The second week of training is much like the first:  lots of weapons firing and walking in around with body armour in 90+ degree weather. But it’s also the week when you get to shoot the big guns and go full auto. > more <

When I initially learned I would be trained for Iraq duty by Army drill instructors at an Army base, I expected it to be like the Army’s Advanced Infantry Training given to graduates of boot camp. However, the training is less generalized and is geared towards the type of work Navy personnel may encounter in theater. > more <

It’s a real pain in the butt getting ready to go to Iraq. I found out that, contrary to my orders, I’ll be shipping out a week earlier. Because of how my orders were printed, it looked like I had a week of processing followed by a week of uniform and equipment issue. However, they combined these two things together so the first two days were briefs and medical evaluations and the rest of the week is getting everything together. That really hurts because I planned on having at least half a week to buy gear that’s not issued. > more <

So, I finally got my next set of orders and it turns out that I’m going to Iraq. I don’t have all the details yet and I’m not sure what I could post even if I did. But I know that I will be doing IT work, most likely in/near Baghdad. > more <

Hero: a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)

As those of you following college football may know, the University of Hawaii Warriors finished the season undefeated. Granted, this is a significant accomplishment, especially for them; the last time this happened was more than a decade ago (I can’t find the specific date right now). The team will be “guest of honor” in the Kapolei City Lights Parade. > more <