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