Update

I am about six months from completing the M6 course for the Army. Its been a long road. we have dealt with many things but we continue along. Time is limited but I will once again try to update my blogs

NREMT training

Ok so here is how it goes down here in Ft Sam. Many “Soldier Medics” spend a few weeks in reception awaiting their placement in a regular company to begin their Whiskey training. I was fortunate enough that Reserves and National Guard get priority so I only spent 2 days in reception. Some of my buddies from Ft Benning waited for Charlie Company for 4 weeks. I was assigned to Bravo Company. We were “welcomed” to Bravo with a very good smoking session…better then at BCT. We had a shake down and some more smoking. This was on a Sunday and spent a few more days doing some paper work and getting our equipment.

Mid week we began our classroom NREMT training and I have to say that it was pretty slow, monotonous and its really difficult to stay awake. I manage to maintain an good average and since I passed my APFT I was able to phase and I have been able to have my weekends off since then. Those who did not achieve a minimum of 80% GPA or you will not phase. Achieving this GPA will keep you out of study hall. Passing the APFT is also mandatory to phase. Finally we reached the all skills which is when we had to test on the skills we had learned. This was only a few days before we took the NREMT. I passed all this testing on the first try. I am now an EMT-B and I was able to begin my 68 Whiskey training without having to worry about retesting for our NREMT.

NREMT

So I took the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) and I passed it. I don't know what my score was but I passed. I am now and EMT-B and we are moving to our Whiskey 68 part of our training. I'd like to say that our class test and review did not prepare us for the actual test. They told us we would see some of the same questions but that was not the case. You have to understand the material if you want to pass the test or else you WILL fail.

Bravo 232

I had heard, while in reception, that Bravo was the toughest company in 232. So first day in Bravo we get smoked because of course we have to be shown who is boss, unnecessary but whatever. The pace is fast and the first 3 weeks went by or flew by, rather. Currently I'm on my 6th week in training and I've been in phase five for 4 weeks now, I think...I've lost track of time somewhere and somehow! The NREMT Basic goes by so fast that its really difficult to keep up. Cadre does not help...They have to set the Bravo (more on this later) and they appear to take our time away on purpose. Cadre tells us that we are here to train, but it seems that its more important to shave and maintain the barracks up to their standard than it is to train. Morale has been steadily declining and we are all hoping for a big change once we move on to our actual 68 Whiskey training.

Fort Sam Houston

I arrived at Fort Sam Houston and I have to say that from the beginning it was not what I expected. I guess I was used to Fort Benning's green surroundings, its dry and not green here at FSH. I spent 2 days in reception. I was lucky as some of my buddies spent 4 weeks there. Granted they got to go home for a week, but I am now 4 weeks closer to finishing this training. on July 12, 2009 I was moved to my training company, Bravo 232...

Basic is done and over with

I don't have much time here in 68 Whiskey land for a full entry but its coming...

Marisol

I am so grateful that Marisol, my wife is willing to go through her pregnancy while I leave for my Army training. She also was very happy that my ex-wife will allow us to still have Isaac every other week. She will have lots on her plate, the household, the kids and her pregnancy all on top of her job. I on the other hand will have it easy in BCT and AIT. Honestly I would not want to be in her place nor do I think I would be willing to take on the responsibility she has. For her willingness and Love, I am grateful.