The Sharp Edged Road

Where are we at today?

I'll tell you. We're now less than a week from OCS graduation. When I first came here, I doubted that this week would even come. Now that it is here, I'm still amazed that it is here. Week 11 was all completely administrative. The last block to check as of Monday was the end of cycle PT test. I did very well, having received a 288 on it. That is an increase of 41 points from the last time. That is a testament to the physical training we have endured since day 1. There were a few highlights to the week. The biggest one for me is the fact that we have all signed our DD 214's. That is the discharge form for the military. I received an honorable discharge! You have to be discharged from active enlisted service before you are commissioned into the officer corps. Between the 18th and 19th, I will be a civilian (technically) for 24 hours. Beer anyone?

I also had my ID card made. I thought it was a shock to see 2LT Douglas Sharp on it rather than Staff Sergeant Douglas Sharp. Can I get used to this new world? I guess I'll find out rather quickly. The evenings were rather filled with random things. Many people are getting complacent about things and irritability is picking up. 12 weeks in this environment yields that I suppose. I keep trying to remind people that this is not the last time we will have to work with each other. The officer's world is very small and has to be civil. The complacency has led the cadre to constantly make threats to take away our weekend and our family time next week. I have issues with these type of threats, but that's another story for another time.

I wish I had more to report about this week. The excitement is gathering very quickly. The cadre has encouraged us to begin moving out of the barracks. Today I packed up about half my belongings to prepare for my departure next Thursday. After this posting, I can only imagine that there will be only one more. That will, of course, be about graduation week. Until then....

SOC Sharp