185thJAOBC fell in for a PT session and some two (2) + hours later we were released to change clothes and grab some chow before a day of soldier training. Today was the second day where the uniform of the day is the ACU. I think it really helps everyone feel like they are Army officers and gets everyone comfortable with the standing and...read more

LDRSHIP

Gary Owen — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:17:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 5 Another day begins at 0545 with PT. Today was Push-Up and Sit-Up pyramids and a longer run. Exercising outside is always nice, especially after a good rain. It really begins to feel like the Army when you are lying on the wet ground doing push-ups and sit-ups in the wet grass and dirt. Today was the first day that our class was wearing the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). An ACU with rank means no more hiding in plain sight with APFU. It means being seen...read more

Army Patience

Gary Owen — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:56:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 4 Today started as many days do, with PT. We are still ramping up and assessing our individual physical readiness. As such today our Platoon did Push-Ups and Sit-Ups pyramids and nice run. The Cadre is well versed in physical training and is doing their best to make sure that everyone is improving individual fitness while also working to ensure that no one suffers injury. Injury = bad. The day started at 0545 and ended at 1700. After PT the 185thspent...read more

What is the “O” for? Oh my god it’s early.

Gary Owen — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:49:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 2 At 0515 the 185thJAOBC class fell in for an accountability formation at the running track. Sounds early, right? Well, it is. Nonetheless, there we were ready for PT instruction. The cadre led us through instruction on Physical Readiness Training (PRT) as that is the new Army system. We still take the PT (physical training) test that has been around for the last 28 years, but our preparation has changed. There are specific warm-up exercises, exercises,...read more

And they’re off…

Gary Owen — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:04:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
Day 1 The 185thArmy JAOBC class reported for duty at 1200 hours. Wearing summer Army Physical Fitness Uniforms (APFUs or PTs), 118 men and women checked into for the beginning of what will be 18 weeks of Army training. For those unfamiliar with the program, newly assessed Army Judge Advocates spend a week and a half at Ft. Lee for Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course (JAOBC) Phase I, followed immediately by ten and a half weeks of instruction at The Judge Advocate General Legal Center...read more

Runners....Take your positions.

Gary Owen — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:54:00 GMT

By: Gary Owen
The 185th JAOBC class has begun to assemble. We are staying in the Visiting Officer Quarters (VOQ) at Fort Lee. The VOQ is just a quick trip up Mahone Avenue from the Army Logistics University (ALU) where we will report tomorrow at 1200. The VOQ is spread across a few buildings, and is much like a hotel. It isn’t the Ritz Carlton, but the rooms are large enough, clean, and equipped with a tv, dvd, vcr, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and wired internet access. The staff is...read more