Month: December 2005

  • OCS pack list

    (UPDATE: There is an updated pack list located in the articles section)

    In one month I will be reporting to Quantico, VA for Officer Candidates Class. Training is going well and I’ve started getting my shit together. With lots of help from friends I’ve made a list of what to bring.

    4 pairs Thorlo boot socks (black)
    2 sticks BodyGlide
    1 set of civvies (wrinkle free permanent crease and a plain polo shirt)
    1 pair of nice shoes
    2 pairs of go-fasters
    Pair of broken-in boots
    1 pair of boot insoles
    2 pairs of white running socks
    Underwear for about 5 days
    Extra sneaker laces
    Toothbrush and toothpaste
    Razor and shaving cream
    Travel size mouthwash
    Q-tips
    Wet wipes
    Hand sanitizer
    Liquid shower soap
    Towel
    Couple white washcloths for cleaning rifle
    Deodorant
    1 tube antibiotic ointment
    1 tube antifungal cream
    Motrin
    6 inch ruler
    Chap stick
    Zip lock bags (small and large)
    Black pens (erasable), red pen, pencils, and erasure
    Laundry pen (Sharpie’s “Rub a dub”)
    A cheap black water resistant watch
    $400 (small bills)
    2 inch clear tape, for your canteen
    1 roll of 1/2 inch and 5 rolls of 1 inch athletic tape
    Electrical tape
    Small nice scissors
    Waterproof spiral notebook
    Cell phone and charger

    I’ve been told to put everything in Ziploc bags and to mark everything. I’ve also been advised to pack it all in a sea bag or duffle bag, not a suitcase.

    The “sea bag drag” at OCS… can’t wait.
    sea bag drag

  • Last class

    I just finished teaching my last class at the Veteran’s Shelter. Dennis and Felipe stayed to talk a little longer after class ended. As they were leaving Dennis had some very kind words. Not only does everyone talk very highly of my classes, Dennis said he knows on a personal level that I’ve touched the lives of some of the men staying here. That made me feel good. I’m glad I got the chance.