Family, friends, and anyone else with the misfortune of knowing me;
The weekend was a slog of finishing the various administrative tasks the Army requires before mobilization. Medical, finance, family programs, etc. 5th Army schedules all day (ALL day; like 0400-2100) for this stuff. Fortunately, our command team was aggressive about getting things done in Alaska, so we managed to finish by noon most days. Everyone is supposed to have everything done when they get here, but the mobilization site assumes everyone will arrive up having accomplished nothing. Apparently that’s the norm.
Aside from that, we had a lot of briefs; safety, environmental, finance.
What I learned:
o Don’t spend money on stupid shit.
o Don’t do stupid shit.
o Don’t get bit by a stupid snake.
o Don’t get fired from your stupid day job. (If you have one. At this point, I’ve pledged my stupid soul to the Army, so it’s not a major factor for me.)
Fort Bliss has the largest Post Exchange of any Army post in the world. Freedom Crossing is an outdoor shopping center, complete with Chipotle, Orange Julius and a movie theater. We went to see John Wick 3 Sunday. Lots of violence. No plot. Exactly how I like it.
We also had a 100% urinalysis. As a certified Unit Prevention Leader, I had the pleasure of handling urine samples for everyone whose last name starts with the letters G-K. I’m happy to report that, based on specimen color, everyone is hydrating well. I briefly questioned my life choices, until we missed lunch and our first sergeant showed up with pizza.
Another thing I learned:
o I’m easy to buy off.
Monday, I went wandering in search of a local office. I didn’t find it, but I did find the USO, which had free coffee and air conditioning. I’m calling that a win. I also saw a uniquely Army sight; a civilian contractor mowing the dirt on a riding mower.
Tuesday morning, we drove out to the training area where we’re doing our first predeployment validation. Basically, we’re pretending that we’re in Kosovo, and a cadre of active duty observers decides whether the unit is ready to deploy. Per usual, the order of the day is “hurry up and wait.”
I’ve been getting my daily workouts in. (Yesterday I set a PR on my deadlift; 3 reps at 310 lbs. 90 lbs to go. It’s a silly hobby, but it’s important to me.)
This morning, I got to ride a bus to New Mexico to pick up a HMMWV and drive it back here. We’re not allowed to drive them on the road, and the map they gave us was garbage, so it was a rally racing off-road experience. We took the doors off first, just to boost the fun factor. Only missed one turn.
What I learned:
o Snake tracks in the sand are even, consistent squiggly lines. This inspired me to drive faster. I’m not into snakes.
Tomorrow, the games begin. We get to pack up and move one more time (further into the desert), then set up our ops center and get to work. We’ll be out there for about a week. I’ll be in and out of the grid; not sure what cell service is going to be like out there, nor what my battle rhythm is going to be.
I’ve been applying to colleges. It’s a lot of work, and all those transcripts are expensive but hopefully it will pay off. I’m not letting out any more details on that until I get into something. (If I get into something.)
Be well. Further updates to come. Once a week or so. I’ll catch you all on the flip side.
Cheers,
Dayton