Basic Training Journal: Wednesday, August 13th

We marched with our ruck sacks to Eagle tower immediately after getting up today. I had a slight cold but I wasn't affected by it. We had to march approximately 2 miles to get to Eagle tower. When we got there, we grounded our rucks and did some rope obstacles. I had no problems except for 1...we had to lay down on a rope on our stomach and go hand over hand down the rope, but I slipped and fell into the net, but that was actually pretty fun. I'd say about 33% of our company fell on that task. Everything else was easy, you climbed rope ladders and walked up robe bridges.

The actual repel down Eagle tower was fun. We went off a mini tower before going on the actual tower. Some people messed up and hit the vertical wall, but no serious falls that hurt anyone. I thought the repel was easy and fun.

We had field chow at Eagle tower for breakfast and lunch..pretty similiar to the food at the dining facility, no MREs. We then marched back to the barracks which was a pain. Carrying the ruck sack and marching in the Georgia heat for 2 miles is quite a task. I've been getting sunburns so I'd suggest using sun tan lotion.

We got a serious smoking after getting back to the barracks. Most of us didn't have our helmets and ruck sack assembled the way the DS wanted it and it apparently made him look bad in front of the first sergeant.

We were smoked for a good 30 minutes and we were already tired from the road march. It was harsh and everyone is sore now. We had to duck walk around the barracks several times, do overhead arm claps, ironmans, pushups..it was grueling, worst smoking by far. We did water drills too....had us drink 2 quarts of water while he smoked us....quite a few people(including me) had to run to the latrine and puke.

We polished boots again today too, I guess this is going to be a daily thing. Call me crazy, but I think BT is a lot of fun, even with the smokings and the constant work to be done.