Halfway through Pre-Mob Training

Today couldn't have been better. We ventured out to one of the big ranges where there are old tanks and vehicles and took turns with a MK-19 (automatic grenade launcher), a .50 cal., a M240B and a M249 machine gun. It was cold and windy on that hill but after a few volleys down into the valley I was fired up.
After some hot chow and a weapons cleaning session, we had time to chill and pizza arrived for dinner courtesy of our commander.
We're a little over halfway through our pre-mobilization training here at Fort Dix. Hands-on training in Army combatives, M-16 and M9 qualifications, land navigation, and many, many more tasks that we're training on....all culminating in a field exercise.
The soldiers in the unit are jelling well. They know how/when to have fun and when to get dead serious in respect to what we're training on. So far, I have a hell of a team. 2LT Almodovar, who I met at BNCOC (Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course) is my Team Leader. I'm the enlisted guy who runs my team. My team consists of SSG Burrell (well-traveled English person like myself), SGT Taylor (can be relied upon in just about any situation), SGT Heise (very motivated and always in a great mood), SPC Fardette (from Hawaii, great guy!), SPC Anderson (she can kick your butt!), and SPC Alperin (the analyst who speaks Spanish extremely well).
I can't wait to get over the pond and tackle our real jobs. I think that my team and the rest of the soldiers in the unit will kick some butt.
Don't worry...pics are coming soon. I didn't bring my camera here but I will have it later and overseas. So, tune in later for another posting....oh and this blog would not be possible if weren't for our First Sergeant, 1SG Martinez, who got everyone set up to blog so their friends and families could keep in touch and track our deployment. Thanks Top!

Just the Beginning...

Well, looks like this is THE first official post so I'll start by saying that whatever IS said in my blog, by me or anyone who comments on what I say, is not endorsed or is the opinion of the U.S. govt. in any way shape or form. I will have the ability to allow or disallow comments so make sure you are 'nice' so it can be posted. I DO want and welcome feedback!!
We (the 211th MPAD) are training/prepping for mobilization at Fort Dix now. I can say that some of the training is the best I've had in a really long time. The drills here know their stuff. This deployment is going to be VERY different from the last one (Afghanistan) in many, many ways. Our unit has cross-leveled several soldiers to fill empty slots so I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of people who I will be working with for the rest of our time overseas. Those guys and gals are pretty high-speed too.
Last deployment was cool. Afghanistan. Kind of like Texas weather-wise depending on what part of the country you're in. Iraq is a big sand box. Different ways, language, and customs to learn too.
I'll blog when and where I can. Some posts may be long and detailed and some will be short. Moods will change. I hope all who read keep in touch (many have NO idea how that helps deployed military personnel) and comment when they can. I wouldn't be able to stay sane over there without the gym and the loving support of my troops who work with me, my school and students (go TEXANS!), my family, and my wife and daughter. So, until the next one, see ya!

This is Just A Test

Testing, testing - Is this thing on ?