Tag: JAOBC

This past week has seen a lot more classroom with all the focus now on Criminal law.  We are breezing our way through the UCMJ and the other 8 books we've been assigned and there is A LOT of lecture.  We've been assigned our trial memo which is supposedly going to take 10-15 hours to complete, but having done one before, and this one only being 3 pages long, I would say more like 2-3 hours (although it does count for 50% of our criminal law grade).

We started our "experiment" with run group 4 on Monday and it was WAY better than normal PT training.  We immediately went with our Colonel and did our own PT which consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups (in that order) with sets being 1  2  3 reps (in the order specified earlier this sentence),  2  4  6 reps, 3  6  9 reps,  4 8 12 reps....10, 20, 30 reps.  We used a partner and were supposed to go to muscle failure.  I luckily got paired up with a former army ranger who is in great shape and he and I made it up to the 10th set in 13 minutes and then back down to the 6 set when we were told we could stop as most of the group had reached muscle failure. 

The next day, Chief was gone so air assault met up with airborne who was supposed to run o-hill but instead did a 5.5 mile run at our own pace.  Later that day we learned that Thurs and Fri were going to take a diagnostic PT test.   We informed Colonel of this to try to get an easier Wed workout but he just laughed and said "its just a diagnostic."  Regardless, the majority of our run group didnt have to show up for the Wed workout as they were doing their test on Thurs.  The 4 of us who remained got a mixture of 400 yard sprints with 50 squats between each one and no rest. On Thurs, group 1 took their test and came back with an average of 252 (a recent JAG school record which isnt bad for 50 + lawyers ranging in age from 25-40.  My platoon went on Friday and got the luck of having to test in the rain (as it had rained all night and during the test).  I personally hit 87 push-ups and 77 sit-ups in 2 minutes, and a 15:20 two mile in (which is easily a personal best if you haven't read my earlier posts about hating distance running).  Our average was 248 which was good considering we were soaked and there are 2  90 degree turns on this track.  It was more like running a steeple chase as you were sometimes ankle deep in water.  

Later that night we had our first formal, our Blues reception.  Everyone was in their Army Service Uniforms and had to go through the meet and greet line (which was remarkably fast considering there was over 160 people in that line to meet the 2 honored guests).  The best part about it was there were tasty beverages upstairs and down.  It was a great time, til all of it was gone, and we couldnt leave for about 30 more minutes.  Although, that little break didnt stop the 181st class from basically invading a bar about an hour later with over 50 of us!     

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So this last week has seen a lot of different things happen at JAOBC.  We had 2 short papers, 3 seminar classes (get a practice problem and answer specific questions or point out errors in it), and our first exam.  Although it sounds like a lot of academia, it really wasn't to bad as we have good instructors, reference materials, and they don't hide the ball on the exams (they tell us what we need to focus on).  Unlike lawschool, our exams were graded and returned to us within 2 hours (everyone passed), and then we went over them instantaneously.

We also just started the criminal law stretch of our JAG introduction, and the pace has changed immensley.  We now have a lot more reading assignments but many of them our just skimming as we go over the main points in class.  Dont worry, for all of you potential applicants, there is still PLENTY of time to go out and have fun.

Everyone is starting to get into their routines so it is easier to get out and experience Charlottesville, the restaurants, and bars.  That being said, my routine is just about to change.  Our first day of air assault, Chief set-up 12 different stations that were about 30 seconds each (no rest in between).  It involved different kinds of push-ups, chin-ups and squating/lunges with weight.  While nothing terribly bad, some of those definetely would prefer a long run (not me though).  Airborne group ran their 5 mile run which had to be completed in 45 minutes or less.  They lost 2 more people who couldn't make the time (I know one was injured but tried). On Wed. we had our first company ruck march with weight which took forever with 110+ people walking around the hills of Charlottesville.  We only had to use 20 lbs but I put in 35 so I can get used to it for the Air Assault time rucks.  Then on Thurs for Air Assault, we used weighted vests (20 lbs.) and climbed a rope, did chin-ups and push-ups, and then had really races up the 5 flights of stairs.  Stadium steps is definetely something I can do better than running.

Wed afternoon my run group (4th run group--"they call us 4 because we never do less than 4 miles"-1Lt Heaser),was called before the cadre and told that we are going to be part of an "experiment."  Just for a little background, our run group leader is a Lt. Col. who is a little older but a hard-core worker.  We always run at a faster pace than the groups ahead of us (except group 1), we run farther, and we always have some muscle exercise afterwards.  Our experiment is that the cadre wants to see if conducting PT in smaller groups (say like the size of our run groups) will be more beneficial then having 50+ people of all different abilities together.  So essentially, the LT COL volunteered our group to do extra with him and be the experiment.  After group stretching we will fall out and he will take our run group (now of 13 soldier) and do our own PT that he comes up with.  You can tell he has the reputation for being really hard as both first Sergeant and Chief smiled as they broke the news to us.  I'm excited about it because now he may run us a little less but PT us a little harder,

Speaking of physical fitness, I am finally getting back into the weight room consistently (during our 1hr and 30 min lunch).  That's one great benefit of living at the school, no traveling to shwoer or change, and I can use the weight room at lunch and get a good lift in.  Its a little small but it has everything you need.  A lot of people have signed up at the UVA gym or used the contract the school has with Gold's Gym (about 2 miles away) and work out for free.

So thats essentially life at the JAOBC for a week.

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Alright everyone, so zero day has come and gone and it was a ton of fun.  Like I said previously, we were outside at 0435 in the morning in our ACU's and boots.  When the cadre showed at 0450, we started a run that was probably about 3/4 of a mile or so to a parking garage area.  Before the run was over, we had one person drop.  Once there, we lined up and first sergeant pointed out that there was hot chocolate and donuts for anyone who wanted to quit (and that they wouldnt have to do regular pt, they could go home and back to sleep).

We started off with 112 overhead claps (224 since everyone 1 is really 2) and then a lot of other shoulder/ push-up exercises for about 20 minutes.  Mind you, its continous with no real breaks.  When they did allow us to get water, it was on a ten second count down.  Another few dropped out/ were kicked out because they couldnt keep the pace in overhead arm claps or they bent their arms.  After about 20 minutes of that, we about faced and had Chief to initiate our legs into zero day.  She hit us with a lot of abs, lunges, and other activities.  At any point in time, if either of them yelled go we would have to get up, run up the parking garage and back down and then continue (there was a lot of go's).

About 45 minutes into, we started doing lunges and if she passed us from behind, we would be done.  That, and lots of flutter kicks.  Then we about-faced and first sergeant gave us a minute to go to the van and pull out blocks.  As he counted down and we trampled each other and threw them out of the van, you couldnt help but laugh that our colleagues are doing boring legal research.  We got back and did a variety of push-ups using the blocks to go lower (one block under each hand).  After another about face, we went back to the van to get 15 lb medicine balls.  We had to start squating them and sprinting with them.  Its hard to go into detail about everything thats going as we were out there exercising for more than 2 hours continously.  Only about 10-15 people dropped out of the original 40 or so (rough estimates) but those who werent injured and came in decent shape made it through.  It actually became easier (to me) as we went because I am more leg and power oriented and since there was no long distance running, it helped me out.  By the end, everyone was cheering for the slower ones and it brought everyone else together.

Needless to say that our ACU's needed a good washing after that since people were sweating through them in 25 degree weather.  But everyone was pretty stoked about making it through.  Then we had to walk/ run back, unpack the van, shower and get to class in about 35 minutes.  It was funny seeing everyone an hour later as their bodies tightened up and people could not walk up stairs or get up from their chairs.  Im still pretty sore in my quads after 3+ days and that wasnt helped out by the fact that the next morning (friday) my run leader took us up (and down) Observatory Hill (O-hill).  Despite being extremely sore, we made the 6 mile round trip up the mountain (tallest hill I've ever seen) with some extremely steep grades.  Lets just say afterwards that everyone was ready for the weekend.

On the academic side, we have had a couple of practice exercises and have a take home exam due on monday, two papers due this week (drafting reprimand letters and other things) and our first real exam on Thurs!  On a better note, we finally got paid!!! 

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We are quickly proceeding through the first week in Charlottesville.  Monday was a little inprocessing and meeting some staff in our big classroom with all the 181st getting assigned seats.  Im in the back corner of the room right next to two cool guys who like to laugh and even though it will definetely be DPP (death by power point as Ive been told), its been great so far and very informative.  Essentially our schedule is this:  0550 we have PT til 7.  We have divided up into run groups and M/W we have either push-up or sit-up and then about 30-45 minute run.  Fridays are long runs of 5+ miles.  Tue/ Thurs will be air assault/ airborne at that time and for those who dont get past 0 day (or who dont try out), they have student led pt those days.

After 7 we get til 0810 to be in our seats and then have power point lectures (although so far the faculty has made it fun with videos/ funny stories) with a 10 minute break every hour.  Lunch is 12:10-13:30 and then we have more lecture or seminar/practice exercises til around 1530 (3:30pm).  Then its free time to do some work or whatever you like.  We get allocated $51 a day for food (even if we dont use it we get it) so we have been eating out a lot.

