Yesterday was only rough for about two hours. We started out with PT which is starting to get fun. It is less and less hard each day. We ran a mile after some strenuous pull up and push up exercises. After that we got ready to go to the gas chamber. WOW! I wasn't worried going into the situation, but it wasn't too horrible. We were briefed about the rules and procedures, then were lead into the chamber. It freaked me the hell out. I couldn't breathe! It burned my skin, eyes, throat, lungs and all of the above. I thought they were never going to let me out of that room. Some people really started to freak out, one guy especially. He started to bolt for the door and Drill Sergeant "M", closed lined him. It was a huge relief to get out of that room. That C.S. Gas is no joke. It's a high concentrated form of tear gas. Once we did that, we were pretty much done for the day. We ate dinner, cleaned our weapons, got smoked, etc.. We got to go to bed at 9:00 pm (2100) and wake up this morning at 0700. We got ten hours of sleep! It was amazing.
Today is July 12 th which is our 10 th day here at BCT. We have been noticing some weird stuff going on here. The Drill Sergeants are being nicer. We aren't getting yelled at as much, and we are slowly getting more privilege's. For example, we get cold drinks now instead of warm ones, from the d-Fac (dining facility). We are allowed more than one drink now, we can get more food, we get more then five minutes to eat, and we are slowly being able to be treated like humans.
They can still be Jack Asses and will still smoke us, but they joke around with us more now. We think we are slowly being phased into White Phase. If that is the case, then please bring it on.
I am slowly beginning to adapt to the military lifestyle, and each day is beginning to suck less and less. I still would rather be somewhere else than to be here, and I miss my family like crazy!
Once this is all over and I graduate, I'm going to take a few days off to go home and recharge my batteries. I need to for my own sanity, then I will move onward to where I will be stationed. I miss a lot of things from the civilian world: Food, Soda, Beer, Girls, Music, My Family, My Freakin Dog, My Niece and My Motorcycle, being able to drive my truck, being able to shower when I'd like to, being not sweaty, wearing civilian cloths, etc. I'm looking forward do so many things when I get out of here. Being denied things like this makes you really appreciate the little things in life.
Anyways, this morning I got up , ate a huge breakfast (hey Dad, I've gained 8 lbs since I've been here) and then we went to church.
We had to march since the church was right down the street. Our Drill Sergeant (not one of mine) took us the wrong way, so what was supposed to be a walk down the street, turned into a two mile road march. We all got to church late and all sweaty. Besides that part, I really enjoyed it. It was a good spiritual release, and I'm definitely going back next Sunday. I got a Bible now, so I will have something to read now. I'm not a real church going person, but I think I'm going to give this a chance. When we returned from church, we ate lunch and then did some yard work, out on the PT track,pulling weeds. Then we had to come back into the bay to clean mop, sweep, and wax the entire thing. We all had to write out the chain of command 10 times, and I had already done it and it was due by Monday the 13th. I found out earlier that we couldn't abbreviate anything. So I had to go back and redo everything! I just now finished, and now I'm writing this letter. I really don't know what is going on with the mail, but I still have not received anything. I can't call or use the phone or anything like that, so this is my only means of communication. Please, Please write me! I just want to hear from my family. If you have been writing, then I appreciate it. I don't know why it is taking so long to get mail here. I'm just getting lonely. It's almost time for chow, I'll write more tomorrow. I miss you guys.
PFC Zaleuke
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 10, 2009
Today was boring as Hell. We had some easy PT this morning, then we went to chow, which was so good. I don't know how I get so hungry!
We spent a total of six hours sitting in the auditorium viewing power points and listening to lectures. I had to fight tooth and nail to stay awake. It really is almost impossible to stay awake in there. I have a new nickname that Sargent "P" is calling me! Frog. I freaked out yesterday on an obstacle when a tree frog jumped on me, and you all know how I am about frogs.
After our classes we got our stuff and walked to the PX. I bought an extra set of PT's, a new towel, tooth brush to clean my weapon, bottle of baby powder!! A new notebook and pens, insoles for my boots and a few other random things. We had a list of things we could or could not buy, and it sucked having to see all of the food, soda and candy that I couldn't have. I swear when I get out of here I'm going to pig out and eat so much shit until I throw up. I noticed today that I am getting some massive calf's. I've never had big calf's, but I'm getting stronger all around. It's kind of cool.
