By Melissa Buckley
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- The four privates the GUIDON is following in this series have successfully completed their first week of Basic Combat Training.
"The new Charlie Comanche Soldiers are getting adjusted to life here in Basic Combat Training," said Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment commander. "They are off to a great start as they begin their journey to transform from civilian volunteer to a U.S. Army Soldier."
The focus of this first week of BCT is learning how to look, act and walk like a
Soldier.
"They have a few physical readiness training sessions under their belt and are acclimatizing well to our ever changing weather; they have learned how to properly wear their uniforms and are starting to identify different ranks," Anderson said. "They're learning Army heritage, traditions, customs, values and military courtesies, as well as, how to efficiently navigate the mess hall and keep their living space tidy. They are also learning how to march with plenty of drill and ceremonies practice."
Officially starting BCT on Aug. 12, Soldiers began waking up daily between 4 and 4:30 a.m.
"'Soldierization' is the word the Army uses to describe the transformation of civilians into Soldiers. When discussing Soldierization, every day of week one is a key event. Starting when they arrive at their battalion, Initial Entry Training Soldiers are challenged with nonstop classes and instruction from drill sergeants. From the time they wake up until the time they go to bed is a lesson from their mentors on how to be a Soldier. While Soldierization occurs throughout IET, Red Phase and week one in particular are critical," said Capt. Ryan Evans, Company C, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment commander.
During Army Physical Readiness Training, Soldiers learned how to properly warm up, and about core/strength training, cardio training and how to cool down after a workout.
On Tuesday, their second full day at BCT the Soldiers completed an assessment run.
"The one-mile assessment run determines which ability group Soldiers will be in. Based off of their times, Soldiers are divided into groups A, B and C," Evans said.
During weapons immersion Soldiers were issued weapons and instructed on weapon handling, inspection and safety procedures for the M-16 rifle.
"They have a new best friend that rarely leaves their side, their assigned weapon," Anderson said.
Week one weapons immersion is a critical part of their training.
"It supports IET Basic Rifle Marksmanship and prepares Soldiers to safely handle weapons in the operational force," Evans said.
On Friday, they tackled their first day of the Team Development Course. Working in pairs, Soldiers had to negotiate a series of mentally and physically challenging obstacles.
Then on Sunday, religious services were offered to all who choose to attend.
"Sunday is usually a day of rest, and recovery. IET Soldiers often use Sunday afternoons to do laundry and clean their individual equipment," Evans said. "Phone and PX privileges are given to IET Soldiers in good standing. Sunday is typically the day IET Soldiers are granted PX and phone privileges."
Here is what the four Soldiers had to say about week one:
Pvt. Tayler Douglas, 18, Los Angeles, Calif.
MOS: 68P Radiology Specialist
Getting up so early: "I like it. It makes me feel energized. If I wake up too late, I feel tired."
Chow: "I love it because I don't normally eat three meals a day. So, this is really nice."
Rifle: "I hate it (she said with a big smile). I have to carry it a certain way. When I run, I have to carry it and it makes it hard. I understand why we are doing this though."
Army ranks: "I know all of them. If you don't memorize them and the drill sergeant asks you in chow line and you don't know it, you get sent all the way to the back of the chow line. No thank you."
Favorite thing so far: "Eating and physical training."
Challenge: "The mile run was the hardest thing."
Pvt. Andrew Jobes, 18, Eminence, Ind.
MOS: 13D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
Getting up early: "It's not bad. I am getting enough sleep."
Chow: "I like the food. It's good. The biscuits and gravy are my favorite."
Rifle: "It's easy to forget it because we haven't had it very long yet, but I'm learning to live with my weapon."
Army ranks: "I know all of them. I knew most of them, but I had to learn them pretty quick here because of our chain of command."
Favorite thing so far: "I have enjoyed marching and learning how to put together my rucksack."
Biggest challenging: "I miss home."
Pvt. Darwin Rivera, 21, Puerto Rico
MOS: 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Getting up early: "It's not that bad. In my home country I use to wake up early."
Chow: "I really love it. We have excellent food."
Rifle: "I am a little uncomfortable with it. I can't take it to the bathroom."
Army ranks: "Not all of them."
Favorite thing so far: "Physical training because I used to work at a gym back in my country, so I enjoy it."
Biggest challenge: "Communication still."
Pvt. Jessica Vanheel, 22, Waite Park, Minn.
MOS: 36B Financial Management Technician
Getting up early: "I am getting more use to it. I worked late and slept in late, so it's hard to get use to."
Chow: "Not as bad as I was expecting. I get excited for breakfast because it's so good."
Rifle: "It's annoying. I can't go anywhere without it, and if I do I have to leave it with a battle buddy I can trust. We can't take it to the bathroom, so sometimes shower times are off and some of us don't get showers."
Army ranks: "I know almost all of them."
Favorite thing so far: "I like marching and being outside."
Biggest challenge: "We had to run a mile. My shoe came untied, so I could have done better, but it wasn't too bad."
(Editor's note: This is second in an 11-part series following four Soldiers through Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.)
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