volkov

it's been a crazy hectic few days. the weekend off and this first day back at training. Lots going on even outside of training. I found out I got picked for some special language training before we leave. It'll take me away from some of the training evolutions with the rest of my platoon, but I'll get to learn another language and I am always up for that. It means that I won't get the time off that I thought though. Instead of getting a week off from the 7th-14th of August, I'll probably get from about the 15th-20th. I still plan on getting out to LA for at least a day or two and then up to SF if I can. I'd really like to make it back up that a way. Also found out today that my two closest friends in the platoon are getting promoted. they are both some months ahead of me in time in, so I'll still be waiting a little while. I'm really glad for them because they've been waiting for a long time and promotions for us infantry guys can be hard to come by. It sucks a bit though because I won't get to hang out with them as much. One of them has been with me in every 4 man team I've been in ever. I taught him all his infantry stuff since he wasn't one originally. it'll be sad to not be able to hang out with them for the next year.
but the training is shaping up. We are getting a lot more confidant and training hard...live fires...range time...class time.
I'm happy with my profeciency with infantry stuff and my automatic rifle, but the physical stuff is beating me up. the knees are very much in complaint about all this running around and jumping out of vehicles and stuff.
Won't be around too much longer. can't say much specifically, but I'll be gone by Fall. after that I don't expect y'all will hear from me often. I'll still keep er as the custodian of my account and I'll mail her letters when I can so she can at least keep y'all updated on what I'm doing.
thanks for all the well wishes. I've got some good friends on here. people I'm gonna miss or miss already.