Well, we've got a couple of weeks under our belts now. The main focus so far has been on mandatory training. We've done Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defeat and Mounted Combat Patrols. I've also qualified with my pistol since I already did the M4 (the new M16) before we left.

There's a lot of training, but there is some down time. I try to get on the computer in my room, but all I have is an air card from Cingular (well, AT&T). I guess the service hasn't caught up with the "big cities" yet because I find myself wishing for a dial up connection while I'm waiting for pages to pop up! It's creepingly slow!!! I found a computer lab about 200 meters from my barracks. They restrict a lot of things on the computers there, but I can do the basics, thank goodness! I'd hate to lose my sanity before I even get there.

There is a lot of shuffling going on as far as positions. I'm on my 4th different position now since arriving in Arkansas. I think this is the final change, though. They found out I had a background in Protocol, so I've been moved to the Joint Visitors' Bureau to assist with visitors when they come in - scheduling, protocols, escorting, things like that (I think).

Stacey and JJ are doing well. They miss me and I miss them. (Sophie and Daisey, too!) They get to come visit later on in February when we have leave. They'll just go straight from here back to Virginia. My mom's going to make the trip too, so hopefully it won't be too tough on them.