The Three Week Phase

It is written in the OCS SOP that after week three, certain restrictions can and will be lifted. However, this company has already shown that they don't mind tightening the standard. Most of us did not believe that we would finally receive the transition from study barracks to study time. Study time allows candidates to spend their evenings studying in locations away from the barracks to someplace on post. It can be a good time to go to the PX and get stuff necessary to help out on class study. We also received word that we can now use the vending machines to buy soda or snacks. Before now, it was forbidden. This change puts a little light in the hearts of many of my friends here. In some ways, it is better to be college option. They look at this like a party, for they just came from basic training. Going from prison lockdown to this place must seem like a breath of fresh air. To those of us straight from the real Army, however, there are some adjustment issues. Gone are the days where you went to work, did your PT, did your mission, and came home. Here, you don't come home. It seems like the mission goes forever and sleep may never actually come. Nevertheless, we must endure.

I have some fears right now. My performance Friday on the leadership development course was less than stellar. A couple of people in my squad did not necessarily want to follow my plan, so they tried to make their own. It showed I didn't have control over them. I managed to earn a satisfactory, but the fact that I know I didn't have control concerns me. The single most important leadership evaluation here is the leadership lanes in the field. If you don't get evaluated with a positive note there, you might as well get ready for a recycle back to day 1 OCS. In my case, I am TDY from my unit's training funds. If I don't pass, it's back to Fort Hood and back to Guardrail. I might as well kiss my Army career good-bye at that point for I refuse to put in 20 enlisted years. I would basically just let my contract run out and find something else to do.

The graded 3 mile went well on Friday for me. I managed to run 22:58. That is the fastest I have ever run 3 miles in my life. Those who ran faster than 21:00 got positive spot reports and there were quite a few. I somewhat think that this result is why the cadre are allowing us to have a few more privileges. We were also allowed a 24 hour pass this weekend, which will allow me to finish some much needed errands. I have already bought over 300 dollars worth of uniforms and equipment necessary for me to set up a decent SOP locker display. Right now, it's Saturday night. I am considering a trip downtown to watch "The Punisher." I'm not sure how many people will be there, but I don't feel like spending too much of the evening in the barracks. I do have to sleep here tonight because I have CQ duty early tomorrow morning. My plate tomorrow consists of a trip to the barber and the laundromat. The fun will continue for a couple of weeks.

Coming this week: It's tactical operations week. Each day will be a quiz on specific tactical operations of an infantry platoon or squad. There is also a graded 7 mile ruck march probably with an insane amount of equipment and an insane pace. The ability group run is Monday and given my time, they are going to try and get me to run in B group. Last week, I could barely keep up with C group so I am going to try and stay in it. Combatives 2 will be on Tuesday and platoon PT will be on Thursday. There is a graduation run on Friday for B Company, who graduate just after exodus. Should be yet another insanely busy week.

BOC Sharp, signing off.