Airborne!

I'm graduating Airborne tomorrow. Yay! Three weeks of suck is finally over... only 208 more to go.

Anyway, I got my five jumps in with no injuries. We jumped from Air Force C-130s at an altitude of 1,250 feet moving at 130 knots. My first one was kind of rough, since it was in 20-knot winds and I was pretty much terrified, but I landed without injury. The next four went smoother, with softer landings and way lower wind speeds.

Jumping out of an aircraft in flight is a pretty interesting experience, and one that can't be described to someone who hasn't experienced it. It really is nothing but a neat-sounding idea until you hear "Hook Up! 1 Minute! 30 Seconds! Green light, go, go go!" The first time I got on the plane, I had one of those moments where I wonder "Why, exactly, did I think this was a good idea? I must be insane." Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I look forward to doing some more jumps, though... I want to try one out of the back of a Blackhawk - 130mph wash is not that fun to jump into. A good exit is very, very important to prevent bouncing off the side of the aircraft.

Well, looks like I'm off to Bragg tomorrow. I was supposed to be taking leave and flying home, but looks like I got fucked over instead. Thanks Army! It's not like I had important plans or anything.

Army Livin' Got Me Down

After 16 weeks on Fort Benning I'm incredibly sick of this place. It's hot, sandy, and boring as hell. I'm not sure I have the words to express how badly I want to get out of here. Two more weeks until freedom; they're going to be incredibly slow ones, too.

Still unsure on the leave situation. I haven't seen any of my good friends in 5 months, not to mention my glorious mountains. I really hope I don't get fucked over, but it's a definite possibility at this point.

Frustrating.