A lot has happened since last week. I started my classes last Monday and that is where the fun began. We started off with CBR (chemical, biological, radiological) protection utilizing our gas masks and protective suites in the gas chamber. We were required to enter the chamber, remove our canister and then replace it while holding our breath and then clearing our masks. I was unable to replace my canister as I found it difficult and sucked some good old CS gas. Nothing like gas in the morning to clear your sinuses. The following day we continued with IED training, learning how to recognize possible IEDs and the proper steps to take if having the misfortune of crossing one's path. The most fun part of the class was when my group got to set off an explosion that was strapped to the other groups vehicle. The kicker was when we had to switch places and have our turn at the experience. It was a very scary yet interesting course.

Sunday was a day of rest spent with the bravo company ladies. We ventured off base for the first time and hit the mall running. After about an hour or two of shopping we made our way to the beach. The sand was white, the sun was hot and the water was brown! Left overs from hurricane Katrina lingered along the coast. Houses were rebuilt, in the process of being rebuilt and many were left with just the foundations abandoned by owners unable to rebuild. All in all it was a very relaxing day to forget about the upcoming task at hand.

Yesterday I started my M-16 class with class room training. I aced my written test and today we practiced on the simulator. God help those who get stuck with me in a fire fight. Tomorrow we hit the range for our live fire marksmen ship qualification. I tend to do better at live fire so keep your fingers crossed for me.

As I was walking back from class I noticed a group gathered at the base theater. There were women and children, mothers and fathers holding welcome home signs. I realized that they were family members of other Seabees waiting to welcome their loved ones home from a long deployment. NMCB-22 came home today and all I could think was that I wished it was my battalion coming home. Its seems so far away now but I know that someday those signs will be for us.