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13 JUN 04 Day 1

We woke up at HHC donned PT gear and weighed in. Then we changed over and did the "Duffle bag drag," over to Charlie Company.

They divided us into 3 then 4 PLTs. Of those I met at 30th AG, only Overturf, Rangle, Stanton and Cutri were in my PLT. Winkleman, Watters, Kral, and Bernacki went to Fist PTL, and Butler went to 4th.

We did total inventory in the hot, muggy, sweltering, Georgia sunshine. SFC Thomas would call out an item then we would hold it up and put it back into our bag. It was extremely hot and in no time at all BDUs were soaked with sweat.

I got 3rd floor "Oh I love steps." My roommate is from a Ranger unit. Kevin Humphres is an E-7, I would have picked him if I could. I felt I could learn more from talking to someone than by a book.

The rooms are dark and unkempt. Latrines seem new but only five showers for 20 some guys that don't have in room showers.

We went to chow, the DFAC was funny, I tried to eat quickly and SSGT Del La Cruz sat down and said, "Look candidate, you have to eat faster." Ah, ok, then.

We had about 10 minutes it seemed to get ready for sleep. APFT tomorrow. Had no time to unload the duffle bags.

14 JUN 04 Day 2

First full day of training. Yeah, all down hill from here. After having 10 minutes to wake up, we marched to the APFT field. I started to feel nervous because of my knee injury and having never been able to pass an APFT at 1/333.

Well I did pass, 63 push-ups, 68 sit-ups, and 16:10 run. Not good, but not bad. I'm so happy. A female named Schwartz next to me had like 80 push-ups, 80 sit-ups and 14:00 run. In fact, most females beat me at the run. The whole time I could hear my wife telling me for motivation, "Don't let any girls beat you." Overturf and Stanton failed and are now gone.

Later in the day, I saw 2 females throw up. One of them fell out of formation this morning. The heat and humidity is crazy, every piece of clothing is soaked with sweat.

Next I went to Nett Hall, the dumpy classroom building next to Charlie barracks. It has three ACs but with them kicking all the time, you can't hear the TACs speaking. Too much square footage for them to do much good. So you can't hear and still sweat.

15 JUN 04 Day 3

I screwed up big time. I tried to shave my head but didn't have enough time to finish. I had chunks of hair I missed. I thought I'd have time in the morning but they closed the latrine because of a drug test. I had to go so I figured I'd be one of the first then shave. However, they moved the end of the line. By the time I got up there the CO was there and said, "What did you do to your head?" "Shaved it, sir." "Did you read the OCSOP about head shaving?" "No, sir." I felt soooo stupid. Well he was my "observer: I was so nervous I could barely go so after about a minute I asked him if what I had was sufficient. It was just about to the top, he said, "You know, Brousseau, sounds like you asked that to be sarcastic." Oh boy, making friends rather quickly here.

Then a captain, whom I thought was my TAC walked up and asked me who my TAC was, I remember how to pronounce his name, so he told me to go to the PLT and ask, about that time Capt. Corliss (easy name to remember, and pronounce) ran up and said, "You go to be kidding me, you don't know who your TAC is." I went to the PLT and asked and came back to him. I felt so stupid, again. He gave me a 500 word essay "Why you should follow orders." My TAC, Capt. Roenfanz, told me to fix my head, I did happily. I was the first one in Charlie Company Class 507 to get a writing assignment.

We went to the obstacle course. It was hard and fun, plus we got MREs. Rangle fell from a rope about 12 feet, Capt. Burden caught her but she still hit the ground hard on her back and let out a gasp of air. She walked it off and said later she couldn't remember falling.

On VIP guard, which is at both ends of the company street, I called, "A-TEN-HUT" when the CO walked by, he said, "What you say?" I said, "a-ten-hut, sir" he shook his head and said it's "a-ten-shun" then said "Brousseau, right?" soon Capt. Roenfanz walked over and said it's "a-ten-shun" really, sir? I guess another difference between the Corps and the Army.

16 JUN 04 Day 4

They (the TACs) started cracking down on DFAC procedures. We all look silly sitting there repeating "DEFAC officer" 50 times in a row. I foresee nightmares to come.

For PT we did the CDI which I did at 1/333. I survived another day of PT. I'm getting a cold because of the soaking rain yesterday, at least my BDUs got clean.

More indoc classes, nothing worth remembering. Still feel I can't get enough to drink or pee enough to feel good.

We went to clothing supply to get TA-50 gear and more crap to store.

18 JUN 04 Day 6

Had release run, one mail, to get group times, mine was 8:10. C group, I want A when I leave. They make us run all over here, to DFAC, up stairs, down stairs, my run time can only improve.

Issued M-16s for 5-mile road march tomorrow. First, they said keep in wall locker, and then we had to sleep with it "It's not the Army way until there is two ways to do it." I made that up.

During lights out procedures, we sing OCS Alma Mater and the Army Song. SFC Thomas had us sing the alma mater then said, "sing" for the Army Song, and all of us started the alma mater again. Funniest thing to happen.

Only half the class did Combat Water Survival because of lightning. As we waited we were tormented by the TACs over every thing possible. It was a hot day and I was looking forward to swimming.

I also got some time to talk to Winkleman and Watters in 1st PLT. It's been awhile since our days at 30th AG and HHC.

19 JUN 04 Day 7

5-mile road march. Humphres had his rifle "confiscated" by the CO because he left it in the top three office. He is student CO, so that explains why I haven't seen him too much. When the TACs turned on the lights, Capt. Roenfanz threw Humpres' rifle across the floor.

The march went well. I kept thinking of Rangle would fall out but then she would be right there, she looked pretty awful. Winkleman fell out. She told me she lost all her strength swimming yesterday. Maybe…

Got some blisters. They didn't hurt until we stopped at the end. I asked my "Ranger Roommate" and he told me I didn't have my boots tight enough. D'OH! I'm a dumbass. Just remember to tighten the boots. Next we marched up to the shoppette. I called Amanda: no answer. Must be at a work or at a garage sale. I miss her. I haven't received any letters from her so I don't know how she is doing.

It was nice to be back in civilization again. Hung out with Watters in the nice AC. I almost climbed into the Ice Box.

20 JUN 04 Day 8

It's been a whole week. 13 more to go. Got an hour more sleep last night. Went to Mass. The priest welcomed us and told us about cookies and coffee in the sanctuary. We all laughed but Capt. Roenfanz told us all to get in there after the service. Ah, free time without reading the OCSOP. Had cookies punch and coffee, plus wine during service. Many OCs were afraid of drinking the wine, someone said, "It's not wine, it's the Blood of Christ." Exactly.

Had grappling training in the afternoon. Or they call it combatives here. My blisters felt OK on the march up to the building. I was a little worried about my knee and "bruised tibia." I hung out with Humphres and he showed me improved techniques like grabbing the collar and driving the elbow into the throat.

Schwartz said she wanted to go against a man, barring a better example, I volunteered. If I kept my body up she couldn't throw me. She had to resort to biting me on the wrist. She then shifted her weight and I reaggervated my knee. Ouch, I got beat up by a girl…

I tried calling Amanda again but this time line was busy. I'd go to back of the line and try again. I missed the group going to the POVs, ahhg.

21 JUN 04 Day 9

Ran 3-miles in groups. A group was around 6mn/mile, c group, ah, around 8 maybe. I felt great after. Winkleman started to drop back, in fact I thought she was gone, but then she was there again. I hollered, without thinking, "Find your strength in the rest of us. I think that might be a line from Lord of the Rings. Well she didn't fall out.

TACS led us in instruction on TLPs. Capt Corliss is loads of fun outside formation and a great teacher.

22 JUN 04 Day 10

I gave in and went to sick call for the blisters. Wrote Amanda a letter and worked on this here journal. The medic gave me 4 days wearing sneakers and wearing flip-flops while in "study time."

In the afternoon, we marched to the main auditorium with the drums. It was pretty cool, except the weirdos in sneakers.

Former Marine Commandant General Krulack spoke. He gave 3 stories about Vietnam and leadership. They were all hardcore. It came time for Q & A and only one question from 1000+ people was asked so I stood to the position of attention and asked, "What is your onion on the Global War on Terror?" Now I wasn't trying to put him on the spot, I just figured he had some insight being a four star and all. He immediately started with, "In Iraq it's been a debacle." Wow. He said, "The American forces were exemplary in Iraq, but the planning has been a debacle. I hold certain people out for that." Holy front page of USA Today, Batman, "Gen. Slams Bush-War on Army Base" too bad I can't read papers here. Krulack then started in about the mess in the Middle East and we need to start with Israel and Palestine conflict.

John from 4th PLT stood up and said, "Do you think John Kerry has the leadership to lead America into the century?" WTF? Krulack said, "You shouldn't ask a Vietnam vet about Kerry, he didn't tell the truth about a lot of things." Then he got into a very funny rant about Clinton and how Clinton didn't show up to Krulack's retirement party, making it one of the general's happiest days.

Well, all during the general's speech and Q & A, candidates were using the latrine, I had to as well, but Krulack was so cool.

Well we had to wait in formation as others came out the latrine; Capt. O'Steen was POed big time back at the company. He said how good we were doing but now we were bad. Funny, only get an attaboy when you screw up. TACs took over the PLTs and we did some PT. Not too much but with a full bladder I was in pain, I went upstairs and went for at least 3 minutes.

I wrote the folks for the first time.

BTW, the CO was pissed for, "Putting the general on the spot" by asking him all (2) political questions not leadership ones. So I learned never ask a retired 4 star a question unless you know his answer.

