Saved. I do not mean this in a religious context. Today, our class officer was walking down our p-way when he discovered locks that were un-locked (a major violation). Usually, that is an automatic locker-toss where all of your belongings are strewn all over the room. This is your punishment for forgetting to lock your locker. Rather than punish those who forgot – and I have a sneaky suspicion that I was one of the culprits – we have been given a pass from RPT because we have an exam on Friday. I do not know if I have ever been more thankful that I have a test. Today I am. However, this means that we owe the class officer an RPT session. Now it’s the waiting game as to when he’ll come to collect. Will he RPT us during the final week or some time during the fourth week? So long as it is not today or Thursday, I don’t care when we do it. (Of course I am saying this now. Later, I will care).
Sunday, July 31, 2011
ODS - Day 17 Chow procedures
As happens during training here at ODS, we are expected to adapt to changes at any time. I was given the responsibility of calling out the instructions for chow this evening. They are not difficult or lengthy directions – however, the stress of making sure to say them correctly, at the right speed and giving people enough time to react between prepatory command and execution is frightening.
Of course, in proper fashion and fear of messing up, I began the command to being the meal before the entire company had gotten food. 4 people came and sat down as the rest of the company was already seated. The most nerve-wracking thing about all of this, is making sure to call the countdown (1-5 minute warning, 1-0 minute warning, 0-5 minute warning, immediate warning) is at the right time. I have never eaten so fast in my life. When I had 60 seconds to go before calling the next warning, I stopped eating for fear that I would be in mid-bite when I should be calling out the orders. Chow has never been so stressful and fun.
ODS - Day 16 Graduation 1st Practice
This is all one big giant test. “They” want to push us to our physical limit and then push us further. The hardest test they give, is to make us sit through two hours lectures where the instructor is basically spewing information at us. Our job is to stay awake. I have a sneaky feeling that they decrease the oxygen content of the room to make it harder for us to NOT fall asleep. I can not read my notes. I cross out the words written as I was passing out and try to keep up with the lecture but I don’t know what I am writing anymore. I don’t know if I will retain any of this in five minutes, let alone five days – which is when we will be tested on this information. Great.
Graduation is in about 18 days. We have begun to practice today. We spent more time standing at attention or at ease than anything else. I hope this graduation will not be 1 ½ hours long because we will be standing for its duration. “Attention.” “Parade rest.” These will not save me from the pain I will be feeling in feet that I feel right now. Marching is preferable to standing here as our superiors discuss the logistics of graduation. I am not sure how much advance planning they did but for the amount of time I spent standing there, I felt like the answer would be – not much.
ODS - Day 14 Saturday
Ah sweet liberty. We finished PT in the morning, went to morning chow and we were free. Free on base. Free to use our phones, drink coffee, check our email, go to the Liberty Center, watch tv or a movie, buy what we need from the NEX… We were free to make our own schedules. We got to take our time to eat a meal, rather than the usual 15 minutes from the time we sit down to putting our trays in the scullery. We have become so used to the schedule of PT, chow, class, being disciplined, doing laundry and marching that the lack of a schedule is jarring. At the same time, we needed this break from the pace we had been going at for nearly two weeks straight. Tomorrow will be just as relaxing, I hope.
ODS - Day 13 Colors
My grandfather was drafted during World War II and was sent to Japan to fight. During the flight, he mentioned to the pilot how he had always wanted to fly planes but because he was color-blind, he would never have that chance. The pilot turned to him and said something to the effect of, “Henry, today is your lucky day.” My grandfather was given the controls and flew the plane for an hour. As he described it to me, it was the best day of his life. Without saying anything, I also know that he served the country he loved with honor, courage, commitment and love. He loved this country with his entire heart. Today I would have made him very proud. I was a part of the color detail. That’s the group of people who are tasked to raising the flag at 08:00 and bringing it down at sunset.
This morning, I walked out to the flag pole and saluted at the start of the national anthem. I get goose-bumps every time I watch the flag swaying in the breeze. This evening, color guard was even better. I got to bring the flag down. As I was lowering the flag, I thought of my grandfather. I hoped he was watching from heaven. And when I folded the flag, I did it with the sense of pride that I was continuing a tradition.
What we did discover when we were folding the flag is that my arm is the perfect length to fold the flag perfectly. Who knew?
