ALL PRESENT

Hey Everyone,
Unable to upload pix at this time, and those photos really do aid in telling the story.

I'm good to go, and actually awaiting xfer (transfer) to my next destination.

More to follow.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

UDAIRI: FINAL PREPS FOR IRAQ

The final evolution prior to our ultimate destination was the Udairi Range, run by MPRI (a civilian contract, staffed by former Army NCO's). The bottom line up front was that it was a blast to shoot and run with the Hummers.

As you can see from the picture above, things got pretty cozy in the evening, but after a few "Good night John-boys", folks started to settle in. No showers, but it's nothing that few baby wipes and some bottled water can't handle. The tent was air conditioned, and comfortable for us to sleep and have our classes in. Not bad....

The next morning was Close Quarters Marksmanship...probably the most exciting part of the training. You learn to shoot on the move, on the run, between people, and even turning around to shoot the target behind you....all in a 50 man front. Sounds a bit dangerous, but the instructors do a GREAT job of stepping you through each course of fire, so you can run at full speed when you put rounds down range.

That afternoon, we had a few classes in convoy operations and organization. I can't go into specifics here, but running a convoy is defintely NOT just keeping a bunch of trucks running in a straight line. It's using all your assets to survey and protect the convoy, including communications and task organization.

Some folks didn't like the idea of roughing it, but the training was worth the trip, and a little sweat equity. Now we are just chomping at the bit to get to our commands, and to get started.
More to follow.....

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

PIX OF CAMP VIRIGNIA

Hey everyone! Photography was restricted, but here are some pictures of the living area, and some fellow IAers.

Good to go, ready to train!

Hydrating and gearing up for HMMWV training at Camp Buering.

"Space Puppy", an AF IAer, is lovin' life.

More to come!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

TRANSIT AND ARRIVAL, CAMP VIRGINIA - KUWAIT

Greetings everyone! After we gathered our things from the barracks, we sped off to the Columbia Airport for our flight to Kuwait. As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by a whole bunch of VFW folks and other Veterans, waving the flag and shaking our hands. On a Friday night, when these folks could be with their families, they take the time to say thank you. They ask about what we'll do when we get out there, how our families are doing, and then give each of us a box of Girl Scout cookies....

Damn, I love this country!

As we line up to get on the plane, the Vets do as well, and meet us to shake our hands one more time. They wish us God-speed, and tell us to "keep your head down!" Our Drill Instructors, who have taken us through this transition, meet us just before we board the plane, give us a hearty "HUAH!!", and wish us well.

What a great way to end this chapter.

*

Our flight makes a stop in Leipzig, GR for refuel and crew swap, and I'm able to let email folks and let the famjam know I'm doing ok. We jump back on for the last leg....a measly 5 hours to Kuwait.

We arrive in darkness, and convoy to post under guard. We recieve our "ground rules" briefing for the base, grab our bags, and head to our tents. If I remember correctly, it was about 3 am when I hit my sleep-system.

*

Camp Viriginia is a transit base for folks coming in and out of theatre. Regardless of what other folks have said/blogged/whatever, life just isn't bad here. The exchange has all the amenities you need. The gym is more than decent. Your tent is air conditioned, and there's more bottled water than you can shake a stick (or a camel spider) at. There are shower trailers to take showers, and there's REALLY good pressure.

They take the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) mission seriously here. There's even a movie theatre that plays movies twice a day. A library is available. The Personnel Support staff is aggressive in taking care of any pay issues.

We'll be here for a couple of days, and then well head to the Udairi Range for some shooting and convoy training. Can't say exactly when, of course.......

No pix just yet, but they're coming.....more to follow!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

GEAR AND MORE ADVICE TO INCOMING EWOS

Brothers and sisters,

If you are coming on IA as a fellow EWO, here's a snapshot of what you'll get issued. Can't talk techspecs here, but FYI:

INTERCEPTOR BODY ARMOR (IBA) - Mobile armor, get used to having poundage on your shoulders and back. Adjust it as soon as you can for max comfort.

M4 Carbine - Collapsable stock, will come with 3 point sling for maneuverability. Learn to sight this weapon with both eyes.

M9 Berreta - No frills here, just a reliable sidearm. Learn to sight this weapon quickly.

The gear below is good to have by recommendation of my DI and by aviators:

Wiley X Gloves - mixture of tough materials, especially the knuckles. Will protect your trigger fingers, and WAY comfortable.

511 Master Knife - good to keep on your person, and it's a way out if you are tied down. Check the TSA website if you want to bring this back home with you.

Further advice:

1. Don't be a complainer. It just looks bad.

2. For comfort, get some Underarmor boxerbriefs/Thorlo socks. You'll thank yourself later.

3. Carry your own weight, and when you can help a shipmate that's faltering, do so.

4. There's opportunity to PT and blow off steam, at any hour of the day at NIACT. There's a one-mile track (that's marked off each quarter), and two gyms. You can stay in shape out here at NIACT.

