Another Test Day (AIT - Fort Gordon) Day 61

This morning we did an ability group run for PT. This is the first time since basic that we’ve done this. It is nice because it lets the fast people go at their fast pace and the slow pokes like me still run and get a work out, but we don’t slow down the fast folks and we don’t fall out of the big group runs. I ran in C group (the slow pokes), but I’m definitely not the slowest...that is for sure. We even had some guys fall out of our group run. Our run had a little twist to it, about half way through the run we pulled over to a field and did 42 push-ups and 50 sit-ups. After that “break” from running we turned around and ran back. It was a pretty good workout for sure. I hear we are going to be in for a lot more tough workouts because PVT Celtic’s dad was visiting this last weekend. His dad is a Lt. Colonel and when he was talking to sergeant Kent he mentioned that his son said the PT here is a joke (which PVT Celtic denies saying). So I think we’re all going to be screwed!

After PT we got ready and had our nice slow breakfast. We were joined by a captain and her husband (a major). Usually I would feel a bit uncomfortable having officers sit next to us, but both of these officers were chaplains. Chaplains are always very nice and personable when talking to them.

We headed out from breakfast to the IET center and shortly after we arrived it started pouring down rain. Luckily there is a little covered area at the entrance where we could wait until they opened. Once they opened we all went in and assumed our nap positions. Gotta love nap time!

After lunch we headed to class. Today is test day for Windows Server 2008. Once we got to class we had an hour to prepare for the test...everyone just kind of sat around and chatted with each other. Once test time started we had two hours to finish. The test consisted of 5 multiple choice questions, then installing Windows 2008 Server and configuring some features on it as well as setting up some user accounts and groups. Pretty straight forward stuff. I finished first and headed over to the student break area where we had to wait until everyone was done and the instructor finished grading all the tests.

After about an hour and a half we were told to head back to class where we were shown our grade and signed the grade sheet. I scored 100%! Once everyone signed we got another 20 minute break so the instructor could take the grade sheets to the office. Once break was over we cleaned up around the building and in the classroom.

After dinner I went to Charlie company (which I usually avoid at all costs) so I could turn in my leave request. For some crazy reason we have to turn in our LES (Leave & Earnings Statement) and a Google Map showing where we will be staying. This is something that totally baffles me, but I had my wife mail me everything I needed since getting a printer here is a bit of a pain in the butt. So it’s all turned in and I’m ready to get outta this place and spend some quality time with my wife on Labor Day weekend. I can’t wait!!

Rest of the day consisted of marching back to RBK and taking a much needed shower. You can sweat here doing nothing but standing in formation.

Friday The 13th (AIT - Fort Gordon) Day 58

This morning I think our PT sergeant was having a bad day. He is a delta company sergeant (we rotate out sergeants here at RBK) and he just seemed pissed from the start. He called out the exercises pretty fast, having us switch from one to another over and over. He wanted to go for a run, but the other sergeants I don’t think wanted to run because they went up to him and had a little conversation and ended up leaving. Without the extra sergeants he couldn't take us for a run, so he had us sprint back and forth on the field we were working out on. This is the first PT session where we had people actually fall out. We had three guys throwing up and one had to be helped back into the barracks. Pretty crazy start to the day.

The rest of the morning was perfect. PFC Metal, the young Hawaiian and I all did our duties in our room and then went to the RFAC pretty late. We took our time eating while the buses pulled away. After a while I looked up and noticed that there seemed to be only officers and NCOs around, so I suggested we make our way outta there. We walked to the IET center and took our morning naps. All three of us passed out. This is the perfect way to start the school day nice and refreshed.

Lunch...then school was next. This is our last day of Windows 2008 server. We will test out of it on Monday. There were a number of people that just couldn’t stay awake in class, I guess they didn’t get their morning nap..LOL

My wife had her last day at her job today. Seems strange being the sole provider now. She is going to get the house ready for renters since we were unable to sell in this crappy housing market. The last thing I wanted to be is a landlord. Uggggghh. We are going to have a local property management take over everything because we have no idea where we will be. That is one thing that has been on our minds for a while now. Where will I get stationed. I filled out the “dream sheet” or “wish list” as some call it. It is all done online now via your AKO account. I have no idea how much they even look at the places, but I hope I get someplace at least decent. I chose Ft. Lewis in Washington State because that would be the easiest transition for me and my family. The base is actually only about a half hour from most of my family and my wife’s family. I also chose a base in California and one in Texas. I figured if possible I’d like to be on the west coast. For my oversea assignments I chose Germany, Hawaii and then Korea. I really have no desire to go to Japan or Alaska. Korea just seemed better than either of those. My wife asks me every day if I have found out yet where we are going. I check every day and have to tell her “no baby...not yet”. From what I’ve heard from others I may find out in the next week or two...or three. I guess we’ll see.

For now we are putting everything we haven’t sold into storage. My wife is going to stay with family until we get shipped to wherever this adventure takes us.

