August 11, 1997 - Another Transition Day

970811 - This morning we ran the obstacle course and did a 3-mile "boots 'n utes" run. The run was challenging but extremely motivating. The rest of the day we had classes. Tonight, while getting undressed, my boot laces got tangled, so I got firewatch for being too slow. Lucky me. Oh well, I really don't mind. I just hope I'm not too tired tomorrow. It's obvious that the DIs are really letting up on us. I just can't wait until after the crucible when they talk to us like we're human. Luckily I only have 18 days left on this island...
It's not insignificant that I was specific in stating that the run was difficult, while leaving the obstacle course, that thing that had been impossible for me weeks earlier, out of it. Yay me! Or, more accurately, yay really intense Marine Corps training!

Today was another transitional day. We had just completed the rifle range, and were about to begin A-line training (combat shooting; more on this tomorrow). For today, we spent the day in the classroom, getting more knowledge as we prepared to take our final academic test next week.

Regarding the boots: I had spent the entire time in boot camp wearing my jungle boots. These are the boots with leather toes and heels and canvas sides. The other type are called combat boots and they are completely leather. On this particular day, I was wearing my combat boots and was unused to how long it took to loosen the laces. So, for the record, it's the boots' fault that I was slow and not my lack of discipline and training. Glad that's settled.

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