the Things I learned on a 36 Hour Pass (Part One)

Between the completion of Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training, most of Foxtrot Company enjoyed a time off base with family. Here are a few motherly musings related to the time. The memory mistakes are all my fault if Josiah checks it for accuracy.

On General Military Topics

• 36 hours military time equals 30 hours civilian time; Time warp whenever a soldier is off base.
• An eight mile march carrying 35 lbs is equivalent to twelve mile march carrying 42 lbs.
• Past soldiers carried quarters for pay phones; now they use cell phones and check facebook.
• When military buses are driven by civilians, everyone has to have a seat. This is a good thing.
• Military driving buses can pack soldiers tightly; But they also can deliver to barrack's front door
• Store everything in ziploc bags when dealing with sweaty soldiers and Georgia humidity to avoid the growth of alien species.
• Baby wipes and q-tips are used for gun cleaning; Baby wipes are also "showers" on the field.
• Past military misconduct resulted in 2 year absence of overnight passes for Foxtrot.
• Past indiscretion resulted in a non-allowance of any Public Displays of Affection on the base--even when greeting your son.