So, the first week of prerequisite requirements for my Expert Infantryman's Badge (EIB) went successfully. This week the challenges were to shoot at least 36 of 40 targets on a pop-up (timed) target range (ranges 50 to 300 meters) , 2 day land navigation courses and 2 night land navigation courses.

The shooting may sound like fun, but it wasn't. It is too stressful to enjoy it. I didn't make the grade until my 7th time firing, and the preceding 4 times I hit 35 out of 40. If we didn't qualify, it was a matter of waiting in line for an hour for your next shot. So it was about as fun as Disneyland lines, only worse because I felt like I was only waiting to fail again. The range here is absolutely the toughest in the Army, even the Army competitive team came here and had a hard time with it. But seeing as I was one of the few to qualify by the end of the day, I feel blessed.

Yesterday was the land navigation day. Absolute insanity. I never truly appreciated the Korean war until yesterday. The terrain is nuts. Plus, it rained all day. By midday I had to crawl on all fours up any hill and slide down anytime going down (avoiding trees). And we are talking full out big, steep hills. The 2 night courses were especially interesting (you only can use a red lense flashlight) So, lots of mud, in the dark. Oh, and add the fact you are in full combat gear, with rifle, bayonet, helmet , and body armor etc.. It was so ridiculous I just laughed the whole time. I ended up passing all four courses, which I am very happy about. All the guys I went up there with did not and they are up again there today while I play games in my warm apartment. So once again, I am blessed.

I am getting more and more excited about Germany. Everyone I talk to, who has been stationed there, says that we are going to the absolute best place in Germany. I also was able to get my orders amended so that Brooke and the girls can move there with the rest of the unit this summer. So, unfortunately, it looks like they will miss the reunion.

Well, I am one tired muldoon. So I am going to hit the sack.

- Mike