FEX 1 Done

• FEX I - A three day evolution that acts as an introduction into infantry squad level tactics. The first two days are blank fire against smaller sized opposing forces and the last day is the live fire attack with automated targets.
  • Day 1, 2 - Squad attacks and offensive maneuvers using blank ammunition with a new "squad leader" for each separate attack.
  • Day 3 - The students conduct a squad attack at a live fire range. There is a day attack and an illuminated night attack at the range. Artillery simulations are detonated on the range during the conduct of the attack to simulate explosions, artillery, and mortars.
  
  
  So the last week has been an exciting week of hiking through the woods and attacking fake enemies with fake bullets.  We spent the bulk of Monday and Tuesday receiving and order, conducting some enemy anaylsis, and issuing our own order to attack the enemy.  Each day we conducted 4 attacks, so you can conclude how much time it took to prepare for each attack.  Monday we spent the night in the woods, and Tuesday we stayed in the barracks.  Wednesday morning we took our combat lifesaving practical application test(I.E. we fixed combat casualties) I didn't do so well, and I think I will have to do it over again to show that I am not a complete idiot.  Wednesday night we moved out to range 5 and spent the night.  It was suppose to rain all night so I spent some time making a hasty shelter out of my poncho and 550 cord (really strong string) and the it decided NOT to rain.  At least all of my gear was spared the wet condition the dew provided.  Thursday was the day and night portion of range 5 and we spent the night again in the woods.  On Friday we packed up, cleaned the range, and headed back to the barracks for some classes and got off early.
  

I think this place just got a whole lot busier....

So alot has happened in the 10 days between my last post and now.  For some confirmation, last week I did fail my first written test, but was able to pass the retake on the 5th.  I also failed the initial Endurance Course on the 6th by 8 mins. (5 Mile through wood/hills with numerous obstacles along the way) Lucky I wasn't the only one whole failed.  On friday they gave us an order and we had to use the weekend to re-write it so that it would be pertinent to our subordinates. This was just our first of many practices on doing this. 

This past week has been fairly eventful as well.  On Monday we had our Squad Weapons FEX, where we went to the field to throw hand grenades, shoot grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and Machine guns.  This was the part of TBS I was looking forward to.  It was a hot and long day, but just the opportunity to shoot these weapons made it a great day.  On Tuesday, we had classes most of the day on Combat Life-Saving (First-Aid in extreme condition) and in the afternoon practices the techniques we where taught.  However, they need two volunteers for a demonstrations and I happened to be one of them.  This turned out to be the worst part of the week, because they decided to have me lay on the ground and act as a casualty as the other Marine had to apply a tourniquet.  They upped the ante by squirting fake blood on my lower body to simulate an artillery wound.  Amber was not very happen to have to wash that out of my cammies.  On Wednesday, we had our 2nd land nav practice, this time in an area about 6 square miles big.  We had 4 hours to find 6 boxes and had to get at least 4 boxes to pass.  I got 5 boxes, and ran out of time to look for the 6th box.  On Thursday, we had another operation order to write , and practiced delivering it in front of our peers in the morning.  This is really the meat and potatoes of TBS, as it show our tactical ability to execute an operation.  In the afternoon we had another written test, this time I did much better.  Next week we are going to the field all week to conduct squad assaults, so Friday I spent the entire day working on rosters of who would be carrying what weapon to the field.  It was a long day of EXCEL work, but at least I didn't have to perform rehearsals like the rest of the company.  And now I get to enjoy my weekend before we have a long week in the field where the projected weather forecast is rain every day. Did I mention that we don't use tents in the Marine Corps.

Easy Day....

Well, easy in relative terms for the Marine Corps.  The day started with a 3 hour break due to a dedication ceremony practice for a new barracks on base.  Some of our company is in the ceremony so training stopped until they were finished.Then we had about 4 hours of class on the 5 paragraph order (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_paragraph_order) and I accumulated about 8 pages of notes on the subject. Basically this is the format in which we write our operations plans and pretty much the rest of the time we are here, we will be refining our skills at writing these orders.  At around 1500,  we boarded buses and headed to the Marine Corps Memorial in Washington D.C. to watch the Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill team perform the sunset parade.  It is now 2140 and I am waiting to secure for the day, so I can go home a relax after a "LONG" days work....

