FLX – Day 1

24.Sep.2007

It used to be a Field Training Exercise but now because we’re in a leadership course it’s called the Field Leadership Exercise. Any way you slice it it’s still camping. No showers, no air conditioning, just tents and sleeping bags. With the occasional insurgent attack, blanks and smoke grenades included at 3:30 in the morning, of course.

We got bussed out today and ran around doing those leadership events that are nearly impossible to complete in the time allotted. 10 minutes from start to finish with a rotation of new leader on each event. After eleven of those I had gone through 6 liters (yes, liters) of water and probably 3 liters of sweat. Have I mentioned the humidity down here yet?

Once at the FOB (Forward Operating Base (camp site)) we were pretty damn pissed to find our tents had no air conditioning and right next door the kids just out of Basic did. I’ve done a lot of camping in all kinds of weather but I have never been as miserable trying to sleep as I was during this week.

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