23 JUN 04 Day 11

Had 3-mile release run my time was 25:10. Not too bad, but room to improve. Watters was second for the company. Rangel was only one in the company not to get 27:00. Some guys here can't even do one pull-up at the DFAC.

Blisters are starting to heal. We are going to do drill and ceremony with rifles. I'm sure the TACs are waiting until it is 100% humidity.

They changed the phone policy, or should say now have one. We get one recall. Capt Roenfanz approved my request card for phone and trip to POV. Too bad we've been in the barracks for past hour trying to look busy.

Since Humphres is student CO, I had him use "Do or do not, there is no try" by Yoda for the "Thought of the Day." He is going to use "Nothing is as exhilarating as being shot at and missed" by Winston Churchill, oh yea BOC Brousseau, you are making an impact.

24 JUN 04 Day 12

Had classes in the barracks all day long. Capt Corliss is sure entertaining with his video clips, sex innuendos and sound effects. Classes were on Defensive/Offensive Ops and Machine Gun Theory.

The PLT is still trying to come up with a SOP for the room displays. Everyone is trying to be too fancy if you ask me.

Left foot has healed up, but right still kills me. 2 days until the 2nd 5-mile march.

I called Amanda. She sounded pretty sad especially because she has to work Sunday, the next day I can call.

Kral is leaving because of "knee problems," another from 30th AG bites the dust. I just think he misses his wife, which he married two days before leaving for here.

New student leaders rotate in tomorrow, I'm still a student PFC. Humphres is so happy his tour as CO is over and Berg is taking over.

Some funny stories: Yesterday, Stratton ran up to plant the guideon and did the splits as he drove the pole down. Capt Burden was on the stoop and yelled, "Holee-Shit!" It was the funniest thing here.

Then today, the other former Marine in my PLT, Warstler went into the "Forbidden Zone" at the DFAC. An inspiring candidate, I think Armstrong, went up and offered to retrieve "Candidate Worthington." Capt Burden goes, "Worthington?" Then SFC Greenwood calls, "Candidate Worthington, where are you?" So the rest of us start chanting "Candidate Worthington" which of course, there is none.

Yesterday for OPORDR retrieval, the Cadre made Stratton report to the "Forbidden Zone" as Hank Hill, seeing that his Hank Hill impression is dead on, it had all of us, including Cadre losing our military bearing.

25 JUN 04 Day 13

Had 4-mile battalion run and I survived. Then I was standing in an ant pile and got all bit up, scores of ants attacked my legs and feet.

We had some land nav courses then made a sand table in the muddy volleyball court. Too many people there so I just stood around looking busy only when a TAC was in the area. I walked around and talked to my friends in other PLTs.

Delta Company got back from their last FLX and road march. They were cleaning equipment at a leisurely pace and using the phones at will. I think they are on week 9 or 10. I just watched them and said, "Why I'm I only on week 2?"

Rearranging every thing according to the SOP created by the OCs and signed off by the CO. I'm amazed he signed it off. So much stuff is just stuffed away out of sight out of mind.

Us 30th AGs dropped by another, Jennifer Rangel is being recycled for a "knee problem."

Funny time: I was doing a Capt Burden impression and saying "Day-gone" and Capt Jones heard me and was like, "What you say?" I told him and he told me to carry on, the whole time I had the entire company backed up on the stairs.

26 JUN 04 Day 14

Another 5-mile march. My feet felt great but my tape fell off my blisters with one mile to go. I limped on and stumbled a few times but made it and my feet weren't as beat up as I thought they would be.

We stopped at the Leader's Reaction Course, (LRC) which is a series of obstacles which groups have to negotiate.

I had Humpres in my group and the other guys had common sense (even I did). We solved all but one and had a great time. Humpres stepped on the red line on the first obstacle. Then the LT running it made us all jump into the water. The weather was nice and low humidity, but the wet boots killed me.

On one obstacle, Carodine moved a board to hand it to me and held another board with his hand, then Humphres placed his hand on that board and went right into the drink headfirst. I was rolling with laughter.

They (TACs, namely SFC Villereal) were playing loud music during the 14 mins we were working on each obstacle. Near the end they switched from heavy metal to country, which produced a series of Rebel yells from the Company. Then Capt Jones grabbed the mic and tried his hand at Karaoke. His deep southern drawl is still ringing in my head. The CO said, "We ran out of smoke and we have to use Capt Jones' singing."

We took a bus back, gaining privileges it would seem. We then watched "Band of Brothers" with the CO talking about the leadership aspects. Very informative training I thought.

Radabaugh put in a request card for popcorn. So the TACs got together and got us popcorn and pop. Each seat had 3 kernels on the desk and a small cup of pop. Yep, the rules are loosening up.

27 JUN 04 Day 15

We went to bed a half hour early and slept an hour later. However, our illustrious PL, Miller, didn't change the time of formation, so nearly all in my PLT were late, but she was there.

As punishment SFC Greenwood made us write a 1000 word essay on "Being on time" mine's a classic I tell you.

Went to Mass and that is quite a relief being away from the barracks. I brought Humpres some cookies because last week he asked me why I didn't. We quickly devoured the evidence. He got to see his wife and kids that must be nice.

Brown saw his wife as well and said Amanda has been emailing her. That made me happy to hear that.

I'm now in the barbershop and it's packed tight, just glad for the AC.

28 JUN 04 Day 16

Started the new SOP for the rooms. Humphres had it hooked up with all the t-shirts being hung up, but the new one by Berg has all them rolled. Plus, all non-used stuff was stuffed in the duffle bag. The new SOP has all on display. Someone is on a power trip, me thinks…

We ran over 4-miles at a fast pace. I died, multiple times I thought, "Oh boy, we are on the last stretch." Then we turned and ran around the Infantry School HQ. I made it though.

29 JUN 04 Day 17

Spent most the day at Building Four. I worked on my OPORD during the class on training management in the morning then in the afternoon Capt Roenfanz said this wasn't an OPORD class and told the company to put the stuff away. I started writing Amanda when the instructor went to AARs. Since all I do at 1/333 is AARs, it seems I was pretty bored. Well, we took a break and I saw Capt Roenfanz was now sitting at the end of my row. I knew he knew what I was doing as a teacher, I knew when kids were taking notes or writing letters. We were in the hall and Rivera told me that the Capt wanted to see me. He asked if writing letters in class was appropriate, I said no. Then he gave me a 500 word essay "Why I should pay attention in class." Then he told me to apologize to the instructor which I promptly did. He then told me to sit down while we talked about it. I felt pretty stupid but happy the first line on the letter that he wrote was "The new SOP is asinine!"

30 JUN 04 Day 18

Last day of June!! Ran ability groups and SFC Villarreal said C group is 23 seconds away from IOC time. I still felt winded, I'd hope by week 3 I'd feel better running.

We went to Selby Hill to do sand model of our OPORDs. The weather was really hospitable and MREs were nice but my grilled chicken was horrible and only ate one bite. It was lighting so they bussed us back early.

I put in a request card for the PLT to go to a movie on July 4. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

1 JUL 04 Day 19

Had classes today on map reading, very informative. We had DFAC PLT and I got to write Rules of thumb for Living Honorable 30times! Whoops, I should have paid attention to that.

Had a Health and Comfort inspection. Capt Roenfanz emptied my bags, drawers, and locker, not too bad of a mess. I'm glad it's July.

Had lasagna, it was good, 4th PLT uses knives to cut it. I swear there has never been a PLT as slow as 4th.

SFC Greenwood marched the company to Ranger Field for July 4th celebration. They gave us 25 minutes to walk the ground with only a battlebuddy. Humpres and I went into building Four to use a phone but all were taken, a PFC asked me if I was on e of the guys that made the skydive jump, must be the kick ass ascot. We left before the fireworks.

I met Brown's wife Edwina. Nice to meet someone my wife knows though they never met.

The request card for movie trip on Sunday was a no-go. Well at least I tried.

2 JUL 04 Day 20

Did CDI and RDI then ran to Doughboy Stadium. Did sprints then walk X10.

Need to pick up travel toothbrush and paste to keep on me for being at the classroom.

My jaw is pretty black because of combatives yesterday.

Knowledge is defiantly verbatim. Humpres got Marshall's Definition of Leadership 30 times. OK, this knowledge stuff is driving me nuts everything is not what armyocs.com said.

Had the weirdest talk ever with my TAC. Coming into Nett Hall Roenfanz called me over to a tree, I could only think of what I did. He asked, "Did you have a beard?" I thought I misunderstood him and said, "Sir?" he repeated it and I said yes. He said, "You looked good with one." Apparently he saw the pictures of Amanda and I and he thought it was another dude with my wife.

No "Band of Brothers" tonight, nearly 3 hours of study time. The Good Lord knows we need it.

3 JUL 04 Day 21

Had last 5-mile road march. Feet survived. This week they are sending 1st and 2nd PLTs to the PX first then 3rd and 4th. I hope I can get a hold of Amanda. After wasting four hours putting up tents in the back of the building, we went to the PX. 1st and 2nd PLTs had nothing to do once they came back so they buffed the first floor hall way and got their stuff ready for land-nav FLX0. Maybe next week they'll leave some work for 1st and 2nd PLTs.

Our PLT motto went from "Regulators Mount UP" to "Regulators Mount That Sexy Beast." This is because 4th PLT motto is "Black Stallions Sexy Beast." The funniest part is 4th PLT just takes it.

I couldn't call Amanda at the PX because "Someone abused the phone" last week, figures a day she has off and I might not call.

Have the ruck packed for FLX0 (land nav) I hope the time in the field goes quickly. Right now it feels that I'm spinning my wheels.

Humphres is walking off a tour right now on the company street. He got it because I didn't check his lock when I left the room, "My bad." Last time people were walking off tours, Knaggs was running room to room saying "You ever play the game the Sims?" Take a look outside." It did look like a bunch of automated figures marching and doing facing movements.

4 JUL 04 Day 22

Happy Birthday, America!

Went to Mass and enjoyed the AC/hymns/service/cookies. We ran out of cookies so I asked the Father if he had more and he got us some filled with cream and they were good and didn't last long.

All the hymns were patriotic. "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is the best song ever and the good Old Catholic version is the best, "As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free." I hope Amanda can stay for Mass when she comes.

Went to vehicles parking lot to start the cars. It was nice to feel some AC and hear some music. I'm going to be humming "Who are you" for weeks. I'm not saying people took advantage of the "free time" to indulge in food or cell phones, but I'm not saying that.

Capt Corliss gave a kick-ass briefing on Afghanistan then we watched "Patriot" at Nett Hall. Watching it on the big screen there was cool, but the temperature wasn't.

5 JUL 04 Day 23 FLX0 Day 1

The TACs woke us up at 0445, had formation at 0520 told to come back down at 0645. Who needs sleep? They just told us we'll get mail in the field, that's a plus.

Talked to Amanda yesterday. Spent 5 of my 10 minutes on hold waiting for customer service to pick up. She said she'll get here Thursday before the picnic and leave on Monday. There is some scuttlebutt about u s having off from 1300 Friday to 1700 Sunday. It would be nice but I won't hold my breath. Amanda on also expressed how upset she would be if I was on restriction. Not that I would blame her.

Had land-nav. Schwartz had a plan to find the outlaying points. Well her plan didn't exactly pan out. We found 3/7 and one I didn't write down the so no credit.

I'm trying no socks, Humphres' tip, so far not too bad. I'll give it a few days before I tell him what I think of it.

Humphres and I set up a poncho hooch with pine limb floor. The pine produces a soft bed and pleasant smell.

6 JUL 04 Day 24 FLX0 Day 2

Had night lan-nav last night, Stowe said I had a "woman's attitude" because I was ready to go with my compass, that is the way he thinks, but his license plate says "UNH8ABLE."

Went to bed @ 0100 woke at 0530. I snored so much my throat hurt most of the day. Had some complaints from the neighbors. I'll use snore strips tonight.

Just before groups went out this morning Capt Corliss jumped in front of the company and said, "Look, I don't care what you see out there. Take it out. Predator, Bigfoot, it doesn't matter, kill it and bring it back and we'll eat well tonight. Remember you ARE Basic Officer Candidates." The whole time he is acting out battle moves and running away. Really funny. Then the CO jumps in, "All kidding aside, don't fuck with the wildlife."

I did well on lan-nav practice. Excited planning on Amanda moving down here for IOBC. The lan-nav instructor passed out candy bars and they were mmm,mmm, good.

7 JUL 04 Day 25 FLX0 Day 3

Night nav didn't fare so well for me. Spent so long trying, and failing to locate the first point, I had just enough time to go back.

I slept better last night and thanks to my snore strips so did the others around me.

This morning, we split in groups and walked the woods and plotted some points, things that maybe we should have done two days ago. We have plenty of time to nap here but with the humidity, I just sweat.

8 JUL 04 Day 26 FLX0 Day 4

Last night of lan-nav didn't go so well. I found a couple points but overshot my last and ended north of the boundary by the Ranger Jump Tower off Ryan's Hill. I double-timed all the way in. I was 10 minutes late and about dead when I got here, Humphres guesses it is over 3K.

It rained heavily last night but the pine on the floor kept the wetness out. Many of Charlie Company were swimming. Some of 2nd PLT ran and slept in the Gatorade tent.

Stowe is company 1SG and Bonnett is PLT SGT, they are constantly at each other's throats. Stowe likes to be in charge and shares very little of what he knows with anyone just so he has something over someone. It is fairly entertaining; I just wonder when Bonnett is going to get fed up with Stowe and just waylay him.

Day nav was a little rough I would find points then spend 20 minutes making sure they were the right ones. I guess it is a self confidence thing. I then ran more trying to make it on time and after a wrong turn I did get back in time. We needed five for a go I had four. The instructors said if you had three don't worry. I should have made up numbers which is what many did. Retest is tomorrow.

We then spent 9 hours on the other side of the lan-nav course waiting for night nav. Humphres made a fire for tea and got Capt Roenfanz to yell at Stratton who was sitting next to him. Even the TACs were laughing at the whole thing. As the company was moving up the hill for chow, 3rd PLT started the Alma Mater, thus everyone had to stop and sing along, we could barley sing because we where laughing so hard.

9 JUL 04 Day 27 FLX0 Day 5

Passed night nav last night. We compared notes from day nav and I didn't even have to use them because of the five points I had, I four were the ones I found for day nav. I just wrote the numbers down and enjoyed a leisurely pace back to the hooches. I walked up on Winkleman about half the way back and walked back with her, both of us comparing notes on how OCS is not exactly jiving with our expectations.

I passed day nav with five points I actually found. Quite easy really, had three of them yesterday. Wish I did pass yesterday, but I get to walk around the woods, and roads, in the Georgia morning while others are back at the barracks cleaning. I didn't even use our list. Humpres gave me M&Ms for motivation, I was tempted to use them for my pace count but they didn't last long.

It was nice to shower and not smell. TACs went crazy at the DFAC with park points, I got two for smiling at Knaggs going to the end of the line when he was the only one in line, basically did a circle.

It's after chow and we are on "rest time" WTF? We can't even sleep so don't give me that. They let us use the internet for 10 minutes. It was as if the warden let us free. I invited the members of 1/333 to the picnic, even though they weren't on my list.

Knaggs had me laughing at DFAC again. I was on the outside stoop and came in with the last of the company. I went to the back of the DFAC and told Brown that the whole company was in the building. Knaggs at the forced Hydration Point said while holding two cups of water, "All in the building?! What am I going to do with all this water?" and he had at least 60 cups sitting on the table. All unused cups are to be drunk before the Forced Hydration Attendee leaves. I laughed out loud and ducked out the back.

10 JUL 04 Day 28

They let us sleep until 6 am! I still feel rested but groggy. I have to go to sick-call today for my rash on my wrist. Nice to get away from the barracks. I've had this rash since the LRC.

Capt Corliss put the company in the front leaning rest position because 1st PLT had a couple late shows for formation. It was rather funny.

I have poison ivy on my wrist; I got some calamine which will be beneficial for the weeks ahead. We all had to wait at the Sand Hill Welcome Center, AC, TV and Newsweek. Tons of food and phones but those were non-gratta.

Today we did nothing except clean field gear. Humphres and I worried about the rain before it started to rain so we had little to worry. Others had most their gear wet and muddy. Since he is on the picnic detail he got to drive out in town for a few hours toe "check out prices" of picnic stuff, ummm sure.

Some brave soul got pudding at the DFAC now everyone is doing it. First, it was peanut butter then Jello, now pudding. I wonder if the TACs know. In a few weeks, someone is just going to take a piece of cake.

Seems odd to see Delta Company in white ascots. Seems just a couple weeks ago a bunch of us ran into the guy from Delta just after his picnic and at the start of their Intermediate Phase. One week of classes one week of field then picnic, then IOC phase. Two weeks of classes then two weeks of the field then SOC phase. That doesn't seem too bad that way of looking at it.

I had about a 20 minute nap. I opened my wall locker, put my head on y hands behind the door and was out. At least until Bonnett walked in waking my up and ruining my pleasant time.

11 JUL 04 Day 29

Went to bed and slept 2100 to 0630! A lot of sleep. Went to Protestant service with Humphres, he invited Heather Bonnett and we had a running commentary on the differences between that service and Catholic. The receiving line after was very bountiful. All the fathers and husbands looked so happy. I was happy too, gorging myself on food and pop.

I had pudding at the DFAC and that was about it. I was so full I thought I was about to throw up.

I'm buying a Camel Back from Flowers and will be happy come FLX1.

Martinez dropped pudding on Camp's back as he walked by. Camp was then spotted and asked what he had on his back. He had a gob of somewhat white pudding dribbled on his back. The TACs were laughing pretty hard, Capt Kelly said, "I could tell you what it looks like but I don't want to consider how that got there." Then Capt Roenfanz tasted it and asked Camp why he was eating pudding and he said he wasn't, it was at this time Martinez, who was next at the tray return line, was obviously laughing. Needless to say the jig is up, no pudding or Jello. It was fun though, but PLT discipline was easily broken down over pudding.

Had a "courtesy" inspection by Capt Roenfanz. Had some buttons undone and shoes "not tied right" had some hot sauce and a spoon in ammo pouch. Whoops. He saw a single sock in my personal drawer and said "Is this clean, dirty or a happy sock." I said it was a straggler and he said, "At least it wasn't the latter." I lost what little composure I had.

12 JUL 04 Day 30

Had AGR and Capt Roenfanz made me move to B group. I stayed with them until the last 200 m or so. However, I ran and caught them. I guess I'll have to stay in B.

