ECRC * Week 1 Day 1-7

Majority of the people here flew in on a Saturday. Saturday we were given the opportunity to settle in a little bit, and Sunday we had a small brief about what was expected of us throughout this training period. The brief lasted about three-four hours and we were cut loose for the day.



Day 1 - Processing Day

Our first day started with processing, we were issued gear (three seabags), sleep system, and sent back to the barracks. The three seabags consisted of gear such as IBA, Kevlar helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, beanie cap, winter boots, summer boots, long johns, underwear, bra's, first aid kit, and much much more.



*Our barracks is an open bay building with roughly 30 bunk bed style racks in them. Each bunk bed has 2 wall lockers and 2 foot lockers (one for each). They are equipped to accommodate 60 people (on one side), and 60 people on the adjacent side. The two buildings are connected by the latrine (head). The latrine offers 5 shower heads that are in open bay style, 5 toilets separated by stalls (amazingly enough), 3 washers, 3 dryers, and 5 sinks. The building that I am in is for 0-4 and below, and E-8 and below females. E-9 and O-5 and above females are berthed in individual spaces.


Soon after gear issue we were informed on weapon safety and nomenclature for our weapons. We also had to sign paperwork informing us that once we were issued this weapon it was our responsibility to maintain accountability at all times. In my platoon (roughly 40 personell) were all issued an M16, and 10 of us (including myself) were also issued an m9. Out of the 10 people issued the M16, only 5 of us will be taking the m16 and the m9 into theatre (including myself). The weapons that we are taking into theatre are called "go to war weapons" and the others are considered "loaner" weapons. These weapons are ours until we return them after our deployment.

*For the people that were issued both weapons, they are expected to qualify in both. UNLESS the second weapon is not a go to war weapon. If you recieved a loaner M16 you weren't expected to qualify on the M16. Whether you were qualifying or not, everyone is expected to shoot (except for the Chaplain).

Day 2 - M16

The day started with an early chow time at the DFAC (galley). We were individually assigned to a simulator that assisted us in Zeroing in our M16a2 assault rifle. The rifle was connected to a series of wires that was connected to the computer. The computer was connected to the screen that had targets on them. The rifle would simulate a shot on the screen that you were aiming at, and this in turn showed you where you were aiming was at. The objective was to create a tight grouping with three rounds.

Day 3 - M16 and M9 Range

When we left camp McCrady we headed for the range at Fort Jackson, the drive was about 40 minutes and it was still dark outside when we arrived. The purpose of being at this range was to Zero in your rifle. Each individuals rifle was zero'd differently. This allowed us to continuously shoot 3 rounds at a time to maintain a consistent grouping.

Each person was expected to Zero there rifle in. Soon after the M16 shoot we cleaned our weapons and then qualified on the M9. After the qualification we cleaned our M9's. In between shoots classes were given to show us how to operate a HUMV, use our gas masks, and wear MOP gear.

Day-4 M16 -LOMAH

My platoon was the first ones to be awake, we went to the range and shot first so that we could monitor the next round of shooters. The LOMAH (Location of Misses and Hits) range was used to show the shooter where he was shooting, so that if he was too low or too high over the target he could make minor adjustments. The targets were placed at 75/150/300 meters. Each shooter was granted 9 clips for 3 sets of fire. The course was in three different positions; the kneeling position, prone supported, and prone unsupported. We received a hot lunch (special occasion??!) and cleaned our weapons after shooting. We left the LOMAH range around 1700 and headed over to another range to qualify in low-light/night fire shooting. Once the sun started to go down each person shot their M16 and M9.

Day 5 - M9 PWC and M16

The M9'ers were sent to a different range to qualify on the practical weapons course (pwc). This course consists of running from one barrier to another. When arriving to the barrier you jump into the prone position and shoot from behind the barrier, or jump into the kneeling position and shoot from behind the barrier. This course had a three minute time limit, and was done in full battle rattle (all IBA).

The M16'ers went to a range that was used to shoot at targets that popped up for 3-4 seconds. The distances were set at 50/100/150/200/250/300 meters. The first two courses of fire were slick (no IBA), and the third course had IBA. This was our pre-qual day to help us see where we are at for the actual qualification day.

In between the shoots we were sent to two classes. One class was heavy weapons, where we learned about nomenclature for the MARK 19 and SAW. The second class was a reaction shoot. We shot blank rounds into our targets to test our reaction time (switching safety to off on and bringing your weapon up with the quickness).

Day 6 - Death by powerpoint

Two classes were given today First Aid (combat lifesaver techniques), radio communications and basic map plotting (land navigation).

Day 7- LIBERTY CALL LIBERTY CALL :)

Smallpox Vaccination

I'm going to Afghanistan, and to protect me in every way that they (the U.S. government) can, they immunize me with everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. The two shots that I did receive that I will never forget will be the Smallpox vaccination, and anthrax. I say anthrax because it's a series of 6 or so shots. As of now I'm on my third shot, and they aren't that painful. The first or second shot was an eyeopener, but after that it's just like any other 'normal' shot. I say that it was an eyeopener because when you leave the clinic you think, "oh, that wasn't that bad!". But an hour or so later...you get re-flashes. Your arm kinda of stings and it's sore, and this re-flash sensation lasts about two days. After the first two shots I haven't felt any side effects really.

