AIT Day 2
September 28th, 2002
Wake up was at 0330 yesterday morning. Shortly after that, I found out the Aberdeen, MD people were busing it to AIT. I expected a plane ride, but the bus ride was even better. I caught up on many hours of much needed sleep and listened to a lot of music. I finally got the damn marching cadences out of my head.
We drove through Kentucky and West Virginia to get to Maryland. W. VA is quite stunning actually. The hills and cliffs were something to be reckoned with. We changed bus drivers in Charleston, WV. I played Duck Hunt at the Greyhound station there with my new shooting skills. I also had a Milky Way, of course. I love Milky Ways.
We stopped for lunch at a Wendy's. The army gave us $6 for lunch. I forgot how good Frostys were. We stopped for dinner at a buffet place in Aberdeen, MD. Golden Carol, I think. We were given $16. The trip took 14 hours, but that's because the bus driver drove around town and took his time. He took us to Target, too. I enjoyed the ride.
We got to Aberdeen Proving Ground at 2330. We got linen and were sleeping by 0130. This morning we began in-processing. There are DSs here, but they're pussy cats compared to BCT. I have not seen anyone get smoked yet. Our new DS explained the deal on passes. Just like we had phases in BCT, we have phases here. For the next four weeks we are in our Fourth Phase: Black. After black there is gold phase. That's the last one.
We get to use phones on personal time starting now. We get to watch a big screen TV in a room with couches. We also get access to the mini mall and rec center on weekends. We can even have visitors on the weekends. Sounds like heaven compared to BCT, huh?
The dining facility (not mess hall anymore) is nice. Better food. There's fast food, soda, and ice cream. There are TVs hanging tuned to CNN and ESPN. There are booths to sit on. We can talk quietly. And best of all, no yelling! Well, for the most part. Sometimes a DS will go in there and regulate.
AIT gets better as for as privileges go. On week five, we get our CD players and cell phones back. On week six we get off post passes. On week seven we get our first overnight pass. On week five we can wear civilian clothes, too.
DS said we only get about three overnight passes while at AIT because there's usually training on the weekends. Bummer. But I can compliment those with on post passes or off post day passes. I can hang out with friends if they feel like taking the two hour drive here.
It looks like AIT is not very physical. The standards for personal appearance are high, though. BDUs have to be pressed and starched. No wash and wear anymore. The entire boot has to be spit shined, not just the heel and toe. The standards for inspection are way more nit picky, too.
I should do just fine here. I need to manage my time well to succeed. It is a highly anal world, as far as organization and appearance go. 14 weeks to go.
The rooms are ok. I have two roommates. One of them was in my BCT platoon. We have an iron and our own sink. We have four bunks and two desks. We have to share the toilet and shower with the three people next door. I can't have a phone or TV or stereo in there. Just a radio alarm clock.
No one said we can't wear contacts, so I'll be wearing those.
I got some mail during my last few days in Ft Knox. I received a letter from a reader in Riverview, FL and another letter from James in Enumclaw, WA. I've been incredivly busy, so I couldn't reply. Now I have lots of free time for fan mail.
Stephanie, thanks for writing. Your letter smells good, did you do that on purpose? Seriously, it does.
You said not to worry about writing you back, but that would be blowing a reader off. If you can find the time to write to me I can do the same. That goes for everybody.
You didn't ask me any questions, so all I have to say is good luck in Ft Jackson. It's really easy, according to people that went there. They didn't have to low crawl across a sawdust pit like I did. That shit sucks. In five minutes my mouth would be full of dirt. Also, thanks for your support. People like you helped me decide to keep up my diary in AIT. And last, your letter smells good. What is that?
James, you should've started basic by now, which means you will not get this reply. D'oh! I fucked up. I should've replied sooner. Sorry.
I have an address! Read carefully. This one's worse than the last one.
For security reasons, email me to get the address.
My parents took lots of pictures during family day and grad day. As soon as my sweet little webmaster can get her hands on them, she'll post them on the net and hook everybody up with the link.
That's it for today. I have 10 hours of sleep to attend to now. Priorities, man. Priorities.