The Basics on The Basic School

Yikes! It has been two weeks since I posted. This is not because I haven't wanted to, but because things have been pretty busy around here...

CJ is about to finish his FIFTH week of TBS.  I'm not sure if that feels like a long time or a short time. I guess it really doesn't matter...graduation date is not changing. I think it's only fair to share some of TBS.

I need to start a book of essential terminology, vocabulary, and acronyms for new Marine spouses! I will practice with this post.

The first four weeks CJ held the billet of "Squad Leader," putting him in charge of 13 Marines.  He was given this Billet upon checking in.  It was completely learn as you go, so it was fairly stressful at times.  From what I could tell, "training" never came. More like just don't do what you just got yelled at for doing again. Lovely. From here on out the billets will only last TWO weeks (because they're so dang intense!), so CJ and the other Marines holding billets were beyond mentally exhausted. He overall did a GREAT job, and received good feedback in his evaluation. (I'd be more specific but don't want to a bragging-blogger wife  ;)) We are thankful he didn't get a billet these two weeks.  He will have a little time to process and begin doing what all the other Marines were able to do the first month: learn from others mistakes. The next time he gets a billet (it should be a position other than squad leader) he will have SUCH a better idea of the purpose, responsibilities, ways to execute, etc.

billet= leadership position

This week and next week are Rifle Range. It is two weeks of intense, world-class training on the fundamentals and execution of rifles and pistols.  This has been the most physically challenging week of TBS thus far.  Each morning (at 4:15) they walk 2.5 miles to the range with about a 50 pound pack on their back.  They then spend the next 12-14 HOURS at the range practicing, observing, learning etc.  ((Unfortunately, I don't know many details because since Monday we have probably been face to face 1 hour total)).  They then march 2.5 miles back to the barracks, wait, and have formation. By then it's around 9, and tasks and preparation for tomorrow begins. Wake up the next morning at 3 something and repeat.

Despite the exhaustion, and literal FREEZING temperatures, CJ is really enjoying what they're doing.  Thanks to his dad and growing up on the ranch, he had a great starting point!  Today was QUALIFYING day...still waiting to hear!!!

barracks= Where the sleep, similar to college dorms

formation= This thing that happens every evening (and morning).  The whole company gathers together, maybe an announcement is given. It happens everyday, but everyday they wait 45 minutes- to 2 hours just waiting for it happen. What is it? Answer unknown. Why is it so delayed? Answer unknown. 

CJ, gettin it done!

Well, that's all for now! I am "waiting on word" to bring some things to CJ!

Saturday spent in D.C.

This past Saturday we took our first trip up to our nation's capital! One of CJ's great friends from the aTm Corps was in town after working overseas for over a year.  We met up with him at Penn Quarter Sports Tavern- where the D.C. Aggies hangout each Saturday to cheer on the Ags.  We had a great time hearing about his experience and watching the Ags BTHO Vandy.

One of my great college friends, Meredith, and her husband have lived in D.C. for almost a year and a half.  They were able to meet up with us for the end of the game.  Then they became excellent tour guides, walking us through China Town and taking us to the National Portrait Gallery.  We went to the President Exhibit.  CJ loves being able to study great portraits and analyze the detail, and we both really enjoyed reading the back stories behind the portraits and presidents.

Afterwards, we said goodbye to Mere and Clay, and CJ took me to a lovely dinner to celebrate my birthday and our monthiversary.  It was a snazzy place, that I would love to go back to.  My salad was DELICIOUS. Now that I'm a seasoned chef, I like to order things I know I probably won't make.  I have yet to get into red meats, thus...

CJ wasn't too impressed with his meal, but he ordered a turkey sandwich- what can you expect!?! At least we now know I make better sandwiches than fancy restaurants! #winning

We of course couldn't leave DC without catching a glimpse of this...

It was a perfect Saturday afternoon, minus a couple run-ins with the law! We managed to get a parking ticket (being only TEN minutes over!), get yelled at for slowing down to snap above pic, and we THOUGHT we saw our car being towed.  Thank goodness it was a false alarm. Okay, so nothing too dramatic...

It was such a refreshing day getting away from the  daily TBS stress.  This weekend CJ has a LOT of studying to do as his first major test is Monday.  He decided to stay on base and get a couple hours of studying in before coming home.  Thus, I'm a bloggin...

SemperFi {Always Faithful}