Day 3 of IA Training

Today was the first official day of our IA training. This week is scheduled to be mostly gear issue and a few briefs. This morning started out at 05:30 with basic shower and breakfast. I think next week we'll start with the PT in the mornings.

After breakfast we mustered with the senior officer among our group of trainees. We proceeded to board a few buses to take us to our first brief. This consisted of a basic in-brief by the Army and was followed by a Navy brief. During this brief we were separated into teams. The team concept becomes more important next week when the actual training begins. I was named as a team leader for a team of 9 personnel. Should be easy enough. Mainly I only have to make sure that the various members get to their training events on-time and deal with any personnel or medical issues that might arise. Every evening, we have a team leader meeting to discuss the schedule and any changes that might come up.

After the initial briefings, we broke for lunch. After lunch we had to assemble at a warehouse for some gear issue. Today we only received a small part of what we'll finally end up with. Even this small amount was substantial, at least in weight. We received our body armor and a few cold weather items. Coveralls, rain ponchos, etc.

Tomorrow, we are scheduled to receive some 'high tech' gear for our weapons and night vision devices and our complete load-out of cold weather gear. Fleece jackets, cold weather parkas and such. I believe that on Thursday, we are supposed to receive our Weapons. We are supposed to do a LOT of shooting while we are here. I've always been fairly comfortable around weapons and I enjoy shooting. Curious to see how the Army will take the fun out of it.

I finally received my issue of Desert Uniforms today. Apparently, I was supposed to get it in Port Hueneme, CA. However; all they did was fit us for them. When we arrived here, the staff was a bit surprised that we didn't have them already. I've been wearing my green camouflage BDUs, so I stuck out a bit from the rest of the group. All of those of us who came through Port Hueneme were in the same position.

I received a call today from my wife. It was so good to hear her voice. I wasn't able to talk to my daughter, because she was asleep. I was able to talk with her yesterday. It's important for me that she remembers who I am and can recognize my voice. I made some 'horse' sounds over the phone to her and I could hear her laughing hysterically. She loved it when I would do that at home. I'm glad that she's able to still laugh when she hears me. I miss her and my wife very much. I hope to get some pictures of them soon.

Anyway, I have to review the schedule for tomorrow and make sure that I didn't miss anything.

Good night.