Coast Guard Jounral Entry- October 28

NOVEMBER 180 TRAINING WEEK 4
21OCT08:
0530 reveille rolls around and so does a big week for November company. Week 04 begins and today was certainly a big day. Normally recruits do not go off base but November was the exception because we had to go off base to shoot the basic pistol course. The range here at the training center is out of service for the time being so we went 45 minutes north to try and qualify. Some people in the company did better than others, not everyone qualified. Regardless of skill, the range provided hands-on lessons in safety and basic shooting skills. It would have been a great experience if November didn't lose their minds. Just a tip, never say "hey man" to a first class petty officer if you're an E-1. Many big things are still to come this week. Maybe November can figure out how to act like Week 04 recruits in the meantime.
22OCT08
Today was big, probably even bigger than the swim assessment. The physical fitness assessment was today and it was a success for November. First were the pushups and the sit ups. The majority passed both, which is kind of surprising considering the amount of slackers during incentive training.
Next was the 1 ½ mile run. No one failed the run, which never happens. More than a few shipmates were worried about the run but everyone did very well.
Even though November proved to be physically fit, team work is still lacking. To "hook us up" our company commanders provided something called the krackin. The krackin is a thick towing line that everyone in the formation marches around with. By the way, she is an older line and fraying, she bites. November's precious E-1 hands figured that one out quickly. Even though having the cracking with us is less than enjoyable, maybe it will help. November needs all the help possible.
24OCT08
Week 04 is finally coming to an end. On Thursday dream sheets were filled out. This was very exciting and also very stressful. Some gave up "A" schools and others surrendered their guaranteed districts. All of our company commanders assured us that this is the right choice. Today was a pretty big day as well. The mid-term took place this morning. Good news, everyone passed and company average was 96%. This was a fantastic success for November. So far the company has proved to be physically strong and book smart. But we need to focus on teamwork which is what we lack. Still, even after numerous incentive training sessions, our heads are still in the dark place, considering Week 05 is right around the corner, maybe a change is too.