And now, for an Academy update...

Yesterday, Day 4, left a lot to be desired.

The cadets started Physical Training (PT) and not only was it extremely challenging, but the instructors apparently make the Drill Sergeants look like nice, cuddly guys. Imagine doing the most strenuous floor exercises known to man while yelling out cadences and having someone’s hot breath in your face… mmmm, fun!

Jay felt pretty good about his performance, even though he and the other cadets could have filled up buckets with their sweat. Of course after they were done with the workout the head PT instructor informed them all that this was a light workout and tomorrow (Friday) the real fun begins. And they haven’t even started running.

So the first day of PT claimed two more cadets.
Starting class size = 188. End of Day 4 = 185.
(I should note that these cadets left voluntarily.)

In addition to the PT, they had their first criminal justice class and Jay and his roommates also had their room inspected. Jay came back to the room and all the mattresses and blankets were all over the place. Mmmm… guess they did something wrong… maybe the hospital corner wasn’t exactly 45 degrees? It’s not like they get a note from “their friendly neighborhood Staff Sergeant” telling them what was wrong, so they just have to hope they figure it out on their own before next time.

Still, even with all this, Jay sounds upbeat. The main thing is the lack of time. They are moving as if there is a fire under their butt 100% of the time. For example, they have drill practice that ends at 7:50 and then they have to go across the Academy, change into their PT clothes, and get to the gym by 8 (a challenge in itself) plus they are supposed to be 15 minutes early for everything so that means they are late to PT even before drill practice is over. And even any “waiting” time before class starts is filled with studying. Everyone told us that they wouldn’t have any time, but it’s one of those things you don’t really understand until you’re in it.

The good (great) news is that Jay comes home tonight for the weekend. Yeah!!! We are all so excited to see him, even if the weekend will be filled with laundry, uniform pressing, running errands, and studying. At least we will be together!