It was a rough week

I'm falling behind in my updates on the OCS process. Sorry. In the past week, we have taken 3 exams, completed a 4 mile release run, 7 mile conditioning ruck march (run), diagnostic APFT, and combatives. It's been a hectic week. I was also rated in a leadership position as a squad leader.

First off, we were told that we had to have 30% of our body weight. Unfortunatley, the base weight was calculated with ACU's and boots on (dumb). My gear ended up weighing 50 lbs, more than 35% of my body weight. The 7 mile ruck was FAST. My little legs were going as fast as I could. The cadre were even sucking due to the pace that we had set. Our first break was at the 3.5 mile mark. The company made it there in 52 minutes, a pace of less than 15 minutes per mile. My heart was broken when we passed our first rest point on the very first ruck. Then cardiac hill about took my life. I was falling back and a cadre member was pacing me. He asked if I was ok. I told him that slow and steady wins the race. He left me alone after that...lol. Our second break was immediately after the hill with only a mile more to go. At that rate, we could have just finished the event. Once we got back to the company, the cadre finally decided to weigh us probably since we were hauling a$$. 95% of the company were at the correct weight or slightly above. The remainder that were short will have to re-do the ruck on monday. Yikes!

The release run was a blast.... yeah right. We had 36 minutes to complete 4 miles. Don't worry, I made it. I wasn't going to allow myself to not achieve full points for the event. Everything, and I mean everything counts towards the OML.

The upcoming week is going to be worse than last. Academically we have History and Military Intelligence Exams. Physically, I would imagine that they will try to break us off again like they do every week. We branch on Friday. I just want to know where I'm going from here, Leonardwood or Huachuca. On Saturday we leave for the field for three weeks. Land navigation is first and then we start the lane training. Oh boy, field time in August. Everyone's true colors will shine through.