All yesterday, we practiced the Alma Mater to the tune of Gillian's Island. It rocked and was funny. We even song it outside the DFAC with Capt Roenfanz and Capt Burden watching, neither said anything, but we did the entire floor for lights out procedures so no "Regulator Remix." Capt Roenfanz caught me laughing and asked if I wanted to sing the Army Song myself and that I should regain my composure. Yea, good advice for me.

I saluted Capt Roenfanz inside the DFAC, major no-no, but I maintained my composure. He asked Stow how many Park Points I should get, Stowe graciously said zero, so he said, "Ok then," and walked away.

Because 4th PLT is using our latrine, because their latrine is leaking sewage on the female latrine downstairs, there has been a great crowding within our latrine. Two PLTs and only half hour to do hygiene time. Well today the PLT leadership, Brown and Reichert said for 3rd PLT to start a half hour early, I showered and just finished brushing when Brown runs in and says, "We all have to get out there was a mix-up." I walked out and SFC Greenwood was walking down the hall, I slowly walked behind him until I got to my room safely.

13 JUL 04 Day 31

More classes with Chaplain Acuff, the Z-Monster is very prevalent with him. More planning classes with Capt Trout.

In combatives, we did choking-arm breaking moves, my neck is pretty sore.

One month down.

14 JUL 04 Day 32

It was lighting out so for PT we did CDI inside then rotated sit-ups and pushups. Then we ran up and down the stairs, last time outside around the company area. We ended up outside the ropes. The entire PLT got up and rang three times for 3rd PLT, well except Ruglass, who seems she is still on a cruise or already in Senior Phase.

There is some scuttlebutt about getting O1 pay when we phase Senior. That would be a nice surprise.

I'm working on Alma Mater to the tune of Cheers.

Capt Burden put the whole company in front leaning rest position because we "took too long" at DFAC. Stowe asked Capt Roenfanz to do push ups, he went super slow using his high-pitched voice at one point he said, "My-hands-are-burning-up." The whole PLT was laughing while pushing.

The Z-Monster is getting all us, we are still wet from sweat so the AC at Building Four makes us freeze.

Capt Burden asked Nelson a question and she answered "Capt Kelly, sir." Capt Kelly yelled, "Oh, Hell no." Then Burden said, "How long have you been here?" Then Kelly said, "Do we look a like? He's got more hair," and he's white and you're black. Watteres was sitting across from me and we both lost our bearing big time.

Capt Burden gave his farewell speech, he was tearing up a little. I think most of the company would enjoy this Burden more. He won my respect when he talked about being "one of those leaders that has a jar of rank on the desk," meaning rank he took from enlisted men. I thought back to fun times at NAS Meridian. This journal would be a lot thinner without him here, he was constantly funny and helped instill much needed discipline in us.

15 JUL 04 Day 33

Had a call for fire class, which the instructor went fast. Then had a supply class that was horrible to endure.

For OPORD retrieval I wished Capt Burden good luck, he said he wasn't gambling. Knaggs said I should've said "Every LZ is a gamble, Sir!"

I got SQD LRD, I wanted PL, maybe next time. Ruglass got PL, God save 3rd PLT.

I got my E-5 orders, finally. Bonnett read the citation in her formal citation voice.

16 JUL 04 Day 34

Ran AGR 4-miles, felt great.

Had test over supply, call for fire, leadership and MI. Feel ok about it all.

First day as SQD LRD. So far no problems. Houston was told to quit singing and calling cadences in DFAC, in fact now PLs are responsible for DFAC.

DFAC went well, 3rd PLT was in and other PLTs pathetically slow.

Reickert is walking off a tour. He did time with the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. He looks like a video tape on how to march, half the PLT is watching him out the windows, and we needed some entertainment. Warstler said, "He looks like a Drill Instructor's wet dream."

17 JUL Day 35

7-mile road march, the camelback I got from Flowers was leaking constantly. He said just give it back, which I did. This means I'll have to buy a new one, which is well worth it. I felt so great during the march. My new Jungles helped. I didn't pack my patrol cap and Mark Johnson, as PLT SGT, would've gotten a Class II for it, but he said he had another. It was quite funny watching his eyes get bigger because I forgot my PC. I was extremely hungry at chow; I think I ate the most for breakfast since I've been here.

I just asked Capt Roenfanz if I could be next CO he just said, "Sure." So I got three weeks to figure out what is going on. Hope I can call Amanda today.

Called Amanda, she said she didn't want to move down for IOBC and Capt Corliss told me no reserve officers are going active because of the shortage. A double whammy for me. Corliss said it was just on obstacle, he always has a positive attitude. He told us all to watch out for chicks hitting on us with our "decked out BOC uniforms," at the mini-mall. Corliss asked me later if any did, I told him some tried but I kept them at arms length. He said good policy.

18 JUL 04 Day 36

Went to church, um Mass. It was great. We got coffee that was a nice mixture. We had no cookies, I asked the chaplain's assistant and he said he didn't have the combination to the locker, but two weeks ago I saw where they kept the com so I hooked up us Papist big time. Protestants till get all kinds of homemade stuff, I'll say I sampled some of those as well. Mass is so much more spiritual than Protestant Church, at least for me. Amanda said Edwina had something for me but she wouldn't say what it was. Well, it was gummy sour worms and I didn't go to Protestant church and Brown didn't bring them back.

We are packing for FLXI, which is SQD tactics, good time to be SQD leader, if you like to stay busy

Went to vehicles, 10-minutes of radio and mowing down any food Humphres or Bonnett would depart with, which I'm not saying they did. Sadly so many of us look forward to that.

Packing for FLXI is crazy, change after change. The MILES gear is 25 years old and a LT at church today said theirs didn't work and they never used it.

19 JUL 04 Day 37 FLXI Day 1

It's been hot our here at Kilbourne Range. PLT SGT is driving me nuts, constantly telling me repeatedly what to do because he thinks I'm a fuck-up. Got my peer evaluation results I'm 9 out of 9. I thought maybe 6, but 9? Well it matters that someone else didn't get 9 out of 9.

We 3 SQDs are digging a hasty and 2-man fighting hole. The MILES gear is a tremendous pain.

20 JUL 04 Day 38 FLXI Day 2

Last night was a mess every shift for the first four hours I was up to fix the scheduled. First Brown started sooner than he should've then Humphres jumped in, he was doing a special watch as PL RTO. Then Brown skipped a shift when he woke the next shift for watch. Had around an hour of sleep at once, same tonight.

Did NBC and Machine gun classes, very informative and fun with Capt Corliss. Can't wait until IOBC.

SQD LDR is a tad stressful some times, especially when people don't really want to do what you tell them, or take forever to start. I'm just used to being a Marine NCO and what I said getting done.

21 JUL 04 Day 39 FLXI Day 3

Got Humphres back so same three per hour on two off for guard. Finally some progress. I fired Miyamoto as Team leader, primarily for his excuses, then his slowness and complaining. His constant complaining was driving me nuts. Flowers complains but do what he was told or asked. Today I told the SQD about the lasers needed to be on the rifles, but Miyamoto said it was bullshit because he didn't have his "la-zer" on his weapon. The fact he was the only one should've told him something. During his "exit" interview he whined about everything imaginable. Everyone is sucking, instead of complaining he should just suck it up. Instead he was "we get stuck with this, we can't do that, it was never a team thing." Carodine should be a proper replacement.

I fell a sleep standing up last night; I was next to the two-man fighting position. Instead of stepping forward when I fell, potentially into the two-man, I did a tactical roll, eyes still shut, onto the sandbags. It must've looked cool, because if felt that way.

22 JUL 04 Day 40 FLXI Day 4

Did Night Optical Device (NOD) training last night. 30 ventured into the woods and my group of 13 got split off. Konefal was leading, though it wasn't his fault, the fact he was leading was. Night watch went well; Humphres had more trouble waking up and slept through his shift, again.

Saw Rivera through the NODs, during watch, racing through the woods, no gun, Kevlar, or LCE. Brown and I watched as he just had a flashlight and turned it on every ten feet looking for the next tree. Watching through the NODs made it entirely too funny.

The 7 mile ruck march tomorrow will suck. Scuttlebutt says we are marching with everything. Had Individual Movement Training, it was horrible low crawling in sand uphill 100 yards. Had Squad Training movement rushes, very fun. Then a class about concertina wire with SFC Villarreal the PLT put up about 30m worth, finally a useful class. While waiting for SFC Black's claymore class, some Regulators were coming up with OCS porno names: "Enter the Forbidden Zone" was my favorite. Miyamoto came up with a line of dialog. "I'm here to collect your TA-50." "But I aunt got no TA-50." Then the music kicks in.

Capt Roenfanz made us, by teams, go into the woods after the react to indirect fire. As I walked up I saw a pile of cereal boxes and fruit, an OCSOP and field jacket liner (in July). I knew it was a shakedown of ProMask carriers. I quickly opened mine to get the apple in there, but alas, it had escaped during my react to indirect fire, I was glad I ate that Danish Winkleman gave me prior to that drill. He gave all the pogie bait to 4th PLT, Fallin says they were grateful.

23 JUL 04 DAY 41 FLXI Day 5

7 mile road-tank trail march, I think it was 7 miles uphill both ways. I stepped off the road at the first stop and stepped into a ditch my knee landed and the weight of the ruck started me rolling. I rolled 2 times down the blackness in waist high weeds. It was rather funny. Barr said he leaned over to help me up but couldn't even see me, he said he just heard me rolling over and over.

As we were climbing the last hill my quick release lived up to its name and popped off. SFC Thomas helped put it back. I was last in the PLT and made it to the last break as 1st PLT started moving again. We were getting close to the turn off and didn't turn. Finally we formed up by the road for an AAR Capt O'Steen said we missed our turn off because the student chain of command, Schwartz as CO, missed it. We walked back and it was damn near half mile jaunt.

We got back to the PLT AA and had our 2 man inspected, as SQD LDR I had to answer the 1SG and CO's questions. I just tried to sound like I knew of what I was talking. 1SG, "I see you slooped the roof for rain." Me, "Yes, 1SG." Actually, we were building uphill. We got a B- on it, 2nd and 1st SQDs did better, but worked longer, fair trade.

We bussed back and started cleaning for IOC inspection. Pretty hectic if you ask me. Some pretty laid back, a couple running as chickens "without heads" as Rivera has said.

26 JUL 04 Day 44

I haven't been able to write in a couple days. The CO has been gearing up for IOC inspection, no lights out or wake up, but a ton of details. I did 4 one hour XO shifts on Sat. It's hard to get in a cleaning rhythm if I have to stop to work on something else.

A group from the different PLTs went to the Laundromat to clean TA-50. Houston called his wife who then called other wives, soon it was family day up there. Capt Roenfanz said no more Laundromat after FLXIII.

I got to go to the main PX with Camp for 20 some minutes. It was great to walk around in freedom.

Sunday I went to Protestant Church because Amanda said she sent in money for pizza. The service was really timely, about not worrying about tomorrow's worries and not worrying today. Watters wasn't going to go. I told him, "you can have no pizza, no church, no sleep and fail inspection or you can have pizza church and sleep and fail inspection." He agreed and came, just as an aside; all those left behind were put on working parties so they couldn't even do what they wanted. Both the student CO and 1SG said things like, "I'm not telling you not to go to church, but…" or "when you are being reinspected remember what you were doing Sunday morni9ng." I couldn't believe it. Poor Winkleman looked so miserable when I saw her as we were coming back to the barracks. Well the coffee was great and the FRG was on the money with the number of pizzas. Sadly as the OCSers jumped into the dessert line, airborne jumped into the pizza line and ate many before the chaplain told them to take a hike.

With the rifle, room, TA-50, display, and common areas it seemed forever before we made any progress... The supplies we got at the PX helped but why can't supply come up with that?

Yesterday afternoon I was so full of pizza I set a record leaving the DFAC. I got an empty plate, drank my water, stood up, put the tray away and left.

I only got 30min of sleep last night with all the cleaning. We had to do the hallway twice because of bad wax. I found Humphres sleeping on top of a wall locker in Martinez's room and then under our bed. Wish I could sleeplike him anywhere, anytime.

Waiting for inspection has gotten very silly. The PL at one end of the hallway sayi8ng one thing while the PLT SGT at the other saying the opposite. I've given up on all the changes. Why do these changes happen now?

3 days until Amanda is here, 4 until I can see her. If we reinspect it will be Friday morning, talk about pressure.

Many are convinced we all are going to fail. Watters said some moron in his PLT told him he was going to call his wife and tell her not to come because he was sure all passes would be revoked, let's hope not.

Well, I passed IOC inspection 25 or 30 Regulators passed, which means Charlie passed. Some of those that didn't seemed understandably bummed. Capt O'Steen was working his way towards us and Humphres looked over and said, "You have the wrong hanger on your class A's." D'OH! I rapidly changed hangers and didn't know how close they were so I threw the hanger behind the wall locker with a distinctively loud metal "thunk."

The CO let us continue if we goofed. Roommates could jump in. I asked if I could start from the beginning on Schofield's and he said, "Y'all already past 80% there." The 1SG turned sleeping bags inside out. Humphres and mine were clean, some weren't. We lost ½ a pt because tiny spiderweb and Humphres and the field jacket in wrong order. Picnic and 55 hour pass with the wife here I come, oh yea, now we will wear the jolly blue ascot.

27 JUL 04 Day 45

Had combatives. I went 2-5-4 and that doesn't include losing to the same guy twice, and yes one of the wins was against a female, and Ruglass at that, and one of the ties was against another female and Winkleman at that. I asked Capt Roenfanz if there was a C group for combatives. Watters and I were going at it and Roenfanz said, "Come on, Watters, get him," I said, "Thanks for cheering me on, sir." He laughed.

We got our blue ascots after show they don't look too bad.

We then went to Building 4 for military history. The Z-Monster was out in force, and he was hosing down everyone. The room SOP for wall lockers is such a joke the CO is rechecking everyone tomorrow and those failures make ups are Saturday. Silly.

28 JUL 04 Day 46

Had BN 4-mile run with Delta who graduate tomorrow. I feel my run is coming along.

For my leadership review I got 3 in everything. So that is one "Go" down.

Had more classes on history, but at the Infantry Museum, the Z-Monster was out, I surrendered fully, offered no resistance.

The teacher gave us 20min breaks because he said we would have to stop and look at stuff, which we did. Defiantly taking Amanda there.

Speaking of my sexy wife, she'll be on post tomorrow! I remember reading a letter of her's saying, "30 days and I'll be there." Wow, time does fly when you are in prison, ummm I mean OCS.

We got to drive to Infantry Museum. Nice to hear music and eat snacks.

DFAC was crazy. First I was getting some potato salad and Laney reaches over me to get something off the top. A TAC saw him, Laney said he was trying to speed the line up, he got a -2 and 1000 word essay. He was near tears lol.

29 JUL 04 Day 47

One day until I can see Amanda. I still need to go to the PX for shorts since I lost 8 lbs. since I got here. I have BN duty at 1700 so I hope I can still go.

Last night Humphres got back from out in town and brought me some gummy worms. I was in bed eating them when Brown came in we were talking when Brown jumped behind the door and peeked out the crack. All of a sudden the door flew open and SFC Greenwood came in. I had just put a handful of worms in my mouth and Brown was still behind the door. Greenwood started talking to Humphres about how stupid the student council was. Meanwhile, I hid the bag and Brown had moved behind the wall locker door. Greenwood soon left and Brown came out, talk about funny. After some recon to find. OK I have no idea what that last sentence was. Lesson, do not write, walk and talk to Bonnett at once.

After sometime, Brown located Greenwood's position (his office) then Operation Pillow Smack was a "go" Humphres, Brown, Martinez, Rivera and I went and paid Berg some Regulator "how-ya-do." Later he came up to the 3rd floor and we talked about the fucked up ppl in the company.

For PT was su/pu improvement then combatives. Going against Bonnett helped though she is a chick. For Braveheart we went against 1st PLT again. SFC Thomas said, "Make a circle and draw them in." Well I was on the end with a few big guys and all said go for Gephart, 1st's biggest dude. OK I said, we go and next thing I know I'm the only on Gephart and non one is helping. Oh man, the pain I was seeing coming my way. Gephart was a ball and I was trying to choke, well he got tired and spun around and started choking me. I was keeping his arm off my throat. Finally 2 Regulators jumped on him, but I was ready to tap. Lucky for me Gephart stood up and was called out by cadre. I then moved to others and just pulled arms and quickly got tap outs. 3rd only lost a couple then we all jumped on Middleton for the last out. What times, though I feel I'm still slow on my moves.

After chow, I was finishing the contraband and Humphres walked in and said, "Bruce, pick up the worm under your chair before we all get in trouble." D'OH!

30 JUL 04 Day 48

Picnic Day, Humphres hooked me up and I was on the set up party, which was quite fun. Only Capt Roenfanz was there then he stayed in the truck until someone broke out the pigskin.

I saw Amanda coming down the street so I ran up and attacked her. She brought cookies which I guarded jealously. I introduced her to a bunch of my friends and Roenfanz. They talked about my beard from the photos and Amanda said I look like a little boy shaved he replied, "He acts like one, too." Harty-har-har.

Winkleman did her make up ruck march and hurt her hip or something. I told her she looked like she had spinalbifita the way she was walking around. She hobbled over to Amanda and I and it about broke my heart seeing her like that.

Later Amanda and I went to the Olive Branch and I regaled her on all the funny happenings of OCS. Ah good times.

31 JUL 04 Day 49

Went to Applebee's with Bonnett or Heather now, she's quite the talker… Saw Bourne Supremacy, good flick-not as good as the first but still outstanding.

I got kicked out of the base gas station because I backed up to the pump. I told the lady I was going the way the arrow was going but she said I had to go elsewhere for gas.

1 AUG 04 Day 50

Finally August, but had to say goodbye to Amanda. God, I'll miss her. At least she has the puds. If the rest of the days go by as quickly as the past 3 things should be ok. Here's hoping.

2 AUG 04 Day 51

Did CWST and 4 mile release run, what a jammed packed day. The run was all in the dark which was a little different, my time was 31:51.

For the CWST I had to go twice on two events, felt like I had an anchor out. Got a "go" eventually.

Capt Roenfanz gave us our mid cycle review, said I was good for motivation, moi? Plus I got a mini Snickers from him. I dropped the wrapper in my room and was picking it up as SSG Delacruz came in. He then asked me why I was leaning on a wall locker, in my own room, and what the OCSOP says about that. Strange, he said nothing about the Snickers wrapper.

3 AUG 04 Day 52

Woke up early to grade an APFT for the graders tomorrow. I'm not too worried about it, I ran 4 miles on Monday. Like I said before I just hope the time in the field goes quickly. 2 weeks there, then a few days inspection prepare, then unlike Delta, we phase before that weekend. Then I think 3 weeks of the "Gentleman's Course" part of OCS.

