Saturday was really the first full day of training I have had since I have been here. We did some driver training and began the licensing process of a couple of vehicles. The first one we did was called an LHS (load handling system) it is used to load trailers and racks, I will post some pictures below of the trucks and of our small convoy we did. The other 2 were an M1151 which is basically an uparmored hummer that the Army used to use for convoy security missions. It has since been replaced by the MRAP. The final vehicle we will be licensed on here is the M1088. Its kind of like an all purpose truck, it can be used for a lot of different purposes, supply hauls, troop transport, things like that.
The licensing process is kind of frustrating, before you drive you have to be a passenger for at least 50 miles. So Saturday I had to sit in the passenger seat of the LHS and just sit, no driving, no navigating, just sit. It was pretty awful but necessary I suppose. We got a late start because whoever used the trucks before us did not fill any of them up. The LHS has approximately a 120 gallon tank and the pump we had pumped fuel just like a normal gas pump at a BP or shell so it took about 40 minutes to get our truck filled up alone. By the time we filled them all up and were ready roll, it was lunch time so we decided to eat before rolling out. So we really didnt begin driving until about 1200-1215. Its fine though because we will have plenty of time to get everyone licensed on all of the vehicles necessary as 1st Army Division has kind of screwed us over in terms of training. So far the only thing they have us scheduled to train on and validate on are combatives (Army hand-hand combat) and MRAP training. So the rest of our trianing schedule relies on our company/platoon to make up some training.
The issue is that while we were in Ohio, we validated on all of the tasks we were supposed to be validated on while we were down here in Fort Bliss. So instead of repeating all of the tasks which we have done within the past 3-6 months, they decided to no retest us. We are basically being punished for doing what we were supposed to do. Whatever, suck it up, drink water and drive on I suppose.
So Sunday, today, Easter! I went with 3 other soldiers to Center Chapel One where they held the Porestant service. It was a very nice chapel and it was in an actual area with grass! Yes you heard right...Grass...In the desert. What a strange coincidence it was right where the officer's quarters are and where the post commander lives. I guess its one of the perks of being an officer, you get to look at grass.
The service was very different from what I am used to. It seemed to me like it was heavily influenced by the Catholic services. There was no sermon, which I was not a fan of. Im not sure if it was because if it was Easter or not but I didnt like it very much. They had communion which I took and everything but the vibe of it was different and more conservative.
Came back from church and we went the PX and I got a haircut and a little fan to go next to my bed which is AWESOME. I love sleeping with a fan so it feels a bit more comfortable!
Grass!!
Nice post! And as far as ham...Don't worry, we didn't have any ham either! I guess we'll wait until next year when you are home. That's awesome that you found a little fan- haha. Keep up the posts, they are great!!!
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