SITREP - Andrew

[Disinfertention]

Good update on that, Andrew. I have only heard about it in passing. Overall it's a good concept considering so many folks get out before 20. This way they can actually start working towards retirement even if they decide to go to school or move on to different work.

[LionsDen]

Good update on that, Andrew. I have only heard about it in passing. Overall it's a good concept considering so many folks get out before 20. This way they can actually start working towards retirement even if they decide to go to school or move on to different work.

Roger, Ranger Disinfertention. It has the potential to be great for us.

[Jim]

Andrew, saving money while you are on AD is an excellent idea. When I was in Viet-Nam, I reenlisted and put the money in "solders Deposit." At the time it was tax exempt. When I left country in 1970. I was able to buy a new car. I am now financially able to live a comfortable retirement. Never, never quit!

[Disinfertention]

Andrew, it is rapidly approaching 1 month since we last heard from you. Hope all is well.

[IntelToad]

How was it coming back from HBL ? Question for you too, do you fly into Phoenix or straight into Sierra Vista ? If Phoenix, how do you get to Huachuca ? I remember flying into Phoenix and the ground transport was pretty expensive.

[LionsDen]

Andrew, saving money while you are on AD is an excellent idea. When I was in Viet-Nam, I reenlisted and put the money in "solders Deposit." At the time it was tax exempt. When I left country in 1970. I was able to buy a new car. I am now financially able to live a comfortable retirement. Never, never quit!

Ranger Jim,
I got a Roth TSP (Thrift Savings Plan), so I pay taxes at my current tax bracket and whenever I withdraw it, I can withdraw without paying taxes, since I'll hopefully be in a higher tax bracket when I retire... not as nice as tax exempt but it'll do for the long term

How was it coming back from HBL ? Question for you too, do you fly into Phoenix or straight into Sierra Vista ? If Phoenix, how do you get to Huachuca ? I remember flying into Phoenix and the ground transport was pretty expensive.

Ranger IntelToad,
It was fairly nice. I like plane rides because it's a nice excuse to plug in earbuds and disconnect for a while, and the views from a plane get me every time.

I flew into Tucson and shuttled to Huachuca. It was $30 one way from post to the airport. Not terrible, but seems a tad excessive. Oh well, I'd say it was worth it to see my family. Flying into phoenix would have meant an earlier departure from post and a later plane ride, and I was aiming for the earliest flight time.

Andrew, it is rapidly approaching 1 month since we last heard from you. Hope all is well.

Ranger Disinfertention,
Roger, it is. I was waiting until our next PT test on the 16th so I could hopefully have good news there, but I realize that is a little far apart, I apologize.

It's all going smoothly here. We can test out of our last major module as early as the 16th, so it's been a big push to remember everything we forgot over HBL as well as learn the new stuff. I think we'll all be fine, though.

HBL went exactly as I figured it would. I really enjoyed it for a week and then remembered why I left. I went back and had to deal with my now-ex who cheated on me all BCT into AIT, friends who developed or furthered drug habits at college, and realizing that nothing's changed. It really reinforced why I joined the Army and why my head needs to be here and not there. I came back from HBL with a renewed focus on the Army and my future, instead of worrying about the dumb crap I was before HBL.

We're a month and some change from graduation, and I'm ready to finish up and to move on to Airborne. We conducted a levy brief and I'm currently finishing my Ranger physical to prepare to leave. We also should have some news on the GAFPB in the next week or so. Lastly, I got a unexpected bump to Squad Leader last week. We don't do much but it's appreciated.

I'd also like to reiterate that the forums have greatly helped me so far. The other Option 40s and RASP volunteers are so utterly unprepared it's ridiculous. One guy graduating in a week didn't know he even had an Option 40 until he got here. None of them have the Ranger Creed memorized, know a Ranger Handbook exists, or have any idea what they're getting into. Physically, it's far worse.

This website has been so informative there's no better place to learn about Rangers and RASP, it's amazing. DEPs, utilize it.

Mentee LionsDen

[Disinfertention]

Good to hear from you Andrew.

The first few times I had time off I went home. It wasn't a waste of time but I learned many of the things you are seeing and learning now about that. It took me awhile but besides family there is nothing there for me anymore. Try to travel or go do something fun next time!

Congrats on your 'promotion' to squad leader. I ran the same position while I was in OSUT. It's a good experience even though it's not a ton of work. Not sure if you are trying to help those other dudes who are completely unprepared. Worst case just send them here and tell them to read some of our information. Hard to believe someone could get an OPT 40 and not even know. I don't doubt it though.

Let us know how that PT test goes. Don't be ashamed because you ate too many cookies over HBL.

[LionsDen]

Good to hear from you Andrew.

The first few times I had time off I went home. It wasn't a waste of time but I learned many of the things you are seeing and learning now about that. It took me awhile but besides family there is nothing there for me anymore. Try to travel or go do something fun next time!

Congrats on your 'promotion' to squad leader. I ran the same position while I was in OSUT. It's a good experience even though it's not a ton of work. Not sure if you are trying to help those other dudes who are completely unprepared. Worst case just send them here and tell them to read some of our information. Hard to believe someone could get an OPT 40 and not even know. I don't doubt it though.

Let us know how that PT test goes. Don't be ashamed because you ate too many cookies over HBL.

Ranger Disinfertention,
That pretty much describes it... just family back home. One of my best friends is stationed in Germany, so next leave I'll probably go visit him. Sounds more fun

The other Option 40 in my class I have tried to help. I lent him my Ranger Handbook for two weeks and he didn't learn a word of the Ranger Creed or the history, or anything. He's declined to PT with me every time I ask. I really don't want him to fail, because he's the only one I know, but... frustration, lol.

When I came back on HBL the first thing my mom did was hand me a tray (25) of Oreo balls. No lie, I ate them all that night. It was amazing but I had to hit the gym hard the rest of HBL with that kind of food all break

Mentee LionsDen

[Disinfertention]

Hey man, eating Army food for months...you earned every Oreo Ball. I don't have that excuse anymore but I would have done the same thing anyway!

You can't drown a horse in the water you take him to drink. Write that down, it's gonna be a famous quote some day.

[LionsDen]

Hey man, eating Army food for months...you earned every Oreo Ball. I don't have that excuse anymore but I would have done the same thing anyway!

You can't drown a horse in the water you take him to drink. Write that down, it's gonna be a famous quote some day.

Roger that Ranger Disinfertention

[CharlieRanger1FFV]

Continue to focus on YOUR goal. If someone else is not motivated, that's their problem. Like Ranger Disinfertention said you can only do so much.
Drive on and finish the mission, Troop.


RLTW!!!

[LionsDen]

Continue to focus on YOUR goal. If someone else is not motivated, that's their problem. Like Ranger Disinfertention said you can only do so much.
Drive on and finish the mission, Troop.


RLTW!!!

Roger, Ranger CharlieRanger1FFV.

[LionsDen]

Rangers,
Good news from the PT test! I got my best score here, 80 pushups, 87 situps, 12:08 2 mile. Nothing compared to my basic scores, but considering I picked up weightlifting again and gained altitude I'm happy with the progress.

I didn't test out today but we have three more opportunities. Just over a month until graduation!

Mentee LionsDen

[Disinfertention]

Excellent APFT scores. Continue to push yourself... when is the last time you had a chance to do a 5 mile for time?

[LionsDen]

Excellent APFT scores. Continue to push yourself... when is the last time you had a chance to do a 5 mile for time?

Ranger Disinfertention,
I ran a timed one on a track over HBL a couple days after Christmas at sea level in 31:21. I really want to get it down to the sub-30's.

Mentee LionsDen