Mounted Practical Exercise....What fun!

As an eternal pessimist, today was not so bad. In fact, as soon as I got my mind believing that although I didn't want to be here I was going to make the best of my current situation, I put my all into today's practical exercise. On the same route we walked yesterday (no Sailors were heat casualties, thank goodness - although the Air Force had two heat casualties during their practical exercise---their heat casualties did not drink enough water and they were taken to the hospital for dehydration) we were in our humvees today. As the best M16 shooter in the class (really, it's true) I quickly volunteered to be the "Gunner" for our vehicle. The gunner is typically in the turret and is responsible for being the eyes and ears for the vehicle. In short, when the Gunner sees the enemy engaging in fire upon us they fire upon them. My group was in a troop carrying vehicle (not in a humvee for today's practical) however we still had yours truly as a gunner. I did well and identified the "enemy" and was the only gunner to see the enemy throwing explosives in our direction. So, I did what all good gunners would do: I shot at them and took them out. I really think the two men in our vehicle were impressed with my skills (identifying and shooting). We were practicing with blanks so I really didn't injure anyone but am convinced that if needed, I could do the job given the same circumstances. I'm not so convinced I'm as experienced as I would need to be in combat, but I believe I have the basics and could hold my own during convoy operations. That is, after all, why I am here in this training: just in case I am ever in such a precarious situation. And, yes, I am still hoping I never need to use any of the skills I've gained here.
I've received a bit more news about my travel and am a bit nervous about how quickly the days are passing by. The one way you realize that you are almost done with your training here is that you move into your tents at another "camp." Needless to say, I am not looking forward to the next 5 days in a tent with 6 other women. I do not particularly care for camping, especially here in a tick infested area. One of my Shipmates (funny I still call them shipmates and we aren't near the ocean and will only be flying over an ocean) woke up this morning with a tick in her forearm. Obviously she didn't check herself yesterday when she got back from our exercise. We struggled to get it out of her skin, but managed well. I do not know what the Army has planned for us during the next few days but I'm fairly confident it's not going to equate to my idea of a good time.
I received possibly my last care package from home today. I don't expect any more here because I'm not convinced they will make it here before I leave next week. After packing my gear for the next week, I'm wondering how the Army expects any person to be able to carry all of their own gear. It is impossible, without a doubt. Leaving here will be very interesting.....I'm still wondering how I will be transporting all of my gear.