The reporting instructions list all the training we have to accomplish before we get to Ft Bragg along with everything we’re required to bring with us and a list of everything we’ll be issued there. The list of stuff we’re required to bring is pretty small, it’ll probably all fit in one duffel. The list of stuff they’re going to issue us there is a lot bigger and includes body armor, helmet and weapons along with a ton of other crap. We’re authorized 4 bags and a weapon case, but it’s going to be a pain carrying 4 duffels and a weapon case. Oh well, I’m not the first one to do it and I’m sure I won’t be the last.

It also mentions that we’ll be expected to be able to complete a 2 mile march in body armor and helmet with a full combat load (~50 lbs) and weapons on the first day of training. We did a 4 mile march a few weeks back with a 30 lb load and it wasn’t bad at all. I’m still going to need to step up the PT regimen a bit before I leave though. I’d like to be in the shape I was when I ran the half marathon, but I don’t have the time to train that much. I can run 4 miles now, I’m going to increase that by a half mile per week until I leave, so I should be up to 7 or 8 before I leave. That should put me in good enough shape to make it through CST and I’m hoping with the stress, boredom and food in Afghanistan I’ll be able to come back in much better shape.