Two weeks after the first post and I'm finally finding some time to write again. Limitations on writing include being tired, poor internet connectivity, and so on. In the past two weeks I've qualified on the M16, M9 (9 mm Beretta), fired hundreds of rounds out of those weapons and different automatic weapons. We've ridden in Humvees, practiced egressing from a rolled over Humvee, eaten lots of mediocre food, and made new friends. A few more days of training and then we ship out. I've also developed a new appreciation for the life of the average soldier. In general, I don't think we give them enough credit for what they do or how hard the job can be.

I'm lucky that I've been able to talk with my family every night, a luxury that will be going away shortly. My kids wonder why I wear funny clothes (they rarely see me in uniform, much less combat gear). I miss them dearly.