29 palms, camp wilson

7/29/2019 29 Palms, Camp Wilson

1/10

29 Palms, Camp Wilson

Day 1, May 5th

We arrived, to a ginormous open desert, filled with small, air tunnel

buildings called Case-bands. We got long safety brief's, then had a littletime to settle into our Case-band. We just called them hooch's on the

East coast, so ill refer to them as such. I spent about 40-50 minutes

changing back and forth between the 81's hooch's. Sgt. Pipich wanted

me in the other one, and Cpl. Thurman wanted me in Sgt. Pipich's.

Finally, rank was pulled and I got to stay in the NCO hooch with a few

other Marines. We then proceeded to go to yet another safety brief

about the wildlife and survival of the Mojave desert. There, I learned

that there are breeds of cactus that attack you, snakes that corkscrew

into the ground, and how important and overly protected the desert

Tortoise is. I mean, we had to go over the exact procedures onrelocating these tortoises. After that, we got a few classes with the

Lance Corporals on Call for fire and IED detection. I picked up very

quick on the Call for fire, and much simpler than I was originally

taught.

Day 2, May 6th

Today, I woke up at 4 a.m. For firewatch. The watch period seemed to

go on forever, and I swore I saw what looked like hundreds of green

glowsticks getting shaken vigorously on top of the mountain. Although,

I would raise my RCO to view them, they seemed to stop moving, and

deem down. I also heard coyotes, which for some reason gave me

motivation. After my watch, I showered and shaved, then was cleaning

my rifle before anyone woke up. So in a way I had a easy morning with

minimal stress. We went to chow with Sgt. Judd (My squad leader) and

it was surprisingly good. Afterwards, we left to go do about three hours

of MCMAP (Marine corps martial arts). There I learned that I am

extremely unbalanced. Afterwards, I went to grab a sandwich at thePX, along with a tasty coffee. We left to the hooch and sat around for

about two hours. Then, two marines decided to leave their rifles

outside, so we got fucked up for about 40 minutes for them. I almost

threw up my lunch. Afterwards, we unloaded so equipment, and stood

by. Sergeants decided to play a knowledge game, which was oddly fun.

It took up about 3 hours. After that, we left for dinner chow. When we


2/10

got back, we did tactical situation scenarios with our gun team (Who at

the time was Lcpl Villa, Edmunds, and Willie.). Then we got released to

bed, although its hard to sleep with the music and lights.

Day 3, May 7th

I woke up for firewatch, after my post I planned on sleeping for about

20 minutes then getting ready for the day. I ended up just sleeping

until 6. I decided last night I wasn't going to shave my moustache, and

grow it out for shits and giggles. Ate chow, and took a glorious long

nap in my hooch. Woke up to go to the same Call for Fire class I was

already taught 3 times while being here. Afterwards, my gun team and

I went to the PX to get a few things. Im still burnt just from one day

here. Something wierd was growing on my scalp, like a odd yellowcrust. I told doc and he said just to clean it off. IED training was at

12:30, so I took a nap. IED training was pretty simple, things ive been

taught, over and over. Although I learned how to use the Mine

sweeper, and a device named "Thor". Which contrary to its name, it is

not that badass. It jams RC signal's. Then, we stood by and I ate some

chow. We had more tactical decision games, which was fun. I had

firewatch during the game, but Sgt said just wait until its finished. So

afterwards, about 25 minutes into my post I took it, though no one was

on post for me to relieve. I went back to ask to make sure it was

standard firewatch post, and it was. So that means someone quit the

post, which is really bad. About 15 minutes before my post ended the

next wat h relieved me early, with was pretty bro. I proceeded knock

out in my rack.

Day 4, May 8th

I got a good amount of rest last night, although my body was still tired.

I was shaving and I totally forgot, and shaved my moustache. We went

to chow afterwards. I came back and Cpl asked my scalp, which was 3x

worse than yesterday. Apparently I got a cut on my head, and it gotinfected. They don't have the medicine I need to fix it, bit they are

going to go pick it up for me. Doc's are really nice and helpful like

civilian doctors, just minus the retarded amount of costs just to tell me

what's wrong and price of medication. I took a photo of my M16A4 rifle,

thinking I should take pictures of things here. Not much to do.

( Knowledge time- Mortar platoons are divided into two sections,


3/10

named 1st and 2nd. Each section contains 3~4 guns, with 3-5 people

on each gun.). Apparently 1st section is going to the field first, and 2nd

section (My section) is staying until they get back. The higher ups are

as confused as we are. So, we did more tactical games for about 2

hours, we stored all of our rifles in the hooch. I asked if it was okay if I

went to the head without my rifle, and was cleared. I got back and I

was blasted by the Sgts' and Cpl. Then, they made them all hold it

because I didn't take it. After a few minutes, Ssgt came asking for a A.

Driver (Someone who sits in the passenger seat of a HMMVV (Military

Hummer) and helps the driver with directions, ground guiding and

staying awake for long trips. Generally no one wants to do this. So Sgt

voluntold me to be the A driver, I left to get my PC and Helmet and

ended up Ssgt wanted someone else, so I had to run back and take it

off. Afterwards, Sgt Baldwin (A Sgt from Georgia that is probably the

nicest, cool one there is) needed a small working party, so I wasVoluntold to go with him. I didn't really mind, we chilled pretty hardcore

with him and talked about videogames the whole time, doing almost

no work. He let us go to chow and spend a good amount of time with

him. Helps a lot with long days. I got back to the hooches and Lcpls

were giving classes about Mortar rounds and M2A2 Aiming circle. That

aiming circle was freaking complicated. Afterwards, we go told to take

a large amount of MRE's and water jugs to the HMMVV which was

about 3/4 of a mile away. Then, we got back. I got to use my friends

phone to call mom, and told her what was up. Very short conversation.

My mother notices and joy and life in my voice is gone. Not 1 hour

later, We were told to bring it all back. Me and Edmunds were told to

take this heavy box back, and we didn't go down there with the

platoon. On our way back to the HMMVV's, we were stopped by a really

cool Motor Transport Lcpl and we had a conversation that I didn't pay

attention to because I was so worried about our Lcpls seeing us. He

knew that, and walked us back and told them he made us help him do

some work. Success. Now, I lay down to sleep. But they are playing

loud music with the lights on and I have firewatch at 4. Also, we are

gong to the field tomorrow, "apparently" so Ill have to keep tabs on myadventures via hand, and transfer it all when I get back. I really miss

talking to stef, and excited about possibly visiting home after all this.

So, I finally got to sleep, and was woken up to go give serial numbers.

Day 5, May 9th

I woke up, 3:40, not as cold as other nights, but Im freaking tired. After


4/10

my watch, I shaved, remembering not to cut my moustache. We spent

about 2 hours trying to hang a very small camouflage net over the

hooch, using only rocks. We somehow got it done though. The seven

ton arrived, and we loaded all of the gear up. Apparently two of our

Marines forgot they had truck watch, and made some CAAT Marines

stand post two hours. So we remade the roster, and I was placed on it.

I got pulled for a working party with Sgt. Baldwin again, which I didn't

mind. I delivered Green gear radios back and forth, and then got back

to the hooches. Sgts gave us 30 minutes to go to the PX and pick up

some last minute things for the field. I bought Flavoured milk, Mocha

drink, new larger boonie, and a sandwich. We got ready, andpacked

the 7 ton truck anf armadillo. I got to ride in the armadillo, which was

apparently lucky. The ride was a bit long, and a new experience. We

got to our mortar pause (A location to set up a Mortar gun line in which

you can fire onto the enemy until you can advance) and we set up theline. It was a huge mountain so we are in defilade. That is the preferred

location for Mortar teams. Mortars The first thing you do is dig a hole

for your Base plate, and place four sandbags under it to keep to

stabile. Then, the FDC (Fire direction center) sets up a aiming circle (A

giant compass that's used to make sure all the mortars are tracking in

the location they are seated) and we did resipical lay. The gun is

officially called "Up" once that is complete. We boresighted afterwards

(A device that detects errors in the guns sight unit) and then we set up

our camo nets to help with the sun. It started to rain sp we had little

time. After we finished, I took at look at my Oakley gloves, and to find

out they ripped whilst I was digging. Needless to say, I was pretty

disappointed. It was a pretty chill night, we unloaded the ammo and

ate some food. The LAV (Light armored Vehicles) pulled up and settled

next to our position. We soon after went to sleep. I had watch, and ot

was even longer and dragged on. I entertained myself playing with my

NVG's. I was searching around and I picked up IR Signal from the top of

the mountain. Odd, and a bit annoying. We have to get watched

throughout this while we train, for its all graded.

Day 6, May 10th

We woke up, and ate. We started taking simple fire missions. Carrying

the ammo is horrid. Its like carrying 50 pounds with a piano wire. We

had a white flag for a while (When we can take off our Helmets and

plate carriers), So I took a nap. Pretty much all day we did fire

missions. I prepare the ammo for the gun. I gotta say, its pretty cool


5/10

getting to do your job. We were up for a long time that night. One of

the Lcpls made some of the kids do a class on mortar system, giving

official names of the parts...and if you got it wrong you got kicked in

the chest while your were crouched down. He was smart about it,

flashing his flashlight on high bright before he did it. That blocks NVG's

from seeing what happened. We soon after had to pack everything so

we could move in the morning to the next mortar pause. My firewatch

was on the first watch, so that was sort of nice, although I was very

tired. My Lcpl (Villanueva) did that for me.

Day 7, May 11th

We woke up and got into the trucks as soon as possible. We moved to

the ammo check point first thing. The LAV mortars closely followed us.

We spent about an hour unloaded all of our used ammo cans and

organizing them. As we departed, the driver took two wrong turns,which put us far behind our time hack to get to the next mortar pause.

We arrived to a large open field, and them had to set up the gun line.

109 new ammo boxes arrived, and we had to unloaded them. Today

the fire missions were intense, and kinda awesome. It was very hot

though. Our gun was the fastest, and most responsive gun. The gun

next to us was not doi,g so well. They had to keep their Plate carriers

on when we had white flags. As the night fell, we started packing up.

We saw airstrikes at night, which was epic. It was like a fireworks

display. I didn't have firewatch tonight, so I got like 6 hours of sleep.

Day 8, May 12th

We started the morning by packing up more stuff. We drove back to the

ammo check point, but my vehicle didn't have to get out and unload

things. We got back to Camp Wilson, it was a long trip. We unloaded

and had to clean our weapons. The desert destroys your weapon. We

pretty, much sat around and got to go to the chow hall. Tonight, I didn't

get firewatch again. Simple day.

Day 9, May 13th

Today we had to go back to the field. So we packed up and left. We

arrived right outside a MOUT tow, (Military operations urban training)

and set up the gun line. It was so hot, I was sweeting as if I was in the

shower. We sat around for a while, without fire missions. Then, we

found out that we placed the gun line in the wrong position. We had to


6/10

rush and move everything over about 150 meters, we was horrid. I was

doing most of it. We got it all set up. I was very dizzy and couldn't

focus. We started doing some missions and I felt like I was gonna pass

out. Sgt Judd saw this and told me to sit down and cool off. I have

never been this hot in my life. After a missions or two I got up and kept

working. Edmonds was being really slow so it started to piss of Sgt

Judd. Near the end, FDC called for all HE to go to gun 6 (My gun). Then,

Corporal came over the radio and said "No, take all ammo to gun 7,

gun six sucks." as he said that, it echoed in our heads. Sgt was not

happy, and just walked away. It was depressing. We loaded up to go

back to camp Wilson, but I got moved to ride in the seven ton. I was

like an oven, and the dust came right into it. I was completely caked in

sand, the sweet made it stick. We got back to the rear, and unloaded.

Me and Willie went to the Warriors Club and I got fat and nasty.

Day 10, May 14th

Today, I woke up at like 9:20 which is mind blowing. Everyone was

gone, Sgt Judd was half naked playing on his phone in the corner. I got

up and got dressed, shaved and sat there. Edmunds and Willie came in

with a big PX bag. Edmunds bought me a new shemagh and beef jerky.