As I handed the flag to the ACDO (it would take too long to explain - look it up), I became a little emotional. Not everyone feels this connected to the flag and what she, Old Glory, represents. To me, she represents hope, truth, justice, honor, my grandfather and my future.
ODS - Day 12 RPT x 3
Today is called ‘the see-saw.’ We went through most of the day with no incident and then one member of the company changed our fate for the night. According to the regulations, we may be educated via physical training (RPTed) 10 minutes out of every hour. Tonight, we were RPTed three times over the course of three hours. We wore our shorts, t-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirts and jumpsuits and visited the Rose Garden. The rose garden is not a garden with roses. It is a sandpit that overlooks the water of Newport. It has a stunning view of the bay. But it is still a sandpit that we must do our pushups and crunches and roll around in. We are breathing so heavy from being disciplined to appreciate the view any longer. Holding yourself in a squatting position while he yells at you is not fun and experiencing the sun setting in the bay is no longer relevant.
In between each RPT session, we went back to our P-way and spoke as a company. We rise or fall as a company and not a group of individuals. That is the way the NAVY functions. We must work together as one unit in order to survive. As instructed by Senior Chief, we all move rooms– all 41 of us. Senior Chief fired our Division Officer and Assistant Division Officer. We select the replacements to show Senior Chief that we have taken the initiative. As was explained to us by one of our prior enlisted, we need to learn to experience the shake up and figure out how to come back into focus. We’re shaken up. My hope is that the individuals in the company get the hint. I am sick of the rose garden and getting punished for other people’s poor choices.
ODS - Day 11 Death by Powerpoint / Marching
I believe this is called ‘death by power point.’ We go to an auditorium with an instructor who spends 2 hours speaking and showing us power point presentations. We are given permission to stand in the back so we don’t fall asleep during the lecture. At one point, there are more of us standing up than sitting in the chairs. I can’t help falling asleep. Senior chief is not around, I am not getting enough sleep and the lecturer has no enthusiasm or the topic is simply boring me to sleep. My notes are unreadable when I start to does off with the paper still touching the pen. There are times when I try to correct the notes so they are legible and it takes a few tries since I am not totally awake. Good thing there is a student guide with this information.
We have been practicing marching. We will have to do this for graduation so we might as well get it right now. Without Senior Chief around, we make suggestions, correct each other and feel calmer. When Senior Chief is around, we mess up things we know we can do correctly. Today, we worked to conquer the ‘column left’ and ‘column right.’ This sounds simple but with 41 people, this is hard work. This is new to the drill body as well. He's doing his best and we're proud of him for all the effort he puts into his job. I am proud to say that we moving in the right/left direction.
ODS - Day 10 The Sandbox and Cookie Jar
Have you ever watched a military movie where you see the recruits doing calistetics in a sand pit while being sprayed with water? You sit there and think to yourself either, “that doesn’t look too bad” or “Oh my God, I am so glad I am not in their place.” Well, now I can tell you from personal experience that it feels as uncomfortable as it looks. The water goes up your nose, pushes your contac out of place and your hands are busy and dirty so there is nothing to do but suck it up. You roll to your right on your stomach, you roll to your left and the sand gets everywhere. You do jumping jacks with sand in your hands and the sand flies everywhere, especially into your hair.
Not only did we have the honor and privilage of visiting the sandbox but we go to go to the cookie jar as well (another sand pit) before rushing back to our house to shower quickly and get to class on time. When we walked in the door, the other three companies looked at us with such sympathy. I smiled and sat down, my hair dripping wet from my not-even two minute shower that did not get all the sand out of my hair. When asked what happened, I answered that we got to go to the beach and it was a shame they didn’t join us. The waves were great for boogie boarding.
ODS - Day 9 Memorial Day
Remember how I said that there were no class officers or chiefs on base so we would have some vacation. I was wrong. The only chief to come to the base today was our Senior Chief. He brought us out to Nimitz field, had us stand at attention in front of the Ensign (the flag) and spoke to us about the meaning of this day. He was the only one to infuse the day with meaning, making the connection between us and those who came before us.