Maybe I should use the Stars.....

Actually that won't work, because stars are visible at night.  Today was the first of four land navigation test.  We are given 5 points to find and were given 2.5 hours find them.  After plotting my points in the classroom and finguring out a plan of attack, I walked out to the land nav course.  My first point was on the side of a trail, so it was pretty easy to find.  From there I headed toward my second box, but when I got to where I thought it should be, there was no box in sight.  After looking for about 20 mins I headed back to the main road and restarted.  From that point on everything went pretty smooth and I left the course with a 100%.

However, the second part of the day was a written test on reading maps and communications equipment.  Let just say that I might have just failed my first test at TBS.  The map part was pretty easy, but I should have studied more for the Comm part.

How to get lost 2.0

Today we went to more classes on communications equipment and land navigation.  Lets just say that topographic maps and me do not get along.  By the end of the day I was able to distinguish what a hill looked like and 7 out of 10 times I could figure out what if the squiggly lines were a finger or a draw, but somehow I think I am going to be lost in the woods the first couple of times that we practice........which is tomorrow.   If I am not back by December, call someone.

Old people don't fall well!!

Today I tested for my green belt in MCMAP.  I am pleased to announce that I passed , but not without so pain associated. (here is a video of some of the techniques required for green belt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW1L5paTBCo)  In the operating forces, this would have taken upwards of a two weeks to train for and we did it here in 3.5 days, so at least I did it in the quickest way possible.  With only two belts left to get, I am probably done with MCMAP....I don't like being thrown to the ground!   This afternoon we started classes on how to read and navigate a topographic map and on communication equipment.

The rest of Range Week

Well, I have finished the two weeks of the range and am grateful for it.  Last week involved more hikes and heat, and the addition of added responsibility.  Just like anywhere, the military has multiple levels of leadership, and on Monday I assumed the position of Squad leader.  So in my platoon, I have a platoon commander, platoon sergeant, three squad leaders, and each squad has 4 fireteam leaders, and each fireteam has 4-5 Marines.  So that means I am now currently responsible for 14 other 2nd Lts.  On top of that, I still have the responsibility of all serialized ordnance equipment for the 45 Marines in my platoon.

Monday-Wednesday we were shooting table two, a combination of pivot drills, shooting while moving, and shooting specific target area of the torso.  That part was pretty fun, but we still were required to hike out to the range and back each day, and to make it all a little more fun, they added more weight to our packs to "harden" our bodies.  The heat each day also increased. Wednesday I went to bed around 2230. Thursday was my version of hell.  The day started at 0330 (well actually 0230 is when I woke up) and by 0430 we had started our 6 mile hike.  A member of my squad had a knee failure around mile 2 and damn near pushed me over on her way down.  I spent the next 4 miles coaching her through the pain all the while realizing that I am not as young as I wish I was.  My hips and knees were constantly reminding me that they didn't appreciate what I was putting them through.  By the end of the hike were at the range and by 0700 we were again shooting table 2 and 3. It was also probably around 95 degree.  We then gathered all our stuff and hiked another mile to range 305.  This was the exciting part of the day.  Range 305 consist of pop-up targets at unknown distances both moving and static.  The purpose of the range is to get us familiar with the targeting line inside our scopes, but add in that we were shooting behind full and half walls and through window openings and you have one hell of a Marine Corps day.  After shooting, we again hiked back the previous mile to the first range and began classes on night shooting and all of our night optics gear.  This is were my job became complicated.  I had to issue out each Marines gear to them, show them how to use it properly, fix any discrepancies with the gear, and ensure that everyone had all there gear for the remainder of the night, because if any of it was lost, I was responsible.  At around 2100 we moved to the night fire range and got to shoot while utilizing night vision goggles and inferred targeting lasers (see video on facebook).  By 2300 we were done and in the dark of night I had to de-issue each piece of gear.  At around 2400 or 0000 (which ever way you look at it), we started our 3 mile hike back to the barracks.  And at 0200 I finally went back to bed.  So for those of you not good at math, that is 23.5 hours of continued operations on about 4 hours of sleep.  Then on Friday I was required to wake up at 0530 and start a great day of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).  Because I already have the second level in the belt system, I had a little easier day then most as I was able to peel off from the group and start working on my new belt (green) in the shade while everyone else learned the fundamentals of a punch in the record-setting heat and sun (102 before humidity).