My shemagh got lost or stolen the day before. After that, I went to the

Warriors club for the WiFi. Stef hasn't replied yet, and I miss her in

radical amounts. We got told to come back so were thinking someone

messed up. We got back and all they wanted was us to bring twopeople back. The day ended with me sleeping for 5 hours just to get up

and sleep again.

Day 11, May 15th

Today we woke up and left for the armory. We got to the armory to find

out we had no sight units, so we couldn't do gun drills. So we decided

to take the gun and go PT with it. As we arrived to the LZ where we

planned on working out, FDC was there. The Lcpl in FDC recommended

we borrow a sight unit. So we were able to get one, we started gun

drills. Right off the bat, I was doing really well. Whilst two people were

on the gun, the others would PT. It was really hot. After the PT and gun

drills we decided to pick who carried the gun back. The half that was

the slowest had to carry it. I got on the gun and almost instantly got it

up, but my gunner (Person who puts the data in the sight) fucked me

and put the wrong data in. So we lost, and had to carry it back to the


7/10

armory. After that, the day was ours. I had to get a haircut for the first

time in forever. I went to go show Sgt Pipich that I got it cut, and he

made me go shave my moustache. OP Moustache is a failure. I had

many sads. It was rather disappointing. I went to the chow hall, and

talked to Willie and Fryer about going on a strict diet and workout

program. We decided to work out. The group was about 6 people, and

we started. Everyone stopped, and I was the only one doing it. They all

left one by one and I was left with just tellez. So I decided to keep

working out, I buddy carried Tellez to the hooch. I ran back, then

grabbed fryer, brought him to the hooch. After that, Luna came by, and

I grabbed him, and carried him. I went back to the hooch and stood

around, I got motivated to run with my Plate carrier. I ran 10 laps

around our group of hooches. It destroyed me, and I felt great. The Lcpl

I knew got a promotion to Cpl, and He came by to label our recycling

boxes. I went on this whole escapade to get tape, and it was ratherannoying. I finally got it, and taped it up. Then I had to wait for

someone to come by and check it. Then I had to take the tape back. I

did so rifle drills and I hit the rack. I think things are gonna pick up

tomorrow. I don't feel like going to the field...

Day 12, May 16th

Today I woke up late. No one cares though, good extra 20 minutes of

sleep. I went to get some chow, and came back. Means Willie got a

bombardment of NCO And senior Lcpl's laundry. We spent about 5hours doing laundry. We came back, and it was all mixed up so we had

to organize it. Then we were told we were staying in there field for 12

days...that's so long. Me, dreading it, I go get a tasty sandwich. I hope I

can write while im out. We brought back snacks and drinks for the

NCO's in our hooch. Apparently the working party for loading up the

vehicles started, but they don't want us to go do it. Which is awesome.

About an hour later an Alarm started going off. It was loud and

repetitive, ringing through the camp. Usually they are just tests, but it

has pushed past 20 minutes. Everyone is coming up with scenarios on

what is going on. The ideas floating about are as followed (Word forword) the russians are attacking, Korea popped off, the fire nation

attacked, zombie apocalypse, Polosar finally snapped (Polosar is a

crazy, disturbed kid), and the bees are coming. The alarm has yet to

cease for 40 minutes. Ended up the alarm was nothing. We left for the

field.


8/10

Day 13, May 17th - Day 17, May 21st

The field was quick and a test. We did many hip shoots and CSMO's (A

withdrawal of a gun position, to move to another position. Grunts call it

"Collect shit, move out" when it means "Close Section March Order")

were quick and efficient. I was put on the A-Gunner of our gun. That isa Corporals job. I actually had fun doing my job. I was very quick and

consistent. All in all, it was very dirty. I got to see many different

vehicles I've never seen in person. The tanks were the most

impressive. There was a Mine Tank, it looks like something out of a

science fiction. It has the ability to shoot daisy chain like explosives, I

saw them shoot it and it spreads about 300 meters and massive

explosions follow. It was insane. I wish I could write more about this

time but it was very mentally tiring.

Day 18, May 22nd

Today, I woke up around 7:00, I had two firewatch posts. I got up and

helped put up the cami net. Left for chow with a group of peers. I went

to the PX because I had to buy more Rite i, the Rains, and a case.