On top of that, we did some more introductions and this was when our true diversity shined through. We come from all parts of the country and other countries. We have degrees from multiple institutions, we are prior enlisted and from different branches of the military. We are single, married, newly married, getting married, married with children. We are all different races, religions and nationalities. We are doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, medical school students, chaplain candidates and medical staff corp. We are tall, short and every variety of body type. We are the epitome of the American mixing bowl and we are stronger because of it.
Tomorrow, I expect Senior Chief to pullout all the stops on us and so I will enjoy these last few peaceful hours before the morning comes.
ODS - Day 8 Memorial Day Weekend
Vacation. That’s what today and tomorrow are for us. No PT and definitely no RPT as none of our chiefs or class officers are here. The rules of our "vacation" is that we may only leave our houses to go to chow or the NEX. You would think that being locked up here on base for two days would be bad but it was amazing to slow down the pace and not have anyone breathing down our necks and get to take more than a 2 minute shower. We’re like the kids from The Breakfast Club but without the drama.
Do you know what we do when we have two days of freedom? Laundry, eat, sleep and practice marching. That's right - we're party animals.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
ODS - Day 7 Khaki Uniform Inspection
I love standing in the sun when there is a nice breeze. Most of our time is spent indoors so this was a welcome change. However, it is not so nice to have to stand at attention in the sun for almost two hours while getting a sunburn on only one side of your face. The best part is the sweat dripping down the side of your face and you can NOT under any circumstances MOVE to wipe it away. All 41 of us were inspected from our hair to our salute to insignia placements.
Every I.P., (a.k.a Irish Pendant, contraband or random pieces of string attached to our uniforms) was a 1 point deduction. And then there is the knowledge question. Even if you know the answer, having Senior Chief standing there or in my case, standing over me – staring at me - it is intimidating. You fumble with the Sailor’s Creed, even though you have recited it correctly at least twice today already. You want to laugh but that is a deduction - inability to maintain military bearing.
Khaki uniform inspection done.
Week 1 completed.
ODS - Day 6 The lighter side of Senior Chief
Today has been an eventful day. First, we began with a PT run that was broken up by exercises like fire engines, body builders, dirty dogs and of course, NAVY push-ups. We then had class where so many of us ended up standing in the back in an attempt to stay awake. I was poked multiple times because my eyes had closed and my head fell forward. By the time we got to lunch, I so tired that I thought it was dinner. It's not like I can look at my watch to keep track of time - we do not have the privilege to wear watches yet.
Tonight, Senior Chief showed us his personal side. He shared life lessons with us about his family and how family is important and the difficulties of balancing the obligations between family and the NAVY. He wanted us to remember that the family is effected by our serving the NAVY. He reminded us that we are 1% of the country who serve to protect what we hold dear. He showed us his funny side. He looked to the window and heard another chief yelling at a company and said, “I don’t talk as much as that chief. And he can talk a lot.”
ODS - Day 5 PRT #1
Today we had our first fitness test. It’s like the Presidential Fitness test I took in middle school. After the test, I realized that I was in better shape in middle school.
Here at ODS, we get up at 4:30am and are not permitted to sleep until 22:00. At some point, the grueling schedule starts to grind us down. Today we started to notice the effects of this process. While an ENS was being disciplined for lack of good judgement, several other members of the company responded by laughing. You could say that it was a bit childish to laugh and you would be right except that this is the part of the breaking down process. I could see the one member of the company try to compose themselves and they could not. Lack of sleep, the need to study and memorize and physical training – something has to give. Of course it was no surprise that we were disciplined for our lack of military bearing. On the up side, we got to watch evening colors - when the flag is brought down … before we were disciplined again.
Monday, July 18, 2011
ODS - Day 4 Wow
I had two “wow” moments today.
The first was hearing the national anthem played while we stood at attention and our senior chief saluted the flag. We stood in the sun and watched the flag sway. This is what it means to be a naval officer. These are the moments that remind me that I am doing something I love. I felt goose-bumps watching the senior chief salute. He showed love and respect to that which I love and respect.
The second “wow” moment was at sunset and Kilo company sang “Anchor’s Away” facing the water. Those words that we sang or the Sailor’s creed that we recited have meaning and purpose. “I represent the fighting spirit of the NAVY and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.” Those are not just words, but as senior chief put it, they must be written on your heart. It reminded me of the verse from Song of Songs, “And you shall make Me a seal upon your heart.” These words come from your soul and not just out of my mouth.
