Let the games begin...

Finally, I start this blog that I've been promising my friends about. I would of started a long time ago if wordpress wasn't so difficult and uncompliant so Blogger will do the job. And so far I love the simplicity. So as my first post, I'll have to quickly brief you on where I've been. I've been training at Camp Atterbury for the past month. Granted, most of the training we have been doing has been death by powerpoint. Most of you military folks know what I am talking about. At this point, we have about 98% of our team together. I have been trying my best to interract with each member of the PRT. Our PRT includes Airmen and Soldiers. For our civilians out there that aren't too familiar with today's forces, it is a team made up of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army personnel.

Recently, we've done some training out in the field. It's a tough balance to go through training and learn what everyone else is learning but also document the training. I am not the best multitasker and while I am trying to get "the shot" I can forget to pay attention. The hours of training are very long and the post-production process can be dreadful but this is my job as a combat cameraman. Don't believe me? Check out this hardcore Nikon D3 after a muddy shoot at the range.



Nikon gets a little dirty!

  We have been practicing for an 8-mile ruck march that has to be completed in less than 2 hours. To those civilians unaware of what a ruck march is, it is basically a thick uniform, heavy boots, about 55 pounds in  your ruck on your back, and 8 miles ahead of you to walk. Not to include the combat load we'll be having on our bodies downrange. Anywho, here are a few photos of it. You can find more of these photos on my Flickr account! =)



Sergeant First Class Robert Russell leads his platoon through a ruck-march




Sergeant First Class Steidl shows us what REAL calves are like




1st Lt. Belena Marquez leads the way of our PRT in the ruck-march

 We began by doing 2 miles with no load on our back to get out feet used to it. Three weeks later, we now wear the boots, our Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), the ruck and helmet. I think we're are definitely getting there.

So want to know what is nice about having Army training? We actually get to qualify our weapons during night time. I've qualified multiple times through Air Force shooting ranges but never did I shoot at night until I got here. Of course, I took my camera with me to show you guys a few images of day and night.



A red flag signifies that the range is hot. Safety Precaution.




Airmen qualify on the Night Range




Specialist Alan Wine qualifies on an M240B Machine Gun

 Although training can suck, I, for some off reason, like this stuff. Yes, we do wake up at 0500 to go do some physical activities. We do have to sit through long powerpoints. We also cannot quit our jobs if we wanted to. Even if we dont get paid, right? ;)

But how often can you go through a grenade. So we did grenade training about 2 weeks ago (did I mention I was trying to catch up). I think it was a good experience because not all military folks can do it.



Tech. Sgt. Matthew Kangas throws a grenade while Staff Sgt.
 Kenneth Wright takes cover.

I did forget to mention that we are getting new uniforms. We are getting that high speed multicam uniform that is now the Afghanistan deployment wear. It's pretty sick I must say. We aren't wearing them just yet but soon enough when it gets closer to us leaving we will definitely be wearing it. Like I mentioned earlier, I have been here for about a month and there is some stuff I did not include above. It is 1.20am and I need to be at the gym by 0500 for some good fun PT. I will work on getting everyone caught up over the next few days. After that, I will try posting as much as I can. I might get busy so don't get all upset with me when I dont post. Feel free to share this blog with whomever and I hope you enjoy the images and etc.



Never did I say I won't post a few pics of myself here and there.
This is what happens when you're waiting for hours at the range.