Long overdue, though as usual not much to report. I stopped at Aberdeen's Uniform Shop to pick up a beret. They only had two sizes left: too big and too small. I'll have to check next month, though to be honest I still prefer the garrison cap. Black berets should be earned, but that's just one old timer's opinion. I guess I'm not New Army enough. Got issued my TA-50 and spent the better part of 2 hours trying to assemble it (kevlar: check. LBE: check. Pack: well let's just say I quit while I was ahead). I sacked out in the armory sans cot, but it's amazing how comfortable a gym mat can make things. I had a nice night's sleep.

Saturday was Civil Disturbance training. Yes, we actually did some training. Highlight of the day: determining an appropriate kia for baton use. Our instructor wisely suggested that "KILL!" and "DIE!" were inappropriate choices. Gunny, not surprisingly, offered "BEER!" as an alternative and we all agreed. Picture a platoon (well okay maybe only the troublemakers on the right) wearing kevlar and LBEs, weilding riot batons and kia-ing BEER! as the formation advances. How's that for a recuiting commercial?

Drove to Baltimore for a night with the guys from Maryland. I stayed up way too late, but it was lots of fun. Sunday was the usual puttering.

Hooah Mister Sims. Come back soon.