During PLT movements behind the OCS parking lot there was a gigantic rainbow, it touched down in front of the Follow Me statue then the other end was in the middle of the mile track. It was the first time most of us have seen an entire rainbow including both ends. Too far away to look for the pot of gold.

Bonnett was upset at Miyamoto because she was on the CQ list again, she yelled down the hallway, "That is why you are 27 out of 28!" One of the funniest quotes ever.

4 AUG 04 Day 53

Had Mid Cycle APFT pu: 62, su: 84, run: 15:28. My pu stayed the same su felt great I slowed down on the run and felt like it was killing me but did ok.

Today is still make-0up events. The company is expecting some sort of pass this weekend.

5 AUG 04 Day 54

Capt Corliss put us to bed last night with G.I. Joe trivia. I kicked ass, knew Cobra's ninja: Storm Shadow and I knew the Joe's aircraft carrier: USS Flagg, named after BG Flagg who was shot in the back by Major Bludd in issue #19. After I answered that he told me to sit down.

Had combatives for PT. After seeing Winkleman get hurt, I'm deathly worried about reinjuring my knee. Therefore, I gave a lot less than 100%. That results in my ass being kicked in every match.

Now comes the fun part of FLX, the prep! Many working parties and details.

Sherri Winkleman is leaving today because of her hip, which she injured during a make-up ruck march. I told her everyone should know a Texas woman like her. She said she plans on staying in the OCS program, that said, she probably has more resolve than I.

Found out yesterday my chances of going active are 0%. Then I checked my email and my wife says my BN said after I graduate it'll be at least a year before I could make it to IOBC. So come September 17 I'm unemployed. My whole "grand strategy" for going off to war, having a job, and providing for my wife hasn't really developed the way I thought it would. If I knew this would be the case I would've enlisted. If my BN said I had to do so many months or 2 ATs or something before they would release me, fine, I'd do it. However, I'll have no IOBC completed until the end of next year at the earliest. The whole situation makes me queasy.

Capt Corliss had a class on suicide prevention then used that to segway into aircraft ID. Then he played a clip from "Transformers: The Movie." Funniest part was Berg saying "I can't believe a grown man would watch that shit." I also talked to Glenn about G.I. Joe, she impressed me with her knowledge of the comic. I, of course, had to tell Capt Corliss she knew more than she was letting on. He was, "Oh really?"

6 AUG 04 Day 55

Last night involved a few excursions behind enemy lines Martinez became stranded behind enemy lines as the RGT Duty came by. He went unseen. Berg and LaJoie ventured into the Regulator territory on a suicide run that left Berg wrapped as a taco, and drugged out of here.

Today 3rd PLT went to Kilborne Range to download Class IV we worked hard but had fun. We came back and 2nd PLT made our racks! Some Regulators had "Blue Falcon" over their names, and all of them had short changed beds, LOL, those 2nd PLTers forgot me…

We also found out after chow we get a pass until 2200 then another on Sat and Sun. Ahhh, life is good.

7 AUG 04 Day 56

We broke all the rules last night.

At DFAC, first, we developed a scheme whereby the Forced Hydration guys would fill up the empty cups of selected personnel from 1st, 2nd, and 4th PLTs. Since they couldn't get up until the glasses were empty they would have to keep drinking. After Berg had 4 or 5 waters he covered his glasses then someone would get him a full new glass. Some guys would turn over their glasses. Then we would take them and bring them back full.

At DFAC, second, the 3rd PLT Regulators made a tray of scolding hot water that very lucky few got. Phillips even asked for ice for hers. I was on stoop and told Watters to ask for the "special water" and say it's from Brousseau. Well, he got up there and asked Humphres, of all ppl, the ringleader, he said "Brousseau told me to ask for the special." He said he wondered why Humphres laughed. Watters said he had a mouth full of hot gravy and took a gulp of the hot water and almost threw up. At DFAC, third, our selected personnel were refused permission, at least twice, at the tray turn in. Topper was straight faced and stoic as he refused to let anyone pass. Hoogland was smart and just went anyway. The whole time SFC Thomas was laughing hysterically. When Topper refused Berg, Thomas said, "Topper when you said you weren't going to let Berg put his tray up I thought you were kidding."

What made it really funny was pass was to start after chow, but 3rd PLT held things up.

1st PLT had OPORDR retrieval and got pie because of their PT average. Thomas made them wait until everyone was out because he said they got cake and pie.

Then for lights out SFC Thomas made us go into 1st PLT hall and sing the Alma Mater Regulator (Gilligan's Island remix) style.

Afterwards, Thomas said "Why didn't you tell me there was a truce?"

Later we conducted night operations because the truce was no longer in effect. I on the other hand tried to get some sleep, however, all I could hear was feet of half the PLT running back and forth. Then Lee snuck into my room thinking I was asleep wound up and swung with his pillow which I caught, and he pulled so I let go causing him to fall backwards onto the floor.

On to today, after we were released Humphres, Schwartz, Bonnett, Robbins, miller and I ran the trial in the woods by the golf course.

I saw Spider Man-2, just as good as the first and the Village which was plain zig-zaggy in a good way.

8 AUG 04 Day 57

Pass was short 0730-1330, after Mass barely enough time to do anything it seemed. I posted on ArmyOCS.com, as well did many others. Still having trouble finding VMAQ-1 patches, which I don't know if I can wear. I need to call the squadron but can't use phone during week.

In DFAC this morning Schwartz was in front of me at the tray turn in line. Capt Roenfanz asked her if she was wearing make up, which she was, she said, "no, sir" he said "carry on." Then he said, "Brousseau, are you wearing make-up?" I said, no sir and he told me to carry on.

Capt O'Steen called a formation to chew us out. He said people were drinking at the O'club, which means they are too stupid to be officers. He said people were using cell phones without requests cards, but we were on pass, all that was put out was no alcohol and tobacco. He threatened to revoke all passes until graduation as well keep us in the Black Ascot until then.

9 AUG 04 Day 58 FLXII Day 1

Bussed back to Kilborne Range. 3rd PLT is OPFOR, good thing we pissed off the entire company the past week. Being OPFOR means we, are by ourselves until we are attacked and the end of the exercise.

Today we dug our 2 man fighting holes. I have the M203 which looks cool but useless because it doesn't fire blanks. It started to rain a bit and I hung poncho up and stayed dry and comfy. No one woke me for watch, boy that sucks.

10 AUG 04 Day 59 FLX II Day 2

It started raining before breakfast and didn't stop until after supper. This is like the first day where the rain didn't stop and sun came out quickly. The most miserable day here everyone was soaked and dirty but mainly soaked because of the rain. Cadre says a hurricane is coming through. We (almost) finished digging the PLT, in 2 groups of 4 went out against the company.

I wasn't on the list for the raid, but had OPLP watch and it was quite exciting to listen to the exchange of gunfire. One group walked in and the other SFC Thomas tried to drive them in. They said Capt Corliss came out to start declaring our guys dead.

The vehicle team jumped out and shot their way down the road. After the first shooting, Humphres crossed the wire and went for the CP, he rolled in with NODs and was facing 1SG Fulcher, he quickly rolled out, then wiped out the student leadership. He then got on the radio and said, "1st PLT PL, you are now CO." His group then crossed the road and swung back to our area. His team lost one the other team lost 3. Watters told he me didn't even peek out of his hole.

11 AUG 04 Day 60 FLXII Day 3

Had to redig many of the fighting holes because most caved in. Continued working in 2nd SQD under Bonnett. The expression on her face during the rain was priceless. The biggest grumpiest face I've seen.

Did 10 mile tactical march. Received Amanda's care package just prior and Capt Roenfanz let us eat the delicious new PB and chocolate cookies. Lanley said, "It's everything you could want in a cookie."

March really wasn't too bad, started at 2000 ended 0130 or so. Most of our feet are torn up. We didn't get attacked, but the pace was just the same both ways, slow as hell.

Wake up on the 12th was 0500 then throw in 2 watch shifts and that = not much sleep.

12 AUG 04 Day 61 FLXII Day 4

First day as PLT SGT. Did first lane of FLXII. I got a 4 because I mixed Warning Order and Complete Order. Capt Roenfanz said I did well on everything else. Just as we started he put Flowers in charge. We moved to contact and Flowers to team B, with me to flank, just as we were approaching, Humphres and Brown charged, meaning I didn't get to bus caps.

At night we were expecting to be attacked. I told the men and women to take sand bags off the fighting holes and make fighting positions. Then Humphres made a plan to place ambush OPLP positions. We were never attacked. Drolet from 4th PLT said they thought we were going to attack and were on 50% security all night. LOL.

We named the 240s after Flower's and Brown's wives so. So the 240s are now Edwina and Erica.

13 AUG 04 Day 62 FLXII Day 5

Spent the entire day as a working party and half the PLT was OPFOR. Those of us that stayed back got lots of sleep and Rivera snagged some coffee, so I finally got my coffee mug out for some joe. Meanwhile, nearly all of us walked around scoping the rest of the company's defenses.

Later we finally go word that we were going to attack. I, as PLT SGT was told I couldn't go leaving me quite depressed. Topper as CO was alluding to them attacking us but said they wouldn't. At dinner Capt Roenfanz gave Warstler and I the OPORD. It involved 2 groups one going with each TAC.. SFC Thomas' group was going to approach the front gate and open up if challenged. Capt Roenfanz was to leave a 240 at the intersection and run up the hill with 3. The purpose was to test them. Capt Roenfanz staye3d in our tent, he kept asking us about security, I asked him if there was a reason for that. He said, "We'll see."

A flare went up at 2220 and I was like let's do it. I called 100% security because over Capt Roenfanz's radio Capt O'Steen was calling 100% security for the rest of the company. So, we both thought the other was out there. After 10 minutes we stepped down.

I woke up before the attack was to start. Right on cue, Flowers' 240, Erica, opened up. Then we could hear an m-16 which was Cutrie's. A few of us were listening to the 240 then a flare lit up our AO, I called 100% security and ran round checking it out. I made my way to 3rd SQD forward berm and Humphres said he saw movement ahead. Well, I got down so I could finally blast some caps. Then grenade sims started going off with flash bangs and smoke. Then I went to the other side and saw someone move on the other side of the concertina wire. I shot a few rounds then saw muzzle flashes and shot a few more.

Meanwhile, our SAWs opened up along 3rd SQD's berm. Carodine was shouting like a madman. I went over the berm and Stratton said he was seeing movement ahead. We shot a couple times to see if anyone reacted.

I then went back to the CP to make sure Warstler didn't need me. I checked 1st and 2nd SQDs to see if they were OK. Then J. Johnson, as RTO, said we were breached at the wire.

I went back to the berm and Stowe was set up and Carodine was still blasting. Stowe told me he thought Rivera and Knaggs were KIA. I then fell back and went up to Humphres' position, he said, "There is one gun, I can attack it." "Go for it," which is what I told him which is about the only thing you can say to hi when he gets an idea.

I then dropped back and started looping the AO again. Then on the radio I heard, "Enemy has been neutralized." So I walked up to the berm and there was a bunch of 3rd and a couple of guys from 2nd with SFC Greenwood.

Knaggs said he was still alive but Rivera was dead. Knaggs just prior to the attack was standing in front of the SAW with no gun or gear and was joking with Laney as the attack started. I was then told there were 2 enemies somewhere in the area. I was forming us up to sweep the AO when there was light shooting down by Miyamoto. I raced down and saw Berg and Lindon sitting in Humphres' fighting position shooting over the berm at Stratton. I took a knee and saw Humphres running up. I waved him up and started whispering, "Berg, Berg, Berg." Humphres got in the low crawl then stood up 2 feet from Berg and shot him and Lindon with three shots each then said, "You're dead, Berg." Then it was over. Regulators victorious. Funni9est moment was hearing Carodine shouting, "Oooo, you ain't moving no more."

I told Stratton that he could go on the raid, because, as yet, he had gone on none. When the raiding party left Schwartz was there, again. I asked Stowe about it and he said that I should just mind my own business. I told him I was PLT SGT and he said that meant nothing to him and that is why I failed all my leadership positions. Stowe is a man that once he doesn't like you he'll let you know.

14 AUG 04 Day 63 FLXII Day 6

Had another lane, we had to seize a gate. First time through I was behind some bushes and Flowers said, "Brousseau, right in front of you," I stood up and shot Miller 4 times, whoops, my bad. Then I took a step side ways and between me and Miller LaJoie blew me away with a SAW.

The next time through I was SQD LDR and had a hell of a time keeping the 2 teams together. As we met contact, I went back to get the second squad. Got them on line then got to the road and dint's see the first team, they crossed it, so I told the second team to cross and they just looked at me and dint do anything, meanwhile Brown's team was across the open area into the woods and Humphres was hiding in some berms. I wanted to take my team and sweep the left flank but Barr took off. I ran after him, as we started the turn Schofield stepped out and Barr was between me and him so he shot us. Meanwhile the rest of the SQD kicked ass and we lost only 3 total. Capt Kelly said I was on the "bubble" for leadership. He took me aside and said this was a school house environment and I was there to learn. Said I tried hard and cared about the troops and mission but didn't use my team leaders properly. Long story short, after seeing myself repeat weeks 1-10 in my mind, I got a 3. I think I'm done with field leadership.

15 AUG 04 Day 64 FLXII Day 7

Week 10!! We went back to the barracks to refit or "tactical refit" as Topper told me. 6 hours to wash and do laundry then back to the field.

16 AUG 04 Day 65 FLX III Day 2

After the refit, last night we had some fun. First we heard Capt Roenfanz was spotted in the perimeter then it was he that took Lee. WTF was all I could think, soon we started treating Lee as a POW. I told Humphres to get a QRF/search team ready. I dubbed the mission: Saving Candidate Lee. Just as the 8 man team was stepping off Laney, as RTO, told me Roenfanz was talking to him over the shingar. I started listening in, Roenfanz said Lee was in the barracks then told us he was sending chopper support. Then gave us a phony grid location. Finally he said he wanted the PL and me to go to student TOC. There was Lee. Apparently the Ghost lived up to his name. He pulled a stake out and laid it across triple strand concertina wire, then snuck up on Lee from his blind spot and said, "You're a POW." Capt Roenfanz got a kick from my operational name.

Derroux found the company's entire sector sketch in the TAC trash, hope we can put it to use many weak points.

As of today we are waiting for our night mission to start. Everyone's been sleeping since 0700 but I could only sleep after 1000 when I was temporarily relieved. Feels good being a peon.

17 AUG 04 Day 66 FLXIII Day 3

Last night did control traffic point (CTP). I was SQD LDR, another field position. My task was to secure the back road using my two teams and ensure no vehicles crashed through.

Around 2400 we could hear shouts down the hill near the first gate. What happened was Lindon speaking Arabic wanted some satisfaction for his goats getting scared. Humphres as PL was able to calm him down. Then around 0200 I heard a noise and sat up. J. Johnson or the SAW down the little hill near the road opened up. I was close to him but didn't really know who was shooting. I yelled for Cutri and Flowers to wake up. Soon they too were shooting and I still didn't have all my stupid gear on.

We all quickly gathered at Johnson's spot and he said he saw one and that the dude dove down the hill when he fired his SAW and Cutri and Flowers saw 2 others do the same. As I was reporting it, some element came up 75m down in front of my other team. By now they were all awake and poured it into them good.

About 5 minutes later the all clear came over the radio with news the CP was hit. Apparently Muhammad came back with his pregnant wife, gave Humphres some cheese as a sign of friendship then blew himself up. This was totally out of character and got Humphres pretty steamed.

When we got back to the PLT AO more of the same playing bad cop as PLT SGT.

18 AUG 04 Day 67 FLXIII Day 4

For field problem we had to assault and breach a perimeter. Right off the bat the TACs were messing with us because Konefal and Miller had us going in circles. Soon we were settled down for the night, Humphres, Rivera and Warstler did a night time scouting party to the OBJ. I spent most my watch watching the stars with the NODs.

In the morning, 0500, we moved out. We were moving down the road, which I thought was a tad strange. I saw one of the TACs throw something and said to Humphres, "Here it comes," he sort of pushed me then KAWHAM! There was a loud explosion as the IED sim went off right where I was looking. I feel to the ground not sure if my eyes were closed because I could still see the bright white light or the explosion. I thought, "Damn what about Humphres?" I opened my eyes and he was sitting in the road. Roenfanz declared him inured but not me. They should give him a medal, he was soon healed and we moved to our OBJ rally point.

We waited at the ORP for 30 min or so, then formed around the enemy camp. Humphres was leading 3rd SQD in the trees when a SAW opened up. The guy was saying, "You're dead take off your helmet." Was I? Who knows. The MILES gear we use is at least 20 years old. Base of fire squads opened up and 3 min. later we went sprinting through. Some OPFOR were dead and still moving, some didn't move and kept helmets on. As I came through eh center of the OBJ I saw one OPFOR trying to chamber his weapon. He was only looking at the base of fire so I walked to him then he saw me and swung his gun. I shot him maybe 5 feet away, but aimed at the ground. The nearby TACs went apeshit saying I should've "safety killed" him. Then they declared me dead as well. "You're dead, high-speed," is what SFC Greenwood said. The rest swept through the LOA then the base of fire came in. Then some "wounded enemy opened up. Nearly every gun in the center including the 2 240s opened up on that poor dude. Counting my "technicality" death, Rivera was wounding in the assault. Tonight we are OPFOR at that spot.

19 AUG 04 Day 68 FLXIII Day 5

We spent the night at the OPFOR position. Got hardly any sleep, SFC Greenwood kept us all entertained in a way that only he could. When he went to sleep we gave some HMMV drivers money to get Papa John's. That was the bomb! One driver said he offered his cell phone to the PLT the night before, but they refused. We told him we had no such problems but his battery was dead.

For the attack I went on the left flank. When 2nd PLT laid down base of fire they were nearly 150m away, through thick brush and we couldn't even see muzzle flashes. I then started working my way back. Soon the assault team came through, so I waited near the front of the perimeter to waste the base of fire team as they did the line of advance. However, Capt Roenfanz said, "Brousseau, you're dead." I replied, "Come on, sir. The only way you kill me is on a technicality." He and Greenwood just laughed.

1st PLT lost a PRK so the company did hands across the AO twice. Then everyone loaded up and went to the PLT lanes. Just as the 5 tons rolled away, a call came over the net that the radio was found by 1st PLT, well surprise, surprise, surprise. So we spent nearly 5 hours getting no sleep for the 12 mile march, many believed the TACs really took it.

20 AUG 04 Day 69 FLXIII Day 6

The 12 miler was kind of a bitch, it went 2215-0530, for just 12 miles! Near 2 mph pase. Went through very, very soft sand, 3rd SQD and 1st SQD switched off on heavy guns. At the 8 mile mark we came under attack, since 3rd PLT was trail, we damn near could do nothing, but we fell on line and started throwing blanks down range. Watching Humphres take over the rate of fire made me know I was watching a pro.

