I'm going to attempt to describe a typical day in my life over here, although there really have been no normal days, and my schedule changes everyday. However, I can try and talk about a timeline that occurs on a fairly regular basis.
We normally have some other duties in addition to patrolling, such as base security or QRF, so most of the patrols we run do not involve more than half the platoon.
I usually wake-up around 0800, and slowly struggle get out of bed and start the day. I will usually sit on my computer and stare blankly at the computer screen for a few minutes to try and wake-up enough to not be blinded by the light when I go outside. I head to breakfast sometime before 0900, and once done with that I work on paperwork or planning or coordinate for future patrols. I eat lunch around 1200 or so, and begin mission prep.
Before every mission, my SLs and TLs start PCCs and PCIs about an hour before leaving, and I have a few final things I need to check out or coordinate. Thirty minutes before heading out the gate I give the mission brief, describing our Task and Purpose, and the basic scheme of maneuver for the patrol. There are certain things that I have to cover everyday regardless of where we are going or what we are doing called the "Wolfpack Daily Four." They are: Stryker crew drills (fire, rollover, evac), ROE/EOF, Weapons Status, and Talking Points. After I give my piece my senior NCO gives the MEDEVAC portion of the brief in case something bad happens.
The patrols last anywhere from one to three hours, and can have a variety of purposes whether it is to search some compounds, talk to a local leader, or conduct a reconnaissance of the area. Two of the more vital things we do is to incorporate the ANP into our patrols and simply have a presence out in sector. After we come back, I have a debrief to do to help with future intelligence reporting. So let's say we SP at 1300, and get back at 1500, then after the quick AAR with the NCOs, and the debrief, it is almost 1700. Depending on my schedule and tiredness, I might squeeze in a bit of gym time. I head to dinner, and shortly thereafter I have a meeting with the company leadership to discuss past, ongoing and future operations. Many times, after the rest of the leadership leaves, the PLs, XO, and CO have a smaller huddle to discuss other plans.
After I finish with the meetings, I usually have a night patrol that goes out and runs in a similar fashion as the day patrols. So that involves the same steps: plan, brief, execute, AAR, debrief. If we leave at 2100 and stay out for an hour, then by the time I get done with the debrief it is approaching midnight. I head back to my room to read, chat on Facebook, and relax and unwind before bed. I usually head to sleep around 0100, and sleep until I start all over again the next day.
Of course, this is just what some of my days look like. Sometimes I can't send out any patrols, so it gives me an opportunity to get ahead on paperwork and push other issues pending within the platoon. Throw in some inventory inspections, additional duties assigned by squadron to my platoon, and the need to let my guys rest, I really don't need to look hard to keep myself busy. I hope this helps everyone back at home see a little bit of what life is like for me here. And I love it. Being a Platoon Leader is the best job I have ever had, and I'm going to savor everyday remaining to me.
We normally have some other duties in addition to patrolling, such as base security or QRF, so most of the patrols we run do not involve more than half the platoon.
I usually wake-up around 0800, and slowly struggle get out of bed and start the day. I will usually sit on my computer and stare blankly at the computer screen for a few minutes to try and wake-up enough to not be blinded by the light when I go outside. I head to breakfast sometime before 0900, and once done with that I work on paperwork or planning or coordinate for future patrols. I eat lunch around 1200 or so, and begin mission prep.
Before every mission, my SLs and TLs start PCCs and PCIs about an hour before leaving, and I have a few final things I need to check out or coordinate. Thirty minutes before heading out the gate I give the mission brief, describing our Task and Purpose, and the basic scheme of maneuver for the patrol. There are certain things that I have to cover everyday regardless of where we are going or what we are doing called the "Wolfpack Daily Four." They are: Stryker crew drills (fire, rollover, evac), ROE/EOF, Weapons Status, and Talking Points. After I give my piece my senior NCO gives the MEDEVAC portion of the brief in case something bad happens.
The patrols last anywhere from one to three hours, and can have a variety of purposes whether it is to search some compounds, talk to a local leader, or conduct a reconnaissance of the area. Two of the more vital things we do is to incorporate the ANP into our patrols and simply have a presence out in sector. After we come back, I have a debrief to do to help with future intelligence reporting. So let's say we SP at 1300, and get back at 1500, then after the quick AAR with the NCOs, and the debrief, it is almost 1700. Depending on my schedule and tiredness, I might squeeze in a bit of gym time. I head to dinner, and shortly thereafter I have a meeting with the company leadership to discuss past, ongoing and future operations. Many times, after the rest of the leadership leaves, the PLs, XO, and CO have a smaller huddle to discuss other plans.
After I finish with the meetings, I usually have a night patrol that goes out and runs in a similar fashion as the day patrols. So that involves the same steps: plan, brief, execute, AAR, debrief. If we leave at 2100 and stay out for an hour, then by the time I get done with the debrief it is approaching midnight. I head back to my room to read, chat on Facebook, and relax and unwind before bed. I usually head to sleep around 0100, and sleep until I start all over again the next day.
Of course, this is just what some of my days look like. Sometimes I can't send out any patrols, so it gives me an opportunity to get ahead on paperwork and push other issues pending within the platoon. Throw in some inventory inspections, additional duties assigned by squadron to my platoon, and the need to let my guys rest, I really don't need to look hard to keep myself busy. I hope this helps everyone back at home see a little bit of what life is like for me here. And I love it. Being a Platoon Leader is the best job I have ever had, and I'm going to savor everyday remaining to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment