Red Phase

The Army divides Basic Combat Training (BCT) into three phases. Red Phase, White Phase and Blue Phase. How patriotic, right? I've been away from home for 3 weeks now, but we've only completed 2 weeks of Basic Training. The first week when we got here was called "0 Week" or "Reception". We spent that week being issued everything under the sun. From ACUs to boots, to socks and underwear, we were given it all in the first couple of days. We basically spent the other time that week finalizing any paperwork that is needed, and patiently waiting for all of the other guys in your platoon to finish what they need to be done. This had to be one of the worst weeks of my life! It was exercise in futility, because I have never had to wait so long and sit patiently for anything. When we arrived at Fort Benning, it was about 2200. After getting up at 0400 that morning, we didn't sleep again until  2100 the next night! I had been up for 41 straight hours! Something I had never done before in my life, and it was absolutely miserable. The drill sergeants were hard on us, but they weren't overly harsh, because we weren't officially in BCT yet. We got smoked a few times at "Reception", but it was NOTHING compared to what we'd experience once we got to Sand Hill!

Our platoon shipped downrange to Sand Hill Basic Training Station on October 19th. The buses picked us up with our duffel bags, that weighed well over 100 pounds, strapped to the front of us, with our heavy laundry bag in our right hand. We arrived at Sand Hill and had to endure the "shark tank". The "shark tank" is where a bunch of drill sergeants basically try to make you pee your pants by scaring you half to death! They yelled at us getting off the bus, made us run with our duffel bags and laundry bags strapped to us, and made us do PT drills with our duffel bags on. Needless to say, I was absolutely exhausted by day 1. We got smoked every day for like a week. This is when the drill sergeants make you do push ups, V-ups and half jacks until your arms fall off. If one person does something wrong, usually the whole platoon gets smoked for it. Week 1 was pretty much like "Reception", in that we did the same things every day, and was absolutely boring! We got smoked like crazy and did PT all the time!

At this point, we have completed week 2, and we are about to start week 3, which is the completion of Red Phase. Week 2 was a lot better than Week 1! Week 2, we did Land Navigation, the Confidence Course, the gas chamber and started combatives. Land Navigation was very interesting. The drill sergeants give you a map, a compass and a flashlight to navigate your way through the woods. You have to correctly identify 5 points during the day, and 2 points at night. You are looking for an orange and white triangular sign mounted in a tree. It's not as bad as finding a needle in a haystack, but close! Haha! MY team successfully found all 7 points, which is great, because Land Navigation is a HUGE part of OCS. It was really hard to find at night because you can barely see your hands in front of you. On the Confidence Course, we had to climb obstacles up to 40 feet high, without the help of safety equipment. It was quite possibly one of the scariest things I've ever done! There was one obstacle where I had to climb a rope to about 15 feet to another level. You walk across the balance beams to another ladder, which takes you another 20 or 30 feet off the ground. Then you have to ascent a 40 foot cargo net to the ground. Very scary stuff! We are also learning ju-jitsu, because it is the Army's preferred hand to hand combat style. We are about to head into Week 3 of Red Phase, which is the last week. After this, it's on to White Phase for another 3 weeks...

Off to Basic Training

I have always had a slight interest in going into the militaray. My father, mother and stepmother were all in the Army, and a few more of of my family members as well. I was always a bit reserved about joining the milirary because I did not know if the military could offer me what I needed to succeed, without a big sacrifice. The first time I seriously considered the military as an option was close to high school graduation time. I met with US Marine Corps recruiters, and discussed my options for the future. At the time, I was about to turn 18, and I was so naive that I would believe just about anything the recruiters told me. Needless to say, due to some issues at home I didn't graduate in time, and I wasn't able to sign on the dotted line. Maybe this was a blessing, as I later found out that the Marines would not have offered me the best chance I needed to succeed.

Now, here I am seven years later, and have finally joined the military. I joined the US Army National Guard on June 23, 2010.  I joined the Guard because I really liked what they had to offer. I feel like the Guard will offer me a great chance to succeed, while also helping me to develop valuable skills as a leader. I am currently Private First Class (PFC) Hayes, and looking to be a future officer. My MOS or military occupation in civillian terms, is 09S. 09S is the military code for officer candidate. Once I finish Basic Training, I will begin Traditional OCS (Office Candidate School) that will take 16 months to complete. Upon completion of OCS, I will jump from an Enlisted rank to an Officer rank. PFC or Corporal Hayes then becomes 2nd Lieutenant Hayes. It is an absolute honor that I have a chance to achieve an Officer position in the National Guard, as I will be relied upon to lead the next generation of National Guard troops. I'm looking forward to the tough challenge that this will bring, but first things first! I have to make it through Basic Training!

My agenda for the next 2 days goes a little something like this. Briefing at Dobbins at 0800 Tuesday morning. Finish up any last minute paperwork, and make sure I know some of the ins and outs of Basic Training. Then it is on to the hotel to prepare for MEPS. Wednesday morning wake up call is at 0400 and breakfast will last until 0500. At 0530 it is on to MEPS where I will get my last physical and tie up anymore loose ends if need be. Then its on to the bus to head to Fort Benning! I am not exactly sure what Basic Training has in store, but I am definitely having all types of emotions about it. Mostly nervous feelings, but I am hoping that they will pass. Thanks for everyone who wished me luck in my journey to Basic Training and I will be thinking about you all while I am there! Take care my friends, and I hope to have regular updates for you throughout the process!

You Thought You Knew Me...

When people first meet someone, it gernerally takes very little time for them to form an opinion about that person. Whether it's an opinion about the type of person you are, or the lifestyle that you live, your actions and demeanor have given that person enough information about you that they think they know who you are. Most people who look at me think that I come from a middle class family, somewhat privileged, and know nothing about what it truly means to be "black". Well I'm guessing that you've figured out that since I'm writing this, that it's the exact opposite...

My family is from Atlanta; and when I say Atlanta, I mean inner city Atlanta! As early as I can remember, my family moved to many different housing projects around the Atlanta area. One of my earliest memories of life was when my mom, little siter and I lived in a housing project called East Lake Meadows. The nickname of this project was called "Little Vietnam" because the violence and casualty rate of this place was very high. One night in particular, I remember waking up to the sound of machine guns being fired through our windows. I remember my mother and a friend of hers holding mine and my sisters' heads down, so as not to get caught in the gun fire, or in the path of flying glass. Thankfully no one was hurt that night, but definitely not of the fondest of my first memories.

My mom, sister and I later went to live with an aunt and her kids. I remember there were nine of us, living in a two bedroom, 1 bath apartment. There were 4 bunk beds in one room for the kids, my aunt and uncle had their room and my mom and sister slept on the couches. It was tough to make it work sometimes, but it was what we had to do to survive.

I will be the first to admit that my upbringing was a bit rough, but I use these experiences to help better my life, and others around me. So a slight glimpse into my background, but way more to come! You think you know, but you have no idea...