Shoup Airlines

Red Stat!

So they’ve finally laid off the brakes and we’ve since touched on the electrical and fuel systems. This week we’re focusing on the main rotor system which is interesting for two reasons. First, I’ve never really covered the aerodynamics of a helicopter so that was cool to delve into. Second, we’ve been removing and installing the main rotor head all week which has more bolts and nuts than anything you can think of. The best one is nicknamed the ‘Jesus Nut’ because you’re basically screwed if the thing comes loose. Like I said, interesting stuff.

But that isn’t what I have to rant about. Oh no, this is much, much worse. We had a Drill Sergeant swap with Bravo Company on Monday and wouldn’t you know our dumb luck, the new guy gets assigned to 4th Platoon (mine). Normally, we wouldn’t be concerned with this, most DS’ are cool, laid back, but this guy has turned the entire company on its head!

The only weekend I finally have plans to go somewhere (the Langley Air Show) we get red stat’d* and spend all day Friday and Saturday cleaning. This would have been understandable had we sullied the place, but we lived on the opposite wing. I’d never even used the latrines over on that side. The DS’ response, “Sorry for your gol’ darn luck, Hooah!” So we cleaned and cleaned and then cleaned some more. Then they had us move over to that wing so all of 4th Platoon would be ‘together.’ We moved and then had to clean that room! The best part? We were up for a full 24 hours scrubbing out the rust spots in that room.

And yes, this new Drill Sergeant has everything to do with my absence on the web. I keep telling myself I only have nine weeks left. Is it a cruel coincidence that Basic was nine weeks as well?

* Red Stat – all privileges forfeited for the weekend, you must remain in the Company area and you have accountability formations every two hours. They’re fun, I recommend you try it once.