Shad update

I got this email from one of Shad's leaders today. It is kind of interesting. It tells about what they will be and have been doing. Just thought I would share. It also confirms a couple of important dates for those of you planning to attend family day and graduation.

"My name is CPT Perry. I am your Soldier's commanding officer here at FT. Sill Oklahoma. I would like to thank you personally for supporting your Soldier during this exciting as well as very challenging time in their lives. Your Soldier is doing well, and is in the process of learninghow to adapt toArmy life.

I would also like to tell you that your Soldier is being taught by some of the most professionally proficient Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) in the Army today. Only the top 10% of all NCO's in the Army are selected to become a Drill Sergeant (DS). I can say with all confidence, that in C 1/19 FA, that is a very true statement. Most have at least one combat tour under their belt and are passing along theknowledge necessary to fight and win.

The typical day for your Soldier is: wake up at 0430am, physical fitness training (PT), breakfast, training until around 1200. Lunch, more training, dinner around 5pm, and more training. A couple of hours ofpersonal time, then bed by 9:30pm( Mon-Sat). Very minimal training (if any)will be conducted on Sundays.

Next, I would like to give you an update on some of the training your Soldier has completed thus far. Week one began with a 3KM road march, repelling, crossing 3 rope bridges and climbing down a rope cargo net. All from 40 feet in the air. As with all Army training, there were a multitude of safety precautions taken which resulted in all 218 Soldiers that participated in the event getting through without incident. For the rest of the week, a series of classes were taught. Your Soldier completed a confidence course that only through teamwork was itpossible to successfully master.

This week will culminate with a competition at the combat confidence course (CCC). The winner of the competition will be determined by the fastest teamto complete the course (each platoon will have one team). The winning teamwill result in their platoon being awarded a CCC streamer. They also took aPhysical Fitness Test (PT test). The typical PT test is 2 minutes ofpush-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a 2 mile run. Being that they were inweek one, only one minute of push-ups, sit-ups and the 2 mile run wasconducted. This PT test will be used by the DS as well as the soldiersthemselves to gauge their fitness.

Next week your Soldier will learn how to provide first aid which includes triage, IV training, how to bandage a wound, apply a pressure dressing, bandage a sucking chest wound and how to apply a tourniquet.

Finally, you should receive a news letter in the mail within the next week or so. In it, will be details on family day, graduation, and contact information among other tidbits of information. Please feel free to email me at ahmad.perry@us.army.mil any time. I will do my utmost torespond in a timely fashion. Again, from the command team and cadre at C1/19, thank you for supporting your Soldier during this exciting as well as very challenging time in their lives. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you on September 17th for family day and again on September 18th for graduation."

I think this is from the Captain that Shad really likes. He says he is fair and is helping them prepare for OCS (officer candidate school). Thanks again to everyone who helps support him during this time!!