Right now I'm sitting in the grass outside of the PX waiting for the rest of the platoons to finish shopping. It's about 0530 and about the time we march back, chow should be ready! (I'm Starving) I'll write more at the end of the night.
Alright, this is a few hours later since the paragraph above. Right after I stopped writing we got smoked on the gravel parking lot for an hour for unknown reasons. Afterward we had to march back to the bay and every one's grocery bags were ripping and their stuff was falling out everywhere. I felt bad for them because the Drill Sergeants were yelling and screaming at them to pick it all up and keep marching. When we got back to the bay we got smoked again for 20 min's before dinner again for reasons unknown. Dinner was pretty good though, so it was all kind of worth it. We then had to go out to the PT track and sit down for a lecture about ruck marching, but we all thought we wee heading our to the PT field to be smoked. So it was a pleasant surprise. Even more surprising , we actually got personal time tonight and that's how I'm writing right now.
I'm going to take a shower and then relax a bit, I guess. Lights out at 2100 and I have fireguard duty from 2200 to 2300, which I don't mind too much. I will still get a good night sleep. I forgot to mention earlier that we had mandatory haircuts today which pissed me off. My hair was finally looking nice and almost to the point to where, I didn't look goofy anymore. That all went out the window today, they shaved it down to the scalp, yes again. I can't tell you how cool I look with shorts 4 inches above the knee, calf socks, tucked in T-Shirt, bald ass head and sweet thick brown glasses......
Tomorrow is the gas chamber. I'm looking forward to it too, because the C.S. gas will clear out my sinus and get all of this snot out of my system. I'm not 100% knowledgeable yet on all of the shit, they want me to memorize. So they better not ask me things I don't know in the gas chambers. I am under the impression we will be having a ruck march to the gas chamber, because we walk everywhere. I'm thinking it will be a 6 mile march each way. So it should make for one fun ass day! (not)
On a more personal note, this place can be a real drag. It is honestly so so difficult and not what I expected at all. I however am not a quitter, and I will finish what I started.
There are a bunch of guy's in my platoon who are going to sick call daily, to get profiles, others are going to claim everything from suicide, depression, anxiety, fake injuries, all while in hope of getting some type of discharge. The one kid in my platoon who was on suicide watch is leaving tomorrow. he got a discharge and will be going to 30 A.G for approximately 4 months, until his paperwork goes through. Another one of my buddies here is on his last leg and is about to go attempt to get discharged on Monday. I'm trying to talk him out of it. It all really sucks, I haven't heard from my family in over 8 days, and all I want to do is talk to my Dad. I can make this, but all I want right now is my dad's words of wisdom. It all helps me for some reason.
If anyone of my friends read this , or family, can you guys write me some? It gets kind of lonely here, and I miss all of you. Pictures world be nice too! Pics of my dog, my niece, family , friends, etc. Just give me something to look at when I am thinking about home.
I'm going to go shower now and get ready for fire guard. I'll write again tomorrow. It's July 10th and I haven't heard from anyone yet. Maybe the mail is just plain slow.
PFC Zaleuke
We spent a total of six hours sitting in the auditorium viewing power points and listening to lectures. I had to fight tooth and nail to stay awake. It really is almost impossible to stay awake in there. I have a new nickname that Sargent "P" is calling me! Frog. I freaked out yesterday on an obstacle when a tree frog jumped on me, and you all know how I am about frogs.
After our classes we got our stuff and walked to the PX. I bought an extra set of PT's, a new towel, tooth brush to clean my weapon, bottle of baby powder!! A new notebook and pens, insoles for my boots and a few other random things. We had a list of things we could or could not buy, and it sucked having to see all of the food, soda and candy that I couldn't have. I swear when I get out of here I'm going to pig out and eat so much shit until I throw up. I noticed today that I am getting some massive calf's. I've never had big calf's, but I'm getting stronger all around. It's kind of cool.
Right now I'm sitting in the grass outside of the PX waiting for the rest of the platoons to finish shopping. It's about 0530 and about the time we march back, chow should be ready! (I'm Starving) I'll write more at the end of the night.
