And so it begins, my journey to Iraq. Before I get there I must go through training at Fort McCrady training site located near Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. The Command is located on a National Guard Training site and is manned by Army personnel. Any Navy Sailor who wants to go on what is called an IA must go through this training process. Basically, you learn how to fire weapons, drive in a convoy, and navigate over land if you are lost. The name of the Command is the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC).
Thus far things have been good. We arrived on Friday night from LA after a delayed filled travel day. United is lame. We got issued our "birthing" and bedding. Our birthing consists of bunk beds and there are approximately 40 men in one open room. It smells wonderful. There is a nervous anticipation about the room. Some guys are fiddling with their uniform, other guys are listening to their IPODS. On Friday night I went and had a few beers with some of my shipmates at the bar on base called the Impact Zone. It is about five buildings down from our barracks. LCDR Bryan Cook was one of my drinking mates for the evening. At first glance he looks like one mean bastard with his mustache and high and tight haircut, but once you get to know him you realize that he is as soft as orange custard. He has been in the Navy for 27 years-starting out as an E-1 and has climbed all the way to an 04. He is now a supply officer. Impressive indeed. He peppered us young Sailors in the group with war stories about the Navy as all lifers tend to do, but I found it interesting. Of course as more beer was consumed the jokes came out, and I told a few of my favorites which elicited a couple of chuckles...
Tomorrow, we rise at 0500 to begin our first day of training with our drill Sergeant Gainey from North Carolina. The last words Drill Sergeant Gainey left with us as he left us on Sunday night is I am going to get drunk and ride my motorcycle. Hopefully not in that order .
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5 comments:
Great Idea.I hope your Drill Serg. is not like Serg. Holeka "with the big toe". Good luck over next couple of days. See you soon . Love Jarrett
Communal living - what a change.Love the blog! Glad that you will be able to take weekend leave.Can't wait to see you.Love, MOM
such amazing posts, court! thoughtful and insightful. i can't tell you how good it makes us feel to share the experience with you. i have had so many questions and you've answered all and then some. we really appreciate that you are both serving a noble cause and taking the time to share it with us. I find the technical stuff totally fascinating, too. i can't believe you've had all that weapons training! wow. how's the weather in kuwait? is it africa hot?
take care and talk to you soon. james
Robbins Family here and all doing well. Myles left yesterday and we're missing him so much - Jarrett and Betsy too. So proud of your service Court and love the blog. Go to caringbridge.org to keep up with Willy and we know where to find you. Wear a helmet on that motorcycle! Best love, Melanie and Willy
Hi Court,
Cool chair I can see where one would get use to it. Post some pics of where you are staying now, The American Embassy and your office if you get a chance. You look fit and well in your uniform M19 and all.
Love.
Dad
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