Army Stand Down

"Jump In Suicides Spurs Army Stand Down" / "Army Recruiter Suicide Crisis"

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/13/eveningnews/main4802000.shtml?source=search_story

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"the Army is ordering every soldier to stop what she or he is doing and undergo training in suicide prevention."

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"A stand-down of the Army’s entire recruiting force, ordered by Army Secretary Pete Geren, will take place Friday."

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/02/army_recruiterstanddown_021209w/

"A separate stand-down, for all soldiers, will take place over a 30-day period beginning Feb. 15."

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I can testify first-hand that the recruiters I've been in contact with work from morning until late in the evening/night, often six days a week. They're spouses miss them very much and have a difficult time coping with their constant absence and inability to keep regular hours or come home at a decent time no matter how hard they try. One recruiter recently told me that he sees his children for a little while every morning, but they're already sleeping by the time he gets home at night. He's been in the position for a year and has two years to go before getting reassigned elsewhere.

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If a soldier signed up for it that would be one thing, but so far, every recruiter I've met was assigned to recruiting duty. No regard was given to the soldier's desire to be a recruiter, or lack thereof. They all make the best of it they can, but it is very demanding and extremely difficult on the home life. This is not to mention the pressures that come inherent with the job itself.

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Age Waiver Update

The waiver getting approved so fast really was too good to be true. As it turns out, it is still working its way through the process. They are now requesting that I provide an age waiver request statement; a couple paragraphs. I will meet with my recruiter tomorrow evening (they are closed today for President's Day) and we will compose and submit the statement.

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I am learning to accept that the Army (or perhaps government) has so many regulations, processes, and procedures, and that very few of them are going to be logical, but must be followed. I can choose to get upset and frustrated, or to simply expect the worst and laugh at it. I'm working at keeping gratitude and joy in my heart as everything steadily progresses forward...... :)

College Loan Repayment

In the beginning I thought that my college loans would be paid off in full upon graduation from OCS, but they will actually be paid off over three years. Also, the payments the Army makes are taxable as income. They apparently only pay on the principal and not the interest, but I don't see anywhere where it is broken down, so we will see.
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In any case, even if half of my college loan debt were taken care of, it would be more than worth it and I am grateful! :)

What's Next?

As of yesterday all of the required paperwork has been completed and submitted, including my actual high school and college diplomas, official transcripts, birth certificate, and social security card. All that's left is the OCS Board interview in Oklahoma City, after which I will swear in and sign a contract. At that point I will find out when I "ship out", likely 2-4 weeks later. The interview should be in early March; I will post the date as soon as I know.
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I will be working for two more weeks, through February 20th, and then will get all of my affairs in order, in preparation to leave. After the interview I plan to visit Washington if time allows.
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Basic Training is 9 weeks long, Officer Candidate School is 14 weeks. At that point I will be an Officer and attend an additional school. The duration depends on the Army Branch I am assigned to. After all of this I will serve for three years to fulfill my contract.
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I am very excited and hope to enjoy Army life, as I plan to make a career of it. As always I'm trusting that God is guiding me in the way I should go, opening and closing doors as needed. I will continue to walk through the open doors, giving my best effort to what is put before me. When doors close I will turn to the Lord for patience, understanding, and strength to go in the new direction He has for me, that perhaps was not in "my" plans.

Age Waiver

APPROVED!!!

We submitted the age waiver request last night at about 8:00. It was approved by 9:30 this morning! We knew it would be expedited but WOW! :)

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I will post more soon about what happens now.

Medical Waiver

The medical waiver (for my eye surgery) has officially been approved! YAY!!! It has been two long months and I am SO excited to be moving forward again. =D

My PFT Scores!

The Army scores the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) using a points scale, according to age and gender. To graduate Basic Training an enlisted member must achieve at least 50 points in each of three categories. An OCS applicant must achieve 60 pts upon application (for me this means prior to Basic). However, the Battallion Commander requested that I get 80 pts, although 70 would be acceptable. I have been working very hard to meet these requirements and finally tested on Saturday.

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Results:

Sit-ups (2 minutes): 60 count = 81 pts

Push-ups (2 minutes): 40 count = 93 pts

2-mile run: 16:37 mins = 94 pts

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Official PFT Score: 268 points (180 min required, 210 needed, 240 preferred, 300 max possible)

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(For the run: We used a 1/2 mile track at a park. Whether it's actually 1/2 mile is questionable, but who am I to argue when being given an advantage. In any case, I ran well and am amazed at the progress I've made in just a few short months. My brother-in-law stepped in as my trainer and has motivated and taught me so much! Thank you Ryan!)