Combat Training

I spent 10 days in Camp Bullis north of San Antonio, Texas for combat training. We shot a lot of rounds and even shot some left handed. I hit the first four targets left-handed, but missed the rest. We had to carry the M-4 carbine most every place we went. My finger is now permanently formed to fit above the trigger guard after this many-day attachment.

Experts taught us the combat skills that most Airmen will need to know down range. We fired the M-4, practiced first aid on moulaged patients, performed land and GPS navigation, convoy and field tactics, and humvee rollovers.

We lived in tents and walked up the hill for showers. Its been nearly 40 years since I've had conditions like this. However, I admit the Air Force takes much better care of us in the field than the Army did back in the 1970s. Air conditioned tents, lights, heated showers. port-a-potties, et al.

The AF instructors were extremely knowledgeable and tolerant of our non-infantry and non-combat arms trades. Air Force folks never cease to impress me with their professionalism and ability to get the job done--no matter what the circumstances.

I had two days at home and then on to Norfolk Naval Air Station in Virgina to begin the overseas journey. The plane was less than half full so we could all stretch and spread out. With stops in Ireland, Romania, and Kyrgyzstan, we are awaiting flights into Afghanistan from Manas AB.