Week In Review (04 Jan - 09 Jan 2011)

So we finally got back after our holiday breaks and man did the pace pick up.  I knew it would, as we officially started the predeployment window of 6 months out last month, but with the holiday season, a lot of it had to start now. 

Monday was a day off as the break ended that evening so Tuesday began the first full day back.  That was a day full of briefs and meetings typical of a Monday for me.  It was really just a confirmation that the week would be busy and we needed to pile 11 pounds into a 5 pound sack.  We got the annual substance abuse training, but I have to admit that it wasn't too boring.  The drug reduction guy on base is extremely entertaining and as I saw later in the week, he has a way of connecting with junior Marines. 

Wednesday had two big meetings, etc.  The first was a combat policing training.  A retired LAPD officer who now works with the military in teaching gang policing techniques to Marines and soldiers provided the brief.  It was interesting to see the concept of reducing gang activity overlaid onto the situation in counterinsurgency operations.  The Marines really enjoyed the training and I even heard a few of the NCO's tell their junior Marines it was the best training they have ever been to in their careers.  The second meeting was our predeployment training cycle in brief.  Basically we met with the division and told them where we were in the process and how we plan to get to the deployment on time with all requirements completed and what help we need in getting there.

Thursday was a day full of annual training.  I like the way they try to get all the general military training requirements completed in one day instead of spacing it out over the year like I typically saw in the Navy.  This way you only use the man hours on one day instead of wasting it in scheduling throughout the year. 

Friday I made a introductory visit to our sister battalion whose main body is deployed.  We are responsible for their remain behind element so their OIC wanted me to make an introduction so they could see who the chaplain was that is covering them while their chaplain is forward with the battalion.  I also got called for a CACO drill that took a few hours to exercise the plan and it went well.  And then we had our normal officer training that afternoon at 1600 and then it was time to head out and get on the weekend so I could get in a long run and do some unpacking and cleaning around the house.