Encampment Day 3: M1A1 Abrams tanks static display, Land Nav Course

After a short refreshing PT routine and a hurried freshening up, we left for the mess hall for breakfast. The first of two attractions today was the stop at the 2 Maintenance battalion. The Marines opened up two M1A1 Abrams tanks for Civil Air Patrol members. They allowed us to climb all over the big tanks as the Marines described the functions and operations of the tanks. The cadets also got to climb down into the hatches something that the senior members could not do and it had nothing to do with security clearances! The Marines were very patient as they answered the numerous questions from the cadets and seniors.

After the tank static display, the group headed to the Land Navigation Course. There a group of Marines who are experts in Land Navigation. The cadets and seniors were divided into two classrooms and the Marine instructors went over the basics of land navigation and went over numerous exercises to read maps, and grid lines.

After a quick lunch at the mess hall, everyone rushed back to the Land Navigation course for a final briefing and a practical exercise in land navigation through the dense woods at Camp Lejeune. Fortunately no one was seriously lost during this adventure. The Basics were safe but slightly muddied from the exercise and were transported to dinner at the mess hall.

During flight time outside the mess hall, the cadets got to wish Happy Birthday to C/Capt. Joseph Houston and Mrs Laura Moore and Maj Jeff Moore treated the cadets and seniors to birthday cookies.

The rest of the evening was spent on uniforms, boot shining, hygiene and other CAP chores.

The staff also got to enjoy some home made brownies courtesy of the famed encampment chef, Mrs Kathy Kier.

The cadets and seniors are ready to retire for the night but eager to see what attractions the next day will bring.

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