Today is Memorial Day. It is also training Day 24. I didn’t think this day would be any different than any other training day but it turned out to be a nice change of pace.
We started out the morning by blousing our boots, a symbol of entering into phase 2 training. This was very uplifting for all of us because we have been waiting for the opportunity. Our senior drill instructor has given us square away time and she even got us a movie. The movie was called Remember the Titans. It was a good movie, very inspirational and all about teamwork.
Later today went to the pool for swim qualification. It was interesting. We had to jump off a 10-foot diving platform and do some other stuff. It was pretty neat because not only our series was there but the series of other platoons. It’s also a bit intimidating, although you never show that on your face. With so many recruits and drill instructors around watching, it can get a little nerve-wracking. However, I chose to use that adrenaline rush to empower me to jump without hesitation. I would have normally paused and thought about it but there’s no way I was going to show weakness to anyone.
I believe we are going back tomorrow and Wednesday. After that, it’s on to the rifle range. I’m still working on my crunches and run. On day 34 the mock PFT begins. There are four days until the written test. Another benefit of being in phase 2 is that now we can to take our showers on our square away time. Instead of a two second shower (no, I am not exaggerating), we can take our time. I am on rifle security watch right now. It’s about 2 a.m. and all in all it was a good day.
Source: Amber J. Cabrera
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