I'm not stubborn, I'm just persistent!

It's 0530 here and a nice but slightly chilly morning. The days are getting to the high 90's or better.

I've been working tracking and documenting the training of the BN for the last four days. Checking and entering the individual soldiers training information of tasks into the data base. It's tedious and tiring work. I'll never "dump" on a clerk about their work ever again! It really gives the back and shoulders a workout, I'm here to tell ya.

The guys have multiple tasks that must be performed daily, each documented on a "by name" roster (that must be completed to Big Army standards) whichcome to "higher" for checking and input. Any mistakes must be corrected and sometimes they have to be sent back for a correction. A signiture, a missing date or a task that hasn't been properly stated. What a pain! We're tasked with convoy security operations in-country, but the soldiers must still be able to perform all infantry tasks before we deploy.

I didn't get to re-qualify my new rifle (and it is brand new) to see how the ACOG works, which is a shame as my earlier score was so poor. I'm not too worried though as I'll get to shoot again at Ft. Stewart, where I'm sure "I'll knock 'em dead." Physical training every day, so getting old really sucks. All I really give a rip about is push ups and sit ups cause I'm so old now I get to walk instead of run for the physical training test.

There was some question of my physical condition (permanant physical profile on my back) but I convinced them I can still be of service. Only because I'll be in the BN Headquarters an not in the field. It's kind of hard to have trained all my career for a leadership slot in a "line company," only to finally deploy as an office worker. Still I seem to be able to give advice and direction to the younger guys.

We will be getting a short leave at the beginning of May for a few days home before we head off to Ft. Stewart. I miss my wife and my dogs a lot so it will be good to go home. I'd post some pictures, but the Army will no longer allow "thumb drives" on their computers and I'm using the Army's Internet connection and an Army computer. Maybe when I get home for a few days.

Your friend,

Eric

I was "transfered" from HHC 41st IBCT (41st Brigade HQ) to HHC 1/186 IN (1/186 Battalion HQ) while at Camp Roberts. My "ceremony" was Monday at Medford. 41st is based in Tigard, 45 minutes away on a good traffic day. 1/186 is based in Ashland, 5 1/2 hours away on a terrific traffic day. I'm thinking I'll have to find "a new home" for my last two years when I get back.

I've been listening to Bob Marley's "Three Little birds",

"No worry, 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing, gonna be all right."

It's become my wife's and my song these last few days.

Ya.

Eric

Hello guys,

Things here in Georgia are different to be sure. Seems we brought our Oregon weather here for the first few weeks. We were told that all the rain we were getting was highly unusual for Georgia this time of year. It has, however gotten warmer and it's getting quite humid.

After processing in I was given the 1900 to 0700 Staff Duty NCO shift at Battalion HQ. Basically answer the phone, radio, take care of things and play on my laptop. Unfortuntly the available wireless has a filter that won't let me get on here, and I can't use the military net. I have however discovered that the computer lab that was set up for the brigade is able to access this site. This was the first time I've gotten in here, we've spent the day training Base Defense Operations so I don't have to pull SDNCO duties for the next couple of days. The training will be a long one though, 0700 to 2300 tomorrow.

Today we received training in non-lethal weapons. Rubber and sponge rounds for the 12 gage and M203 grenade launcher. I don't think I'd like to get hit with one of those, they look like they might sting somewhat. We also saw some short video clips on new gizmos that will stop a vehicle virtually in it's tracks, well, within 100 feet of hitting the device. One is a net that captures the vehicle, the other is a spiked gizmo that spikes the tires and wraps a net up and around the front wheels. Good stuff I'm here to tell you.

Some of the guys in my platoon enjoy the same things I do, so I have somebody to talk about old rifles and military equipment, which helps ease through the time. One just assembled and got running his semi-auto MG 34 and he's about as happy as a pig in mud. Seems he also has a set of plans on his laptop for a Messerschmidt 109 E-3. Funny what you run into throughout the day, eh?

So I have another month here before shipping out. It seems though that we already have to pick a date and place for our two week in country leave. So I said November and New Zealand. They said "OK." So Pat is already planning for a trip in November.

That's about it for now, think I'll look at what I've been missing.

Later,

Eric