So I will end this post with this,  When deciding which branch of the military to join you typically look at recruiting posters.  The Navy promises to sail you around the world to exotics ports, the Army promises to pay for your college, the Air Force promises a better way of life, and the Marine Corps promises to kick you ass.........At least the the Marine Corps keeps it's promise.

Friday

Rifle -229 (That means I have now qualified Expert on rifle)
Pistol - 325 (Sharpshooter)

This past week the average wake-up time was 0330 and I arrived home around 2030-2100.  That is excepted for yesterday when I arrived home at 2300.  The temps were tolerable Mon- Wed, but Thursday and Friday we in the high 90s with high humidity.  This made for long days in soaking wet cammies.  Next week we shoot table two (find info here - http://thesupermarine.com/RifleQual.aspx#whatkind) and table three (night fire).  The hours and temps are expected to be the same.

Thursday

Rifle - 226
Pistol -333

Wednesday

Rifle -229
Pistol - no idea

Tuesday

Rifle -223
Pistol -no idea

Monday

Rifle - 227
Pistol - Hard to say, but by estimation 372

Time to catch up!

First I say I am sorry for the delay in posts, it has been a LONG and hectic week and all I have felt like doing when I get home is sleep.   I will start with July 4th, the family and I spent the day in Washington D.C.  Instead of driving, we parked at the southern most stop,and took the metro (subway) into the city.  We attended the parade and then made our way to the Capital lawn where we camped out for the fireworks.  Let me just say, you should spend at least one independence day in the Nation's Capital.  See facebook for pictures.  Tuesday was the start of a three week evolution at the rifle and pistol range.  The temps here in Virginia hovered around 100 for most of the week and we spent most of it outside.  the first two days were spent learning about our two main weapon systems, the M16A4 service rifle and the M9 pistol, and the correct way to shoot them.  This includes a lot of practice time getting into the proper positions and dry firing (not bullets) so that the coaches can help get you into the proper form.  It doesn't sound like much, but when you are doing it for 4 hours at a time it can become exhausting.  Plus, my age is starting to catch up to me, so sitting Indian style bent in half (this is what we call the sitting position), or sitting with one foot bent under me and the other kicked out in front with my elbow resting on my knee ( this is what we call the kneeling) has lead to some serious back pains.  Friday we actually went to the range and fired our rifles to zero them (adjusted the sights to make sure we hit what we were aiming at)  This process first starts with a 3 mile hike at 0450, fire at the rifle range, fire at the pistol range, pull butts (the term used for pulling down the targets, marking them, and then sending them back up so the shooter can see where he/she hit) and then a 3 mile hike back to the barracks.  This will be the process for all of next week, and the average time between the two hikes is around  9 hours.  Now a little background on the range for me.  I have never shot the pistol in the Marine Corps so it is new to me, but the rifle I have qualified on 4 times, three of those times I have shot Expert (the top qualification, followed by sharpshooter, then marksmen).  So for the past week, I have been talking a lot of trash about how great of a shot I am, and how I will be the company high shooter ( meaning I will shoot higher than the other 276 Marines in my company).  Luckily, yesterday I was able to reinforce my comments with actually results.  After gaining an initial zero at 36 yards, we went to the 200 yard line (two football fields) to further refine our sights.  My first set of 3 shots was in the black but high and a little to the right so I adjusted, the next set was centered and to the right, and my last set of 4 shots was all dead center.  My roommate with whom I have a bet with to see who will shoot a higher combined rifle/pistol score said he no longer wanted to bet with me after see my shots.(He shoots on the target right next to me, so I also see how he shoots.)   As for qualification, we shoot in the sitting, kneeling, and prone(laying down) and standing at the 200 yard line, sitting and prone  at the 300 yard line, and prone in the 500 yard line.  To get expert you have to hit dead center 25 out of 50 times while getting no less than the 4 ring the other 25 times(the 4 ring is just outside of the bulls eye).  At the pistol range we shoot everything in the standing, at distances of 7,15, and 25 yards.  The 25 yard line is slow fire, where you have 20 minutes to shoot 15 rounds.  the 7 yard line, you shoot 5 rounds, but for each round the target only appears for 3 secs.  Then you shoot another 8 rounds but this time you get 4 secs to shoot 2 rounds. At the 15 yard line you get 20 secs to shoot two magazines with 3 rounds each, it is designed to test your reload speed.

