FTX 1, Week 1 of the field

Week one in the field was a true eye opener. We had lots of things not go as they should but worked through it all and came out on top.
This week we did mostly individual events. We were issued our M16 and told they were our new best friends and were not aloud to go anywhere without it. We became very close! We learned to shot (zeroing) and I attempted to qualify, not quite there but with some practice will nail it! We also learned to disassemble and reassemble the weapon, in which I can do it under 2 minutes 23 seconds. It was a lot of fun. We also learned the 9mm. I shot and qualified on the first attempt, very exciting and learned to disassemble and reassemble in which can do under 2 minutes!! Can’t wait to purchase my first one!!!
Land navigation was a big part of this week. We had day land nav where we were give 4 points in which we had to map via coordinate points, find the angle (azimuth) and walk to the points per our pace count with a compass. I must say it was not very hard, I found all 4 points and in under 3 hours!!! We had a night land nav where we did the same thing but with 3 points and 4 hours with a partner. Our class was given the wrong handouts so we walked around and found 3 points that were VERY close to ours, continuing to re-plot and azimuth over and over, after 1 ½ hour we quit to move on to our next point. We stopped and asked for help and were informed we were given the wrong papers and we were right on, so we were a bit pissed but he guided us to our next point. We never got lost until our way home, we were talking and missed our turn and found ourselves off the grounds passing into an area they said not to be in. We did find our way back and made our time schedule, hooah!! We also did a mounted land nav where we directed our driver in the directions in which we needed to go. The one thing was they asked, was what are the street names, we had no idea because our maps didn’t have names on them so it was harder than I thought plus our points came up way to fast while driving but we had a good time.
We ended our week with the obstacle course which was so much fun!! They called it the confidence course, you much try no matter the out come. I was able to do a lot more than I thought and laughed all the way through. I would like to go back and do several of the things we weren’t able to get to!
The hardest part of this week was the weather, you think I am in Texas, its nice right. Guess what, it was freaking COLD and our tent heaters did NOT work. It was in the 20’s and froze our water pipes to the sinks. They even canceled PT one morning due to weather. Sleeping at night was unbearable, we were sleeping in all the clothes we had with us and trying our best to keep warm, I almost cried it was so horrible. Let’s just say I came home and bought long underwear, fleece sleepwear and an extra fleece blanket, and lots of hot packs because I am not doing that again. There is no way I am spending another FREZZZING cold night out in the field.
Next week should be a good time, we have a lot planned. Stick around!