Those things are so expensive. I went back to the hooch, and I passed

out. I didn't wake up until 15:15, so I had sleep most of the day. I had

to go back to the PX, so Espino, Reinecker, and myself went to the

chow hall, then to the PX. I needed more rank insignias. I also bought a

cheap deck of playing cards. Not much happened after that, I sat

around. I fixed my gear because when I was gunning, my magazines

were interfering it the traverse hand wheel. I played solitaire for about

an hour.

Day 19, May 23rd

I woke up around 9, too late for morning chow. So I floated around for a

bit. Doc needed his laundry done, and so did I. So I left to get it done,

and got me a Pita at the PX. The laundry was as bad as it usually is. I

got back and Willie and Fryer were gonna go to the gym, so I tagged

along. We worked pretty good, and apparently Fryer has a stomachproblem and he is pooping blood. We got back and I had Truck watch. I

went and relieved Harris, who greeted me with a rap and 81 salute.

The watch was long and boring as usual, I played music since I was so

far away. CAAT came up and left more trucks. Brogdon came to relieve

me, and advised me to wait because 1st Section came back and we

had to unload the gear. I waited a while and Espino came. Me and him


9/10

left to go back and we came at the point they were cleaning the Mortar

system. After that I cleaned my M16 again, and we went to chow. I got

back and I was super bored. Me and a few fellows went to the Warriors

club to hang out, and We sat with some air wingers. Two of the three

were cool, and the other one was disgusting. All he talked about was

female co-workers. I got up and waited outside. We came back and

pretty much sat around until lights. 1st Section has a lot of limitations,

because they were doing so bad. The new guys, we found out are

staying with us. The one named Carey is cool. Everyone is mean to him

and I don't understand why. Apparently Stef's boss has a house he is

giving to her for really cheap, and I hope I can get in on that. That way

I don't have to pressure marriage. I hate doing that to her but I get

scared and need to support her. I saw a new photo of her, She looks so

mad. I need her, I just want to go home so I can be with her. Having

zero contact with her is taking its toll on me. More than half way, twoweeks left of this place.

Day 20, May 24th

Today was yet, another simple day. The days drag on longer this way.

We go to the field today, and do the "Final Test". We left, and I can't

bring my phone.

Day 21, May 25th through Day 26, May 30th

We got back late last night. We have had quite the mission. We didoffensive hip shoots, and set up in the defence for days. We had a

Mortar Position Hole competition, and my gun won. We won free food

at the Warriors club. I'm very tired. We woke up early this morning,

which is odd because we just got back. We were all informed that we

are going back to the field for 4 days...We had to start packing. We left

for chow, came back and everything was a mess. The NCO'S flipped

because the Hooch was so dirty. We cleaned it up, and went about our

day. Soon, I was put on a working party. It is so hot today. I had to lift

Mark 19's and 50 cal.'s, and Mortar systems. Took about 2-3 hours in

the hot sun. We got back, and I went to the PX to try to get some

goodies. I ended up buying yet another HK Knife, I may have an

addiction. We got back, boom, working party. We had to move some

comm gear. Tonight, the Sir is suppose to get us dinner, I hope we can

do it before we go to the field. Apparently, now that I do a E4's job, and

I'm good at it, I just need a little bit physical work to get a meritorious


10/10

promotion. Dear god, its so hot.

Day 27, May 31st - Day 32, July 5th

The past few days were impossible. We did field op after field op, sleep

was no factor. My body is tired, burned and dirty. My mind moreimportantly, dwindled. It was at some points, I could not remember

what I did, not even 3 hours ago. I tired to write, but I failed. The

weather was hotter than any other day. It was 127 degrees for three

days straight. I couldn't see because of the sun and my sweat. We

have shot over Seven thousand rounds being here. We did a MOUT

town, in which I exceled at. We cleared two blocks in 37 Minutes. It

took Riflemen, which is there job, 2 and a half hours to do. We finally

leave to Pendleton today. I am very excited to sit down, relax, watch

Game of thrones, Text my love, and sleep.

The End.

29 palms, camp wilson

Documents