I find myself back at Camp Swift for PMT (Pre Mobilization Training). Showing up and moving in was quite a chore which had us working about 18 hours. The speed with which the Army can move in and take over a space is amazing. Back up the truck and 18 hours later you have a fully operational TOC (Tactical Operation Center) complete with printers, internet, and the required coffee maker.
Moving into the barracks was also an experience. The AC doesn't work in one area of the barracks and of course it has to be the area where the hardest working Infantry kids sleep. The hardest working also means the strongest smelling :)
going to bed at 0030 and waking up at 0430 I thought was rough. I was shocked to find the 34 man security (Infantry) team had already showered, dressed, prepped their gear for training and were in the process of giving the latrine area a good cleaning. This was all complete before their breakfast. To think they volunteered for this mission, they do it for the chance to serve their country. It really is an amazing thing and it makes me proud. There is also the humor that surrounds everything they do. While shaving I heard this conversation between a young Sgt and a Private
Sgt...This is what I am talking about, you have to wipe all of the water off of the toilet seat Private, did you think this was complete??
Private...but Sgt when I scrub the toilet it gets it wet and I don't have gloves to wear while I wipe the seats
Sgt...Thats why they make hand soap Private, and for Gods sake wipe out and dry the sink after you wash your toilet hands!
I sometimes feel sorry for myself that I only got four solid hours of sleep and then I am shocked back to reality. These kids are the backbone and will carry the brunt of our work during this deployment. I felt a little guilty about shaving in the clean sink but since I was once a private also I am very well versed in cleaning so I left it like I found it, sparkling!
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