The smallpox vaccination...I almost regret allowing them to shoot me up with this vaccination. But in the end I know it might save my life. After the first 5 days I received the shot it was a breeze. That was my 'vacation' week from the smallpox. On day six a small clean blister appeared up on my skin. This wasn't painful, it just itched really bad. Without paying complete attention, I would scratch the living hell out of the tiny blister causing it to swell up. Day seven it continues to itch but my lymph nodes around my upper arm were swollen and sore. I had bad maneuverability and couldn't carry much weight with my left arm. Day eight most of the itching went away, and my arm was starting to feel better as far as the swollen lymph nodes go. But this is where the headaches came in....After day seven I've had headaches that don't go away. I've been taking 800mg ibuprofen twice a day and this headache is restless. This is the first time that I feel nauseous from the pressure built up in my head... I can't even sleep at night (hence the reason I'm posting a blog at 0500 in the morning).

Japan

Everything I wanted to do while I was in Japan, I did. I went to Kyoto, Kamikura, Tokyo, Yokohama, Hiroshima, Nikko, Hakone, Miyajima Island, Ueno, and a dozen other areas. My favorite place in Japan, was Kyoto. Kyoto is the most traditional area in Japan and is extremely beautiful.

Kinkakuji Temple

Tenmangu Temple , Kyoto

GEEP!

Recently, friends have been asking me about my 'Greek Ventures'. The most memorable experience I have of Greece are the GEEP! I say Geep because it is a crossbreed between a Goat and a Sheep. These Geep are infested all over the island and pretty much rule the roads. If you hit one Geep (and kill the animal) with a vehicle you must pay for that specific Geeps currency that he would have brought in if you didn't kill him. For example, Geep milk and Geep meat. In addition to that you need to pay for all of his offspring that he would have created if you hadn't hit him. 'If' you hit five or more Geep than you are no longer held accountable for hitting the Geep and do not need to pay restitution. The Cretan's believed that if you hit more than five Geep from the herd it was the herders fault. Other than Olive Oil, Geep are pretty much the only source of income the island has. My entire time in Greece I never once saw a pig, or cow. So if you ordered a hamburger, it was probably cat meat. The cat to human ratio on Crete was 3 - 1. Is that not the ugliest creature you have ever seen?

Before....

After...

Gear Issue

The uniform I wore in Japan and Greece were BDU's (battle dress uniform). In Afghanistan the uniform the Navy wears (for the most part) are the DCU's (Dessert camouflage uniform). Depending on where you are going and who you are attached with you may wear the Army's uniform.

The gear that is issued to you in NMPS is as follows:
4 sets of DCU's (2 blouse 2 trousers)
1 set of boots (made of suede material and khaki in color)
2 eight point covers
2 Boonie covers
2 packs of brown t-shirts
2 packs of socks
2 PT* shirts
2 PT shorts
1 set of NAVY sweats
1 Gas Mask (Including cover and case)
1 reflective belt
1 set of blousing straps
1 ID holder

*PT: Physical training

Navy Mobilization Processing Site

When mobilizing the entire process is 'hurry up! and wait!'. Your rushed to get to where you are going, and then your waiting around. The first place your going to go to is NMPS (navy mobilization processing site) in San Diego, CA. This process only takes about four days. The four days consists of vaccinations, medical check ups, dental check ups, legal assistance, family support assistance, and financial assistance. NMPS is here to make sure that anyone whom is deploying has all their personal affairs in order before deploying. NMPS is quite helpful sailors mobilizing.

Souda Bay, Greece

I was stationed in NSA Souda Bay from 06-07. Other than standing post for force protection in Souda Bay, I was also part of harbor security. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy my experience in Greece as much as Japan. Greece was interesting, but I do not plan on going back.

Yokosuka, Japan

I walked into a United States Navy recruiting station in Margate, Florida in June 2004. Two weeks later I was boarding a plane to go start boot camp in Great Lakes, Chicago. From Great Lakes, Chicago I was sent to San Antonio, Texas for ‘A’ school (training) where I would learn how to apply my rate (job title). After I successfully graduated MA (master-at-arms) ‘A’ school I was flown to Yokota air base in Japan. From Yokota I took a bus to my first duty station, Yokosuka, Japan. Yokosuka was my first duty station. I was stationed in Japan from Nov 04' - Nov 06'. My primary duties were to stand post at our force protection gates, patrol the neighborhood by unit enforcing rules and regulations throughout the base, and stand force protection on the water by harbor security force. So far, Japan has been my overall most enjoyable experience. Not only was my everyday work exciting, but the experiences and opportunities I had outside the base were priceless!