I have some sad news. Yesterday, as you pretty much all know, we did the Combat Water Survival Test. Now the test has four parts, I told you about part one. Well, as it turns out, we did all parts except for that part. :D
We divided up into groups. My group did the basic swim (to the other side and back). I really noticed how bad I was at swimming (not having done it in about 2 years). Then we had to use a special hold to drag a buddy and swim to the other side. I didn't get very far. 
At our next station, we put on our LCEs and took an M16 (it was fake, but it weighed about the same as a real one). We stood on the edge of the pool with our backs to the water, and closed our eyes. Then we were pushed in. We had to keep the rifle above the water and swim as far as possible. I wasn't able to keep the rifle up there, so I think I failed that one as well. 
The last station was similiar, except, instead of swimming, we had to drop the rifle and take off our LCEs while remaining underwater. I made several attempts at that, but didn't make it. After my first attempt, one of the MS IVs manning the station told me that I was bleeding on my forehead. Sergeant Jennings (the PT instructor; he is a HUGE black man, probably 300 lbs, all muscle) took me to the men's restroom and put a towel against my forehead to stop the bleeding. Another cadet was there, and asked Sgt. Jennings if he had punched me. Sgt. Jennings replied that he had, but that I had begun laughing, whereas most people are unconscious for 3 days. (The cadet testified that he had been out for a week after being hit by the Sgt.) 
After that, we went over to another pool where we were shown how to inflate our BDUs and use them as a life jacket.
Today, we took the APFT (Army Physical Fittness Test). I did really poorly on the push-ups (only 40, the minimum for passing is 42; last time I got 59). But I did 56 (or so) sit-ups (53 is passing, last time I did 54). Then we did the 2-mile run. As soon as I started running, I could feel the affects of the swimming in my legs. I was concerned that I would experience a drop in time. But instead, I ran faster than before! 12:20 was my finish time (last time I did 13:16; minimum is 15:54 for men). 
Comments
Oct. 2, 2005 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TOSPUBLISHER
Oh dear, sorry about the swim experience..but glad the running turned out well! So glad you're part of the HSB community...it makes for interesting reading! Happy blogging!
God Bless,
Gena Suarez, Publisher
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com