Soldier Board
Well, I went to a batallion Soldier of the Quarter Board (and a sergeant from Alpha went to NCO of the Quarter). I was afraid they would eat me alive being as I was going up against some active duty soldiers (who do nothing but study for and go to boards from what I infer), and had only about a week and a half to study. The chewed me up pretty good, but apparently slightly less than some others, as it seems I was very close to winning (although not in fact, close enough to actually win). The sergeant was pretty much in the same boat. The plus side is, now I do not have to worry about moving up to brigade Soldier of the Quarter Board, so I only have to worry about promotion board. The thing that killed me was manual and form numbers (for some reason knowing them is important.. as if you can't just ask for the type of form or manual you need when you request one), as well as some questions on NCO and promotion stuff that is pretty familiar to regular Army, but not so much for guard. I did well on weapons info, land navigation, army programs, and current events.
In other news, the date has been set for Saddam's trial (October 19th), so we'll see how things go with that. And, interestingly enough, several foreign countries have pledged aid for the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. Kuwait and Qatar offering $5million and $1million respectively, and even Afghanistan $100,000. Not uber-huge, but, definitely helpful, and with the way things are in Afghanistan, that's actually a huge gesture in my mind.
Been sticking to my work-out program fairly well (although not dancing before and a couple days after Mosul trip 'cause of sore legs). Back up to being able to rep 175 lbs. on bench 8 times, so, I'm as strong as when I first moved here (I had been working out at the other base I was on, but then kind of dropped it here as it got hotter and I got busier). With it being cooler, I have a bit more energy left by the end of the day.
Also, I hear gas prices are literally insane. Probably going to hit HS and college students and low income families the most obviously. I'm considering getting something with good mileage when I get home. Like a motorcyle! What I really need is a hydrogen fueled one, but I don't think those exist. In any event, I think I want a Firebolt. It's a sport-bike, but American made with a Harley-Davidson Engine. A lot of guys from guard (and from Knox), and my buddy Mike have gotten bikes, so, I'll definitely have people to ride with. Not that it would be of much use in the winter, or when moving stuff (like the Fire-wagon or the Yukon), but hey, I feel I deserve to splurge a little with my hard-earned war-cash. A lot of guys are actually getting full-blown Harleys, but that's a little out of my range.
That's it for this evening. TeddY2K out!
(yes.. that Klondike thing will be appearing soon... I like to keep you all wondering.. MOO HA HA HA HAAA!!!)
In other news, the date has been set for Saddam's trial (October 19th), so we'll see how things go with that. And, interestingly enough, several foreign countries have pledged aid for the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. Kuwait and Qatar offering $5million and $1million respectively, and even Afghanistan $100,000. Not uber-huge, but, definitely helpful, and with the way things are in Afghanistan, that's actually a huge gesture in my mind.
Been sticking to my work-out program fairly well (although not dancing before and a couple days after Mosul trip 'cause of sore legs). Back up to being able to rep 175 lbs. on bench 8 times, so, I'm as strong as when I first moved here (I had been working out at the other base I was on, but then kind of dropped it here as it got hotter and I got busier). With it being cooler, I have a bit more energy left by the end of the day.
Also, I hear gas prices are literally insane. Probably going to hit HS and college students and low income families the most obviously. I'm considering getting something with good mileage when I get home. Like a motorcyle! What I really need is a hydrogen fueled one, but I don't think those exist. In any event, I think I want a Firebolt. It's a sport-bike, but American made with a Harley-Davidson Engine. A lot of guys from guard (and from Knox), and my buddy Mike have gotten bikes, so, I'll definitely have people to ride with. Not that it would be of much use in the winter, or when moving stuff (like the Fire-wagon or the Yukon), but hey, I feel I deserve to splurge a little with my hard-earned war-cash. A lot of guys are actually getting full-blown Harleys, but that's a little out of my range.
That's it for this evening. TeddY2K out!
(yes.. that Klondike thing will be appearing soon... I like to keep you all wondering.. MOO HA HA HA HAAA!!!)
8 Comments:
Looks like I am first this time. I bet your mother doesn't think to much of the motorcycle thing. keep safe.
Hey, son.
Is riding a motorcycle in the States more or less dangerous than driving a Humvee in Iraq? Besides, you'd just have to sell it to buy a sewing machine when your first child is born (right, Ocha?).
Saddam's trial, like all the other 'milestones' over there will either make things better or make things worse...toss a coin.
Does everyone in the Guard go before the soldier board or is it voluntary or are certain troops nominated for the process? (I am a poor confused civilian).
The Kia Spectra gets 34mpg. Now that I am selling them, you should consider it! :-p .....they're better than Honda Civics and most decidedly safer than a motorcycle!
...and chicks dig them! (I promise!)
VRRRROOOOOOOMMMMMM!
Is it fraternization if I hang out with you and you're an NCO and I'm not? For that matter, is it fraternization if I hang out with Nelson and Mike and they're officers and I'm a non-NCO? I hope not. If it is, I will tear up the UCMJ.
I'm finally wearing mosquito wings on my biceps. It feels nice, but I wish I were where you are.
Yes, yes it is frat. And LTjg Nelson and I will not stand for that.
Yes, you deserve to splurge with some of your war-cash, but don't throw it away.
When they released the new Harley Sporster a couple years ago, one of the selling points was "leaks hardly any oil". Only took HD 100 years to get that far. HD's are loud, vibrate, expensive to maintain & insure and more likely to be stolen.
Stay away from crotch rockets (seating position gets old very quickly), choppers (ill-handling), and cruisers (unless you plan on road trips). Look for a nice 750-1000 CC japanese bike with upright seating, a real windscreen, and removable hard luggage.
With the right gear, you can safely ride year-round unless road conditions are dangerous. I've headed to work on my bike when the temp is 29F.
Your Uncle Paul has been riding/working on bikes for 30+ years. You should talk to him.
Thinking of you lots!
Too bad on the Board. When would you go to the promotion board? Over there? Or are you wating until you get back?
Couldn't get on the Internet last night at the hotel. For some reason wireless wasn't working on lap top. Quick comment now, hope to send email later. Consider "maggs" comment about high mileage auto though.
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