The first full week of training at Camp McCrady was exciting and intense.  Most morning would go from 0500 until 1800+ (as late as 2045).  The information in extremely relevant and important for those individuals going to Afghanistan and Iraq, but not as pertinent for us going to Djibouti since it is not as much of a combat zone.  This week really focused on our firearms, most days spent at the range becoming familiar with the M-9 pistol and M-16 rifle. 

One of the days we spent learning about convoy operations and the down and dirty information about the HUMVEE.

That day also included lessons about HUMVEE rollover, which is a serious and fairly frequent occurrence in country.  This rollover is made even more difficult considering the body armor you are wearing and the gear rolling around with you inside the HUMVEE.  The exit from the overturned vehicle is extremely graceful, with some people flopping out of the door like an overturned turtle.

 

Saturday morning was spent on a range where a computer is able to give you feedback on how you are shooting.  Shots include both a fellow officer going to Djibouti and me shooting on this range.

Saturday  evening was the Navy Ball.  Wenonah drove down that morning and met me after I finished on the range.  Good old NARMY scheduling gave me just over an hour to drive to the hotel, shower, change and get down for the Ball.  The night was fun, especially since the CAPT gave up permission to drink that night, and me and a group of officers upheld the fine Navy tradition.