PT and NickNames We had a little session of PT (physical training) on Wednesday, and for Reservists, this is actually a big thing. Most of the people I talked to are saying how they are using this deployment to get back into shape. Funny that. Let's see how long that lasts. So, the unit got into a nice large Mass Formation and we all got stretched out and all of that other boring crap. Then all E5's (being buck sergeants) who had been to PLDC (being Sergeant School) were asked to raise their hands. I'm a PLDC graduated Buck Sergeant so my hand shot up. Three other people also raised their hands. We were then made Squad Leaders and put in charge of the Squad. I got first. Then we were instructed to take charge of our squads and lead them in a rousing session of PT, today being sprints. I took charge, and found myself unexpectedly the leader of about 8 people, 5 of which outranked me. Well, we were in PTs so you can't see rank, so I decided that I wouldn't think about that. At first, I was nervous as I tried to march them to the road and called a Column Right when I should have called a Column Left. At least I called it on the correct foot. Well, I got a few things to learn about running Sprints in a PT formation, but I got a few compliments from the other NCOs (being Non Commissioned Officers) and I acquired a new nickname. Drill Sergeant Erickson. See, I started calling cadence, one form of singing that I'm actually good at, and I think I was the only one to do it. And I also didn't take any crap. They said they had a good workout and that I had to much energy. Being a Reservist who doesn't do this that often, I made my share of mistakes, but quickly recovered from them, and I learned. I like leading PT. I want to do it more often. Of course, the nickname has spread throughout the entire unit. They're also calling me "High Speed." Did I mention that I'm having fun? -SGT E: # 11:14 PM - |