Log Entry 03Aug2007: Week One in the Archives

Well, week one is in the archive now. There are around 18 sailors here now. Small potatoes among thousands of soldiers and a few hundred airmen who are also gearing up for deployment. We are the first contingent of Navy personnel to be sent to Ft. McCoy, so we get a lot of stares and “Boy, I haven’t seen Navy guys for a while. Should you be ‘mobing’ off the coast somewhere?”

The routine is starting to sink in now, but there is somewhat of a division between the reservists and active duty personnel. Nothing major – mainly authority issues. You know the scenario: when the chiefs do chief stuff, not all the Indians are happy. Somewhat childish, if you ask me, but alas, no one is asking, so I just keep my mouth shut and trust that the Lord is ordering my steps. (Psalm 37:23)

Mostly, we have been doing a lot of busy stuff because the Army hasn’t figured out exactly what to do with us! Classes, some medical ( I took a Combat Lifesaver Course and did an actual live IV on someone!), getting licenses to drive certain types of vehicles, etc.

On Wednesday we had an all day session to become “battle-minded”!. There was a quote in there by General Patton: “You don’t win wars by dying for your country. You win wars by causing your opponents to die for their country!” Much of our training centers on safety, the lack thereof being the main cause of casualties. Some graphic examples were presented – my heart was troubled that so many young men and women have lost their lives due to either personal carelessness or that of a fellow soldier. Yeah – they died for their country, but to what advantage?

Ok, back to the present. Next week - it’s off to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) for about 7 days of “real” training! The FOB here is suppose to simulate the real thing, so it’s tents and MREs. Joy! The neat thing is that we get to play with some cool Army toys! I’ll have a report on that soon…

Also, I am learning to speak Wisconsin while I am here: Yooouh Betcha', etc. I can understand most of it as it is very close to real English!

Well - until next time...

As always, feel free to comment or ask questions. Right now, until I am able to actually log on to my blog site, please comment or respond via email.

Cork (The Desert Squid)