Echo Company

From the Echo Company Commander:

Echo Company has once again started a new cycle. The volunteers that have come to us from their former lives are eager to become soldiers. They are full of anticipation and a fear of the unknown at this point but will soon come to the realization that they can meet and overcome the challenges that they face. Thy are raw and undisciplined but will soon transform into strong Army soldiers. The soldiers need the support of their families and friends to help them push on. Send them a letter from time to time. It will do wonders for their motivation.

30 Jan 09: Your soldiers are finally settled into our barracks and are beginning their journey to become combat ready Soldiers. The first step in that process is being issued their M16 Rifle. Your Soldier received their weapon and will carry it until they graduate. They will sleep with their weapon, eat with their weapon, and some will even take it to church with them!

02 Feb 09: Soldiers are in class/receive brief from the Battalion Commander

03 Feb 09: Soldiers overcame their fear of heights by repelling 60’ down Victory Tower.

04 Feb 09: Soldiers prepare for Land Navigation and Map Reading in a classroom environment.

05 Feb 09: Soldiers conquer Land Navigation and Map Reading in the woods. They are given points on the map and grid coordinates and they are released to find their points.

06 Feb 09: Soldiers will learn to work as a team. Team Development Course (TDC) will teach soldiers to work together to overcome task and obstacle to accomplish their mission.

07 Feb 09: Soldiers will learn to defend themselves in hand to hand techniques called “Combatives”. This will build confidence and the ability to protect themselves from harm.

08 Feb 09: Soldiers are given time on Sunday to attend religious service, wash clothes, and clean the barracks area.

Proud Army Mom!