![]() If I failed to find my last point before the end of the exercise, I would be tossed from the course. Trek was placed intentionally right in the middle of the six months of officer training to make it more stressful. My rucksack felt like it had gained 20 pounds as I busted through mountain laurel. My sense was that the answer to the last question was: "Then you die, dumbass." Should I change my socks? Should I sleep? Is it really over in three days, or is that just another mind game? What if I fall off a cliff and break my leg? Maybe they want to see if we can go three days without eating. Did the exercise time begin when the last man started, or did each of us have his own start time? When should I stop to eat? Maybe we're not supposed to eat. I chose a route and set off through the woods with my thoughts, immersed in the solitude. The sun was just breaking over the treetops. I moved off into the tree line and sat on my ruck, studying my map. The road was the only manmade creation in sight. The sergeant slammed the van's barn doors and climbed back into the driver's seat, leaving me standing somewhere near the town of Troy. I wondered what they thought of my appearance. They reminded me of dogs being hauled off to the pound. As I watched him walk away, I looked past him into the cargo area and made out the faces staring back at me. Unconvinced, I thanked him, and he went back to the van. No catching a ride or taking any assistance from the locals. You can't be within two hundred meters of any buildings. We're patrolling the roads, and if you're caught, we take you back to your last point. He turned his head and spit a black stream of tobacco juice. You don't have time to be bullshitting anyway." Just get your next point, plot it and get out of there. ![]() "You'll be given your second point by the point sitter. ![]() Across rolling terrain, I had a solid seven-mile walk in front of me. I had to unfold my map to find the location. With a mechanical pencil, I found the spot on the map corresponding to the grid. Get out your map and confirm your location." He gave me a coordinate. I scooted out, dragging my 65-pound ruck behind me. "Good luck, man." The van left the road and then came to a stop. I tightened the strap holding my eyeglasses. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |