It has been awhile since I last wrote a blog. So here is a blog.
Have you ever wondered where the word "blog" came from? The word has a weird natural state, like it should be grouped with booger, or blob (which could be a booger). Just a thought.
So I have finished four weeks of basic. Hooray! This last week we qualified in basic rifle marksmanship. Fun stuff! I managed to make sharpshooter.
It has really started to heat up here in SC. 100+ degrees with over 100% humidity. Now that is freakin' hot.
Other than that, same old stuff as before. Yay!
Don't Stop Believin' because the Wheels in the Sky Keep on Turnin' which the Lights Go Out in the City. And don't plant fruits and veggies in the Octopus's Garden.
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
What a Beautiful Morning!
As it is the middle of the fourth week of basic, I have learned something very important. Rather, I should say, re-learned.
The key to being successful is optimism. NEVER think negative thoughts. For example, my platoon went on a 4-5 mile road march to the range. Not a bad march, but toward the end it was uphill, downhill, etc. All I hear is "this fuckin' sucks", "I don't think I will make it", "I thought PG said only a little longer - she LIED!", etc... now this is coming from someone that probably scored much higher than me on the PT test. I'm like, "Wow, you negative Nancy!"
So the thoughts that went through my head:
- the song, "What a Beautiful Morning!" (not sure of the song title)
- good time for prayer
- think of family and friends
- music, rhythms
- anything positive!!!
It keeps my mind from psyching stuff out.
When we were practicing rifle marksmanship and I am not doing so good after a couple of shots, I think that target is shooting back at me (otherwise I have no reason to shoot back). Then I say something like...
"You little f*cker, you're going down now!" or "Yeah, don't worry, I was just messing with you."
It works! I really don't like the fact that I have those thoughts, but they work for now, and my rifle training is starting to wrap up. I had 10 more shots at a 175 meter target, and I needed to hit six to qualify. I only hit two out of the first six. Yep, I was pissed, said one of those lines, hit the next four with no problem. (these thoughts also keep my form in shape somehow)
Anyway, I always find ways to be positive and get myself through training easy. In times where everyone else is pissed, I am in a good mood. If smiles were allowed, I would also smile.
Time for bed. Good night!
Daniel D. Heier
P.S. I heard something that I thought was impossible: a redneck with a lisp. WOW!! Imagine that, it is tough. And I heard it.
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
The key to being successful is optimism. NEVER think negative thoughts. For example, my platoon went on a 4-5 mile road march to the range. Not a bad march, but toward the end it was uphill, downhill, etc. All I hear is "this fuckin' sucks", "I don't think I will make it", "I thought PG said only a little longer - she LIED!", etc... now this is coming from someone that probably scored much higher than me on the PT test. I'm like, "Wow, you negative Nancy!"
So the thoughts that went through my head:
- the song, "What a Beautiful Morning!" (not sure of the song title)
- good time for prayer
- think of family and friends
- music, rhythms
- anything positive!!!
It keeps my mind from psyching stuff out.
When we were practicing rifle marksmanship and I am not doing so good after a couple of shots, I think that target is shooting back at me (otherwise I have no reason to shoot back). Then I say something like...
"You little f*cker, you're going down now!" or "Yeah, don't worry, I was just messing with you."
It works! I really don't like the fact that I have those thoughts, but they work for now, and my rifle training is starting to wrap up. I had 10 more shots at a 175 meter target, and I needed to hit six to qualify. I only hit two out of the first six. Yep, I was pissed, said one of those lines, hit the next four with no problem. (these thoughts also keep my form in shape somehow)
Anyway, I always find ways to be positive and get myself through training easy. In times where everyone else is pissed, I am in a good mood. If smiles were allowed, I would also smile.
Time for bed. Good night!
Daniel D. Heier
P.S. I heard something that I thought was impossible: a redneck with a lisp. WOW!! Imagine that, it is tough. And I heard it.
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Friday, June 19, 2009
So a lot of bickering, fights, yelling, etc. (you know, elementary age bullshit) can go on at basic. Do you wanna know how I deal with it? Especially when fist fights break out? OK... here goes...
Of course we all know & love The Lion King. When a fight or something breaks out, I think of the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", and a big smile comes to my face as people start to beat the shit out of each other.
This week wasn't bad, but a lot of stupid shit went down, resulting in less sleep. Plus, all of the PT - I am definitely tired.
Well, I made 3 runs with the "A" Train. Now I am in the "B" running group. I just am nowhere near a 12 min/30 sec 2-mile.
This coming week, we will have a lot of rifle marksmanship training. That should be a lot of fun, since my marksmanship technique has been adjusted and fixed.
I am pretty sore today. Really sore, actually. Probably because we were smoked all day yesterday. IcyHot has become my #1 friend.
Anyway, I hope all is well back home.
Peace,
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Of course we all know & love The Lion King. When a fight or something breaks out, I think of the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", and a big smile comes to my face as people start to beat the shit out of each other.
This week wasn't bad, but a lot of stupid shit went down, resulting in less sleep. Plus, all of the PT - I am definitely tired.
Well, I made 3 runs with the "A" Train. Now I am in the "B" running group. I just am nowhere near a 12 min/30 sec 2-mile.
This coming week, we will have a lot of rifle marksmanship training. That should be a lot of fun, since my marksmanship technique has been adjusted and fixed.
I am pretty sore today. Really sore, actually. Probably because we were smoked all day yesterday. IcyHot has become my #1 friend.
Anyway, I hope all is well back home.
Peace,
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
All right, white phase of BCT has begun this week. I find something amazing about it. This is the week where I have gotten the least amount of sleep, and the mind games are coming out.
I was a bit worried once over details I can't go into, but it had nothing to do with me, yet everyone could have suffered.
We started Basic Rifle Marksmanship. Once my weapon was zeroed and mixed my technique a bit, my last three rounds were right in the circle, including one of the being dead center.
Hmm, what else... it rains a lot. And when it rains, it pours.
My sickness is almost gone. Yay for that!
Ohh... redneck jokes! Jeff Foxworthy can use these.
You might be a redneck if...
...your voice literally sounds like Goofy, just with the good ole' redneck accent that you can't understand.
...you drive a three-wheeler, get into an accident, literally rip your face off, get back in the three-wheeler and drive home as if nothing happened.
...your wife is disabled from riding a three-wheeler.
...you failed the ASVAB test... (I bet 6-8th graders could pass it!)
...you pronounce the number 3 like "thwee".
more to come.
OH!! I almost forgot. My platoon failed miserably on our company motto from teh switch from red to white phase. So much that First Sergeant changed our mascot from Bulldawgs to Fluffy Poodles. Our team color is also pink.
Drill Sergeant Hyde then had us change our motto and we had to use the melody from "Barbie Girl". Our motto goes like this:
"We're the fluffy poodles/ in a Delta world/ all taped in pink man /yeah this shit's fantastic/ you can stop and stare/ and mock us everywhere/ just know we'll beat you in pugils and combatives"
One fluffy poodle signing off,
Daniel D. Heier
P.S. Other funnies: Drill Sergeant Hyde likes to draw tattoos with sharpies and give nicknames. Blossom got a daisy on *his* cheek. I almost got the Hitler mustache, but I was too sweaty for it to draw on, so I ended up with nothing! Other nicknames: Blossom, Quaf, Dirty Sanchez, Rico, Grandma, and Teabag.
Also, we just had to sing "99 Bottles of Beer on teh Wall". At 4:41 A.M. to be exact. oh, the joys of BCT.
One more thing... the whole redneck numbers...
wun, toooo, thwee, fah, five, six, sevin, ate, nine.
The key to saying these "numbers" like a redneck is stress the vowels! Good practice would be to over-exaggerate the vowels. Sound them out for 2 seconds (of course in a real conversation it would be much less time).
So... recap...
long & stressed vowels is a good start to build your redneck slang. Also start making your voice sound like Goofy... put these together, and you're well on your way to talking like a redneck.
DONE.
Wow... this is a long blog.
I was a bit worried once over details I can't go into, but it had nothing to do with me, yet everyone could have suffered.
We started Basic Rifle Marksmanship. Once my weapon was zeroed and mixed my technique a bit, my last three rounds were right in the circle, including one of the being dead center.
Hmm, what else... it rains a lot. And when it rains, it pours.
My sickness is almost gone. Yay for that!
Ohh... redneck jokes! Jeff Foxworthy can use these.
You might be a redneck if...
...your voice literally sounds like Goofy, just with the good ole' redneck accent that you can't understand.
...you drive a three-wheeler, get into an accident, literally rip your face off, get back in the three-wheeler and drive home as if nothing happened.
...your wife is disabled from riding a three-wheeler.
...you failed the ASVAB test... (I bet 6-8th graders could pass it!)
...you pronounce the number 3 like "thwee".
more to come.
OH!! I almost forgot. My platoon failed miserably on our company motto from teh switch from red to white phase. So much that First Sergeant changed our mascot from Bulldawgs to Fluffy Poodles. Our team color is also pink.
Drill Sergeant Hyde then had us change our motto and we had to use the melody from "Barbie Girl". Our motto goes like this:
"We're the fluffy poodles/ in a Delta world/ all taped in pink man /yeah this shit's fantastic/ you can stop and stare/ and mock us everywhere/ just know we'll beat you in pugils and combatives"
One fluffy poodle signing off,
Daniel D. Heier
P.S. Other funnies: Drill Sergeant Hyde likes to draw tattoos with sharpies and give nicknames. Blossom got a daisy on *his* cheek. I almost got the Hitler mustache, but I was too sweaty for it to draw on, so I ended up with nothing! Other nicknames: Blossom, Quaf, Dirty Sanchez, Rico, Grandma, and Teabag.
Also, we just had to sing "99 Bottles of Beer on teh Wall". At 4:41 A.M. to be exact. oh, the joys of BCT.
One more thing... the whole redneck numbers...
wun, toooo, thwee, fah, five, six, sevin, ate, nine.
The key to saying these "numbers" like a redneck is stress the vowels! Good practice would be to over-exaggerate the vowels. Sound them out for 2 seconds (of course in a real conversation it would be much less time).
So... recap...
long & stressed vowels is a good start to build your redneck slang. Also start making your voice sound like Goofy... put these together, and you're well on your way to talking like a redneck.
DONE.
Wow... this is a long blog.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
People are crazy. People are immature. People don't think before they act. People do not pay attention and/or listen to instructions. People are hypocrites. People are power hungry. People want to kill.
Ladies and gentlemen, these are the people that I will get to practice my Basic Rifle Marksmanship with. OH SHIT!! They will have a loaded weapon right beside me. A little scary, yes...
Certain folks really want to kill people. It seems as though those soldiers who want to kill shouldn't be in the military. Why? I believe we protect and serve, and should only kill the "enemy" if absolutely necessary. I don't want to be a battle buddy with someone who simply wants to kill.
Moving on... I am learning a lot about leadership. Mainly the "how not to lead". People have very short tempers and when put into leadership it is their way or the highway, and they don't bother listening to their fellow peers. A leader needs to listen.
A leader needs to lead by example, and if necessary, use words. All I know is leaders in my platoon have been yelling "shut up" or "lock it up", and no one listens to that. In fact, it makes it worse.
So I believe a leader needs to:
- have greater concert for others than his/herself
- lead by example, always do the right thing
- DO NOT let power to go your head
- control anger & temper
- listen to subordinates/peers/elders
- help those in need
- listen!! listen!! listen!!
These are just thought of mine when I wonder why any platoon can't straighten up. It all boils down to leadership. We need better leaders!
Well, well, well... Delta company may switch to white phase!! I hope so because red phase is old...
Much peace & love,
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D
D Co, 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Ladies and gentlemen, these are the people that I will get to practice my Basic Rifle Marksmanship with. OH SHIT!! They will have a loaded weapon right beside me. A little scary, yes...
Certain folks really want to kill people. It seems as though those soldiers who want to kill shouldn't be in the military. Why? I believe we protect and serve, and should only kill the "enemy" if absolutely necessary. I don't want to be a battle buddy with someone who simply wants to kill.
Moving on... I am learning a lot about leadership. Mainly the "how not to lead". People have very short tempers and when put into leadership it is their way or the highway, and they don't bother listening to their fellow peers. A leader needs to listen.
A leader needs to lead by example, and if necessary, use words. All I know is leaders in my platoon have been yelling "shut up" or "lock it up", and no one listens to that. In fact, it makes it worse.
So I believe a leader needs to:
- have greater concert for others than his/herself
- lead by example, always do the right thing
- DO NOT let power to go your head
- control anger & temper
- listen to subordinates/peers/elders
- help those in need
- listen!! listen!! listen!!
These are just thought of mine when I wonder why any platoon can't straighten up. It all boils down to leadership. We need better leaders!
Well, well, well... Delta company may switch to white phase!! I hope so because red phase is old...
Much peace & love,
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D
D Co, 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Things I Miss
- Friends & family
- Music
- Beer
- Writing songs
- Laughing
- Piano & drums
- Knowing what's going on in the world
- Being able to walk away from stupid people
- Eating out!!
- Music
- Beer
- Writing songs
- Laughing
- Piano & drums
- Knowing what's going on in the world
- Being able to walk away from stupid people
- Eating out!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Gas Chamber!!!!!!!! (evil laugh)
OK folks... today I went through the gas chamber at BCT. Basically it is the same as riot gas (probably the same stuff used at the RNC for those of you that attended). Except, I was in a closed building and the gas was probably 2-3 times more toxic, or harder.