Tue was weigh in and as predicted, I, along with 20 other people or so had to be taped.  If you dont make the height weight chart they have, the army then does a measuring of your neck and navel area (girls do hips as well) and they plug it into the equation to see if you are overweight.  If you are, you get to do REMEDIAL PT which is on top of your regular pt in the morning (remedial is in the afternoon at 1600).  I had to be taped but was under the required ratio (almost all athletes have to be taped because of muscle weight from what I hear and a lot of the more muscular were being taped). 

Today I thought they would take it easy on us since 0 day is tomorrow but NOOOOOO!  Besides doing a killer ab circuit this morning, we got into our run groups and today just happened to be sprint day.  My group (group 4 which is essentially a 15:40-16:10 2 mile time) jogged a mile to the track and then proceeded to do 400 meter sprints with a minute rest between each one.  Other groups did sprints/ runs up a hill.  As a sprinter, I know how bad most people will feel tomorrow in terms of soreness (and hopefully it wont effect me as bad). A lot of people who are trying out seem to be limping around with shin splints or bad heels from the boots.  My advice is to get your DSCP boots early and break them in good!

So, Im off and the next time you here from me you will here a recap of 0 day Im sure.  We have to be there, stretched and warmed up, at 4:50 am in our ACU's (army combat uniforms and boots).  Let me end with this:

Twas the night before 0 day,

and all through the dorm,

not a soldier was scurrying, because we had to be up at 4:50 in the morn.

Our ACU's were laid out on the floor with care

With hope that the cadre, would be a little fair.

And I with my knee, and others with their shins

had just figured out about the S**T we were in!!!!

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The 181st Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course arrived in Charlottesville on Friday. They’ve been training since Super Bowl Sunday at Fort Lee and are now beginning 10 ½ weeks of academic training here at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. Today was the first day of PT here at the School. As we’ve done for the last two OBC classes, MAJ Montas and I are running a few days a week with one of the run groups. We’re not the fastest group, but everyone seems motivated, anxious to enjoy themselves and to get ready to head out to their units.

This was the first day of PT for me in about 2 months. I sprained my back while shoveling some of C’ville’s record snow in December. (Nothing like throwing your back out to make it clear you’re not as young as you used to be.) It was absolutely great to get out running again – a clear, cool morning with a deep red rising sun. Beautiful!

Now it’s back to writing (and class, of course). The research paper is due in about 2 weeks, so it’s time for the final push!

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The last few days at Fort Lee went by really fast.  We did a mock PT test (2 minutes of push-ups, sit-ups, and 2 mile run).  We had to do this because the confidence course that was scheduled had to be cancelled due to weather (this is the obstacle course that we always see during basic training on television shows).  I was impressed at how good some of the athletes were (again, army athletes not power athletes :) ).  We had people getting sub 12 minute two miles (only 3 or 4 though).  We are using these run times to seperate into run groups when we get to Charlottesville so we can train with people at our speeds. 

I think what was more impressive was that some of the girls hit upwards of 70 push-ups and 65 sit-ups (it may not sound like a lot but sit down and try it right now :).  But there are also people running 19 minute 2 miles and only getting 17 or 18 push-ups so there is definetely a full spectrum. 

Mostly, the last 2 days were out processing and a lot of free time to get ready for the 1.5 hour drive to the JAOBC (Judge advocate officer basic course).The night before we left we had a social event (open bar!!!) at the officer's club at fort lee which to my surprise was a real bar with big screens and all!  That helped with the bonding but I have to say, some of the LT's and CPT's may be classified as light-weights.  But dont worry, we all had designated drivers as they wont let you even think of driving after one drink.

C-ville is awesome.  The JAG LCS (legal center and school) is awesome.  Its located directly next to the University of Virginia law school and we have rooms on top of the school (which will be good when we are waking up for PT at 5:15 instead of 5 in the morning.  These are nice dorm room/ hotel type rooms with flat screens and balcony's (for free :) ).  Some of the married individuals who have family coming to stay are staying at the residence inn (getting tons of marriot rewards pts too) and have about a 5 minute walk to get here.

We definetely got out and explored the city last night (which is great) and are heading to buffalo wild wings later tonight for some sports watching.  This week we have a lot of inprocessing and starting the admin law sections.  0 days for airborne/ air assault school is thursday which is essentially where we try out for a paid spot at airborne (only 10 slots) or air assault (only 5 slots).  Right now there is probably 50 people thinking of trying out so 0 day is essentially where they make people quit or kick them out when they cant go any farther (true muscle failure, sprints, and other exercises designed to BURN!!!).  If we clear 0 day, we get to train tue and thurs for our respective class and then have to do a 12 mile ruck (march with gear) for air assault or 5 mile run for airborne that are both timed.

Im excited about the competitive nature and pushing yourself and your team so this is going to be fun.  Im only concerned how my knee will hold up because I dont see myself breaking mentally.  Just another observation, everyone here (especially prior service) is really helpful.  Its not a competitive environment in the runs/ lifts; its more that if someone is struggling, others come to pick them up, train with them, or help them understand what they need to do.  The team mentality is great and im sure that other firms wish they have the bond that we get from doing PT, living together, and working together! 

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16 Feb. 2010—The one thing I learned today is that breathing in gas really gels the unit together. Today was the gas chamber so after PT at 5:50 we had to show up at 9 to go to the chambers. Once there, we had 4 different 45 minute stations about detecting chemical/ biological/ radioactive/ or nuclear agents, maintaining and cleaning your mask, decontaminating yourself and gear, and how to properly wear your protective gear.

After that, we got to enjoy our MRE’s and sit in the sun (as today was ridiculously cold). Luckily the vegetarian lasagna tasted exactly like spaghetti so I got it down. I usually pack a sandwich too just as a midafternoon snack as you can get hungry being out there so long. We stripped down to just our ACU’s, no gloves, no patches, no hats and some of us got masks (others had to wait for some to come out and clean theirs).

When it was finally our turn, ten would go into the chamber at a time with masks on. We ran around in a circle for about 30 seconds and a few others and me were cheering and laughing it up as the mask helped filter everything. Then we had to break the seal, put the mask back on, clear the agent out, and continue to exercise (jumping jacks). Some of my friends had trouble getting a good seal again and therefore breathed in a lot more than I did. After that we got into a line, took the mask completely off and had to yell our name and numbers out before we could exit. I got through my name before my voice sounded like I was a 95 year old smoker.

Once out, everyone cheers but you cant really see it as your eyes are watering like crazy and burning. your skin is on fire, you have snot running down your face, and you are coughing. Because the agent sticks to you, you cant rub your eyes (and believe me you want to). After about 5 minutes the effects had warn off and everyone was laughing. I don’t think anyone puked but there were some awesome stories. One of the prior service guys who is about 40 and a former ranger (real bad ass) walked through the chamber and out like it was nothing, he probably enjoyed being out of the cold and in the chamber more than being outside! Afterwards, everyone had a great bond...there is something about seeing someone at their worst (snot running, coughing, red eyes, skin burning) that brings you closer together. Considering the effects only lasted about 5 minutes at the most, it was a lot of fun and a good laughing experience!
 

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13-15 Feb. These days have been a lot more fun than some of the others. Over the past few days we got to play soldier a lot more and were outside most of the time (being that it hasn’t gotten above 40 degrees and 2 of the 3 days were rainy/snowy, could have been better weather). For those of you who want the best job ever, go into the July or September classes if you get the chance.

On the 13th we went to the EST 2000 which is basically a high tech 9mm simulator. Although there was a lot of waiting around, it was fun to go into the dark simulator room with the life like 9mm. The thing makes noise, kicks, and needs reloading with the slide falling back. Although we were told that these things were a good indicator of our shooting, only 3 of the 8 people in my small class passed (me being one!!!). The toy shot a little up and to the left but for the most part could be adjusted to get a passing score. Once done with that and while waiting for the others, we practiced drill and ceremony outside in the mud and rain. Learning some of the cadences has been fun as well and makes you feel a lot warmer any more enthusiastic.

On the 14 we had AWP (army warrior training) which was a ton of fun (despite the cold weather). We had 8 stations set out throughout the woods which consisted of camouflage, first aid, map reading, medical evacuations, compass training, unexploded ordinance, and using SINCGARS (radios). After that we got some M16’s and had to do charges and low crawl/high crawl. Although it was cold, it was pretty awesome learning all of this stuff and getting to use it out there (again, cant believe we are getting paid for this). The charge was hilarious as everyone was making gun shot noises and screaming like crazy.

On the 15 we finally got to go out to the range and fire 9mm’s (no more duck hunt like simulation). We had 8 man fire teams and were taken to a range where targets would pop up from behind hills for about 2-3 seconds. You had 30 rounds and had to try to get as many pts possible. Although it was 40 degrees and drizzling, everyone had a good time. I got to go twice (volunteered to go again) and qualified as a sharp shooter and then an expert (which is the best category). When we weren’t, shooting, most of us practiced DNC and then enjoyed our second day straight of MRE’s (which now heat up and have some good flavors). I got spaghetti twice in a row (which is really good ) but we will see tomorrow as I finally got a bad looking one in vegetarian lasagna. Tomorrow is the gas chamber so Ill surely have more to report then ?.
 

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8-11 Feb. Most of these days start around 5am (some I wake up in the 4am which being from Texas means 3 am until my body gets adjusted to the time). This year has been pretty bad with winter weather and its snowed at least twice since we’ve been here and is usually in the 20s when we go out for PT in the morning.

1st Sgt and the Chief divided us into two platoons and assigned student leadership (chain of command consisting of all prior enlisted) to help everyone with the drastic learning curve. For example, we have about 10 days to learn what most new enlistees spend a month on. The first few days of PT were designed to help us learn the order of things and get everyone accustomed to the working out. The hard part is that if the PT isn’t rigorous, by the time we get out around 5pm (1700 hrs) its hard to get up motivation to go and lift weights in the gym (but a lot of us still do).

The days consist mostly of meetings, briefings, and a lot of paperwork to get everyone in all the systems, learn how to talk to media, suicide prevention, health insurance, life insurance, wear and appearance of uniforms, and other fun. A little advice for everyone coming in, make sure you only use your canteen in the classrooms and for PT (unless you like push-ups) and shape and shave your beret before you get here as it may take you two or three days and you want it right!

On the 10th, we got about 40,000 shots from things like TB to h1n1 and regular flu. Needless to say our arms were all sore for a number of days to come. We also went through and had eye exams and dental exams. This was a good introduction to the old adage- “hurry up and wait.” There are a lot of long lines and some people were there for around 8 hours but its better to get it done all in one sit in than have to worry about it later.

When it comes to PT, I have no problems with push-ups and sit-ups and can get the maximum amount of points for my age bracket (80 sit-ups and 75 push-ups in 2 minutes—better lock those elbows on every rep fully). However, the extra weight I carry around (in the form of muscle of course ? ) isnt conducive to the long distance running which my peers do a little better than me. I can definitely make my required time, but the competitive streak in me has a problem losing in anything and running a 12 minute 2 mile is something I definitely have to work on. That’s where those smaller body types come in handy!

Even though there are a lot of meetings and long days, this still hasn’t felt like a job! Even the boring parts beat sitting around all day in an office doing research! 
 

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Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the newest group of Judge Advocates and talking with them for about an hour about 'officership.'  The latest Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course started on Sunday and much of their first few weeks on active duty with the JAG Corps is spent learning about the Army and how to do many of the basic 'Soldier stuff' we do.  I was able to take a few hours away from class to talk to them a little bit about what is expected of them as officers and what (I think) they ought to expect of themselves.

Most of what we talked about was the 'school house' answer about what officership involves.  My goal was not to make great officers in an hour, but rather to give them some things to think about as they grow up in the JAG Corps.  Many of the things we talked about didn't really make it onto my radar until I'd been in the Army for a few years.  But I've thought about it a good bit the last 2-3 years, and I wish I'd started doing so sooner!

We talked about the four facets of officership:

- the officer as a warrior - not just a warfighter, but someone reasonable for the disciplined application of force; someone who fights according to the laws of war; someone fights (and lives) according to a warrior ethos

- the officer as servant of the nation - our oath of service is not to the President (who appoints us) but rather to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic."  This sets us apart from many other military forces; we're not fighting to support a person, political party, or particular policy; we serve to ensure the continued survival of this nation's bedrock document.  I think that's a pretty noble cause.

- the officer as a professional - members of the JAG Corps actually have a greater obligation than most other officers in the Army because we are members not only of the 'profession of arms,' but we are also members of our respective state bars.  We have obligations to both professional communities and are subject to the ethics and legal obligations each imposes.

- the officer as a leader of character - often it is not enough to just be an effective leader.  What I mean is, it's not always enough to just get the job done; how we do that, how we lead is just as important as the end product of our leadership.  A leader of character should set the example, make morally and ethically correct decisions, and should show compassion for those subordinate to them.

The hour we spent talking went very quickly and we touched not only on the four facets of officership above but also on some of the etiquette, customs and courtesies that are a fundamental part of the Army's history and how we operate on a daily basis.  We talked about some of the leadership challenges they will face when they get to their duty stations.  All in all, they were a very eager, thoughtful bunch.  I think the JAG Corps will be in good hands.

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