Day 24

Yes, it's day 24 of the OCS lockdown immersion training.  Yesterday we were treated to a two hour class on customs and courtesies.  The poor LT who had to lead it was answering questions wrong, and finding himself corrected by the in-service folks.  He seemed undaunted, and went on to declare: “Let’s be honest, we’re not equals.”  So true, sir.  So true.

What was interesting about it was how those of us who have had it with HHC all ended up at the back of the room.  The class was quite unexpected; we’d gathered in the day room because we’re not allowed in our rooms after lunch, and several of us were preparing to depart for the PX.  We’re not allowed to drive ourselves anywhere, so we needed Sgt. H to take us.  At the last minute, we were told the PX was a no-go, and we were going to have three hours of classes.  So, it was not intentional that we ended up grouped together.  When the LT asked when we were going to class up, I said “Never!” the way we’re supposed to during PT when they tell us to “relax,” and I got as far as “Ne” when everyone around me joined in and drowned out the eager future Alphas.  The people up front kept asking the basic OCS questions, and at one point OC C, who has been here twice as long as I have, awoke from his stupor and asked, “Huh?  Are my orders ready?”  Another from our group asked the LT what to do when the cadre addresses a serious concern by cussing us out.  Good times.

 Yes, you do have to salute an officer even if his hands are full, it turns out.

This morning we’ve been given extra “hygiene” time, so I took a nap and now I’m writing.  This “gift” is not expected to be extended into the evening.  Dear god, we’re going to be in classes all day with Ssg. G, who is allegedly not happy to be here baby sitting us because he’s going to miss football.