March 5th-21st

 So after finishing up in processing it was time for me to go meet my commander and get into my unit. Problem was I didn't know where 6-9 Cav was. The NCO's at brigade made the usual lost LT jokes, but called the unit S-1 and got me directions. So I pull up at about 1445 on a Thursday. Didn't know at that point that Thursdays, Ft Hood releases most soldiers at 1500. So as I'm walking to the front door, a Captain walks out of the building. He stares at me an says "Are you lost LT?"...(sidebar, I know they wont end anytime soon but the LT jokes get annoying sometimes haha). I said no and that I had just been assigned to the unit. The look he gave me was priceless. He looked puzzled and said "Really? Oh, well, I guess I'm your commander". I knew from that reaction that this would be interesting. So Capt B (Which is how I'll refer to him in my blogs, gave me a quick tour of the building and introduced me to a few of the NCO's, including SSG B, SSG Do and SSG Da. After a few minutes he told me since it was early release day to come back the next morning for PT.
     The next morning at PT formation, I stood in the back with Capt B and waited for 1SG to lead PT. Turns out my unit is the rear detachment since most of the unit is in the Sinai in Egypt, and since were a Rear D, a lot of the soldiers left behind have medical profiles and/or are in the process of getting out of the Army. At the end of formation when the 1SG called out for the profiles to fall out of formation, we went from having about 30 soldiers to about 5. I was a little surprised but just went with the flow and went on a 4 mile run. Didn't feel awesome but I did alright. After PT, which ends at around 730, I had till 9 till I had to be back at work. So much nicer than BOLC's PT schedule.
     When I came back at 9, I was told by Capt B that I would be the Rear D Executive Officer (XO). Basically I'm the second in command. I also found out that Capt B and I are the only officers in the detachment, and that there were only about 45-50 soldiers in the detachment. I was a little overwhelmed at the idea of being the XO. I'd expected to just be the unit Chemo. But I'm excited for the challenge.
     As the days went on I started to settle into the role of the XO. Capt B and I get along well. He seems very laid back and eager to help me learn as much as possible. I also met our Maintenance Chief, Chief M. He's awesome, thick southern accent, very knowledgeable and definitely seems to have my back. Especially when he and I have our weekly maintenance/vehicle meetings at 3rd Brigade HQ.
     Speaking of these meetings they are once a week and where every battalion reports to the brigade on equipment issues and vehicles that are deadlined (have something wron with/broken on them). Usually led by the Brigade Xo, whose in the process of being replaced. The first meeting lasted an hour and a half, during which I only had to speak for about 20 seconds and everything being discussed sounded like Chinese to me. By the time the second meeting rolled around I understood what was going on a little better but still didn't have to say much at the meetings since we don't use vehicles a lot while Rear D.
     One of the officers I've interacted a lot whose not a part of 6-9 is the S-3 and now XO of 2-82 Field Artillery, Maj. L. Maj. L is a huge, FIT, Ranger tabbed officer who helps support my unit until they get back from Egypt. He is very witty and funny as well as, shockingly, pretty good at making me feel awkward as the new LT. But he is also very knowledgeable and helpful. He always puts me at ease if I have to ask him for help. I look forward to working with him.
     At the end of my second week with the unit I was told by Capt B I would be taking the ECO course for Ft Hood. The ECO is the Environmental Compliance officer. I was told the course would last all of the next week so I'd only do PT with the unit then I'd be in training. But that's a story for the next post.