I walked in with the mask on, no big deal, but I could instantly feel my face burn up (only the exposed skin) where I had open pores. Then we broke the seal and said a couple of things, then put the mask on. Then (evil laugh)...
They made us take off the whole mask and open our eyes and breathe. It was tough as hell to get any air in, because it was all gas, but I stayed cool, coughed a little, etc. Then, after 10-15 seconds, we were released outside (huge church choir sings, "AMEN!") My eyes burned, but everything quickly healed. LOL!!
I was just glad I didn't give the DS an excuse to throw me against the wall or make me breathe by physical force.
Man, did my sinuses clear up!! At least for the afternoon. My cold was gone, but now it is back... sad.
I must be allergic to the grass. I broke out in a rash and it constantly is getting bigger. Not good, so I am going to sick call, which sucks, but it must be done. Time to say goodbye to the rash.
Anyway, the gas chamber was all right. I don't want to do it again, but it was better than what I thought!!
until next time, much peace and love, and... write to me if you get a chance. You will help out with my physical training. Each envelope is worth 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups!
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
I walked in with the mask on, no big deal, but I could instantly feel my face burn up (only the exposed skin) where I had open pores. Then we broke the seal and said a couple of things, then put the mask on. Then (evil laugh)...
They made us take off the whole mask and open our eyes and breathe. It was tough as hell to get any air in, because it was all gas, but I stayed cool, coughed a little, etc. Then, after 10-15 seconds, we were released outside (huge church choir sings, "AMEN!") My eyes burned, but everything quickly healed. LOL!!
I was just glad I didn't give the DS an excuse to throw me against the wall or make me breathe by physical force.
Man, did my sinuses clear up!! At least for the afternoon. My cold was gone, but now it is back... sad.
I must be allergic to the grass. I broke out in a rash and it constantly is getting bigger. Not good, so I am going to sick call, which sucks, but it must be done. Time to say goodbye to the rash.
Anyway, the gas chamber was all right. I don't want to do it again, but it was better than what I thought!!
until next time, much peace and love, and... write to me if you get a chance. You will help out with my physical training. Each envelope is worth 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups!
Daniel D. Heier
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Music that is Popular at BASIC TRAINING
*Sponge Bob Square Pants (DS made us sing it)
*The Lion Sleeps Tonight (3rd Platoon males)
*My Girl (2nd Platoon males)
*ARMY SONG
*STOP! In the Name of Love (revised by DS)
version by the Supremes: "STOP! In the naaame of love, before I break your heart."
version by DS: "STOP! In the name of love, before I smoke you ass" (I found it quite amusing)
Songs that have been stuck in my head:
*Hey Jude (Beatles), Liverpool 8 (Ringo), Just Like Starting Over (Lennon), The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King), For Love (Ringo), Kokomo (The Beach Boys), Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles)
*Last but not least, the cluster chord of Drill Sergeants' voices! (John Cage would probably love it!)
OK, so there are a few music nerds in my platoon. So, we all sang Giant Steps (Coltrane) in the shower. Yes, I 8 people have to shower at the same time...
*Cadences
- They aren't great and no one starts the phrase on the downbeat. You step off with your left foot, so naturally, I think Beat 1 = left foot. I go crazy.
- Also, when people mark time, they speed up ridiculously fast... once again, I go crazy.
- One cadence had a descending melodic minor scale. It reminded me of "Hit the Road Jack". (What I do to amuse my brain)
I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY REAL MUSIC!!!!! AND LISTEN TO REAL MUSIC!!!!!
Peace & love,
Daniel D. Heier
*The Lion Sleeps Tonight (3rd Platoon males)
*My Girl (2nd Platoon males)
*ARMY SONG
*STOP! In the Name of Love (revised by DS)
version by the Supremes: "STOP! In the naaame of love, before I break your heart."
version by DS: "STOP! In the name of love, before I smoke you ass" (I found it quite amusing)
Songs that have been stuck in my head:
*Hey Jude (Beatles), Liverpool 8 (Ringo), Just Like Starting Over (Lennon), The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King), For Love (Ringo), Kokomo (The Beach Boys), Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles)
*Last but not least, the cluster chord of Drill Sergeants' voices! (John Cage would probably love it!)
OK, so there are a few music nerds in my platoon. So, we all sang Giant Steps (Coltrane) in the shower. Yes, I 8 people have to shower at the same time...
*Cadences
- They aren't great and no one starts the phrase on the downbeat. You step off with your left foot, so naturally, I think Beat 1 = left foot. I go crazy.
- Also, when people mark time, they speed up ridiculously fast... once again, I go crazy.
- One cadence had a descending melodic minor scale. It reminded me of "Hit the Road Jack". (What I do to amuse my brain)
I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY REAL MUSIC!!!!! AND LISTEN TO REAL MUSIC!!!!!
Peace & love,
Daniel D. Heier
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
WRITE ME LETTERS!
PFC Heier, Daniel D.
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
D Co. 3rd PLT
3rd Bn, 13th Inf Regt
5385 Jackson Blvd USABCTCoE
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-6110
Tidbit
Word of advice to those that may go to basic training: don't be the idiot who challenges a drill sergeant to a fight! YES, it happened and the drill sergeant will make sure he gets plenty of attention!
Thoughts & Happenings at Basic Combat Training
1. People in my platoon/company act like 4-year-olds. So.. to me, basic would not be that hard. (nor do I think it is tough really). But this could be an enjoyable hard-working experience rather than a miserable hard-working experience. These kids are babies. What is so freakin' hard about standing at attention and keeping your mouth shut?
2. I am pretty got at not being noticed. The drill sergeants don't remember my name yet, nor have I found one that can pronounce it correctly. I am going to keep it like that too!
3. Today my platoon really got "smoked". Let's just say it looked like I stood in the rain, oh no, it was sweat... pretty gross... that is what happens when others don't listen. We did "motivators" (basically jumping up and down non-stop forever), the 8 count push-ups, squat while holding our weapon, and some exercise where we lay on our backs and act like we ride a bicycle. There was a lot more, it went on for like 2 hours.
4. OK, good thing about getting smoked, it well help greatly with my PT tests.
5. Funny quote the drill sergeant told us at the sexual harassment briefing.
scenario: idiot soldiers acting up (probably like my platoon). Female drill sergeant gets mad and yells: "YOU BETTER KNOCK IT OFF BEFORE I F*CK YOU!!" Male drill sergeant walks in and says (for her safety) "She meant, F*CK YOU UP!!"
Haha.
6. The food is surprisingly good.
7. Everyone is sick, and now I am getting sick.
8. The first phase will be really long at basic if my platoon continues to learn the "hard way".
9. I miss music. I heard a little of Led Zeppelin and absolutely loved the five seconds I heard at processing.
10. No one in my platoon should be allowed to eat sweets. The result goes something like this:
Constant running in place, push-ups, rollovers, and any goofy exercise to be created. Oh yeah, in a huge sand lot (similar to a beach) that is probably 3 volleyball fields long, right after a major downpour. Then we "got" to low crawl in wet sand, with a heavy sandbag, down and back. oh yeah. I got the elbows to prove it.
On a shorter note: basic is fine, it is just getting the non-disciplined to learn discipline.
2. I am pretty got at not being noticed. The drill sergeants don't remember my name yet, nor have I found one that can pronounce it correctly. I am going to keep it like that too!
3. Today my platoon really got "smoked". Let's just say it looked like I stood in the rain, oh no, it was sweat... pretty gross... that is what happens when others don't listen. We did "motivators" (basically jumping up and down non-stop forever), the 8 count push-ups, squat while holding our weapon, and some exercise where we lay on our backs and act like we ride a bicycle. There was a lot more, it went on for like 2 hours.
4. OK, good thing about getting smoked, it well help greatly with my PT tests.
5. Funny quote the drill sergeant told us at the sexual harassment briefing.
scenario: idiot soldiers acting up (probably like my platoon). Female drill sergeant gets mad and yells: "YOU BETTER KNOCK IT OFF BEFORE I F*CK YOU!!" Male drill sergeant walks in and says (for her safety) "She meant, F*CK YOU UP!!"
Haha.
6. The food is surprisingly good.
7. Everyone is sick, and now I am getting sick.
8. The first phase will be really long at basic if my platoon continues to learn the "hard way".
9. I miss music. I heard a little of Led Zeppelin and absolutely loved the five seconds I heard at processing.
10. No one in my platoon should be allowed to eat sweets. The result goes something like this:
Constant running in place, push-ups, rollovers, and any goofy exercise to be created. Oh yeah, in a huge sand lot (similar to a beach) that is probably 3 volleyball fields long, right after a major downpour. Then we "got" to low crawl in wet sand, with a heavy sandbag, down and back. oh yeah. I got the elbows to prove it.
On a shorter note: basic is fine, it is just getting the non-disciplined to learn discipline.
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