Should have read the fine print...: On to ‘the show’

Done with the Army thing, and spent my last night in the US. Now safely in country, camped out in a 4 star hotel in the heart of a major city. Am MOST definitely enjoying having my privacy back, and it will be a joy to have my own private porcelain again.

Reflecting on the NARMY experience, it was good, albeit inefficient training. Easy to blame the Army, but really it is one of those ‘Army conducting training for the Navy on a South Carolina Army National Guard Facility on an Army Training Base’ issues – lots of seams. Still sort of shocked that after 8 plus years of this, we have not perfected it, but…

The last week was pretty laid back. Highlight was convoy ops – we formed up in eight HMMWVs and conducted a simulated convoy through hostile terrain. Instructors were stationed to ambush us with simulated IEDs and small arms fire, then one last surprise which quickly pushed us past our limited training. Intent is not to make us experts, just give us enough knowledge to be able to help if we are passengers in a convoy and we get attacked. Then, we turned gear in (waited in line for 2 1/2 hours to turn weapons in), packed up, and I headed off to the airport. Looking forward to actually starting my new life, being gainfully employed, and starting the countdown calendar.

Finally, a plug for the USO. I had a 7 hour layover in Philly (my choice – the alternative was an hour which, given my recent track record of luggage missing connections, seemed like an unacceptable risk). Rather than hang out in an empty gate, I went to the USO lounge – open to all military personnel – and it features free food / snacks / drinks (at least coffee and soda), wi fi, and nice comfy chairs. Just a nice chance to sit back in a relaxing, un-airport like environment and chill. Should you be searching for a place to donate money to, they are a good choice.