Phase II Down, Only Phase III To Go

Well, tomorrow will mark the end of Phase II of traning and Monday begins Phase III. As an update on some info I received from Chris:

• The reason Chris was moved from Plt 2149 to Plt 2155 was totally random. They found out the platoon bay (living quarters) only fit 81 recruits and there were 83 assigned to the platoon. So two had to be moved - he was one of them.
• Chris actually achieved 2nd Class (Level 3) in swim. This means he passed both previous levels and then also was able to rescue another recruit from the water "under battle conditions". This is the highest level a recruit can achieve at boot camp. He will only have to go through swim quals every three years because of achieving this level.
• In his last letter, Chris said he qualified as Expert (highest level) in rifle - too bad it was only practice. I'm waiting to hear how he did in the actual qualifying.
• During Field Week, Chris not only had the 3 and 5 mile humps, he also had an 8 mile hump. Here's what he said about it - "Pretty easy. I finished in the front. I had to carry an 80 pound pack, kevlar helmet, flak jacket, M16 and 2 full canteens."

Chris said he misses junk food and wants to spend $100 on junk food at Costco when he comes home. I'm not sure his stomach would handle it at this point!

The first week of Phase III is called Team Week and begins with the guys moving back to MCRD in San Diego. They are given a little more responsibility and are a little less micromanaged. They are broken up into working parties who work as a team to accomplish various tasks like cleaning a building, lawn maintenance, issuing supplies to new recruits, and whatever else needs done. They will also have their first uniform fitting. I can't wait to see him in his dress blues!

They also do a series of physician fitness tests for score. They will have to do a combo of a 3 mile run in no longer than 28 minutes (18 minutes for perfect score), no less than 3 pull ups (20 being perfect), no less than 45 crunches in 2 minutes (100 for perfect score).

That's all the news for now. 8 weeks down, 5 weeks to go!

Catch Up Blog

It's been a couple of weeks since I've added any info. Lots has happened. Chris was moved from his platoon into another one. I'm not sure why but he is adjusting, making new friends and all.

Two weeks ago, the guys experienced the infamous Confidence Course. You know, the one you see in all the boot camp movies. Chris said when he was crossing the rope over the mucky water, he fell in. Hang on next time, Chris! He told us he won one of his Pugil Stick matches and it felt really good.

Swim qualifying was last week. He passed 4th Class (Level 1) and 3rd Class (Level 2). To qualify as a CWS4 the recruit must be able to swim the width of the pool without touching the bottom once in utilities uniform without boots. Once this is accomplished, the recruit must enter the water feet first from a minimum of 5 feet and remain afloat for 3 minutes. CWS3 is conducted in full combat gear (utilities w/ boots, pack, Kevlar, and rifle). To qualify as a CWS3 (re-qual every 2 years.) the recruit must enter the water feet first from a minimum of 5 feet and remain afloat for 5 minutes. Then the recruit must swim 50 yards using any stroke or combination of the sidestroke, backstroke and breaststroke. I would think you would have to be a pretty strong swimmer to be able to do this in full gear!

On Saturday, the Platoon moved to Camp Pendelton for Phase II of training. The guys are spending this week in a classroom learning about marksmanship and how to shoot efficiently. They will practice trigger control, breathing techniques and shooting positions. They will take a 3 mile and a 5 mile "hump" (hiking with heavy packs), in full combat load (kevlar helmet, flak jacket, and LBV (load bearing vest). They add hills to the 5 mile hump.

Next week is spent on the rifle range and he takes his Rifle Quals on Friday. I'll let you know how he does.

That's all for now.