Overheard Quote: “Get off your knees, this isn’t the navy” (The PT sergeant after a few people dropped to their knees doing push-ups during PT this morning)

People fall asleep in class all the time. Some teachers let it go and others make you do push-ups.

I say let 'em sleep and it's on them to pass the class. I've been there...sometimes you just cannot keep

your eyes open!

Rehearsal Day (AIT - Fort Gordon) Day 56

Had to wake up at 4:15 this morning even though we were not going to be doing PT. We had to be in formation in our ACUs and we had to get all our cleaning duties done before the formation. Once we were all accounted for we marched over to Centurion Field which is right next to the Charlie barracks. After arrival there, we stood for an hour doing nothing...absolutely nothing.

We finally started the rehearsal and ran through it twice before we were released to go eat breakfast. After breakfast PFC Metal and I walked over to the IET center and waited for it to open. Once it opened we assumed our positions and took a nice nap until lunch time. I’m starting to really like this IET center. 

We ate lunch and went to class. Today starts Windows Server 2008. We went through some slides and a practical exercise of installing and some configuring of some basic services.

Ate dinner and then marched back to RBK. Took a long shower and kicked back and relaxed the rest of the night. Today was a pretty good day.

Overheard Quote: “False motivation is better than no motivation” (Our command sergeant major during the rehearsal telling everyone we need to sound off better.)

Test Day (AIT - Fort Gordon) Day 55

This morning sergeant Kent decided since we didn’t run yesterday that we should run today...and run we did. In sergeant Kent fashion we found hills and run up them. At least I’m feeling better now. Even though the run was pretty tough, I wasn’t coughing and hacking all over the place.

We got on the bus to head to class and when we got there we just headed over to the IET center since our class doesn’t start until noon (making sure we didn’t go by Charlie company - you never want to be seen without something to do or else they will find something for you to do) I could get used to this schedule! Once we got in the IET center me and a number of us just sat down and took naps. 

We woke from our naps and went to lunch at 11:00, then class at noon. Today is test day, our Windows Vista class will soon be over. The test was completely hands on. It included installing Vista and setting up some users and groups as well as some other minor stuff. I’m a Mac guy and I think I could have done this test in my sleep. I scored 100% along with about two thirds of the class. The entire class passed though which is the important part.

After class we were informed that everyone in Charlie company and in software classes will have to attend a “changing of responsibility” ceremony. That is just great. So after dinner we had to go rehearse for the upcoming ceremony. So instead of heading back to RBK we had to stand in the sun in formation. We listened to what was going to happen and went back and forth from attention to parade rest multiple times. An hour and 15 minutes later we were able to head off to RBK.

We found out that we also have another rehearsal tomorrow morning instead of PT, that might not be too bad... I need to give my legs some rest as I hear we are having another run day tomorrow at RBK with sergeant Kent.

Overheard Quote: “I can’t believe how much this place sucks” (I heard this from an MOS-T talking about Fort Gordon at lunch as he was getting up to leave)

Voluntold (AIT - Fort Gordon) Day 54

Three of the lucky guys at RBK who were "voluntold" to do some duties

We had no PT this morning, but we did have to dress in our PTs and report to formation at the normal time (5:15AM). It is the first day of civilian school here in Georgia and I guess they let the NCOs have the morning off to get their kids to school their first day and make sure everything goes smooth for them. I was thinking this was pretty awesome so far, but it got even better after roll call. The sergeant said words that I’ve never heard come out of any sergeants mouth...”you guys can do whatever you want, you can even go back to sleep” We just had to make sure we were back for a 7:30 formation. This was great. I am finally getting over my cold, so one more day without PT is perfect.

I had a great breakfast. I ate slow and even had coffee. There is always FOX News going on in the RFAC where we eat. It’s pretty conservative and I think it's always a hit with the soldiers. There are always a few around making comments with every story that comes on.

At the 7:30 formation I was in for a little surprise. While everyone else was told they can hang out and do whatever they want until the 10:40 formation, me and 7 others were “voluntold” that we had to do detail. The guy picked us at random and said “don’t worry, you guys will be done by 9”. Right then I thought BS! It’s never that easy. We had to pick up trash, sweep, spray down the stairs, and weed eat. I guess the command sergeant major is coming by later on, so everything has to look nice. We finished everything at 10:15, so I got a little break before the formation.

We formed up and went to lunch, then to class. The class is still Windows Vista. I’m not going to lie...I fell asleep. It didn’t happen just once either. In fact I think about 3/4 of the class fell asleep at some point. Our instructor just told everyone to work on the practical exercises. (installing vista and setting up users and groups) That got old really quick, which is why so many people were looking at the back of their eyelids.

Finally class ended and we marched back to eat, then back to RBK. So nice to get back and not have mandatory study hall. I actually have a bit of time to wind down.

The Wife

do you think "Volentold" would work with the kids?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 01:22 PM


The Wife

Ok I meant "Voluntold". ;)

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 01:23 PM