15APR05

Hi Mom and Dad,

We just got the information for graduation.  I've included it all in this letter.  You'll need the enclosed pass to get on base, so don't lose it or forget it.

So far, this week has been hectic, and it doesn't look like it will slow down at all.  We had another FTX (field training exercise),  The weather wasn't as bad, but it did rain one day while we were there.  We also had to be in full chemical suits for 4 hours as a graduation requirement.  We actually were in them for 5 hours because a Drill Sergeant (DS) got mad at us.  One DS told us that our 4 hours were up, but she hadn't cleared that with the DS that was in charge.  When he saw us with our suits off, we were yelled at us and we had to put everything back on.  The suits weren't too bad - a little warm, but it was colder outside, so it balanced out the temperature.  I actually slept in the suit without the mask/gloves/boots, and was just a little cold.

Before the FTX, we went back to the firing range and did a day/night fire,  For the day part, they made us go through a sewer grate, under a road, and then back up.  Unfortunately, the sewer was filled with water.  So we did that, and then sat around until it got dark.  We were cold and wet for a good 9 hours.  Our platoon huddled together for warmth, so it wasn't so horrible.

Today we did more combatives, or hand-to-hand combat - basically wrestling.  We learned a bunch of chokes and submission moves.  The weather is getting warmer, so we were all sweating by the end of the training.  Yesterday, we went to a buddy firing range where you and a partner assault a bunker, covering each other.  Yes, I was running around with someone shooting live ammo behind me.  It was tough, because you had to "low crawl" a lot, which means every part of your body has to stay on the ground.  It's hard to move as fast as you need to when you're dragging along the ground.

The next week looks as hectic as the last one.  We have actual bouts for combatives, a night extraction course (with live ammo), a live fire convoy course, our graduation-required final PT test, measuring for our dress uniforms, and phasing into the blue phase.  It's only less than three weeks to go.  It's amazing how fast this training experience has been.  I forgot that we did a 10K road march back from the FTX.  That wasn't bad, except that I got my first blister in BCT.  Oh well!  We have two road marches left - a 10K to the final FTX, and a 15K back home.  That FTX is 5 days long.

I don't know if I'll have time to get another letter off, but I should be able to use the phone now that we're in the blue phase.  I'll see you both in 20 days.

Love your son,

PFC Waylon Bader