Old Basic Training Blog

In the process of moving out of my house before I deployed a few weeks ago, I found an old journal I kept when I went through Cavalry Scout Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY back in 2002. I have recently finished typing them out, keeping with the accuracy of what I wrote and when I wrote it as best I could. My writing style has evolved over the years (thank God) but rememeber, I wrote these 'memoirs' in the middle of the night with a red-lens flashlight, pausing as Drill Sergeants and Fire Guard personnel walked by (since I should have been sleeping). Anyway, just thought some of you might want to take a look at them. Wish I was able to put more down as I was going through it to really give you all a picture of what I went through, but it's something. Enjoy.

Welcome Back!

So here I am again, back in the desert of the middle east. The journey here all started with Amy and I finishing the packing of all my worldly possessions into a 16x8x8 POD in my driveway and then heading to fort eustis at 2am last friday morning. Sadly, in my hast to get on post, a state patrolman pulled me over....and gave me a summons for speeding. Even after seeing that I was in my army uniform, with the back seat full of my gear and explaining to him that I am deploying for a year. Still got a ticket. Thanks for the professional courtesy. Anyway, ended up making the flight, of course right? Never have I missed a flight I don't want to be on. But this deployment is different, I do want to be out here. I'm with a whole new group of people this time and am excited to be here with them.....that was until our second day in Kuwait when we got nailed by a horrible sandstorm. You couldn't see more than 5ft and if you didn't shield your face, you got a free exfoliation out of it. Probably top 3 sandstorms I've ever been in. Felt like a 'welcome back kris' by the desert.

Anyways, after a few days of useless training in Buehring, we headed to our home for the next 12 months, Camp Arifjan. Being back here has been a little odd, kinda like not being home for a long time and then returning. Everything is familiar but there have been a few new things built and changes made as well. I've moved into my new living area, a small room, probably 20x20x20 with two other captains. My area is smaller than my last place I was 2years ago. I'd say its about 6x9 with two wall lockers and a bunk bed. It's been a little erie being back here, sort of like moving out of an old house only to return a few years later with someone else living in it. It seems familiar but not entirely the same. I feel strangely comfortable though, as if I never left....doesn't seem like 18 months ago I got back from my last deployment.

Everything is good here, settled in for the most part. Got my living area almost how I want it....all I need is some Propel powder drink mix and I'm set!!! Oh, I found out that there are a few other officers here that I know from the various training i've taken part in over the years. Besides that, I deployed with a group of officers and enlisted that I have developed a closer relationship prior to deploying unlike last time where I just hopped on a month before the unit headed here. Overall, it feels right to be here and that gut feeling is how over the years I have always been able to tell that I am where I should be and doing what I should be doing. If anyone is looking to send things here (to me or Soldiers) my address is:

Captain Nichols, Kristopher
JTLF 6
APO AE 09366