For the next week I will probably only post what my daily score was each range.  Mon-Thurs is practice, and Friday is Qualification. For your reference here is the required scores for each level.

Rifle - Expert(220)   Sharpshooter(210)   Marksman(190)
Pistol - Expert(345)  Sharpshooter(305)  Marksman(245)

Lost in the World of Powerpoint

The last few days have been a blur, not sure if it was due to the insane amount of powerpoints or the intense heat that Virginia is experiencing, but either way it was not fun.  Some good news, we took a test on Friday that was our first graded event and I received the highest score in my platoon. Considering that I will struggle during the physical activities, this high score will help in my standings.  On Monday, we had an orientation hike that was 3 miles.  Usually this is a strong point of mine, but the combination of using gear I have never seen, my pack being heavier than everyone else, and it being 85 degrees plus humidity at 0730, I did not do so well.  Yesterday was the hottest day it had been since we got here, and I spent the entire day outside.  My personal favorite moment was when we were issued our rifles at the hottest part of the day in the middle of a field standing in front of shinny stainless steal tables.  On the subject of rifles, my billet is going great, I was the first to have my roster turned in, the first to conduct sight counts, and was not responsible for the platoon that lost a rifle not more that 4 hours after we were issued them.  Today was more laid back, Amber and I attended a spouses orientation brief so that we could learn about the Marine Corps.  I guess I don't have it figured out after 9 years.   Tommorow only has one scheduled event so I will not be posting. 

Putting the RAN in Endurance

Wake-up (0520) Arrived Home (1815)

Today was an orientation to the Endurance Course (E-Course) and Obstacle Course (O-Course).  The o-course a is series of obstacles that ends with a rope climb.  For the graded test, we have to do it twice in under 4 minutes.  The E-Course is a 4.8 mile trail run that begins with the O-course.  You then run about 2.5 miles through the woods with cammies, helmet, rifle, day-pack, and load bearing vest.  At the 2.5 mile mark you come to your first of several obstacles that range from logs to jump, scaling the side of a cliff, crawling under wire, cargo nets, make shift ladders etc.  These items are space out for the remainder of the course.  You must run this in under 80 mins.  Today with demonstrations, it took us around 3 hours to run it.  The end of the day was a 2 hour class on the Laws of War and Rules of Engagement.

This ain't your mothers arobics class!

Wake-up (0500)  Arrived home ( still here)

This morning we had a class on how to workout most effectively and then went outside and conducted 2.5 hours of combat conditioning I.E. fireman's carry, ammo lifts and carries, core training.  The rest of the day is pointless for me because I already own my uniforms, have an ID, and met with the SPC yesterday.  This will give me time to study for Friday's test

First Day

Wake-up (0530)  Arrived Home (1920)

After the first day of Echo, all is well.  We started the day with a uniform inspection, which I did fine on.  Then we met the new Commanding Officer of TBS and he laid down his expectations.  After a couple of hours of free time, we had a class on Warfighting, and then a guided discussion over the same subject.  We then had a class on Officership from our company CO.  I ended the day with an interview with my Staff Platoon Commander (SPC).  To my surprise, he is amazingly human....that is, he doesn't talk to use like we are idiots.  Oh and he wanted to make sure that i knew that if I messed up being the Ordnance Representative, there would be major implications for the entire company.  Moral of the story, don't mess up, or 276 other Marines will hate you!

