Basic Training Diaries: Week 5 - Halfway home

By Melissa K. BuckleySeptember 20, 2012

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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Joshua Rynschlueter, Company C, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment drill sergeant, demonstrates to Soldiers in BCT week five how to conquer one of the many obstacles on the Confidence Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., as Spc. Theodore C... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Story and photos by Melissa Buckley

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- (Sept. 20, 2012) -- Halfway through Basic Combat Training, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, were very busy during week five.

On Monday they were fitted for their Army Service Uniform, or dress blue uniform and the excitement of the day could be found early in the morning.

"As I was in the dining facility this morning with the Charlie Comanche's for breakfast, I couldn't help but hear them humming 'I'm bringing sexy back…' under their breath," said Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, 1-48th Inf. Bn. commander.

Tuesday, the Soldiers conquered the Confidence Course.

"After a 'down' day yesterday during uniform fit, the Comanches got back after it on the Confidence Course. This event involves a series of obstacles that will physically and mentally challenge your Soldiers, require them to work as a member of a team, and help them overcome some of their fears," Anderson said.

Company C drill sergeants, Staff Sgt. Joshua Rynschlueter and Staff Sgt. Andrew Randolph, ran the course to show the Soldiers how to correctly accomplish the challenges.

"A part of our creed is actually -- I will lead by example, never requiring a Soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself," Rynschlueter said.

Rynschlueter said the mental and physical strength the Soldiers receive on the Confidence Course will carry them through their Army careers.

"The Confidence Course allows them to get over their fears," Rynschlueter said.

While running the course Pvt. Melissa Viau found herself hesitating at the top of the reverse climb obstacle.

"I don't like heights. When you are up there it seems a lot higher," Viau said.

With a little encouragement from her battle buddies and some instruction from a drill sergeant, she finished the challenge on her own.

"It's a fun experience to try new things The drill sergeant helped me because he said, 'I won't let you fall,' and I had my eyes on my battle buddies on the ground, that kept me focused," Viau said.

By week five, motivating one another has become a part of life for the Soldiers-in-training.

"It's a part of Basic Combat Training, not just the Confidence Course. We have to push them to do it at first, but now it's something that they do normally," Rynschlueter said.

On Wednesday, the Comanches headed back out the rifle marksmanship range this morning to confirm their zero at both 200 and 300 meter targets.

They started the next day early with an 8-kilometer road march to the field fire range. This range provided Soldiers with their first opportunity to engage stationary pop-up targets at various distances.

The Soldiers-in-training spent the remainder of week five honing their Basic Rifle Marksmanship skills.

What the Soldiers had to say about week 5:

Pvt. Tayler Douglas, 18, Los Angeles, Calif.

MOS: 68P Radiology Specialist

Now that you are half-way through BCT, what was the hardest thing for so far: "The PT test. I barely passed."

How did it feel to try on the Army Dress Uniform: "It was so exciting, because I look nice in mine."

What has gotten easier for you: "Push-ups."

Pvt. Andrew Jobes, 18, Eminence, Ind.

MOS: 13D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist

Now that you are half-way through BCT, what was the hardest thing for so far: "The gas chamber."

How did it feel to try on the Army Dress Uniform: "I can't even explain it. It gave me a whole lot of motivation. It was very exciting. I loved it, and I think I look really good in it."

What has gotten easier for you: "Running. I am can run really well now. Everything is more routine and easier."

Pfc. Darwin Rivera, 21, Puerto Rico

MOS: 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic

Now that you are half-way through BCT, what was the hardest thing for so far: "The gas chamber."

How did it feel to try on the Army Dress Uniform: "It felt great. I was just like, 'Oh my, I am in the middle of training.' I was excited. I looked in the mirror, and I felt fancy and great."

What has gotten easier for you: "PT. I enjoy it. It's an important part of training."

Pvt. Jessica Vanheel, 22, Waite Park, Minn.

MOS: 36B Financial Management Technician

Now that you are half-way through BCT, what was the hardest thing for so far: "The rappel wall. I am scared of heights."

How did it feel to try on the Army Dress Uniform: "It felt like I am accomplishing something. It motivated me. I looked good."

What has gotten easier for you: "Listening to directions and doing what I am told."