As for my personal goal, I was not going to give senior chief a reason to discipline us because of something I did or said. However, I did delay our exit from chow twice.
I know that ODS is meant to teach us what it means to be a naval officer and to understand and become emersed in the culture of the navy. At the same time, as we were fitted for uniforms, it seemed almost false - like I was getting to wear a uniform I did not earn. I want to feel like I have earned the uniform I wear.
ODS - Day 3 Senior Chief
We met our drill instructor this morning. He was exactly what I expected. Senior chief, “don’t call me sir, I work for a living” is a large, strong, black man with 19 years of service. We learned a lot at 04:30. We learned how to walk, how to move together and most of all, we learned what it means to be disciplined by a Senior Chief. We fell on our faces and did push-ups. We punish the body so the brain can learn. Down – pain, up – discipline.” We were disciplined a lot. We made mistakes. We forgot the proper responses to commands. I hear the commands and I process what needs to be done but my body can not follow fast enough. I have been at fault for making my company do push-ups today. My goal tomorrow is to not cause my company to be discplined. That’s a big goal. Our Senior Chief loves the NAVY and wants us to be the best naval officers we can be. He has made it clear that we have a long way to go before he thinks we are ready.
PT – physical training begins at 05:00 on Nimitz Field. Since we are in Rhode Island, the morning fog is heavy and covers the field. As PT continues, the fog begins to burn off, the sun rises over the bleachers and the sky changes from cloudy to clear. Hollywood special effects have nothing on reality.
ODS - Day 2
Love the salad. Love. The. Salad. I am trying to keep Kosher at a place where Kosher is not something the kitchen is equipt to handle. I have spent the whole day eating salad with tuna fish in it. And peanut butter. I remember eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with my brother and aunt and how much I loved it. Thank God. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to eat salad before I start turning green but as of now, I rock the salad.
Today, we got our PT (physical training) clothes – our first uniform. This includes a yellow t-shirt, blue shorts, official NAVY sweatpants and sweatshirts with a reflector belt. If one person chooses to take off their sweatshirt, we all must take off our sweatshirts. Uniformity among 41 people is accomplished all day.
We can’t forget our new best friend, the blue water bottle. We must remain hydrated and drink at least 24 ounces 6 times daily. Going to head and hydrating are today’s sport. And we must bring our blue best friend everywhere we go. The clothes are only available in mens sizes. This means that everything is too big and too long. I wear a children’s extra-large shirt. The NAVY does not have children’s size t-shirts. Oh well. I did not come to the NAVY to make a fashion statement.
We did get some inspirational speeches from the Ex-O and the Commanding Officer. As they put it, “drink the cool-aid.” In other words, emerse in this life. Emerse in it, believe it and believe the creed and fundamental beliefs of the NAVY. Honor. Courage. Commitment. Drink the cool-aid and be the best officer you can be. I am drinking the cool-aid, calling out for roll call as loud as I can be and respond with an enthusiastic, “yes sir” with no sarcasm or humor. I am beginning my immersion. I am ready for the next evolution.
ODS - Day 1
I got to Newport with little difficulty navigating from NYC. However, only being here not even 3 hours and I am lost. It feels like the first day of overnight camp where everyone is new and we have no bunk counselor to give us instructions. I don’t know anything.
There are 41 officers in my company. Most are doctors/med school students, nurses and medical staff corps. The rest of us are chaplains /candidates, dentists and a pharmacist. We have 3 prior enlisted, one coast guard and one air force. The women make up 25% of the company. I am the only Jewish chaplain candidate.
We were told to be ready at 1745 - but we have no idea what we are to be ready for. The rumors are flying. We are running, we are having a room inspection ... No one knows anything. I have 2 hours and I feel like I should be doing something.
Thank god for my roommate. She is in the nursing corps. I could not be more lucky. She and a friend of hers from the Nursing corps came in and taught me how to make my bed. Yep, make my bed. Apparently, how I was taught by my mother is not good enough. Hospital corners does not even fully explain why I need a ruler to make my bed – nor try to bounce a quarter of my sheets.
It is the strangest thing – waiting for instructions, not knowing what to expect. I know that this is a planned part of our learning. We must learn to be flexible and respond to changes and challenges. I got 11 days notice that I was coming to ODS. I should consider myself lucky. Someone else was given 7 days.