Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Pain...

We're currently going through MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) week. While learning all the physical moves is fun...it does take it's toll. I'm currently very stiff and sore (from being thrown around). To fix this, I'm taking advil like candy. It helps, but I'm still feeling it.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

...yum, yum.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Range Week

This week was range week for Alpha Company at TBS. A long hard week with 16-hour days and lots of running with full gear (probably about 20-25 additional pounds). The end result being qualified to use the M16 and M9 (pistol).

Here we are at the 200-yard line. Marine Corps rifle qual consists of a 200-yard slow fire and rapid fire, a 300-yard slow fire and rapid fire, and a 500-yard slow fire (at 500 yards, the front sight post is larger than the target). This picture was during the 200-yard slow fire while I was at the kneeling. I ended up with a 223 out of 250 which would have qualified me as expert under the old system...but now there's an extra step in the qual that covers combat marksmanship, so I have to wait until tuesday next week to find out what badge I wear with my service alphas and dress blue bravos.

Here's a short video of how the rapid-fire drills work.



You have 30-seconds to take 10 well aimed shots. It's harder than it sounds...and if you didn't make all the right adjustments during the slow fire time, you'll be hurting for points.

I don't have video of pistol qual, but I did make sharpshooter (the quals are, lowest to highest, marksman, sharpshooter, and expert). I was pleasantly surprized due to some trouble I had at the begining...mostly due to some bad habits I started with my civilian weapon (a Glock 23C). My other weapon (the AK) actually helped me a lot. Due to the usual civilian range setup, I could only really do a good standing position, so that's what I practiced...a lot. In addition, the AK is much heavier toward the front, making it more difficult to keep it still. All-in-all, I'm glad to have done this well. I feel much better about my marksmanship skills.

Well, MCMAP is up next for training, so I will be working on getting the crap kicked out of me next. Fun...

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Here mom...

...since she asked.

232 Years for the United States Marine Corps

Sarah and I attended our unit balls this weekend. With our friends in both companies as well, we car pooled to both.

We were the DDs for our friends.


Fun was had by all.

And the dessert was delicious.

For those who haven't been to a ball, it's particularly special to the Marines because it embodies all the traditions they hold dear. For me, it was amazing that this unit was entrusted with the officer's sword (Mameluke) that belonged to Gen. John Lejune (our 13th Commandant) and the one responsible for standardizing the ceremonies involved within the Birthday Balls. All in all it was a good time and a reminder to the reasons I was originally attracted to the Corps.

Cheeky Motorcycle Plate of the Year

Heh...

...now for that NJP...

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Is this good...

...or bad:
cash advance
I guess this means I'm readable.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Survivor...fish edition

Our fish tank was ravaged by some sort of sickness. All of our goldfish died, leaving our plecostomus to reign over the space. Originally, he would hide all the time, but he appears to be showing more personality now...though he rarely leaves his beloved log:


We hope to purchase some more fish, but we're waiting a little while for the tank's water to stabilize before doing any more.

Overcoming Obstacles

On the E-course, there are many obstacles like the 6-foot wall, or the window, or the cargo net. Well, there's a new one: The broken bridge.



Some of us believe this could be the work of an overzealous captain...