Alright, this is a few hours later since the paragraph above. Right after I stopped writing we got smoked on the gravel parking lot for an hour for unknown reasons. Afterward we had to march back to the bay and every one's grocery bags were ripping and their stuff was falling out everywhere. I felt bad for them because the Drill Sergeants were yelling and screaming at them to pick it all up and keep marching. When we got back to the bay we got smoked again for 20 min's before dinner again for reasons unknown. Dinner was pretty good though, so it was all kind of worth it. We then had to go out to the PT track and sit down for a lecture about ruck marching, but we all thought we wee heading our to the PT field to be smoked. So it was a pleasant surprise. Even more surprising , we actually got personal time tonight and that's how I'm writing right now.
I'm going to take a shower and then relax a bit, I guess. Lights out at 2100 and I have fireguard duty from 2200 to 2300, which I don't mind too much. I will still get a good night sleep. I forgot to mention earlier that we had mandatory haircuts today which pissed me off. My hair was finally looking nice and almost to the point to where, I didn't look goofy anymore. That all went out the window today, they shaved it down to the scalp, yes again. I can't tell you how cool I look with shorts 4 inches above the knee, calf socks, tucked in T-Shirt, bald ass head and sweet thick brown glasses......
Tomorrow is the gas chamber. I'm looking forward to it too, because the C.S. gas will clear out my sinus and get all of this snot out of my system. I'm not 100% knowledgeable yet on all of the shit, they want me to memorize. So they better not ask me things I don't know in the gas chambers. I am under the impression we will be having a ruck march to the gas chamber, because we walk everywhere. I'm thinking it will be a 6 mile march each way. So it should make for one fun ass day! (not)
On a more personal note, this place can be a real drag. It is honestly so so difficult and not what I expected at all. I however am not a quitter, and I will finish what I started.
There are a bunch of guy's in my platoon who are going to sick call daily, to get profiles, others are going to claim everything from suicide, depression, anxiety, fake injuries, all while in hope of getting some type of discharge. The one kid in my platoon who was on suicide watch is leaving tomorrow. he got a discharge and will be going to 30 A.G for approximately 4 months, until his paperwork goes through. Another one of my buddies here is on his last leg and is about to go attempt to get discharged on Monday. I'm trying to talk him out of it. It all really sucks, I haven't heard from my family in over 8 days, and all I want to do is talk to my Dad. I can make this, but all I want right now is my dad's words of wisdom. It all helps me for some reason.
If anyone of my friends read this , or family, can you guys write me some? It gets kind of lonely here, and I miss all of you. Pictures world be nice too! Pics of my dog, my niece, family , friends, etc. Just give me something to look at when I am thinking about home.
I'm going to go shower now and get ready for fire guard. I'll write again tomorrow. It's July 10th and I haven't heard from anyone yet. Maybe the mail is just plain slow.
PFC Zaleuke
July 9, 2009
Today has been a weird, long, tiring day for all of us in Delta Company 4th Platoon, and for me especially. I have been feeling somewhat sick for the past few days, but this morning I woke up feeling like shit! Stuffy nose, headache, cough, just nasty. But I refuse to show any signs of weakness by going to sick call. I have had to work through worse things before, and I can do this .
Today started out rough because during PT, one of our guys decided to back talk our Drill Sergeant. Not a good idea! He tore his ass up, and we had to join and get smoked for about 15 minutes. That put the Drill Sergeants in a bad mood. By the way, Delta Company 4th Platoon has three Drill Sergeant's. DS "K" DS "P" and DS "M" I won't say their real names because of obvious reasons. But all of them have their cool sides. DS "P" is the oldest and coolest, while DS "K" is only 29 and thinks he has something to prove, in my opinion. But he also connects with us and some nights we will sit around the bay and listen to him talk and tell about Iraq, and it's pretty cool.
After morning PT, we had to dress in our ACU's and kevlar along with our rifles and march 2 miles (again) to an obstacle course. The first one we did was a pain in the ass. The entire course was about 2 and a half football fields long, with lots of challenges along the way. The rope climb and monkey bars were really difficult only because we had been doing pull ups all morning for PT, not to mention the shit ton of push ups, we had to do during getting smoked. Our muscles were almost spent. But the absolute worst part was having to lay down in the rows of flooded ditches and low crawl under barbed wire for 50 feet or so. We were completely soaking wet and immediately after had to crab walk, bear crawl, and low crawl through sand. I finished the course but me and the 200 + other guys were nasty as hell. Sand everywhere, and wet. Baking in the hot Georgia Sun. It was a pretty miserable. LOL.
After that, we got to eat lunch, and I some how managed to get the damn vegetarian MRE, and nobody would trade with me. The bright side was that it came with M & M's. Candy is like gold around here, since we don't get it. ( Please don't send any candy or food either.) It can get me in serious trouble.
After lunch we had to go across the street to the really fun obstacles, like the ones you see in the Army BCT videos or on You Tube. We got to do ONE of them, and while we were on another obstacle, a did from another platoon fell from the 35 foot drop and jacked himself up in the process. Army procedure requires us to stop all training when someone gets seriously injured. So apparently we are going to reschedule for another time. That's about how my day went.
We marched the two miles back and got cleaned up. We had to go sit and listen to the Command Sergeant Major speak with us, which is a pretty big deal. The Drill Sergeants are really serious about our conduct when their superiors are talking to us. We will get seriously smoked if we fall asleep. So... My damn battle buddy gets called out by the command Sergeant Major for sleeping. The Drill Sergeants told him to stand his ass up and get to the back of the auditorium. Then I hear, "Bring your battle buddy too!". I was like, "Oh son of a bitch!" So he and I had to do an uncountable amount of push ups in the back of the room while this guy lectured us. I was pretty pissed off at my battle buddy. He seems to screw up a lot and he is starting to get me in trouble now, when all I want to do is stay low key and out of the way, and not draw any unnecessary attention my way. Oh well, they knew it wasn't me, but I need to really get this kids ass in line before he gets me in anymore shit.
Tonight has been good. I'm doing laundry now and we have a good amount of free time which is nice. This means I'm writing this letter without fearing getting caught and smoked by our Drill Sergeants. One of the kids who bunks next to me, went to sick call this morning. So he had some advil which I got him to give me some, so my headache is gone for now, and I'm looking forward to getting a good nights sleep. I don't have fire guard tonight, luckily. So I'll get a full six or seven hours. I'm writing this letter now, next to this did who I seem to really get along with, named Thomas. That was random, but I just thought I'd throw that out there- he's pretty cool (used to be a football player).
As for tomorrow, who knows. I'm starting to realize anything is a possibility now. I just hope we don't march for miles and miles again. It's so damn hot and that 10b weapon feels 60 lbs after a few miles. A few kids are slowly starting to break and that one kid I mentioned earlier who was really home sick is now on "Suicide watch". I'm not sure of the exact details but he wears a bracelet that lets everyone know to keep an eye on him.
I hate to end this letter but I'm exhausted and it's about time for lights out. So I'm going to hit the sack. I love and miss you all!
PFC Zaleuke
Today started out rough because during PT, one of our guys decided to back talk our Drill Sergeant. Not a good idea! He tore his ass up, and we had to join and get smoked for about 15 minutes. That put the Drill Sergeants in a bad mood. By the way, Delta Company 4th Platoon has three Drill Sergeant's. DS "K" DS "P" and DS "M" I won't say their real names because of obvious reasons. But all of them have their cool sides. DS "P" is the oldest and coolest, while DS "K" is only 29 and thinks he has something to prove, in my opinion. But he also connects with us and some nights we will sit around the bay and listen to him talk and tell about Iraq, and it's pretty cool.
After morning PT, we had to dress in our ACU's and kevlar along with our rifles and march 2 miles (again) to an obstacle course. The first one we did was a pain in the ass. The entire course was about 2 and a half football fields long, with lots of challenges along the way. The rope climb and monkey bars were really difficult only because we had been doing pull ups all morning for PT, not to mention the shit ton of push ups, we had to do during getting smoked. Our muscles were almost spent. But the absolute worst part was having to lay down in the rows of flooded ditches and low crawl under barbed wire for 50 feet or so. We were completely soaking wet and immediately after had to crab walk, bear crawl, and low crawl through sand. I finished the course but me and the 200 + other guys were nasty as hell. Sand everywhere, and wet. Baking in the hot Georgia Sun. It was a pretty miserable. LOL.
