A lesson in Army training

Ok, here is a lesson for everyone in Army training at combat skills training courses. Let me preface this post by saying the material today was very useful and relevant. As worthwhile as the information was, the method of delivery and classroom planning made it a very interesting experience.

So the day starts like any other, we get up and share the wonderful bathroom facilities, which of course include the inevitable gang showers. For those who have forgotten high school gym class, gang showers consist of a medium sized room with as many shower heads as they can stuff in the wall. I chose to skip breakfast in exchange for a few extra minutes of sleep and a less busy bathroom experience.

We get on the bus at 7:30 a.m. and start the day with a psychological evaluation. We were told there was no "pass or fail" but the strange looks from the lady giving the exam made me wonder. Anyway, from there half of us ventured over to get a bunch of high-speed Army gear. After nearly getting into a fight and making some poor lady cry because I said I brought all the gear they were trying to give me, I made it out alive and barely had time to squeeze in lunch.

The break after lunch lasted until our 6:30 p.m. bus ride to another class. Yes, 6:30! It is worthwhile to note that training at CST is done on a "you get it when we can schedule it" method. Having completed a separate CST previously, I am well aware of the scheduling issues they have with all the units here. Our briefing was very informative but it was the typical death by powerpoint. The late hour of the day made it fun to watch the nodding of heads and sudden jerk upon waking back up. By the way, yes, everyone saw you sleeping - you aren't fooling anyone when you suddenly look around like you've been awake and alert.

(A quick public service announcement: reading your slides in powerpoint is a NO NO!!! If you've never had the displeasure of being in a class or meeting where the slides are read to you then you are seriously missing out...on nothing! Please, if you ever give briefings - don't read the slides as your training method.)

Our day ends as we return from class at 10 p.m. As we complete day one of training the eight of us in our room slowly start to get to know each other. So far I have been call Jeff, Steve, and even my own name on occasion. Meeting so many people at once is like putting your brain in a blender. Names, faces, stories...they all blend together. One roommate causally mentions today that he actually has a first name. For the most part military personnel don't have a first name until they tell it to you, which is seldom because we're all used to being called by our last names.

Well, one day down and a bunch to go, so far - so good.