field work complete

phew. it was a pretty good time, out in the field at mcbride's bridge. i received my second 'go' for leadership, executing a flanking assault on an objective replete with bunkers as the squad leader. 2 for 2, yay me. actually, a few people did not do so well and are headed back to hq to join the next company and try leadership lanes again. i would not like to have to repeat any part of the course, but especially not weeks 8 and 9 with new people, it will be tough for them; i wish them the best of luck.

we got in last night and cleaned weapons. then we got up at 0330 this morning, drew out the weapons, and went on a 10 mile ruck march. four poor souls in my platoon fell back a little ways and will have to repeat the march, this is terrible and hopefully will get overturned, they made good time despite the lag.

after the march we had an mre for breakfast (sucks) and cleaned weapons. then we broke to take our platoon and class photos. fun. then we cleaned weapons. then dinner, then we cleaned weapons. i dropped the firing pin retaining pin for my m16 tonight in the grass. this is a ridiculously small piece and i thought i was in a real jam. fortunately i remembered that i had a magnet up in my locker and was able to find it, in the dark, wow. tomorrow, we will clean weapons.

my family will be here in two weeks and a day, this thought carries me forward. we have a three day weekend assuming the weapons pass inspection tomorrow, that's a nice thought too. it's getting closer and closer to the end of this course, woo-hoo.

love you all, peace.