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

MORE PIX OF FT. JACKSON, PART TWO

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

MORE PIX OF FT. JACKSON, PART ONE

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR