no dirty rocks

well, we didn't win the warrior tasks and battle drills competition, however my squad had the 2nd fastest overall time. in fact, we would have won, but we were penalized 40 seconds for switching out our casualty, yes we bent a rule, but most teams did and not all were noted. not the end of the world- to be sure.

third platoon picked up dead last, which earns them the dirty rock. a dirty rock is just that, a large rock the size of a mortar round which has to be carried around by someone in the platoon until the next competition when the new last place team will earn the rock. they are required to paint it creatively; depicting an event or challenge. if its really good it goes in the hall of fame in the company day room. capt. has insisted that we do not get any dirty rocks, so we didn't let him down on that one, but he was disappointed that we didn't win.

the course was fun and included assembling weapons, evaluating and treating casualties, assembling a radio and calling in a medevac, tossing a hand grenade (fake one), calling in an activity report and a clear/ functions check on a weapon. all the while you're carrying food (MREs) and a water jug. at one point some 'gets injured' and you have to carry them on a stretcher for the rest of the course. neat stuff, and we got really sweaty out there.

for anyone who doesn't know, an MRE is a meal, ready-to-eat. they are really good if you like this type of thing, if not you'll hate them. i know that makes no sense, but basically people love or hate the food. i recommend any of the vegetarian choices, or anything with candy in it.

we have a light afternoon to study for our first test- call for fire.

cunningham, out!