After that, we got to eat lunch, and I some how managed to get the damn vegetarian MRE, and nobody would trade with me. The bright side was that it came with M & M's. Candy is like gold around here, since we don't get it. ( Please don't send any candy or food either.) It can get me in serious trouble.
After lunch we had to go across the street to the really fun obstacles, like the ones you see in the Army BCT videos or on You Tube. We got to do ONE of them, and while we were on another obstacle, a did from another platoon fell from the 35 foot drop and jacked himself up in the process. Army procedure requires us to stop all training when someone gets seriously injured. So apparently we are going to reschedule for another time. That's about how my day went.
We marched the two miles back and got cleaned up. We had to go sit and listen to the Command Sergeant Major speak with us, which is a pretty big deal. The Drill Sergeants are really serious about our conduct when their superiors are talking to us. We will get seriously smoked if we fall asleep. So... My damn battle buddy gets called out by the command Sergeant Major for sleeping. The Drill Sergeants told him to stand his ass up and get to the back of the auditorium. Then I hear, "Bring your battle buddy too!". I was like, "Oh son of a bitch!" So he and I had to do an uncountable amount of push ups in the back of the room while this guy lectured us. I was pretty pissed off at my battle buddy. He seems to screw up a lot and he is starting to get me in trouble now, when all I want to do is stay low key and out of the way, and not draw any unnecessary attention my way. Oh well, they knew it wasn't me, but I need to really get this kids ass in line before he gets me in anymore shit.
Tonight has been good. I'm doing laundry now and we have a good amount of free time which is nice. This means I'm writing this letter without fearing getting caught and smoked by our Drill Sergeants. One of the kids who bunks next to me, went to sick call this morning. So he had some advil which I got him to give me some, so my headache is gone for now, and I'm looking forward to getting a good nights sleep. I don't have fire guard tonight, luckily. So I'll get a full six or seven hours. I'm writing this letter now, next to this did who I seem to really get along with, named Thomas. That was random, but I just thought I'd throw that out there- he's pretty cool (used to be a football player).
As for tomorrow, who knows. I'm starting to realize anything is a possibility now. I just hope we don't march for miles and miles again. It's so damn hot and that 10b weapon feels 60 lbs after a few miles. A few kids are slowly starting to break and that one kid I mentioned earlier who was really home sick is now on "Suicide watch". I'm not sure of the exact details but he wears a bracelet that lets everyone know to keep an eye on him.
I hate to end this letter but I'm exhausted and it's about time for lights out. So I'm going to hit the sack. I love and miss you all!
PFC Zaleuke
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July 8, 2009
Today was a pretty good day. We woke up, did some PT (physical training,)then ran back upstairs to change into our ACU's, for a road march with our weapons. Two miles down, two miles back. It feels good to accomplish something like that and still want more afterwards. When we got back, we sat down on the ground and ate MRE's for chow, and mine was damn good; ( I love chow).
We got changed back into our PT's-wait, let me back up. We road marched to a place on base and had a few classes on how to talk and communicate on a military radio.. I actually liked it a lot. Anyways- after chow we spent a few hours on the PT field standing in formation, and learning how to march properly for drill and ceremony. Then after a few hours went by doing all of that, and getting smoked in between, we went to dinner chow. After that we came back to the barracks where I am now and I'm writing this letter. I'm exhausted right now, but I felt good at the time. Oh, good news! I got my BGC's today as well (birth control glasses) and they look so legit. I actually like them and plan on wearing them out often when this shit is over with .Ha-Ha! Speaking of shit, listen to this: Apparently it is wrong to thank your Drill Sergeant. I was raised to be polite and say my thank you's, no thank you's, yes sirs and yes ma-am's etc, but I can't stop saying thank you to my drill sergeants. I must have done it over a half or dozen times today. Usually I will get the response: " Don't thank me Mother Fucker, thank your recruiter!! " What ever that means. But finally Drill Sergeant "P" got fed up and made me do 100 push ups, but I don't mind, it was actually pretty funny.
