Wow, week 1 is about over. It seems so long ago that I departed Loretta and the girls to start my military duty. It was difficult leaving them. We've had a hectic 6 weeks trying to get ready for this deployment but it was also a special time. Knowing that we'd be apart for awhile, we made the most of it. I think we learned to appreciate what's most important in life; just being with each other.

There's an expression in the military, "Hurry Up and Wait". It's hard to explain but put simply, everything works on military time. As it turned out, I was in a small group of officers and enlisted getting mobilized. Since I had almost all of the records they needed (medical, dental, other paper work), everything went by quickly. Medical finally caught me and gave me the anthrax shot. I survived. On Monday I was able to meet the members of my Supply team and start to get a handle on some of the issues we have to deal with. Some of the folks have been aboard since DEC 5th, so I have some catching up to do.

I completed the check-in process Wednesday and then moved over to the Seabee Battalion full-time. I will be in training the following week to learn about the M-16 and CBR (gas mask) gear. Although we don't expect to use them, it's always better to be prepared.

The following week I will be going into the field. As much as I like to camp, I am not looking forward to our field exercise where I will be sleeping in a one man tent under the stars. I'm okay with camping, just not in the winter and not without showering. Oh well, it's only 4 days. Some folks will be in the field for 2 weeks.

Without talking specifics, we'll probably move forward shortly thereafter. I've seen pictures of the base we'll be staying at in Iraq. Although our base is somewhat austere, it's apparently better than many other camps in Iraq. I suspect I will be housed in a wooden hut that could probably sleep 8+ persons. I understand I'll have the hut to myself, as I am in charge of issuing berthing. Perks of the job I guess.

The Seabees model themselves closely to the Marines so the terminology is different than the Navy (although the Seabees are Navy). I have to get used to terms like Battalion, Companies, Platoons, and Squadrons.

Earlier in the week I went "shopping", compliments of Uncle Sam. I figured I'd pick up my uniforms and some body armor but it was a lot more. I didn't even get this much gear in boot camp. I felt like Hannah buying a new purse (sorry Hannah!) every week. They issued me 3 sets of gloves, each for a different purpose, woodland camouflage outerwear (Gortex) and Desert Camouflage outerwear, boots, long johns (3 sets), scarf, balaclava (for the desert?), helmet. plates, body armor, ammo pouches, two types of pistol holsters, goggles (for the sandstorms), poncho, ground sheet, single man tent, sleeping bags, large back pack, flight bag, 3 day back pack, medical kit, shovel, rifle sling, camel back, flashlight, strap cutter, canteen, and a few other assorted items.

I am currently staying in a DV (Distinguished Visitor suite) as they were out of regular suites. So life isn't too bad at this point. I will enjoy the relative luxury while I can. The galley is apparently terrible so other than breakfast, no one eats there. It's long days but with no family to come home to, I can spend the necessary time working. I miss the girls but they have kept me happy with emails, pictures, and phone calls.

We had a pack out review last night, where we talked about what we could take forward with us, what the allowable weight limit was, and how best to pack everything. It kind of hit home as to the reality of where I am going.

On a final note, we stood formation today. I haven't stood at attention for over 5 years now. It all came back real easy but it just seemed so strange. I told them to hide me at the back of the formation; all the way back behind H Company, the platoons, and squads.... ah, the privileges of being a senior officer. More to follow next blog.