Getting Settled

I am getting into the new routine. Since I am on the BDE staff I am included in staff Physical Training (PT) twice a week. I am training for the Iron Dragon PT test so that I am not required to participate in staff PT (once I take and pass it that is). The Iron Dragon PT Test is a modified PT test developed and run by the BDE Commander. Our regular PT test is 2 Minutes of Push-ups, 2 minutes of Sit-ups and 2 mile run. The Iron Dragon adds Pull-ups and Dips. Unlike the normal PT test that has a set point value for each repetition or time for the run based on age, the Iron Dragon has a set standard for all. In order to be awarded the Iron Dragon, participants must do 80 Push-ups in 2 minutes, 85 Sit-ups in 2 minutes, 10 Pull-ups, 20 Dips (no time limit for either) and a three mile run in 22 minutes or less. Form is strictly enforced, so there is no cheating allowed such as kicking on the Pull-ups. Must lock elbows all the way out and go all the way up. Last month over 40 Soldiers took the test and only 6 passed. The only prerequisite is that Soldiers have to score at least a 270 (90 points in each event) on the normal PT test. I am shooting for the March test.

What a Difference a Week Makes

Last week I directly rated 6 people and senior rated 5 others. I was responsible for everything that Bravo Company did or failed to do.... now I rate absolutely nobody and do not have 70 people looking to me to give them guidance and intent to assist them in the completion of their combat missions. I will miss being a commander. It was the most fun I have had since I was a platoon leader. I would change very few things about the way I commanded the Company. I tried everyday to make the best decisions possible based on the information I had at the time. Tried to be the best commander that each Soldier has had or ever will have. Now I have to wait to see if I will be fortunate enough to command a Battalion.

The change of command went well and I am settling into my new job. I suspect it will take about a month to get fully involved. R&R is just around the corner. Shooting for sometime in April or May. Closing in quickly on half way through the deployment.

Latest Date Change

Well we ended up getting Space A back from Paliwoda and made it back "home" just after midnight on New Years Eve. The change of command date has moved again to the right. It is now the 16th of January and we are getting close enough now where I would be surprised if it moves again. Only 10 days of command left. It has been a very mild winter here so far. We have been having highs in the high 50s and low 60s. December is usually the wettest month here and we hardly had any rain. No complaints from me about that.