Letters From Basic Training

Today was a good day. We had our rifle qualification. I was awarded the sharpshooter cross. I was just 3 shots from qualifying expert, but no one is perfect I guess. We've got our nuclear, biological, and chemical test done. We had our BRM qualifications done today. Our platoon did the best overall in the company. Tomorrow is our phase one test over military customs and courtesies and a bunch of other junk. Once the phase one test is done we will be entering "white" phase. It's the next step in our training. Finally we will be leaving "red" phase. Whoot!!!

Next week around Wednesday we will finally be going to the motor pool to start classes on the tanks. About damn time. I'm looking forward to playing with the big army toys. Rumors are floating around that we are going to be able to watch the super bowl. Honestly, I could care less.

The guys in our platoon (34 of us) are finally starting to come together as a team. People are starting to get close and make good buddies. I'm still sorta on the side lines. The guys in my bunk call me "old man" and "germ" cause I've been sick most the time I've been here. Never fear tho, I'm finally over the crud and breathing easy.

I've made a few buddies, but nothing notable. Most are young and just annoy me with their childlike behavior. Most the guys my speed spend their free time writing loved ones and squaring away their bunks and lockers the same as me so there's not much social time. Once we get into "white" phase we will lose some of the restrictions on us and maybe I can get a few phone calls in.

Something that would be nice..could you go to www.cnn.com and print out all the news related to what's going on around the world. We are so closed out from the world it's crazy. My bunk mates would love the news just as much as me. Well it's lights out so I need to finish this up. I'll keep ya posted.