Day 6, 15 more to go

Day 5 was interesting for many. It was a day where a lot of soldiers learned about themselves and what I call intestinal fortitude. Do they have what it takes to finish the job, to tough it out, to push up to the end? Are they disciplined enough to drink the required amount of water? To eat the MRE and not snack foods? Some found out yesterday that they couldn't! That their best found them falling just a little short. Those that have ever done PT with me know that at the end of my run or end of hitting the heavy bag I do a mad minute. That last minute, when you get to the end and need it. We had several "heat casualties" yesterday. They didn't hydrate or didn't have their physical fitness where it needs to be. Granted the heat index was 108 yesterday with no wind but they should have prepared for this 3 weeks of fun in the sun. The way it works is you become a heat casualty, get an IV bag of fluids stuck in your arm and off you go to the TMC (Troop Medical Clinic) which is like a redicare clinic. Not really a hospital but not your school nurse's office either. Anyway...You get to the TMC and they evaluate you for heat stroke then they give you 12 hours quarters (sleeping quarters/barracks) so you can get your temperature down. The next day you are up and running again.
Today is the IED (Improvised Explosive Device) defeat class. They will do a mounted (Humvee) portion and dismounted (on Foot) portion. They will also be shown what we call a "petting zoo" of various ordinance. Old Russian mortar rounds, rockets, flares, artillery rounds and the like. This is to help the soldier later in country when they encounter something on the side of the road or sticking out of the sand. Hopefully give them an idea of what type of munition the item is. The main thing to remember is.....IF YOU DIDN"T PUT IT THERE DON'T TOUCH IT! :)