A Whole lot of Nothing

Well it was my drill weekend once more. On Saturday, due to my recent promotion, I had to take the "Big Three" certification test. In the artillery the E-7's are responsible for essentially using survey-like equipment to position the howitzers. This includes using an aiming circle which is pretty much like a survey tool. It has a magnetic needle and is measured into 6400 units known as mils (instead of 360 degrees). There is also a written exam of many different areas covering ammunition, positioning techniques, recorde keeping, and many other skills. Well, I did ok on the written exam. About 90% on my first time through. This allowed me to continue on and correct the problems I missed until I achieved 100%. After that we did the hands on portion of the test. We had to go out to a prepared test sight where we had to set up the aiming circle within 3 minutes. I missed my first attempt, practiced a few more times, and then made the time on my second try. After that I became what I'd like to call a "chicken noodle on rye". I had taken these series of tests once before when I had to cover for our battery's E-7 while they were all at school (great planning, eh). But then I had had more time to practice and get comfortable with the equipment. By the end of the day on Saturday I was coming around. The Master Gunner for our Battalion did not give me a "go" (nor do I think he should have), but I was starting to grasp the tool and how to get it to do what I needed it to. Next we were tested on a newer version of the aiming circle. This one has a computer, some GPS capability, etc. Now this is a tool I can wrap my mind around! :) If not for a simple aiming error on one of the tasks I would have passed the written and this portion of the testing. As it stands I will need to retest on both of these aiming curcle tools. I also found out that I will have to go on the advance party for our unit in May, as well as do two annual trainings this year. *sigh* One is for 9 days in June, the other is for an NCOES in late July/early August. That one is for about 15 days. Neither training is going to be really physically challanging. It's just having to be away for those days. Over all I was disappointed but it was not a bad weekend. The ray of sunshine was when the battalion sergeant major drew me aside to ask about my military career and what my intentions moving forward might be. I told him I aiming for January 2008, and when he asked about when I would reach my "20". I told him this summer, and that my wife would prefer that I get out this summer. Well, he was encouraging that he thought I would make a good First Sergeant (E-8), and that I seemed to be a soldier than enjoyed being in uniform as opposed to one what was just there for the money or benefits. Not knowing what else to say I said "thank you". Verse for today: 2 Samuel 22:32-37 esv For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.