ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

Today's photo was from the parking lot of my local Crossfit "box" (it's not a gym. Gyms are full of machines, apparently, whereas Crossfit likes to say that the people are the machines). Several of us arrived for a 9AM workout and there was no instructor. So we just took stock of our surroundings, determined we had several skipping ropes, massive tractor tires (they part of the many crossfit workout-activities), and some large mats that get stored outside. Conditions were perfect for a little impromptu bootcamp!

So we ran through a little circuit. While one person was flipping tires (5 flips out, 5 flips back) the others would skip, squat, plank, and situp. We would take turns with the tire, and as long as it took to flip, the others would be doing their work.

Also, it was very hot out! But super fun.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

Cadet cadre lead the new cadets of Company C back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

Cadet cadre lead the new cadets of Company C back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Joint Force Headquarters, South Carolina National Guard, take the Army Physical Fitness Test Oct. 26, 2019, at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina. Soldiers participate in pushups, situps and either a two-mile run or 2.5 mile walk to test the physical endurance and status of each Soldier. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Erica Jaros, 108th Public Affairs Detachment)

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

Rest day of my exercise routine. Still did stretches and some (few) situps. But feeling a bit more like going outside to take a photo after I'd gotten home since I didn't feel I needed to go for a jog.

I'm not especially happy with this shot. I'd have to get into proper HDR and photoshop to get the effect I was after. The light from the windows and ground lamps bleached out if I tried to get more light on the lower center and sky.

It's still a fair night shot, and I think picturesque, but won't be winning anything.

---

Meditated both morning and evening, although I tried focusing and doing 5 minutes in the evening and seemed to work. But I think this was in combination about not doing exercise tonight.

Busier day at work. Stuff I need to finish up tomorrow.

EAST CHINA SEA (July 16, 2021) Sailors work out aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). McCain is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rosen)

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

www.happy0.cn/

Alexander LaFave, a Cadet from Cameron University in Oklahoma, holds the feet of another Soldier Hero during the Army All-American Bowl Player-Hero Challenge at San Antonio's Sunset Station on Jan. 4, 2012. Each player in the All-American Bowl is paired with a Soldier Hero - a Soldier who has received the Bronze Star (with "V" device for valor), the Silver Star or the Purple Heart. Throughout Bowl Week, the player and his Soldier Hero share their personal stories and keys to succeeding. Select Soldier Heroes teamed with players in a friendly competition involving sit-ups, push-ups and an eating contest. (Photo by Steve Arel/U.S. Army Cadet Command)

More than 230 cadets began the Competitive MIAD tryouts Oct. 25 and the head count dwindled throughout the daylong assessment conducted by the Department of Military Instruction. The physical assessment included a modified Army Physical Fitness Test (pushups, situps, pullups and 2-mile run), a 6.75-mile ruck march, the Indoor Obstacle Course Test and swim test. This was followed by a military assessment which included a kit assessment and military knowledge test. Scores were compiled and the top 192 cadets proceeded to the third phase, a Leadership and Character Assessment consisting of four leaderless command tasks similar to what cadets encounter at the Leader Reaction Course at Camp Buckner. One task required a squad to move into a formation—blindfolded—alphabetically by home states. Others, like the V-Plank and River Crossing were timed obstacles requiring teamwork and problem-solving. Cadets who hoped to enter the Combat Divers Qualification Course or the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school had a different third phase to complete that was more oriented toward the skills required to pass those courses. In all, there are 77 slots available for cadets to attend 10 different U.S. and foreign military schools. Photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets offer each other assistance on the leg-ups, which is a modified pullup/crunch that works the abdominal muscles.

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

More than 230 cadets began the Competitive MIAD tryouts Oct. 25 and the head count dwindled throughout the daylong assessment conducted by the Department of Military Instruction. The physical assessment included a modified Army Physical Fitness Test (pushups, situps, pullups and 2-mile run), a 6.75-mile ruck march, the Indoor Obstacle Course Test and swim test. This was followed by a military assessment which included a kit assessment and military knowledge test. Scores were compiled and the top 192 cadets proceeded to the third phase, a Leadership and Character Assessment consisting of four leaderless command tasks similar to what cadets encounter at the Leader Reaction Course at Camp Buckner. One task required a squad to move into a formation—blindfolded—alphabetically by home states. Others, like the V-Plank and River Crossing were timed obstacles requiring teamwork and problem-solving. Cadets who hoped to enter the Combat Divers Qualification Course or the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school had a different third phase to complete that was more oriented toward the skills required to pass those courses. In all, there are 77 slots available for cadets to attend 10 different U.S. and foreign military schools. Photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

Cadet cadre lead the new cadets of Company C back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

The new cadets of Company C took an uphill route back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets move from a squat position to an explosive vertical leap as Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

Cadet cadre lead the new cadets of Company C back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

The new cadets of Company C took an uphill route back to Central Area after starting another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

My dog doesn't quite know she's a dog. When you pet her, she pets you back.

She's done this since I adopted her. She doesn't prefer being petted on top of her head so much as neck and chest scritches. Maybe a dog behaviorist will tell me "she is using her paws to push your hands to where she wants to be petted, to keep them off the top of her head" but I prefer the description my old roommates in Raleigh coined--"petting you back". Once you're scritching where she wants she'll sit still and often put her chin down so she's all swanlike and just hold your arm with her paws. Super cute and elegant. <3

I am so sorry for my participation so far. I want to cry. I was psyched to join, to improve and show off what I'm learning and it's like life has kicked me in the balls EVERY.DAMN.WEEK. My friend has not been able to lend me his dSLR again. I was stuck with a very poor quality point and shoot, but that's better than nothing! Then yesterday I had my shot set up and the Cybershot decided every set of brand new batteries would be dead within MINUTES of putting them in and every time I hit the shutter the camera shut off. Every. Time. I was freaking out about getting a shot so I spent time dressing Diaz, setting up the scene, adding little details because the only camera I had left is my laptop's iSight webcam.. humiliating, but I will make it work if it is my only means to get my shots! I propped my laptop up (it's an Axiotron ModBook, basically a slate tablet Macbook) and set Diaz up with much difficulty...only to watch in horror as my laptop fell to the floor and froze up, requiring forced reboot. I was petrified I'd broken it, it cost me $2600 new, and is my ONLY computer. It turned back on, I set up again--totally determined to get ANY shot just so I wouldn't miss a week--and as I turned my back the laptop fell to the floor and froze up again. I was so angry, upset, and horrified that I walked off for some time just to calm down before I came back and rebooted... Laptop seems fine, but it seems I was NOT meant to take photos. :(

Luckily I ran to my grandpa's in a last-ditch effort to see if he or one of my uncles had a camera I could use..and lo, one uncle happened to have his on him and let me borrow it.

I swear to god, on top of the other terrible things going on all at once in my life recently, I refuse to be beaten--I will take a shot a week some-how, some-way, and I will not let this discourage me from doing photography or anything else I want. My motto is "it couldn't get much worse" and shrug it off..and when things do get worse, I just wash, rinse, and repeat.

Sorry, that wasn't really about Diaz but she is sniffing the broken remains of a Sony Cybershot sitting in pieces on the floor. :3

I promise I'm trying really hard to keep up with the group and I hope that this year I'll get myself a dSLR again and be able to upload more than mediocre edited snapshots! :<

edit: Texture by an artist friend Hibbary!

Oops, as always critique and feedback appreciated and encouraged!

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

ORLANDO, Fla. – The 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition began in earnest today as 12 Soldiers from the 143d ESC and the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion demonstrated their physical power and mental might to complete a gauntlet of Soldier skills.

Dawn had yet to illuminate the lakes and trees blanketing Camp Blanding, Fla., when the Soldiers endured an Physical Fitness Test directed by Army Reserve drill sergeants from A Company, 2nd Battalion, 485th Infantry Regiment (Initial Entry Training) out of Jacksonville, Fla. After completing pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run, the competitors had less than hour to eat, clean, change uniforms, don rucksacks and step into a van bound for Camp Blanding’s live fire ranges.

The 143d ESC cadre and A-2/485 drill sergeants managed the ranges that tested the each competitor’s competency with the M4 Carbine, M9 Pistol and M203 Grenade Launcher—all while wearing a gas mask. The Soldiers were then ferried deep into Camp Blanding’s dense forest. The troops applied their land navigation skills to physically locate three distant points on a map using only a compass and protractor.

As the hot, dry day relinquished control to a cold, moonless night, the competitors returned to the field with weapons in hands and night vision goggles over their eyes. Muzzle flashes pierced the darkness as the competitors attempted to eliminate their artificially illuminated targets.

The exhausted yet enthusiastic dozen returned then to their barracks to clean weapons, write an essay and prepare for another grueling day that begins with a 10-mile road march.

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

More than 230 cadets began the Competitive MIAD tryouts Oct. 25 and the head count dwindled throughout the daylong assessment conducted by the Department of Military Instruction. The physical assessment included a modified Army Physical Fitness Test (pushups, situps, pullups and 2-mile run), a 6.75-mile ruck march, the Indoor Obstacle Course Test and swim test. This was followed by a military assessment which included a kit assessment and military knowledge test. Scores were compiled and the top 192 cadets proceeded to the third phase, a Leadership and Character Assessment consisting of four leaderless command tasks similar to what cadets encounter at the Leader Reaction Course at Camp Buckner. One task required a squad to move into a formation—blindfolded—alphabetically by home states. Others, like the V-Plank and River Crossing were timed obstacles requiring teamwork and problem-solving. Cadets who hoped to enter the Combat Divers Qualification Course or the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school had a different third phase to complete that was more oriented toward the skills required to pass those courses. In all, there are 77 slots available for cadets to attend 10 different U.S. and foreign military schools.

(Photo by: Staff Sgt. Vito T. Bryant/ USMA Public Affairs)

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really cute..she's 3 months old and her dad and mom train at my muay thai gym. it was mom's turn to train today and dad was looking over her. she started to get fussy and bit so dad decided to cheer her up by doing situps :P she was cooing and smiling

New cadets from Companies C and E begin another day of Cadet Basic Training with a workout at River Courts Aug. 2. The physical fitness session was Circuit 1 Interval training which meant the new cadets were working toward muscle failure in a series of exercises to include pullups, dips, pushups and situps. Those in Co. E had just completed the fire team live fire and hand grenade training which was another physically-demanding event for the new cadets. U.S. Army photo by Mike Strasser/USMA PAO

really cute..she's 3 months old and her dad and mom train at my muay thai gym. it was mom's turn to train today and dad was looking over her. she started to get fussy and bit so dad decided to cheer her up by doing situps :P she was cooing and smiling