Academy Life: Jack's Valley

I have been so busy these past few days that I haven't blogged about anything since Dustin marched out to Jack's Valley.
Jacks Valley is a 3,300 acre training complex where the Basics will

spend the majority of 2nd BCT. The location is the valley north of
North Gate Boulevard. They go out there, pitch big tents, and camp out. 

What do they do out there? Remember when we were young and watched
movies like Private Benjamin, Stripes, Officer and a Gentleman, etc?
All of the running over obstacles; falling in the mud; crawing through
dirt. That's it!

Below is a picture showing where Jacks Valley is in relation to the Cadet Area.

The Basics marched out of the Academy on July 11th. The Basics arrived in Jacks Valley, received some opening remarks
from the Commandant, and then got to work setting up the place.  Of
course, many of the main structures will already be set-up - storage
facilities; latrines - since these are permanent wood and/or steel
buildings.

The Basics have to set-up the tents they will sleep in.  On the
ground, there are already concrete slabs.  On the slabs, their tent is
sitting folded.

 

Their duffel bags will be pre-positioned in their designated squadrons
area.   Here you see a shot of the duffel bags from two years ago.  In the back right of
the photo, you see the letter "D" on a wooden bin.  In the bin are the
tent poles for the Demons.  They will have some of the Demon basics get
these poles while the others unfold and lay out the tent properly.  Then,
they will begin the set up.

 

These tents remind me a lot of M*A*S*H.

At least I can be assured that he was able to sleep while at Jack's Valley.  He didn't have to worry about messing up the carefully made bed!  LOL