Encampment Day 0: The arrival of the Basics

The day began with a staff briefing where the Cadet and Senior staff learned the "hows and whats" that would make up Day 0 of encampment.

After a visit to the mess hall for breakfast, the executive officers stepped the rest of the staff through the opening formation.

Then it was off to the main gate to meet the Basics. The support staff officers and a few of the senior staff greeted the basic cadets and their parents.

Once they had said their goodbyes to family, and signed in, the cadetswere ushered to the buses where they met the 1st sergeants.

A few minutes later

which seemed like hours the big white bus pulled up at the barracks, and out poured the wild-eyed, confused but excited Basics who were warmly greeted by a hospitable line staff.

The Basics had gotten their first taste of Encampment.

The Basics, after being sorted out into their various flights, were led outside for opening formation. The welcome speech, which was given by Cadet Major Kier, completed the opening formation. This was then followed by a half-hour of flight time, after which, the cadets were marched to chow.

After chow it was back to the barracks for Operational Risk Management training, conducted by Encampment Safety Officer Captain Dan McCollum. Proper safety precautions were observed because of the extreme heat and humidity.

The cadets then changed into PT gear for some leisure time.

A very energized but tired group is now preparing to turn in for the night.

by C/CMSgt Micah Larson and C/CMSgt Tim Johnson with support from Capt. Paul Twiddy and Maj Conrad D'Cruz