Interpreter Required!

We all know how much the military loves using what they call acronyms (they aren't technically, but...) so here is a quick reference for us civilians who have know idea what on earth they are talking about. Have fun!


http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/acronym_index.html

I Married Uncle Fester

Rob finally got things started at Ft. Jackson today. His room looks pretty nice and is right across the street from the Chaplain School. This will come in handy on those days when they have PT tests and only a short period of time mid-morning to go back to their rooms so they can recover and grab something to eat on the fly.

Upon check in at 1:45 this afternoon, all the gentlemen had to have their heads shaved to within less than 1/16th of an inch. When all was said and done a few days ago, Rob's brother Rick made the statement that Rob looked like Uncle Fester. He was right!

Anyway, he has already been preselected for an interview as one of the class leaders. He was hoping to just go to school and move on...so much for that plan. Having that SF background seems to keep him on everyone's Hooah list. As usual, he is leading the pack and they haven't even really gotten started yet.

Most of this week is just medical inprocessing stuff, getting uniforms and all that is involved in standing around while 50some people get things organized. The classes are lead by NCO's who are Chaplain's Assistants and all have a good attitude and reassured the Chaplains that they were there to help them, not to beat them up too much. There are a few guys in the class who were recently pretty high ranking enlisted guys, so taking orders from someone who was lower ranking than they were before now could prove to be a challenge on occassion. Staying upbeat will be key for the first four weeks, as the Chaplains will get pushed to the limit time and again. In the end, everyone will be in good form and ready to roll for God and Country!

More soon. xo M

Headed to "Chaplain Camp"

Well, today I packed up and sent my chaplain off to camp to hang out with the newest class of campers. Two days ago, Rob got his head shaved to prepare for inprocessing at the Army Chaplain Officer Basic Leadership Course (CHBOLC). He will be stationed at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC for the next three months. The logo is the regemental crest for the Army Chaplain Corps. Did you know that Army Chaplains were the first officers appointed by General George Washington?

We were sad to say good-bye to each other, but I think we are both relieved that everthing is finally underway. I know Rob has been anxious to get school started so we can get to our first post in the US Army.

We did get a call from the 3rd Corps Command Chaplain's office yesterday informing Rob that he would in fact be a part of the 1st Cavalry Division. This is an historic group within the Army as they were a part of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Rob will have to get one of those groovy Stetson hats as part of his uniform. Speaking of uniforms, it seems like we just keep buying piece after piece after piece. Hopefully, this buying spree will end soon, but I don't have much hope in that happening.

So, it is just me and the bug for the next few months. The next time Rob comes 'home' it will be to a house in Texas. Kind of crazy, but I guess that is the life we will become used to over the next 10-15 years in the Army...I move and somehow he will find me.

Rob's first month at Chaplain School is all about being a part of the Army and he doesn't get weekend pass priveleges until after the month is over. He will most likely be pretty tired each day so I don't know how much I will get to chat with him each night. As I get updates I will post them for all of you following.

For now, I'm going to go snuggle with the little bug and watch college football. Unfortunately, my Spartans did not fare well against Central Michigan today. Darn that MAC conference, I hate when they are determined to win.

With love from the Swamps (for a few more weeks)
Muff