Post | Mysite

One of the best field experiences I was fortunate enough to have was while augmenting Army ETTs in Afghanistan. Our mission (Navy ETT) was officially garrison-centered (security, facilities, etc.), but the maneuver elements were always willing to take volunteers... and it was in this capacity that I occasionally found myself truly in the field, sometimes for extended periods of time. Winter in the mountains of east Afghanistan is "impressive"... even for a hillbilly like myself. Fortunately, the Navy had long-since taught me to sleep literally anywhere...my dad (former Airborne NCO) and the BSA taught me to deal with the outdoors in the wet and cold... and the Army had given us outstanding training during the winter of the previous year in Ft. Riley. During the warmer months, I also had the privilege of going out with some mixed-bag elements including Romanians... talk about some interesting field chow! All in all, while I can't ever claim the honor of calling myself an Infantryman... I did get a quality glimpse into the life of one, and they will always have my utmost respect.

Wake up at 5?