Echo Company!

Wake-Up (Yesterday 0445)  Arrived Home (today 1900)

The last two day have been a blur, but the good news is that I have qualified to pick-up with Echo company.  Yesterday we ran a PFT,  I did a 17 pull-ups which is good for me, however I ran three miles in 24:38 which is just outright horrible.  Guess I have something to improve on.  Most of the last two days have been classes, a review exam, a few platoon members changing platoons, a lot of waiting, and bonding with fellow students.  Our platoon seems to be pretty good (there are 6 platoons in our company) and everyone is excited to start training.  We meet our boss on Monday, and the real fun begins.  Oh and I get to sleep in, I don't have to be there until 0700.  Time to enjoy the weekend!

Naval Support

Wake-up (0515)  Arrived home (2215)

The last two days have been fairly routine.  Dental yesterday and medical today.   There was a lot of wasted time, but as long as I pass the fitness test tomorrow, I am qualified to pick up with Echo Company.

Where's the Fan!

Wake-up (0400)  Arrived Home (2000)

Today was relatively easy.  I had to arrive early today because it was my turn to do clean-up around the Barracks.  The morning was filled with more classes on things like human trafficking, family readiness, and tricare.  We also took a 2 hour test that was simliar in style to the ACT.  The fun part was the test was written in 1946 and the questions showed it.  Not sure why we took it, but we did.  We then had about 3 hours break, in which time I was suppose to swim, but due to the high heat, (95+) the pool was closed, the water temp was 94 degrees.  After that we had another class and then was secured for the day.  The adventure began when I got home.  Our A/C decided to stop working and thus the thermostat on main level read 88 degrees and I would guess it was upwards of 90-95 in the upstairs bedroom.  After hassling with the property manager, we had an A/C tech here to tell us the entire unit needs replaced.  He did a temp fix on it and now the temp is coming down.  After 2 hours the thermostat reads 86.  Looks like we will be sleeping on the floor in the basement with fans tonight.

Dive, Dive Dive!!!!

Wake up time (0445) Arrived at home (1900).

The day started with a continuation of swim qualification so that we could get to cws 2.  This level requires that you swim 50 meters in full cammies, boots, weighted vest, rifle and helmet using one of three approved strokes. After which to tow a buddy who is wearing the same amount of gear and holding each of your packs 25 meters. The last time I attempted this qual was in bootcamp where I had a near drowning experience so needless to say I was a little nervous.  I decided to attempt the breast stoke after observing that those who were struggling the least were using this stroke.  It worked for about the first 15-20 at which point I decided to switch of a modified side stoke.....this did not work.   O.K. last ditch effort, I try the back stroke, BAD MISTAKE.  As soon as I roll to my back the helmet fills with water and drags my head under.  Trying to salvage the situation, I roll back over to resume the breast stroke only to find that with each stroke I go deeper and deeper unable to get that one good breath of air.  Panic sets in and at around the 35 meter mark I scramble for the side of the pool thus FAILING cws 2.  So whats that mean, I get the pleasure of retrying this again on Monday, and every other day until I don't drown.  Because there are 300 lieutenants trying to do the qual and then a handful more needing cws 1, the rest of the morning is fairly uneventful with a 4 hour break.  I however was not allowed to leave the base, so I milled around the barracks and took a little nap.  The afternoon was filled with classes like Operational Risk Management, Base Safety (every officer is a Safety Officer), Study skills assessment, and a weekend safety brief.  I then waited 1.5 hours for the student staff to finally let us go home.  The weekend has rest and relaxation written all over it!

Sink or Swim.........