5. A shipmate of mine recommended a Stanley mobile case. It's a big Roughneck-looking plastic case that has wheels and a handle to pull. When it comes time to haul all of your gear, it may be VERY helpful.

More to follow...

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

WEEK 3, NIACT - END OF TRAINING

The culmination of training here at NIACT is the Convoy Operation. You get the intelligence, the mission, and the assets, and then you plan how you are going to shoot, move, communicate, and treat. The DI's present a scenario that is true to life as possible, and we execute a student-made plan. Of course, some curveballs were thrown at us, but in the end, it was a success. They said we had met every objective. We are ready to deploy.

Suddenly, our jam-packed days of training, learning, shooting, and practice are done. It's hard to believe that time has passed so quickly, and it's time to move on. I'll look back on this week, and the weeks prior, and smile. You were pushed outside of your comfort zone. You were forced to train under folks that were junior. You made it work.

I'm glad I did. If there are any Camp McCrady DI's reading this, thank you.

*

Our next stop is Camp Virginia, Kuwait. Our mission there will be to get acclimatized (120 deg + weather), start our in-processing to theatre, and practice our marksmanship and test our knowledge of convoy ops.

At this time, I know the conductivity will be limited, but I'll get more postings in ASAP.

As always, thanks for reading....more to follow!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

DEDICATION

This morning I woke up, and went for a quick jog before breakfast. When I finished, I looked back at the PT field, and the track surrounding it. I remembered my Dad would always take me running to get me ready for the Academy....he developed a good habit, and it served me well here at NIACT.

Thanks Dad. I won't let you down out there.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

WEEK TWO, NIACT....SHOOTING!

What a week of training! Our curriculum this week concentrated even more on marksmanship, including more advanced topics such as heavy weapons, instinctive shooting, and much more. Our longest day of shooting was from 6:30 am until 10:00pm!

All in all though, it was WELL worth it. If you weren't comfortable handling a rifle or pistol, you are now. There's a certain amount of bravado that goes with learning how to defend yourself, and I think everyone in our platoon gained a bit. Your weapons become part of your uniform...no kidding.

The Drill Instructors and our company of IAer's have also had old school PT (Physical Training), double-timing and calling cadence. The DI's just have endless energy.

Make no mistake, it's not boot camp, but it is indoctrination into a warrior lifestyle. It's a great and interesting relationship between Drill Instructor and senior uniformed personnel. The respect is there, and goes both ways.

I'm very happy to say that I've been part of this experience, and I feel even stronger going into this new assignment.

I'll have more soon, as our last week winds down here. Take care out there!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

MORE PIX OF FT. JACKSON, PART THREE

Yep, we get a "shot" of that stuff.

Within the Regimental Building.
The chow line.

The chow line part two!

Morning convoy training...these things can HAUL.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

WEEK ONE, NIACT

I've never shot so many rounds in my career, and my shooting has never been better, period. The DI's here have shooting down to a science, taking folks who have never ever picked up a weapon, and getting them qualified and confident within a week.

Their "Crawl, Walk, Run" system of training is present in everything they instruct. Whether it's physical training, breaking down a weapon for cleaning, shooting, or even convoy operations, the system allows you to adapt quickly.

We were also indoctrinated into battlefield first aid. Not for the weak of heart, and it brings home the importance of staying vigilant, and at the same time, you get hands-on instruction about taking care of your Shipmate or (in Army-speak), your Battle Buddy.

The DI's are a walking encyclopedia of survival skills and marksmanship. Whatever ails your shooting, they have a remedy. Whatever uncertainty you have, they had an experience that could save your life.

In all seriousness, it's fun and exciting.

More pix below, enjoy, and more to follow!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

ADVICE FOR INCOMING EWOS

1. Have medical/dental scrub your record in accordance with the ECRC checklist. Get all your immunizations and documentation prior to NMPS, if you can.
2. Go ahead and schedule an eye exam/audiogram....chances are you need it.
3. Read your orders in its entirety. It has virtually 90 percent of the FAQ about the IA process in there. Keep three copies for your transit to theatre.
4. At NIACT, approach each course of instruction, firing range, and exercise at full speed. The DI's will appreciate hard work and a willingness to learn.
5. Up your cardio. Nobody like to see someone fall out during PT at NIACT.
6. If time permits, strengthen your shoulders, neck, and lower back. Your body armor is not exactly light.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions from the DI's at NIACT. They are there to teach you how to defend yourself and GET HOME SAFE.
8. Travel as light as possible, and check the TSA website before you travel. Regulations concerning what you can bring in a carry-on bag tend to change.
9. Take any opportunity during the day (vice evening personal time) to clean your weapons at NIACT. Your family and your weapons will thank you for it.
10. Get/bring a laptop that has a DVD drive. You'll be busy, but during evening personal time (NIACT) you may want to watch a movie, when there's no cable/movie theatre/etc.

If you have any more questions, please send to USNABEAR@GMAIL.COM. I'm ever happy and ready to answer.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR