red phase survey

I sent Jacob a questionnaire about Basic Training to fill out and send back.  I figured it would be easier for him than having to respond to questions scattered throughout letters.

1. Do you sleep on the top or bottom bunk?  Bottom bunk

2. Where is your "battle buddy" from? Florida

3. How old is he? 19

4. How many people are in your barracks? 51

5. How many people are in your platoon? 44

6. What is your Platoon's nickname? Punishers

7. How often do you have fireguard? Every other night for a 1.5 hour shift

8. Is it boring or do you look forward to it? We have to clean.  I'm not a big fan of mopping in the dark.

9. Do you like the food? It's ok.  It's getting redundant.

10. What do you usually eat for breakfast? 4 bacon, 2 eggs,  hashbrowns, 1 biscuit, 1 banana, 2 nutragrain bars, 1 waffle, water and milk.

11. What do you usually eat for lunch? Changes daily

12. What do you usually eat for dinner? Changes daily

13. How many hours of sleep do you usually get each night? 4

14. What time is lights out? 2030.  We have to "sleepwalk" to do laundry, etc.

15. What time do you get up? 0345

16. How are the beds and are you getting good at making yours? The beds are firm but ok.  My bunk has never been tossed so I must do it right and I am good at my hospital corners!

17. What is the hardest part of PT? None of it.

18. What has been the hardest thing so far? Getting along with the dumba** kids

19. What's been the easiest? Sleeping

20. What has been the most fun? The team building course

21. What makes you laugh? Our DS's.  They have quite a sense of humor.

22. Are Sundays and easier day? Yes, we just have to work on our bays.

23. Do you shower in the morning or evening? We do shower drills in the evening.  10 minutes for 51 guys to shower.

24. Are your boots comfortable? Boots are great- no blisters!

25. Do you have mail call everyday? We do, they don't hold it anymore.

26. How many times have you been to the PX? What did you buy? Once. Haircut, pens, lotion.

27. Have you named your weapon? Yup.  Jenne.  :)

28. If you were told you had to do BCT again, would you? Blah.  I would, it is not that bad.

29. What would you like more- a days rest or a Quarter Pounder w/Cheese? A day to rest and hang out.

30. Are you the oldest one in your platoon? I am the second oldest.  The oldest is 28.

31. Have you had to do an IV yet? How did you do? I did great.

32. At this point in your training, what is the thing that stresses you the most? My PT test until I passed Phase V standards at Phase I.

33. What encourages you the most? You and my battle buddy!

34. What discourages you the most? Stupid teens.

35. What's your favorite thing to do? Eat chow!

36. What's your least favorite thing to do? Stand in formation when it is -11 out.

37. Have any guys in your platoon had to quit or go home? Why? None.

38. Have you lost or gained weight? Not 100% sure.

39. If you could eat anything you wanted right now, what would it be? Jack in the Box

40. Did you order the pictures that were taken at Reception? Yes.

this week's phone call

Jacob was able to call for a few minutes tonight and he sounds great.  He's feeling a lot better although he still is tired.  They are officially in White Phase now which means less drill sergeant supervision.  He said their DS's are actually pretty nice and their platoon is pretty relaxed-- it's also the one that works the best together and has had the least amount of issues.

They suffered through the ice storm this week.  He said it was really cold and they got about 4 inches of snow on top of the 2 inches of ice.  Fort Leonard Wood shut down for several days because of the severity of the weather.  Luckily it is starting to warm back up.

They went to the shooting range today but still didn't get to shoot.  They spent a lot of time laying on the ground in the water looking at the targets.  :)  They get to shoot on Tuesday.

He's looking forward to watching the SuperBowl tomorrow.  I guess only 20 out of 176 are getting to watch it.  They also have a 4 hour on-post pass so he'll get a little bit of free time.  He is very excited that they only have 6 weeks left in the BCT portion before moving onto AIT!!

isabella's birthday party

We went to Isabella's birthday party this evening.  It was a roller skating party at SkateCity!  Christopher and Nicholas have been excited about the party all week and have been talking about it nonstop.  Unfortunately, they haven't ever skated before.  They were still excited when we walked in and said hi to everyone.  Then we got skates, and that's when the problems began.

As soon as they had skates on their feet they started whining.  I wasn't able to go out and skate with them because I also had Ben and Lexie with me.  Luckily, Isabella's Dad, Bob, offered to help!  He took them each around the rink once and they were done.  They wanted nothing to do with skating.

They did have a good time playing with Isabella and having pizza, cake, and icecream!  I think it will probably be another couple of years before they're really ready for a skating party!

Christopher with his skates on- and his ripped jeans that he insisted on wearing because they're "cool"!

Nick and Bob skating.

Benjamin

Lexie hung out in the stroller (she does that a lot!)

gunfighter phase

Today is the start of "White Phase" for Jacob.  It is where soldiers begin actually firing weapons.  With the assault rifle (M16A2), they will fire at various targets which are progressively further and further downrange resulting in more and more difficult shooting.  Additionally, there are pop-up targets at long range.  Other weapons the soldier becomes familiarized with include various grenades (such as the M67 fragmentation grenade) and grenade launchers (such as the M203 grenade launcher).

out of the mouths of babes...

*The other morning when I took Christopher to school, he jumped out of the car like he always does.  Then, as he was closing the door, he yelled, "I love you the most!" and was blowing kisses.  He actually does this whole thing every morning when I drop him off.  So how much longer do you think I have where he'll do this?  I'm thinking I'll be lucky to get another year and then he'll be too embarrassed.  But for now, it's really cute!

*We were driving in the car and Nick said, "Mommy, I'm sad."  I asked him why and he said, "Because Daddy's gone.  It's making my eyes all watery!"  So we used that opportunity to talk about how much we miss Daddy and how excited we are to see him at graduation.

homemade bread

In an effort to eat less processed foods, part of my New Year's Resolution was to make my own bread. We have not bought store bread all year (except for a bag of rolls, which I could make....). So, I have been making bread by hand every week! I do have a breadmaker, but it's not really that hard to make it by hand and it's a great stress reliever!

Yummy homemade bread

sunday's call......... on saturday

It caught me completely off guard when the phone rang tonight and it was Jacob.  They got to make five minute calls tonight, probably instead of the calls tomorrow (he wasn't sure).  He's doing well but still tired and still coughing!

They did the gas chamber on Thursday.  He was surprised at how well the gas masks actually work.  He said that inhaling tear gas feels like what inhaling cotton would feel like.  They had to recite the second Army General Order* (I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.) while inside.

It is still REALLY cold in Missouri.  They were supposed to do their first APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test- 2 mile run, push-ups, sit-ups) this morning but it was 2 degrees outside.  They did it this afternoon instead and it was 20.  Anybody that was able to complete their APFT at graduation gets to watch the Superbowl.  Jacob was very excited that along with about half of his platoon, he will get to watch the Superbowl!!  :)

He was very excited that they are in the last week of red phase.  Usually they have a few more privileges and free time once they're out of red phase.  Plus, they get to actually fire their rifles!!

*In case anyone is wondering, the other General Orders are: 1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.  3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.

week three: patriot phase

Recruits begin training for bayonet use using pugil sticks and then move on to the Bayonet Assault Course.  Other hands-on instruction sessions include person-carrying methods and physical problem-solving.

Recruits become more familiar with their standard-issue weapon, the M16A2 assault rifle (which was issued during Week 1).  This does not yet involve the actual firing of the rifle.  It does include Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) fundamentals training (instruction in marksmanship techniques without firing the rifle), as well as maintenance tasks, including "field stripping" (quickly disassembling) the rifle, cleaning it, and reassembling in correctly.

sunday's call......... on monday

Jacob was able to call tonight!!  I was disappointed when he didn't get to call yesterday as the calls are typically on Sunday nights.  But then I realized that today is a holiday and maybe they would get phone privileges.

He sounds like he's doing really well!!  He said he's actually kind of bored because they do a lot of waiting around.  It's fun when they're actually doing something, but the rest of the time it seems like time just drags on and on.

It has been REALLY cold in Missouri-- with temperatures well below zero.  They've been doing a lot of their PT inside so everyone is suffering from cabin fever.  They went for a three-mile march in their dorm!  Tomorrow they are going on a five-mile march outside- it's supposed to be 13 degrees- in full gear.  He's excited to get out!!

And on Thursday they get to experience the gas chamber.  It's a room with a controlled concentration of CS (orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile) gas, more commonly known as tear gas.  Before entering the gas chamber they are trained on how to fit the protective mask and chemical gear.  Then the group files in; they have to lift their mask and state their name, rank, and social security number.  Because it is possible to complete this task without actually inhaling any CS gas, at the end all of the recruits must take off their masks and file out without closing their eyes.

He's looking forward to the next few weeks because they will be much more hands on!  And only about 18 weeks to go until graduation!!

Monkey Bizness

Today we went to Monkey Bizness, an indoor playplace, with the girls across the street.  Christopher and Nicholas had a blast running around with Isabella and Adrianna, and I enjoyed having an adult conversation!  :)

Christopher going down the slide with the girls.

Christopher, Nicholas, and Isabella playing in the toddler area!  :)

Christopher, Isabella, and Lexie

Lexie hung out in her stroller the whole time we were there.

Benjamin

Nick preferred to play by himself rather than with the girls.

It was a nice outing and something I'm sure we'll do again.  And, it completely wore everyone out so they all took good naps this afternoon!!

week two: patriot phase

During week 2 recruits begin unarmed combat training, also known as hand-to-hand combat or Ground Fighting Technique (GFT).  The training often culminates in a competition.

Recruits are also instructed in map reading, land navigation, and compass use.  These skills are put to the test at the Compass Course where recruits are divided into groups and must navigate their way to a series of points throughout a wooded area.

Recruits will also tackle other physical challenges including Victory Tower and the Teamwork Development Course.  Victory Tower is an exercise where recruits must navigate through several obstacles at extreme heights, including climbing and traversing rope ladders and bridges.  They must then rappel down a 50-foot wall (back-first, with rope harness).  In the Teamwork Development Course, squads must negotiate a series of obstacles, with emphasis on working as a team rather than as individuals.

First aid training is also given during this period.  Recruits are trained in evaluating and properly treating casualties, ranging from the simple dressing of a wound to application of a tourniquet.  Recruits are also trained in how to evaluate and treat heat casualties such as dehydration.

Sick Feet

So the other night at about 1:30am I hear someone or something banging around downstairs.  I jump up to go see what's going on and notice that the light is on in the laundry room.  When I get in there I see Nick digging through the dryer.  I asked him what he was doing and he said, "Looking for socks, my feet are sick!"  So apparently, when you have cold feet they become "sick".  From now on I'll be making sure that he has socks on when he goes to sleep!!

another phone call

Jacob's platoon was given a chance to make phone calls this evening-- we got to talk for four minutes!!  He sounded like he is doing really well.  Training officially started on Friday and they have been very busy.  He had to do another abbreviated PT (physical training) test which he passed- and even dropped his run time a bit.

It was a quick call so that's basically it.  Hopefully he'll be able to call again next Sunday!!   I did get his address-- email me if you'd like it!

patriot phase

Jacob is in Week 1 of the "Red Phase" or "Patriot Phase" of BCT this week.  The Patriot Phase focuses on orientation and Soldierization.  Recruits are subject to "Total Control", meaning their every action is monitored and constantly corrected by drill sergeants as they transition from civilian to Soldier.

Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout OSUT.  The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from the Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their company area.  The company area is the common area for the entire company, and is surrounded by four barracks- one for each platoon in the company.

Upon arrival at the company area, recruits are subjected to the "bag drill".  This is a training exercise in which all the recruits' duffel bags are dumped into one large pile, and the recruits are told to find their personal duffel bags simultaneously, and within a set time limit.  The exercise is designed so that the Soldiers fail in their task and must keep trying again, until they realize that they must work together in order to complete the task within the time limit.  Following the bag drill, the recruits are divided into platoons.

Drill and Ceremony training begins during Week 1.  This refers to correct procedures for marching, and body movements such as standing at attention, "facing" (right-face/left-face), "at ease", etc.

Classroom instructions are given in each of the seven "Army Core Values," which include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.  The initials spell out the mnemonic LDRSHIP (leadership).  There are also classes held on subjects that involve day-to-day personal life in the Army, such as sexual harassment and race relations.

he arrived!

Jacob just called from Fort Leonard Wood.  They got in around lunch time and spent the afternoon finishing up paperwork.  He said that FLW is MUCH nicer than Ft Jackson so he's excited to be there.  He got his penicillin shot (aka the peanut butter shot-- in reference to how thick it is) because they didn't do them at Ft Jackson.

He's starting BCT in the morning!!

another phone call

Jacob called again this morning as they were driving through St Louis.  They were about two hours outside of Fort Leonard Wood and excited to arrive and get started.  He said he slept well and they stopped at Denny's for breakfast.  He bought some cough drops at the gas station last night and sounded much better this morning.

He took a couple of pictures with his cell phone so I'll pass them along.

In uniform.  (They aren't supposed to smile)

The whole group.  He's the far left in the middle row.

the wheels on the bus.....

I got a call from Jacob and they are en route to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  The plan was for their group of about 20 to fly but the Army couldn't get them all on one flight.  So instead, they are making the 16 hour trip in a charter bus!  At least it will be a nice break from getting yelled at and they'll hopefully be able to get some sleep.

We were able to talk much longer this time (2 hours!) because they were on the bus.  He still has a cough and sounds very tired, but he was excited to be able to talk for so long.  He got a chance to tell Nicholas goodnight although Nick did try to trick Jacob into saying that he'd be home in the morning.

He said that they've done a lot of pushups so far!!  And they've spent a lot of time in the traditional pushup "rest" position-- very similar to the downward facing dog for those of you that do yoga!!  Luckily, he's good at that position so he had no trouble holding it while a lot of other recruits started shaking and falling over!!

Other than being tired, he said he's having a good time.  He's ready to get started with actual training rather than just paperwork.  Assuming nothing else changes, they should be starting on Friday!  I'm hoping that he'll be able to call when he gets there or at least on Sunday (when they "usually" get calls assuming no one loses that privilege for the group).  I should have an address in the next week or so and I know he'd love to get mail!!

back to school and army news

Christopher and Nicholas headed back to school today following their Winter Breaks.  It was the first time that I've been solely in charge of getting them both to and from school as Jacob normally handled that duty!  It went well but was a lot of in and out of the car!!  Christopher gets dropped off at 7:50a.  Then Nick gets walked all the way into his class at 9:00a.  Christopher is picked up at 11:00a and Nick at 11:30a.  And the other two just come along for the ride!  Both boys were excited to be back in school!!

I heard from Jacob again tonight.  He found out today that he will in fact be heading to Fort Leonard Wood tomorrow!  We're very excited that he will get to do his training where he was supposed to be.  He should be starting OSUT (basic and advanced training combined) on Friday!

He sounded tired on the phone and said he's not getting a whole lot of sleep.  He also has what is commonly referred to as "the crud".  Most people get a cold during basic training and it hangs around for a while due to the lack of sleep and intense physical exertion.  Hopefully he feels better soon!

phone call #2

Jacob was able to call again this evening.  He was lucky enough to get 5 minutes on a pay phone!!  He sounds like he's doing well.  Tired, but in good spirits.

He said that he's not getting much sleep, but that's to be expected.  The night they got there they didn't get to sleep at all.  They're all tired.  Someone in his unit tried to run off last night so now they have to do guard duty at night. Luckily, he has the first shift so he should be able to get some sleep tonight.

He still doesn't know if he'll be staying at Fort Jackson or heading to Fort Leonard Wood for training.  I'm sure he'll find out soon because it will be starting in the next few days either way!

They haven't accomplished very much in Reception so far.  Nothing was open on New Year's Day (the first full day he was there) so they stood in formation for an hour at a time, several times, and watched movies.  It's been a lot of "Hurry up and wait!" (the Army motto) for the past couple of days.

It was a quick call so that's all we got through.  He's hoping to be able to call again next Sunday but it depends solely on the behavior of the group--and he doesn't think his group listens or follows directions, so we shall see.

reception week

Right now, Jacob is in Reception week at Fort Jackson.  Here is a brief overview of what he's done/will be doing this week.

Within 4 Hours of Arrival

Meet the Drill Sgt

Initial Processing

Amnesty Room-- turn in any contraband

Haircut

Day 1

TB Test

Set up Pay

Medical Processing (DNA, Blood, Optometry, Audiology)

Post Exchange/Shoe type and size check

Personal Affairs Branch

Day 2

Personal Affairs Branch

ID Cards

Clothing- Initial Issue

Dental Processing

Day 3

Immunizations-- MMR, Polio, MGC, Flu, Tetanus, Penicillin

Photo's

the first phone call

Jacob was finally able to call this morning.  Now I know that he's there safe and sound!!  It was a quick call as he just needed a copy of my drivers license but we were able to talk for a couple of minutes.

I asked if he was getting enough to eat and getting enough sleep and he said "kinda".  He didn't elaborate, but I'm assuming it's because it wasn't supposed to be a personal call.

He and another recruit may end up going to Fort Leonard Wood this week if there's room for them.  They were both supposed to be there initially, but ended up at Fort Jackson.  Either way, he should be starting basic training by the end of the week.

As of right now, I don't have an address for him.  I'm sure once he figures out if he's staying or going I'll have one and I can pass it on.

new year's resolution

For my New Year's Resolution this year, I decided to start a blog- and actually use it!  With everything going on in our lives, this will make it easier to keep people updated.

Jacob left a few days ago to begin Basic Training.  It was overbooked at Fort Leonard Wood, so he's now at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for BCT (Basic Combat Training).  He'll be graduating in March and heading to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri to attend the Military Police School.  Graduation should still be around Memorial Day weekend.  Then, he's off to Fort Benning in Georgia for Airborne school.  He should be done with all of his training in June and we'll be moving wherever the Army sends us!

The kids and I are doing well.  We're adjusting to life without Daddy and trying to stay busy.  We had a good New Years Eve-- pizza, The Little Mermaid, and a slumber party!  Once school starts back up next week I'm hoping that we get into a good routine!

the family

the Albaeck family

Jacob: He enlisted in the US Army and left for basic training at the end of December 2008 and graduated from Military Police OSUT and Airborne school in 2009.  He spent a year deployed to Iraq with the 108th Military Police CO and then got hurt after returning to the US.  Now, he's retired from the Army and finishing up his Master of Divinity at Liberty University.

Jennifer: She's a stay-at-home mom to five.  Her days are filled with trips to Target (almost daily!), cleaning, laundry, and laughter.  In her spare time she plans countless vacations-- usually to Disney World or Disneyland (and even gets to go on some of them!).

Christopher: He's fourteen and is enjoying his role as the oldest kiddo in the Albaeck house. He's a freshman(!) this year and thriving in high school. In his free time he loves playing tennis, playing outside with his friends and creating projects on his computer... and all things Disney!

Nicholas: He is twelve and is still quite the handful! He's in seventh grade now and is having a great year.  He loves to talk and would be content to chat ALL DAY LONG about computers, science, or whatever random thing is on his mind.  His newest hobby is learning to write computer code and taking apart/reassembling every computer in the house.

Benjamin: He's ten and the baby boy of the house.  He's in fifth grade this year and loving it!  His current faves are basketball (playing and watching), playing Xbox, and following his brothers around (or picking on his sisters).

Alexandra: AKA Lexie.  She's nine and thinks she rules the house.  She started fourth grade this year and is so excited to finally have a take-home laptop!  She stays busy with Girl Scouts, chorus and Girls on the Run.

Elizabeth: AKA Ellie.  She's four and is the littlest Albaeck kiddo.  She started preschool this year and although she was apprehensive at first, she loves it now!  She's such a ham and loves making everyone laugh and she adores her big brothers and sister.