Training and "the word"

Training has definitely begun. Our days start at 0530 with physical training. Classes are a regular staple of daily activity. If we have downtime, a corporal or sergeant takes out his trusty notebook, and does a class on the spot... changing tires on the LAV, towing blown up vehicles, calling for medevac, calling for fire, all the way to veterans benefits when we return. There is barely any rest, and little sleep. All of this is necessary though to give us the best chance possible of coming home alive and well.

Getting 'the word' is a big deal. From the schedule for the week to the conditions in Afghanistan. There are so many unknowns at this point and knowing anything makes you feel like you have a better handle on the situation. The downside to this- I'm an emotional yo-yo. I hear about my type of vehicle being blown up and killing the commander (my exact position)... For several hours I'm convinced I'm walking dead. Then I hear and read about several engagements where marine forces were ambushed and able to have minimal casualties while decimating the enemy, and I'm reminded that I'm in the best company in the batallion... then I'm excited to serve my country in such a situation. Instead of worrying, I focus on what is important to me: training, and filming this insane experience so that maybe civilians can understand better exactly what it is that we go through in the marine corps infantry.