Posted: 2/3/2005 4:35:01 PM EDT
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May 7th, 2005: Just got back today from Mckall. Finished up Phase II. Our class of 90 guys was the first group to go through the revamped Phase II Modular course. Basically its broken down into five six day training weeks with sundays as recovery periods and time for some more training. The highlights include doing infil and exfils via UH-60 Blackhawks which was awesome. First time they've had helos in phase II since 2 years ago because of the war. We also did a combat equipment airborne operation off a CASA which is a small 2 engine plane with tail ramp. Finally got my 6th jump so i'm not an 5 jump chump anymore  This past week we spent 3 days on the flat range shooting M4's and M9's. They said it was 2 weeks of training condensed down to about 5.5 days. Its something they've never done in the Q-Course before but I think we could use even more training. Training wise we qualified and worked on transition drills, ready ups, controlled pairs basically trying to get everyone up to speed because for alot of guys it will be the only combat training they'll get before they deploy on a team into a combat zone. Kind of scary that alot of us won't get more training. The last day and a half was spent learning urban building climbing techniques, urban movement and CQB. We played around with simunitions which made the training a little more realistic. So yea alot of stuff was put out in the last 5 weeks. Really phase II should be longer but I guess its not currently possible. I should have the next 6 weeks off till Phase 3 starts. There is a small chance maybe SERE school will be stuck in there but there aren't too many slots open so I probably won't be going. Take Care, Kevin Just a little update. I attended the PLDC/BNCOC course for those going through the SF Pipeline. We spent 17 days out at Camp Mckall taking various Army classes, conducting PT, doing team competitions and watching DVDs and satelite TV... I'll have to complete the rest of the phases for my BNCOC to be complete but I'm set as far as becoming as SGT at the completion of the Qualifcation Course so thats nice. I'm leaving Monday for Phase II. Should be a challenging experience based on everything I hear. There were 45 guys that quit in the last class. I think I'm going at a good time of year. The weather isn't freezing and the North Carolina sun isn't blazing too bad. We got put into ODA's with vary ranks of NCOs including a Captain. The intention is for us to also attend Phase IV: Robin Sage together with the exception of the 18D's because they will still be going through the Medical part of Qcourse. I hope I get GO's on my patrols. I don't want to recycle through it. I might get to come home sometime between May and mid June so perhaps I can hit a shoot if there is one going on. I also plan on grabbing my M4 and bringing it back down here so I can hit the range some  Take care guys.. Kevin Well I'm back from my fun filled 24days out at Camp Mckall, North Carolina. I ended getting Selected. Unfortunatley i don't know my MOS yet. All the regular army guys and the 18X's who were going to be 18D Medics found out but the rest of us are still waiting. My #1 choice was 18B Weapons Sgt. so we'll see what happens. Starting SOPC II tomorrow which is Small Unit Tactics to get us ready for Phase 2. It should be pretty interesting and important considering my knowledge is very minimal. The worst parts of Selection was doing land nav when it was about 10 degrees out if not colder plus a windchill factor in there. Also travelling 40+miles in 48 hrs with a 60lb ruck and whatever wait we were carrying during our 4 team events. My feet definetly could feel it after but i lived  Take Care, Kevin |
| We just found out what we will be eventually training as. None of us are qualified in our MOS yet. That will come in Phase 3 probably around June and July. I do know they put probably over 1/2 of our group into the 18D program. Thats around 60+ guys. Its a tough course so they make sure to load it up because some people will either fail out or have to be recycled before changing to a different MOS. I believe the Chris Reeves Green Beret knive is handed out once you earn your Beret after Robin Sage. They're changing the Q Course around though and we are supposed to be getting language training before earning our Berets. Typically you would finish Phase 4 and Robin Sage, then start your language training and conclude with SERE school which is when you get your SF tab. All I know is we were told by the Special Warfare Center General that we should be done in about 48 weeks. We'll see how that all works out... |
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Finished up SOPC II today which is course on Small Unit Tactics. We had our 4 day FTX. The only sleep I got was me pulling security and having my eyes close on me while I'm dreaming I'm starring out into the trees. I would either wake up a few mins later or my buddy would hit. Luckily I was Squad ldr and Alpha team ldr for 2 of the patrol bases so I was out walking the lines keeping everyone else awake etc. I've never been awake for over 24hrs straight, let alone 90+ so thats kind of fun seeing how your body reacts to that plus the lack of food. I learned quite a bit about SUT including how to prepare and give Warning Orders and Operations Orders. Stuff typically done by officers or at a minimum E7 or higher NCO. Its definetly not something a E3 PFC like myself learns. Monday I head to Delta Company AKA Student Company where everyone going through Phase 2 to the end of the Q Course is located. Looking forward to some free time before PLDC/BNOC. Might even come home if I can. Get some range time in :) All we shot here was blanks. Not much fun! |
Fixed it for ya. Kids these days! |
Haha, there is actually a guy in our group who has a Sapper tab. He got his fair share from crap from the cadre I also saw an E7 in our group that has Abn, Sapper and Ranger. Now hes going for his 4th and best tab 
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WOW!!! My Father was S.F. in the early sixties at Bragg and Cambell. He did a stint in Nam before it actually went into a full blown conflict. My father passed when I was real young, But I think he would be proud of my younger brother and I for enlisting this summer. A big HOOAH!!!! bro!! Thanks for your service and good luck!!!
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Enjoy the visit by one of the females there, it is a real mind fuck..... 
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