It has been quite a while since I've posted a journal entry here.  So much has happened it seems, and yet a lot of it I can't remember because I've allowed so much time to pass me by.  I feel bad about all this.  Honestly, I simply burned out and couldn't keep up with Go David Strong like I should.  Excuses aside, here are my belated updates...

The Best Warrior Competition is over and done with for me as I did not win the third level among the Junior Enlisted.  Long story short, I did not qualify on the M4 at the firing range as I have never used one and it is an entirely different experience from the M16.  So I was disqualified.  Now before you say, "What!?"  More than half of us did not qualify at the firing range because we all have been qualifying with an M16 all this time.  The majority of the Army Reserve has not switched over to the M4 as of yet and they should for a reason such as this.  So I don't entirely feel bad here, but just put out.  Nevertheless, it is over and done with, and if I am still enlisted in the Fall, then I will try again.

Speaking of being enlisted.  I was finally contacted with information for the Officer Direct Commission program.  Soon I will be going before an officer board to be interviewed for my request for becoming an officer.  I am quite excited about it and equally nervous because there is a lot to take care of and quite a large responsibility to become an officer--the pressure will definitely be on.  But as always I will rise to the occasion.  I just need to get my butt in gear and get some things straigtened out personally first.  I have so much going on! ...so many loose ends.  

Lastly, I recently got my Level 1 certification in the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP).  It was very hard and extremely physically challenging.  I'll hunt down the photos and post them some time soon.

So that is the gist of what is or has gone on.

Stay tuned!

David

I have a lot going on, but I'm pushing out the videos still.  Thank for your patience.

Congrats to Eddy120876 and cvaivai09.  They are the winners of the first giveaway.  Keep an eye out as there will be another giveaway this month.

It's late and I'm going through and editing a few photos that I took since having left for BWC (Best Warrior Competition) in Tampa.  I'll upload some of the photos taken soon.  It was a relatively good day, lots to share.  But I will say now that I wasn't allowed to photograph or shoot video during the events today, nor tomorrow.  Without belaboring the point, it's an OPSEC precaution.  Fair enough.

Today we did the following:

• Board Appearance
• Land Navigation
• First Aid
• Rifle Marksmanship using the LMTS (Laser Management Training System)
• Weapon disassemble and reassembly of the M16/A2 rifle (with and without light--in the dark)
• Essay writing (my topic was based on two questions:  "Which Warrior Ethos and Army Value is most meaningful to you and why?")

Overall, I enjoyed my experience thus far.  Tomorrow morning we have an APFT test.  ...speaking of I need to go to bed.  It's 2335 and I have to report to the field at 0650.

Good night!

I've been sitting up late like this in my bed for the past four days studying for the board of the Best Warrior Competition happening this weekend (January 8-9).  I am soooooo tired right now it's not funny.  It's 2:04am...  Tomorrow morning I have to report to my unit to do mock sessions of going before the board in terms of the procedures and then the oral questioning on various subjects of Army knowledge.  The latter is the part that has had me stressed out.  The good part is that SSG Amaya, one of my detachment squad leaders, assured me that the board is aware of me having just graduated as a new soldier and will be asking basic questions.  Phew!  But still in the back of my mind, I know to plan for the worst, hope for the best. *fingers crossed, saying lots of prayers* It's just how I'm wired. lol  

Stay tuned!

 

 

Army Value:  Personal Courage

Disclaimer:  This is not a knock against my superior in any way, just an honest statement of how I feel as a result of the matter.  My superior and I have an awesome professional relationship and I couldn't be happier to have her as my Unit Administrator.  For the record she said, in so many words, that she believes that I am capable and believes I can rise to the challenge.  My answer to her was that I will do my best, and she agreed.

Last week I learned that I am doing the Best Warrior Competition in Tampa, Florida on January 8-9th.  I actually already blogged about this, but felt the need to express this in video because it has somewhat consumed me and I need to vent--ya know just let it out once and for all.  This is my outlet and I hope viewers don't see me as complaining, but quite the opposite.  My goal is to be myself on here and as honest as possible without violating Operation Security (OPSEC).

Finally, I recorded this video twice and debated for three days whether or not I even wanted to share my feelings on this matter at all.

P.S.  Pardon my junky room.  I'm still half-way unpacked since I got back from AIT. lol