#59 - PT Test

It has been a busy day thus far. This morning we had our 1:1:1 PT test. It is called a 1:1:1 assessment because there is a 1 mile run, 1 minute of pushups, and 1 minute of situps (in basic training it becomes a 2:2:2 event). I believe I passed the 1 mile run. My shins were hurting, but I made it with very little walking. Surprisingly, I even passed some people along the way. Pushups and situps weren't a problem. In fact, I was complemented on my pushup form by three Drill Sergeants who said I should teach all the females how to do a correct pushup.

I had desk duty last night in a snake's den of Drill Sergeants, which curtailed my letter writing plans. I'm hoping there aren't any more fire guard shifts tonight, as I've been running on a total of about seven hours of sleep for the last 4 or 5 days (including the day I left - not per day, but total!). I also had to take a hearing test today in a soundproof room, and nearly fell asleep during the process.

We had individual soldier "glamour shot" (combat-style) photos taken today by a photographer. Of course, no smiling was allowed. I am feeling less photogenic than usual under these circumstances, and will likely pass on the opportunity to purchase the photographs.

I am the only person in my platoon to come into the Army as a Specialist, so I've been receiving a lot of attention since we've begun wearing our rank insignia. Between the rank and my knowledge of what will likely occur in basic training, it seems that I've become something of a mentor to several people here. That's fine by me - I have no problem helping to square away others who might be struggling with the adjustment to the military life. I've also made a few friends so far, including the two oldest individuals (39 and 40). We will likely split up into other platoons or companies when we ship downrange, but I will at least be with some of the same people, and the females will likely be in the same barracks.

Today we were also issued our birth control glasses, or BCGs. I instructed my husband to think of me wearing BCGs if he begins to miss me too much. ;> On that note, there is a rumor floating around that the males in Reception were administered a shot that prevents them from having an erection during their time in basic training. I believe this is a variant of the old saltpeter in the food story.

I suppose today was slightly better than yesterday here in Reception, but I'm still pretty miserable right now. I know that Reception is not supposed to be fun. Everyone here is anxious to move on to basic training, myself included.