When we got back, Capt Roenfanz said about the forthcoming company attack, "All you have to do is die," I said, "Only if you kill me." Then he asked if I was going to shoot any rounds during the assault. We had 1 hour to get ready for the attack. I told Roenfanz that I had to go to sick call for poison ivy on my eye lids, so he called someone then said, "Brousseau drop your stuff you're going to sick call." D'OH. So now I missed out on the assault I've been waiting for 2 weeks. Good thing too, Roenfanz was putting tons of stupid dos and don'ts, don't go outside the wire, don't fall back. Some guys said half the PLT became dead after the "artillery" barrage because they had no over head cover. Which is silly because we A. had to fill in the collapsed holes and B. were told not to dig new ones. Then during the assault TACs were walking up on people and killing them at will. In the end 3rd PLT killed 70 out of the company.

Meanwhile, I was back at the barracks showering and getting some stuff ready for Senior Status Review.

21 AUG 04 Day 70

Spent 5 hours cleaning my M16/203 can hardly tell I cleaned it. The day was made grateful for the coffee in the 1st floor classroom- now dubbed "Break room" I had 5 of my mugs of coffee, Knaggs and I had a coffee tag team going during rifle cleaning.

Spent the evening doing some individual cleaning in my room, next thing I knew it was 2350.

22 AUG 04 Day 71

Used power washer on MILES gear, truthfully just throwing it way would be best. Spent another 2 hours on my weapon, most the company is outside on details, but inside, being on light duty, I am.

A company picked up today. Saw some of them doing the "duffle bag drag." Poor souls only 70 days behind us. Today, SFC Black let every PLT buy pop. Mmmm, I think I'll wait till after chow to partake.

I nearly forgot, I spent a good 2 hours scraping paint off the stairwell rails with a bookend, which beats using the tent stakes we started with.

Capt Roenfanz said in the break room, "Just remember you are Intermediate Officer Candidates, not Senior yet." He acted like the inspection was no sweat.

23 AUG 04 Day 72

Had pizza party lost night at 2330, I got back from BN staff duty and the classrooms were filled with chips and pop. Why not do it at 1800?

More cleaning finally got a room display with which to work.

I could've finished everything but stayed up to 0300 reading Humphres' copy of Cosmopolitan.

24 AUG 04 Day 73

Left at 0600 to Dunkin Doughnuts to get doughnuts for the BC and CSM, and ourselves.

Inspection for me, at least is over. I missed zero and Humphres missed one for snap undone on field jacket. I stumbled near the end of Duty Honor County, but pulled it off. LTC Booth spent most the time talking to Barr and Topper, who were in leadership. We still have to wait until 4th PLT is done before we know if the company passed.

My shaving kit was ever so slightly not zipped, BC said, "Brousseau, did you leave this open in the hopes I would inspect it?" Then he pulled out my soap dish and tossed it back.

25 AUG 04 Day 74

We passed with 81%. I heard today we may get to sport those white ascots. My poison ivy flared up all over so I went to sick call, again. Good news is I missed out on details, bad news is I spilled my to-go plate syrup all down the front of my BDUs. It wasn't funny it was hilarious.

Everyone, even some who didn't pass seemed to be in a better mood today. I called Amanda using Bonnett's cell phone from the parking lot. I told her "send cookies and my cell phone." I wonder what movies are out?

F8 from ArmyOCS.com dropped by to see me, seems odd to meet someone I've known online for over 2 years. Curt Celis is his given name, bout time I learned that.

We spent all day recleaning the cleaned crew served guns for turn in. It feels good to e turning in stuff.

We also found out that starting tomorrow we get all the rights and privileges of Senior Officer Candidates, which is sad we could be so happy about such simple stuff. Infantry officer wanna-bes get pinned tomorrow after the RCs run through the woods, mmm, we get MREs for breakfast, which weren't too bad in the field but now?

26 AUG 04 Day 75

Had fun during the Infantry branching run. Nearly 4 miles maybe longer, mostly in the woods over crazy terrain. Last mile was obstacle course-low crawling and lots of high walls. Throughout we would stop and various officers would talk what it meant to be an Infantry officer. We got pretty dirty and finally had bean burrito MRE when I got back.

Just as F8 said they are threatening our pass over something stupid. This time we found out the company had 20 tri-pods checked out though the student command only thought 8. Plus we're missing 4 T&Es, sure we are.

27 AUG 04 Day 76

Had first weekday pass last night. Saw Aliens Vs Predator. It could've used a couple rewrites but enjoyable none the least.

Today we ran 4 miles, I would fall back as Capt Williams would sprint then catch backup.

Then we spent countless, wasteful hours emptying the sheds and storage areas looking for the missing T&Es. Capt O'Steen said he could keep us here all weekend to look for it but wouldn't.

Finally put the white ascots on, now I can't wait to be saluted, "Noooo, compromise."

We spent 2 hours in the blazing sun "practicing" for the Senior Status Review on Monday, oh, I can't wait the enjoyment of that.

29 AUG 04 Day 78

Been a couple day s since I wrote mainly because this class is starting to become worthwhile.

Robbins set a new Ranger Burger record: 4 in 11:56, the owner gave him $50 & named the table after him.

I spent $171 on much needed clothes I think I did alright, Rivera said I looked like a LT. I don't know if that is a compliment.

Delta Company is starting. I walked out the back door and said, "Is there a Tim Daley here?" and he raised his hand, they were just moving out so I didn't get to converse but I can say I met Timmay from ArmyOCS.com

I have to find out how I blew $100 this weekend, I'm sure it won't go unnoticed back home.

30 AUG 04 Day 79

Did the ceremony for Senior Phase. Just a blatant waste of time, except Brown started to black out and wondered out onto the field while a colonel was speaking. Two guys ran out to get him and Brown was staggering so much it was like he was avoiding them but he had no idea what was going on.

We used class dues for buffalo wings and beer at a sports bar for Monday Night Football. Finally a worth while use for the $250. Bonnett came in my room later and would not leave, like I'm her therapist.

3 SEP 04 Day 82

Yesterday got a major ass chewing from CO and XO because I did the last peer evaluation in reverse alphabetical order. I pretty much deserved it. As punishment, I have to do a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation.

Last APFT I got 279 14:45, pu 63, su 100. Only 5 miler left.

Tonight is Dining In oh yea.

7 Sep 04 Day 86

Had the blasted fire alarm go off over and over last night. Because of Hurricane Frances they cancelled the 5 mile run.

My PowerPoint presentation was fun to work on but CO said he'll tell me when to give it.

8 SEP 04 Day 87

Gave my PowerPoint presentation. No TACs in the room but battalion commander walked in near the end and on my most serious slide.

Lost 2 hours of free time setting up tents for the BC Social. Social? Is that what officers really do?

9 SEP 04 Day 89

Ran 5 mile release run in 41:17. 3rd PLT ran it as a group and turned back to get stragglers. We opened up with the Regulator Remix as we crossed the finish line, the rest of the company stared at us like we were idiots, some did cheer.

Went to Andersonville yesterday. The best way to learn history is to see it. Even though the walls were no longer there it wasn't hard to imagine them.

Talked with Timmay from ArmyOCS.com for a bit. Told him not much to worry about in OCS.

11 SEP 04 Day 91

Had to pick Amanda up at 2030 at Atlanta airport but during the company AAR Kumanoff said that the fraternization policy wasn't inforced and TACs know what's going on. So the CSM and BXO were all excited and half the company woke up to cheer her on. So instead of being dismissed at 1700, we had to have many formations then the CO said everyone fall out that saw fraternization and about 10 did. So, we had to wait until 1915 before all statements were done. Uhg, then Stowe said he saw Bonnett and I do something, he is quite a nice guy. I then had to run to Uchee Creek get the key then drive to ATL. Amanda called me and I wasn't out of Columbus yet when her plane landed. So I went there in full SOC gear (thinking someone would think I got back from overseas and buy me a beer but, alas, no.) Of all the gates I go into, she is at that very door. Then out of nowhere Barr runs up, small airport it seems.

15 SEP 04 Day 95

Had 4 mile run today with BN. I had to pee so much at the airborne area I saw the Female latrine and dropped out and ran to it but there was no male on the other side. A TAC ran up and said "use other side," which I took to mean other side of the road, so I cut across company formation and as I entered the woodline a TAC started yelling at me as if I was a day one recruit. I told him my predicament and he ran back across the road and was confused by no male latrine. The other TAC said the male one was down the road, oh thanks for telling me that to begin with. So he was asking my name, I think he thought I was from his company. I told him I was from Charlie and he said, "Well hurry up." I did and when I came out the trail stakebed truck was about a quarter mile down the road. So I had to run down the entire BN. HHC, B and A companies, plus all C company. I felt pretty good after that sprint and the rest of the run was downhill.

17 SEP 04 Day 97

Yesterday Hurricane Ivan hit,. Forcing graduation to today. I haven't seen it rain that hard since the hurricanes in NC I experienced. My folks had to leave because my mom has to work Saturday. So they drove down from Michigan to see the force of a powerful hurricane.

Graduated today, I was 118 out of 120. At least I have a gold bar. I didn't change my clothes until we reached Carraba's parking lot.

It was hard saying goodbye to friends, it always is. I was glad I was able to see Winkleman once more before I left at Building Four.

My biggest regret is that in joining the reserves I have no idea when I'll be able to get into IOBC. I imagine well past the time my friends are gone.