Basic Training Journal: Wednesday, August 20th

Today was pretty rough. We had the ability group run in the morning. There are 3 run groups. A group is for those who got less than 16 minutes on the 2 mile run. B group is for those from 16-18 minutes and C group is for anything higher. I'm doing just fine in B group. If you fall out of a group you fall in with a later group. If you fall out of the last group a van will pick you up. I heard the drill sergeants really yelling at the people in the van when it pulled into our barracks parking lot, so try not to get stuck in the van.

After the ability group run, we changed into BDUs and marched to the teamwork development course(TDC). We broke up into our 15 men squads and crossed obstacles. It was scorching outside, heat category 5. You get to unbutton your uniform top button and roll up your sleeves and pant legs for heat cat 5.

Your squad gets 30 minutes to complete each station and there are 6 stations. It involved using wood planks and ropes to pass through the stations. It's hard to explain each one, but they are fun. We then marched back to the barracks and got our ruck sacks and M16s from the arms room. We then had a demonstration on some marching movements for road marches. Those ruck sacks on your back will tire you out in the Georgia sun. Most people got sunburn too. You have to drink lots of water with ruck sacks on.

Some people were about to pass out, but everyone made it back okay I think. I was extremely tired though. My battle buddy was feeling light headed and weak, but he made it back.