I don't know why I'm not exactly sure what is planned for tomorrow, but I do know I will have the chance to do some laundry for the first time since I've been here, so that will be really nice. I do know that we have the gas chamber on Saturday, and I'm pretty excited for it. I mailed off some papers to my dad today concerning my graduation, which includes details and directions. He will scan them and email them to the family. I'm staying strong and motivated still, and everyday I get closer to the guys here. They are all pretty cool.
I have one request from my family. If you don't mind, could you send me some baby powder (for obvious reasons). They don't sell it at the PX and I am running low, and also a bible. Yes, a bible. I've been praying a lot lately asking for strength to get me through this, and it really is the single hardest thing I've ever had to do, mentally more so than physically. (Note from Dad. I have a package on its way to Mike with a Soldiers Bible, Baby Powder, Deodorant, and writing tablet. he should have it on Monday)
I'm really looking forward to a nice cold shower and curling up in my bed and getting some sleep. Tomorrow is another day, and the fight continues. By the way, Dad if you were wondering, yes, we do sing cadences when we march. One is part of the Army song. Another is, "1,2,3,4: Shoot, move, communicate, kill! 1,2,3,4: Squat, aim, breath, squeeze! "It's pretty brutal, but pretty cool at the same time.
Also, funny story: Last night, Drill Sergeant "K" was telling us a story about his days in Iraq and how he shot and killed a 10 year kid. He then asked if anyone in the room could kill a 10 year kid right here, right now. Just walk up and shoot. Expecting others to reply, I immediately responded with, " Absolutely!" then there was that awkward pause with everyone looking at me. Drill Sergeant "K" said to everyone else as he pointed to me, "Now that's a man right there." I looked around at everyone else with that typical, "Damn Right" smirk I do. Ha-Ha!
On another note, a kid in my platoon from Cali with two kids is trying to figure out a way to get out of the Army, to go back home. He has been crying himself to sleep every night, and I feel bad for him. I've heard his plans, from hitting a drill sergeant, all the way to breaking his own arm. All of which are bad ideas. I've been trying to talk him out of it all day, but I don't know how much longer he will last here. It really is pretty bad here, LOL, It is no cake walk by any means. It is incredibly stressful, but it's nothing I can't handle. I'm good at taking my mind out of the situation and placing it somewhere else. I sing songs in my head constantly here, and I talk to my grandmother and God quite often, and all of that is enough to get me by. I'm looking forward to hearing from family soon, though. I miss you guys! But for now it's time for a shower and bed. Night Guys!
PFC Zaleuke
We got changed back into our PT's-wait, let me back up. We road marched to a place on base and had a few classes on how to talk and communicate on a military radio.. I actually liked it a lot. Anyways- after chow we spent a few hours on the PT field standing in formation, and learning how to march properly for drill and ceremony. Then after a few hours went by doing all of that, and getting smoked in between, we went to dinner chow. After that we came back to the barracks where I am now and I'm writing this letter. I'm exhausted right now, but I felt good at the time. Oh, good news! I got my BGC's today as well (birth control glasses) and they look so legit. I actually like them and plan on wearing them out often when this shit is over with .Ha-Ha! Speaking of shit, listen to this: Apparently it is wrong to thank your Drill Sergeant. I was raised to be polite and say my thank you's, no thank you's, yes sirs and yes ma-am's etc, but I can't stop saying thank you to my drill sergeants. I must have done it over a half or dozen times today. Usually I will get the response: " Don't thank me Mother Fucker, thank your recruiter!! " What ever that means. But finally Drill Sergeant "P" got fed up and made me do 100 push ups, but I don't mind, it was actually pretty funny.
I don't know why I'm not exactly sure what is planned for tomorrow, but I do know I will have the chance to do some laundry for the first time since I've been here, so that will be really nice. I do know that we have the gas chamber on Saturday, and I'm pretty excited for it. I mailed off some papers to my dad today concerning my graduation, which includes details and directions. He will scan them and email them to the family. I'm staying strong and motivated still, and everyday I get closer to the guys here. They are all pretty cool.
