March 18th.
Our Sunday routine changed a bit today and it was decided I didn't have time to call home. I'll call next time I have a chance.
I was nominated to be an award winner, but I blew the review board. I got nervous and my military bearing disappeared. ( Looking around, licking my lips etc.) I'm still in the running for an Academic Award since I got a 5.0 on test #2. I also qualified as a Sharpshooter with a 9mm pistol (2 points away from Expert, grrrr...)
Next weekend we perform at another group's graduation. We're rehearsing 3 times this week and once for the Ship's (building) Lieutenant to review. Our next big event is fire-fighting, which will include tear-gas exposure. We got our dress uniforms and took individual photos, I probably won't order any as the packages looked pricey and we didn't get any time to work on our appearance.
The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out every day. But we still wear our full cold gear. I have no idea what the temperature is but you'll need long sleeves and sweaters at the graduation. The ceremony is indoors in bleachers. 900 division families get their own section near the center of the VIP dais.
Time to finish shining my new dress shoes.
Jeremy

March 11th.
It's Sunday again, at last. The only day of the week that I bother to check the date.
First off next Sunday I'll be using my bonus phone call to call home.
Please post a "Thank You" to everyone that's written to me. I don't have time to write back individually, but I do appreciate it tremendously.
Tomorrow is a long day; we have our second fitness test, our second personnel inspection and our second 'Dynamic' (folding) inspection. So an hour of physical activity followed by 2+ hours of standing at attention. Next Friday we have our second exam as well. The RDC's (I don't know what that is either-dad) ordered me to get a 5.0 on everything next week' since they are nominating me for an award. (They did not elaborate.) I plan to follow orders. We got our first paycheck $600 and change after taxes and our uniforms.
Have no fear mum, I get enough food and sleep and warm clothes.
Have no fear dad, they don't give us the opportunity to procrastinate. In fact I'm one of the few who give 100% all the time.
Jeremy

Jeremy called home and it was great to talk to him.

March 4th.
Yesterday was another chance to practice for the graduation performance. We not only play for our graduation but the two before us as well. My lips aren't what they used to be, but the performance is only three songs; it's the practices that I can't last through.
My feet are doing alright, they hurt but so does every ones. I had a blister that popped yesterday during PT that hurt a lot but it's better now. I'm going to "sick call" Monday morning to follow up and maybe get some moleskin bandages.
I'm working hard, I got 5.0's on all tests/ inspections so far and I was one of the few to pass the first fitness test (only 14 out of 80-something passed.) The military bearing stuff is still the hardest. I have to break my old speaking habits; no looking at people in the eye when talking, no talking with my hands, "say again?" instead of "what?", and so on.
When you write, feel free to send along news clippings (or jokes, or any of the stuff you usually forward in emails.) And let that be known on the blog too.
Jeremy.

Please write to Jeremy at:
SR Falk, J. P.
Div: 919 Ship: 06
Recruit Training Command
3510 Illinois Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088-3119

We have our first inspection tomorrow.........

Since I'm a section leader I have to make sure everyone else can fold, iron and make their beds properly. Believe it or not I became a section leader by being good at all those things. Who would of guessed!
There are 83 people in our Division. 41 are females. Since we are "integrated" the males share a compartment with the males from another integrated Division. The beds are pretty small, I just fit lengthwise. Some people snore, a few loudly, but I'm usually too tired to care. The food is pretty good, but I foresee getting bored with the selection.
Well time to shine my boots and teach some folding.

Jeremy

"P Week" is officially over. All the initial in-processing stuff is complete and the "real" training courses are beginning (first aid, ship types/missions, etc.). This also means physical "motivation" has begun as well, Our Division has it's share of clowns, but after one (painful) session of just about every exercise, they now get the picture. It's not bad, even marching through fresh morning snow has a Zen like quality to it. Friday there was a fresh new group in the chow hall. Brought a few chuckles of memories before realizing we're only one week ahead; amazing what gets done when you work 14+ hours a day. Let mom know that not only do I have to make my bed every day, but I also have to get up in the middle of the night to iron and fold! I was most worried about the physical demands but the mental "attention to detail" is still the hardest thing; imagine someone chewing you out every time you didn't use your turn signal. On a 'meta' level I understand the stakes are higher, it's still nerve wracking. Have to go refold most of my clothes as they weren't quite right!
Jeremy