"Only when the Power of Love outweighs the Love of Power will we truly be at Peace"

-Jimi Hendricks


Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery but Today is a Gift, that's why it's called the Present.

-Crazy Old Turtle

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Swim Qual and such

So first of all I fear nothing!
But swim Qualification sure stinks!

Now everybody knows Marines for our confidence and ability to kick butt. Few people, as it turns out, don't know that we started out as strictly sea-faring warriors. When the Corps started we were strictly snipers on Navy ships. Now we have held on to our tradition as the military's best shooters, but the Navy ship thing has changed a bit. Marines still get deployed to sea on "Floats" as they are commonly called, but we aren't glorified pirates anymore.

With that being said, we are still considered Amphibious Warriors. Whish means we HAVE to swim.

Now I don't mind swimming, it's all good and dandy. I like the workout you get from a good swim. But swim Qual is a whole different type of poison.

Now imagine swimming several hundred meters. Peice of cake right. Now imagine doing it with Cammies. Once again not that hard. Now imagine doing it with boots, flak Jacket, Kevlar, rifle and a combat pack on. This is awefull!

Thankfully I had the strength of mind to complete my second class swim qual. Which means I don't have to do it again for 3 years.

AWESOME!

In other news I got glasses and still refuse to wear them and I have a dental appointment on Friday the 13th. Scary!

I should be home(Idaho/SLC) on leave 25th to the1-2 ish so plan around me!

4 comments:

Kate said...

I'm so proud that you can swim with all that stuff. I remember going swimming with you and you would sink like a rock trying to float...I guess you have come a long way eh?

The 25th?! I want to come...If gas prices weren't so high, I might be able to swing another visit...we'll see I guess. :(

mom said...

Your glasses will not be lost so easily(like some others you had) if you keep them on your face.

I'm looking forward to seeing my buff tough Marine.

Kara said...

How do you not sink with all that on???

When do you come in? Need to be picked up?

KJBBBG said...

Glad you are still having fun. Good job on passing the qualification. That's the "I'm the best" John I know. :)