I have one request from my family. If you don't mind, could you send me some baby powder (for obvious reasons). They don't sell it at the PX and I am running low, and also a bible. Yes, a bible. I've been praying a lot lately asking for strength to get me through this, and it really is the single hardest thing I've ever had to do, mentally more so than physically. (Note from Dad. I have a package on its way to Mike with a Soldiers Bible, Baby Powder, Deodorant, and writing tablet. he should have it on Monday)
I'm really looking forward to a nice cold shower and curling up in my bed and getting some sleep. Tomorrow is another day, and the fight continues. By the way, Dad if you were wondering, yes, we do sing cadences when we march. One is part of the Army song. Another is, "1,2,3,4: Shoot, move, communicate, kill! 1,2,3,4: Squat, aim, breath, squeeze! "It's pretty brutal, but pretty cool at the same time.
Also, funny story: Last night, Drill Sergeant "K" was telling us a story about his days in Iraq and how he shot and killed a 10 year kid. He then asked if anyone in the room could kill a 10 year kid right here, right now. Just walk up and shoot. Expecting others to reply, I immediately responded with, " Absolutely!" then there was that awkward pause with everyone looking at me. Drill Sergeant "K" said to everyone else as he pointed to me, "Now that's a man right there." I looked around at everyone else with that typical, "Damn Right" smirk I do. Ha-Ha!
On another note, a kid in my platoon from Cali with two kids is trying to figure out a way to get out of the Army, to go back home. He has been crying himself to sleep every night, and I feel bad for him. I've heard his plans, from hitting a drill sergeant, all the way to breaking his own arm. All of which are bad ideas. I've been trying to talk him out of it all day, but I don't know how much longer he will last here. It really is pretty bad here, LOL, It is no cake walk by any means. It is incredibly stressful, but it's nothing I can't handle. I'm good at taking my mind out of the situation and placing it somewhere else. I sing songs in my head constantly here, and I talk to my grandmother and God quite often, and all of that is enough to get me by. I'm looking forward to hearing from family soon, though. I miss you guys! But for now it's time for a shower and bed. Night Guys!
PFC Zaleuke
July 7th, 2009
Today was a good/shit day here at BCT. We started out doing some basic PT (physical training) in the morning; then, we all got dressed in battle gear and went out to the field for a training exercise. It involved 20 or so stations, and each had some type of obstacle to overcome. We had to do it in teams of 12 in roughly 20 minutes. We had alot of fun with it because it was the first time since we got here that we were able to act like ourselves and not be treated like horse shit by our drill sergeants. We stayed out from 7am until around 4:30pm. By the time we were finished, we were all disgusting. We had to swim in pools of pond water in all of out gear, and it sucked being wet and nasty all day.
After we got back, we were allowed a 15 second shower (literally, it's timed) then we had to file in formation to head for chow. For some reason, my platoon has a hard time standing still and keeping quiet during the stand of attention. So, because one person talked, we were all smoked afterwards for over an hour and a half. I'm getting used to these types of events, and they really don't bother me anymore. I see it like this: The more they smoke me, the better I get, and the better I will be able to perform on my PT test. I can already see myself getting stronger, and no matter how bad the smoking is, I never quit.
By the time anyone reads this, it will be typed out on a computer, but this note is currently being written on 5x3 paper in one of those little spiral journals. It is also around 2:45 am. My battle buddy and I had CQ duty tonight which consists of us sitting outside on guard at a desk with a telephone. This seems all to familiar with the crap I had to do with my RA job. Anyway, our drill sergeant took away our "writing letters home" privileges tonight (because he could) and because he is an ass. So, I remembered I had this little book in my pocket and decided to keep myself busy before I get off. Tomorrow,, I believe we have some classes on how to talk on the radio using "military slang" which might be pretty cool. I don't doubt that there will be many smoking's during this time as well.
Also, because of my run time of 7:10 on my PT test, I got placed in the B class on the running list. This is exactly where I wanted to be. I did NOT want to be in C class with all the fat asses, and NOT in A class with the guys who run a 5:45 mile time. I am pretty happy with myself on how I compare physically with the other soldiers here. I can tell I'm definitely in shape and I have been working out. It is paying off dramatically.
