TRAINING WEEK TWO
Thursday; 980507; 2140; MCRD, San Diego
I will now pick up where I left off on yesterday.
Monday; 980504 - T6
Back to the same routine. Although we did go to get our hair cut after morning chow. Drill Instructor Sgt. White is really beginning to put some serious work time into our drill. T day 17 is Initial Drill Inspection. He has repeatedly told us that he and the other Drill Instructors don't like to lose (the platoons in a series compete against each other throughout boot camp).
We are only continuing to develop our reputation as the laziest and most undisciplined of the 6 platoons in Lima Company. One of our recruits was seen by the 3rd Battalion Commanding Officer leaning out of a portal (window) while drinking from his water bowl (canteen). At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson was speaking with our Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Saenz. Our Senior wasn't too pleased about that, to say the least.
One of the guys that I looked up to since the beginning, failed the run in PT (physical training). He has shin splints and has been on crutches the rest of the day. He was one of our pick-ups back in receiving. He came from MRP (Medical Rehabilitation Platoon).
Tuesday; 980505 - T7
Kim, the recruit who has shin splints, was sent back to MRP today. NOTE: When I refer to names in this journal, they are all last names. By the time that I go back home I will be so accustomed to hearing Howard that it will be strange being called Seth.
Again the drill is very important now. Unfortunately we aren't improving very fast. That is also leading to problems. Most of those problems relate to IT (Initiative Training). Two synonyms that go with IT are: quarterdeck and pit. Generally IT consists of side-straddle hops (jumping jacks), push-ups (by the numbers), in-place run, and flutter kicks. By the numbers means that we execute only one movement at a time in a series of movements. For instance, in push-ups there are only two moves: up and down. So, when the Drill Instructor says up we push up, and when he says down we go down. Now doing drill by the numbers is often much more complex. For an example I will use 'inspection arms.' We start with the weapon (M16A2) outside of our left leg aligned with our toes and our thumb along the trouser seam while standing at the POA (Position of Attention). This is 'order arms.' For inspection there are 7 steps in the first of three sections. 1) up stop 2) port stop 3) place stop 4) pull stop 5) push stop 6) look stop 7) port stop (I won't explain these now because it would take way too long).
The second section is different and is done in slow, continuous, and smooth movements. It goes as follows: "Move to the button, push; move to the cover, close; move to the trigger, freeze."
The third section picks right up with the Drill Instructor giving the command and in rapid succession we repeat click, pop. Pulling the trigger and quickly going back to port arms.
PT is still relatively easy. We are still only running 1.5 miles. That is except for yesterday and today. These last two days we had line training. Line training is basically self-defense moves.
Today we also received our PX cards. They gave us a class for them. We didn't make a PX call though. These cards are essentially ATM cards that are operated by Marine Corps West Credit Union.
Wednesday; 980506 - T8
Well, we finally got to make a PX call today. There was a bunch of stuff that we all were required to buy. I also bought other things that I needed. Things like ink stamp pad for marking personal items, another stationary kit, this journal I am writing in now, skivvies, skivvie shirts, socks, and some post cards that I will be sending soon.
We had our PT in the afternoon today. Our run distance was also increased to 1.75 miles.
One thing that I have noticed is that for the last week my attitude and morale about the Drill Instructors has changed. I believe that this is because I began to read more from the New Testament that I was given on the first Sunday. I have already re-read through the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and James. As I read I do a lot of marking verses. This and my prayer time at evening devotions has really been a strength and encouragement.
Thursday; 980507 - T9
Visitors Day (this is when the families of recruits graduating that week can come visit their recruit for several hours).
10 weeks left.
We made a breakthrough this afternoon as we actually began to march instead of doing whatever we have been doing. After evening chow we watched a short film done earlier this year of a Lima Company Platoon doing final drill (GOOD). We only have 6 more days (T days) left before the Initial Drill Inspection. The Wednesday after Initial Drill is the beginning of Team Week (or Mess and Maintenance Week).
PT today was the same as usual. Run 2 miles, pull-ups and crunches. We were told tonight that tomorrow's PT is the Confidence Course. My bunk-mate has dental tomorrow and will miss. He liked the idea of missing PT until he heard that we would be on the Confidence Course.
It is getting very late and so I will need to quit for now.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Praise God.
980508; Friday; 2135; MCRD, San Diego - T10
I said yesterday that we would be going to the Confidence Course for PT. Well, we did. Unfortunately, I was selected as gear guard and had to remain at the house (barracks) as front hatch firewatch (barracks security duty).
We also had a very interesting situation happen to Lima Company late this morning. We had just gotten out of First Aid class and proceeded to go to Marine Corps History IV. All six of Lima Company's platoons attend the same classes at the same time. Just after we were all seated, our instructor Sgt. Duntzler was getting prepared to start the class when a Drill Instructor from one of the other platoons interrupted him and handed him two messages from the Commanding General of MCRD (Major General Osman). After reading them he got our attention and said that the messages pertained to us. He then went on to tell us what the messages said. He said that Iraq had invaded Kuwait again and that the Marine Expeditionary Unit stationed in Kuwait had been completely overrun with casualties of 1,400 dead. He then had us observe a moment of silence before explaining the rest.
He said that the 1st Marine Division (based at Camp Pendleton) was preparing to ship to Kuwait immediately. He then went on to explain that Lima Company had been designated for casualty replacement. He explained that Lima Company was now all infantry and that we would graduate from Basic in 4 weeks before heading to the Middle East. We would be replacing the casualties from the 1st Marine Division.
He then told us that our Senior Drill Instructor would take us and give us a 3 minute phone call and that we needed to get the full name, address and SSN of our next of kin. We would then fill out a will.
He asked us who could not go. There were a few who raised their hands. He then brought in the Drill Instructors and after a few minutes of confusion the Drill Instructors left.
He then told us that actually we were not at war. He went on to explain that this situation was what had happened at the outbreak of the Korean War with the recruits who were then at MCRD.
I'll tell you one thing, he gave us quite a trip. The rest of the day wasn't nearly as heart-wrenching.
One thing I discovered is that it would be a bummer to graduate on a rainy day. It rained briefly during the late morning (the same time as the graduation ceremonies).
Today we came off of our synonyms in drill. Now we hum them to (try to) keep together.
Over the last 3 days it has actually rained some. It does get cool at night, though. A lot like a mild desert (when it's sunny). Hot during the day and cold at night.
I started reading in Romans today. It is wonderful to know that God has already done the work. All we must do is accept His gift. I am also reading a Proverb a day and I read several Psalms today. Being out on my own with no other Christian fellowship, I have found that reading and prayer get me through and give me strength.
One thing I have been convicted about is pausing for a moment to thank God before each chow. I started doing it today. I realize that I do have so much to be thankful for. Praise God.
980509; Saturday; 2145; MCRD, San Diego - T11
Well, only 1 week left before the Initial Drill Inspection. We went out on the Parade Deck for the first time today. Can't say that we did well, but we didn't get kicked off either. Platoon 3069 did, though. They were on it just before us.
We finished up our final two Marine Corps History classes today, also. Marine Corps History V was over the Vietnam period, and MCH VI was the '80's and '90's including Operation Desert Storm/Shield. Both of those classes were very interesting. The cool part about the history classes is that we got to watch short films about either the time periods or someone from that time period. For instance, yesterday in MCH IV we watched a film about Colonel Chesty Puller. Colonel Puller is the only Marine to have been awarded 5 Navy Crosses.
Every weekend we hand wash our clothes, so we did that this evening. Knowing the weather, it probably won't cooperate.
With our drilling we are getting in the most trouble when working arms (drilling with the M16). The moves aren't very hard and most of the moves have the same movement in them as the others do. We just aren't thinking. Our Drill Instructors keep telling us that drill is a thinking man's game. Apparently our platoon doesn't think.
Because of the two history classes, we had PT in the afternoon again. I would much rather have it in the morning, though. Just to get it out of the way early and remove a distraction.
At evening chow today, we had something I haven't seen yet. You know what a breaded chicken patty looks like. Well, we had something similar. The difference is that I think it was a breaded beef (thin steak) patty. Along with that they also had BBQ sauce in the condiments. Usually they only have salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce. I put tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and BBQ sauce on two slices of bread and made a sandwich with the meat patty. GREAT. We also do that with their breaded fish and chicken patties.
Received a letter from Grandma Betty today. Sure was nice to hear from them. One thing though, any one of the women in my family could out-cook the people here. That includes both Grandma's as well as Gramma Grape. The only reason we like the chow so well is because the meals are so far apart with no other food in-between meal times.
Read in Romans today, chapters 4-6. This grace of our God only boggles my mind. A verse in chapter 5 says that while we were yet sinners, and therefore enemies, Christ died for us. WOW. What a wonderful God we serve. Reminds me of that song - What a wonderful God we serve. Angels bow before Him. Heaven and earth adore Him. What a wonderful God we serve. - Amen and let God be praised. Remember that He does deserve more praise than can ever be given to Him. This should help us to realize that God can not be praised or thanked too much or too often. Especially as we realize that He deserves even the praise that we cannot offer because we do not know r understand.
980510; Sunday; 2145; MCRD, San Diego - H2
Sunday #3. Kilo Company left for Camp Pendleton this afternoon. They were in another wing of our barracks. They are only 4 weeks ahead of us. Platoons 3065-67 are in another series, but we are all in the same training cycle together. The barracks have 3 stories so that a series can fit in each wing. Platoon 3069 has the first floor, we have the second (Platoon 3070), and Platoon 3071 has the 3rd story.
The First Steps in Christ class discussed Ephesians 2:8-9. More specifically the 3 words GRACE, SAVED, and FAITH. I almost didn't go to the services today, but with God's prompting I went and I am most certainly glad that I was obedient. What was covered was not new, but to have it re-circulated to the front of my mind has given me encouragement.
We were allowed to buy a newspaper for the first time since arriving at San Diego. Not all that interesting being that I am not familiar with the local area.
Our drill has really improved today. Not so much that we're getting better at executing, but we were moving with "speed and intensity" as well as thinking. We went on the Parade Deck again today. I don't know if it is the solution, but the last two days we have been drilling with more and more motivation.
After evening chow we were all allowed to make a 10 minute phone call. No one was at home, so I called Grandma Betty. Sure was great to hear a familiar voice over the phone.
Well, it's Mother's Day today. Sent a letter home yesterday but it won't get home until probably Tuesday. It sure is interesting to see now how much both Dad and Mom have done for me. I see it more now because I am out of the house and out from under their direct authority. Right now I would rather be under the constant authority of my parents than under the authority of these Drill Instructors. That's just part of life. Gotta grow up someday.
"I never could've realized the hole that one person of a family of eleven could make. It is only now that I see just how blessed we are. I see that now that I am away from home. God truly has blessed me with a family that loves Him. All that I have reflected upon are times of joy, sincerity, love, fellowship, and self-sacrifice. I would in an instant come back home to the small petty disputes than to be tempted and concerned with the trials and issues of this world. Unfortunately that would mean that I would never grow up. God has called me and I have followed. Pray that I might not fall away. Out here in this world God truly is my strength and stronghold. For without Him is nothing."
from a letter dated 980513
Drill Instructor Sgt. White wanted some of us to write a chant for PT (while double-timing). I didn't say that I would do one, but I did one. I didn't want to commit and then not have the time to do it. Better safe than sorry. It goes like this:
Look who's floating down the street,
Lima Company's 3070.
Sgt. Saenz, he's standing tall,
Fearless leader to us all.
Sgt. White, he's going strong,
Drillin' us all day long.
Sgt. Wilson, he is tough,
Teachin' us right from wrong.
Sgt. Harrison, he's a rock,
Works us hard 'till we die.
Look who's guidon's hanging high,
3070's won it all.
Please feel free to me!
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