`I think I will start giving wake-up times and times I get home in each post from now on so...Wake-up(0445)  Return Home(2100).  Another long day, we spent the bulk of the morning getting our packs and gear that we will use in the field for the next six months.  It was strange to actually receive NICE gear instead of the CRAP that supply normally gives you.  Most of my gear is either brand new will tags still attached, or looks very close to brand new.  My arch enemy when it comes to gear is the helmet.  It never seems to fit right, is uncomfortable, and is broken in some way...not this time.  Perfect fit, is equipped with a new age head harness that feels great, and is completely functional.  Overall gear issues went fine, although 150 lieutenants doing there own thing leads to a lot of wasted time. Sometimes yelling a direction come in handy.

In the afternoon was swim qualification.  The Marine Corps has 4 quals and Officers are required to get the next to highest qual level which is cws 2.  Someone must have told the base that electricity and water does not go togeather and decided to turn off the electricity to the pool.  This delayed our training for 2.5 hours so we were unable to finish thus only getting cws 3 qualified. We will continue tomorrow. For those that are wondering, cws 1 is the highest level.  Each lever requires different things, but basically envolves some form of jumping in water from a platform with pack, cammies, and weapon and then performing some task such as combat survival strokes, gear removal, buddy rescues, improvised inflation devices such as using your pants as a life vest, etc...

The day ending with a class of how to utilize the Chaplin while in command and a field day(super cleaning the barracks)

Paperwork is the Name of the Game

We started today at 0500, well actually my day started at 0400 because of the commute.  I spent the entire day minus 45 mins for lunch doing paperwork that I have already done at least 5 times before.  Setting up life insurance, tax withholding, personal file audit, GI Bill enrollment etc.  They could have cared less that 1. I am already getting paid and thus already have my taxes figured out, or 2. that I have not only already enrolled in the GI Bill, but have also exhausted my 36 months of benefits..... I still got the pleasure of filling the paperwork out again.  Throw in another couple of classes on professionalism, uniform regulations, parking do's and don'ts and you have a general idea of how my day went.  I got home at 1900 to be called at 1925 saying I needed to come back.  I proceed to get back into cammies and drive back to base to be called 5 mins and a quarter mile later to say I did not need to come back.  Oh the joys of having other students in charge!!  Tomorrow I get to sleep in....0500 wake-up with 0600 report time.

Check-In

Well today was the first day in a long journey.  Things went almost exactly as expected, and the weather was perfect (high 70's) considering I had to wear a suit for the bulk of the morning. Usually when I check in it is super hot or humid or both, and would be drenched within a half hour.  Check-in involved filling out some basic paperwork about who I am and what I have done, getting assigned a platoon (2nd) and room, dropping off some gear and getting my photo taken.  In all, it took about 3 hours and I was on my way back home.  Tonight we have a safety brief from the Mike Company Commanding Officer (this is a holding company, I will eventually be moved to Echo Company).  Not to bad for a first day!

Last Weekend

Well we are enjoying our last weekend before TBS picks up on Tuesday.  Most of the boxes are unpacked and we have a good handle on the surrounding area.  The last 4 months have been nice, but I am ready to start training.  For those of you who decided to follow this blog, I will update as often, daily if possible, but due to the schedule it may be a few days between updates.

Operational Terms and Graphics

Today while thumbing through the Phase Zero handouts that are posted on the TBS website, I notice a section on Terms and Graphics.  There are upwards of 100 of these, and coming from the wing side of the Corps I have never seen any of them.  Guess I will have to make note cards as they are testable on the first week!

Two Months to Go

I have about two months to go and there is some much to do.  We are getting ready to TMO our stuff to the Quantico area, and look forward to our 9th move in the Marine Corps.  Luckily we have friends in the area, so finding our way around should be a little easier than normal.  I have been reading up on the Phase zero handouts that are posted on the TBS website and can say I am a little overwhelmed with the amount material we will be going over in 6 months.  I have be PTing hard, and reading books off the Professional Reading list to keep me busy, but I am anxious to start training!