White phase cannot get here fast enough. I'm tired of being humiliated and treated like a child. I also miss my family, and I think about them alot when I am feeling down, and it helps me to smile. People keep falling out here like crazy. We had one or two attempt to escape already, but I am going to hold my head up high. Tim Armstrong once said: "Hold your head up high, because tomorrow you may die. There is no one safe around here, so stand your ground until you are the last one in town." I am going to do just that, and things will get better. I love and miss all of you, and I hope you all appreciate the great lengths I've had to take in order to write you! Since I have been here, we have only been authorized to to write home ONCE for 20 minutes or so the fact I am doing it EVERYDAY is remarkable! Hahaha. Oh well, keep me in your thoughts and prayers please. I need all the help I can get these days. I am going back to bed now. My guard duty shift is almost over. Good Night Everyone!
PFC Zaleuke
After we got back, we were allowed a 15 second shower (literally, it's timed) then we had to file in formation to head for chow. For some reason, my platoon has a hard time standing still and keeping quiet during the stand of attention. So, because one person talked, we were all smoked afterwards for over an hour and a half. I'm getting used to these types of events, and they really don't bother me anymore. I see it like this: The more they smoke me, the better I get, and the better I will be able to perform on my PT test. I can already see myself getting stronger, and no matter how bad the smoking is, I never quit.
By the time anyone reads this, it will be typed out on a computer, but this note is currently being written on 5x3 paper in one of those little spiral journals. It is also around 2:45 am. My battle buddy and I had CQ duty tonight which consists of us sitting outside on guard at a desk with a telephone. This seems all to familiar with the crap I had to do with my RA job. Anyway, our drill sergeant took away our "writing letters home" privileges tonight (because he could) and because he is an ass. So, I remembered I had this little book in my pocket and decided to keep myself busy before I get off. Tomorrow,, I believe we have some classes on how to talk on the radio using "military slang" which might be pretty cool. I don't doubt that there will be many smoking's during this time as well.
Also, because of my run time of 7:10 on my PT test, I got placed in the B class on the running list. This is exactly where I wanted to be. I did NOT want to be in C class with all the fat asses, and NOT in A class with the guys who run a 5:45 mile time. I am pretty happy with myself on how I compare physically with the other soldiers here. I can tell I'm definitely in shape and I have been working out. It is paying off dramatically.
White phase cannot get here fast enough. I'm tired of being humiliated and treated like a child. I also miss my family, and I think about them alot when I am feeling down, and it helps me to smile. People keep falling out here like crazy. We had one or two attempt to escape already, but I am going to hold my head up high. Tim Armstrong once said: "Hold your head up high, because tomorrow you may die. There is no one safe around here, so stand your ground until you are the last one in town." I am going to do just that, and things will get better. I love and miss all of you, and I hope you all appreciate the great lengths I've had to take in order to write you! Since I have been here, we have only been authorized to to write home ONCE for 20 minutes or so the fact I am doing it EVERYDAY is remarkable! Hahaha. Oh well, keep me in your thoughts and prayers please. I need all the help I can get these days. I am going back to bed now. My guard duty shift is almost over. Good Night Everyone!
PFC Zaleuke
Mike's REAL ADDRESS NEW POSTING
Mike wrote a letter earlier this week with a return address on it; however, this was a WRONG ADDRESS. This is his new address:
PVT George M. Zaleuke Roster#: 453
D Co., 4th Platoon
198th Infantry Brigade
5550 Leonard Drive
Ft. Benning, GA. 31905
Also, I received a letter stating what is considered contriband by the Army. These items include: Alcohol, Tobacco Products, Pornography, and Electrical Devices such as Cell Phones and I Pods.
PVT George M. Zaleuke Roster#: 453
D Co., 4th Platoon
198th Infantry Brigade
5550 Leonard Drive
Ft. Benning, GA. 31905
Also, I received a letter stating what is considered contriband by the Army. These items include: Alcohol, Tobacco Products, Pornography, and Electrical Devices such as Cell Phones and I Pods.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Mike's New Address
PVT George M. Zaleuke, R#453
D Co. 1-50th Inf Bn. 4th Plt
In Care of D 1/330 Inf.
5550 Leonard Drive
Ft. Benning, GA. 31905
D Co. 1-50th Inf Bn. 4th Plt
In Care of D 1/330 Inf.
5550 Leonard Drive
Ft. Benning, GA. 31905
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
