01Dec09

Today was marked by our manual of arms test in front of the regiment’s section commander. We have been practicing manual of arms every free chance the company has had, and for the most part our company commanders were confident that we were going to rock the test.  More importantly the company itself was confident in its ability and figured we would pass with flying colors. We did end up passing, but barely, in the confidence we were so sure of was completely lacking. Our company commanders were disappointed, but the real disappointment lies within Papa itself; we are a better company than 7 out of 10 and here was our chance to prove it, but we let the opportunity pass us by. The company got together afterwards to discuss how to overcome our constantly taking two steps forward and one step back.  Papa seems to be stuck on a roller coaster, moving up and down, as high as we can soar is as low as we can fall. Only by achieving a greater degree of discipline can we keep ourselves on a high wave of success. 

02Dec09

It’s Wednesday of week six and Papa was again split up into two groups. Half the company went through the process of receiving their military identification cards while the other half went through a fire fighting simulation in full protective gear. The company really enjoys the hands on classes of recruit training although the thought of ship board fires and emergencies is humbling for many of us whose futures will depend on the training we receive here.  After yesterdays manual of arms test the company really made a conscious effort to step off on the right foot today. Pushing ourselves beyond our setbacks is just another lesson we are learning in basic training. Our company commanders are constantly trying to motivate us, but more importantly they are trying to guide the company to motivate itself.  As non-rates in the fleet most of us will be doing jobs that aren’t necessarily glamorous, but knowing how to stay positive and stay motivated will be key to surviving at our first stations.

03Dec09

The morning began as a repeat of yesterday with our split company completing their fire fighting practice and military identification cards. In the afternoon the company was able to let out some pent up aggression during a second round of pugil stick fighting. As exciting as the adrenaline rush of fighting is, it cannot top the rush that Papa felt this evening as we finally received our company colors. The raising of the Papa flag on our guidon is the most significant achievement the company has attained thus far in recruit training. It is a goal we were striving towards since we were first picked up by our company commanders, and it’s a privilege we must strive to attain. To march with our company flag means we possess the pride and confidence to step over the other companies on the regiment. Papa is stepping off with a stronger stride, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that training is not over yet and now expectations have been raised for the company. 

04Dec09

Today Papa-182 began its day significantly than any other day in recruit training. We participated in graduation support and graduation preparation for November-182. This consisted of standing watch to direct traffic at various points on the regiment, and moving ceremonial instruments to the gymnasium. In between our watch standing the company used its free time to perform uniform maintenance and begin contacting the sponsors at our first units. In the evening we had our cybex workout and a quadrangle run. This morning’s graduation watch standing was another important test for the company as the company was out there on its own.  We needed to make sure that we offered proper greetings to all senior personnel.  We will have another similar test tomorrow when we have our on base liberty when Papa needs to make sure that we don’t embarrass ourselves or our company commanders.

05Dec09

We began today with a feel of anxiousness and a positive attitude. We were all looking forward to the afternoon and our on base liberty. The experience of walking the regiment on our own was exciting and we had a feeling of pride at how far along we have come as group. Before we were released on the base, we spent a large portion of our morning, getting our uniforms inspection ready. Once we were all squared away, even the foul Cape May weather couldn’t cloud the gleams in our eyes. Liberty wasn’t the only exciting event of the day, as the company took tours of an active Coast Guard station, a patrol boat, and a medium endurance cutter. This was truly an eye opening experience as we were able to get a small glimpse into our futures. As we brought the day to a close our squad leaders were quick to remind us that we may have had fun today, but there are still many days left of training and we need to remain locked on to move forward successfully.

06Dec09

As week six drew to a close Papa had their divine hours, and those who went to worship services were required to wear the service dress uniforms to the chapel.  Papa must get used to these uniforms by Tuesday as we will be having an inspection by our Battalion Officer. We spent a large portion of the afternoon practicing for our up and coming close order drill test which will decide whether or not we are granted off-base liberty this Saturday.  The schedule for week seven was posted this evening and the company was excited to see a full schedule of hands on seamanship and first aid classes.  This will be an important week for Papa as we take two finals have numerous inspections and prepare ourselves to be the senior company on the regiment.