Week Two - CTC - IV-05

[ResQ]

Well folks...more of the same. We have lost a total of 15 now. we are down to 74! I don't think there will be anymore for a while... Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of struggle and you can see the eyes of the people who are still unsure of their abilities...but they have heart and that counts. So outside of a possible (one or two) quitter(s) this holiday weekend...I think we are set for a little bit until the academics and EVOC starts washing people. There have been no "late-adds" (although I don't know if the leadership is considering this or not as I am not privy to that level of data) that I have heard or seen. We are finally getting into a rhythm and making things happen. We have cadet leadership developing and the lines of communication are developing. Anybody remember the "Storming-Forming-Norming-Performing" models that relate to group dynamics? Well we are forming and norming at this point. The standards keep getting higher and higher so there is always more to think about and keep up with. This has been an outstanding program thus far. Very well designed and purposeful. This is my 6th time in a setting such as this (with all of the military schools I have been through) and this rivals any program for efficiency and structure. I can tell already this is going to build a great foundation for us to launch into the field and start applying the info. The instructors are also world-class, battle proven, hard chargers who see the big picture (although it is hard from some to recognize this when they are getting "jammed-up" at the Staff Office) :badgrin: So, point being...when you get here...don't let your emotion override your logic. Don't get angry at a person...be angry at yourself and challenge yourself to do better by listening to the instruction and correcting yourself. Pretty simple stuff really...

That is all I have time for right now. I am neck deep in homework. Study, Study, Study until it is like a second language...

oh by the way...if you think you are in shape...you aren't. Out of 79 that we had on PT Intro there were 4 who met the standards and received the appropriate reward (don't ask...just wait and see..it is distinguishing). I am not bragging, but simply offering advice. I was one of the 4...and I am not in the fittest shape I have ever been in...but more fit than 75 others...and I used Crossfit. If you haven't checked it out go to www.crossfit.com and read their philosophy on fitness. I did Crossfit for 2 months prior to the academy and that made a HUGE difference because of the structure of the workouts (very similar). I didn't think I was going to CHP and was training for DEA at the time...I wish I had another 3 months of crossfit before I got to the academy so I could have actually "smoked" the initial PT...but I still struggled :cry: Anyhow...if you have the time I STRONGLY reccommend Crossfit's Workout of the Day (WOD) as a baseline and additional activity as necessary (i.e. I rode my bicycle to work 7 miles a day for 2 months prior to the academy on top of Crossfit). Good luck!

[SB 405]

Yeah ResQ,Mentor said week 2 is when the fun starts. I'm sure you guys will do great. Hey I ment to ask,How many females in the class?

[Darth Choke]

ResQ-

Good job. Keep going. Sounds like you came prepared and can handle the many stresses the academy can deal out. I used a similar method to get ready for the academy - http://www.trainforstrength.com It was much like Crossfit. Did you go to an actual Crossfit class or just do it yourself? I did mine at home and at the gym. The last 2 weeks or so I forced myself to do it at the gym at about 4:30 am to prepare myself for the time change as well.

My class started with approx 160 cadets. I was one of the 14-16 cadets who were "rewarded". Be proud of that accomplishment. Very few acheive that and it is a story to add to your CHP career.

DC

[ResQ]

SB 405, I am not sure of the exact number...I will estimate at 7-ish..so roughly 10%!

Choke, I work with a number of Crossfit Certified Trainers...so it was a no brainer. We built a gym and just improvise the stuff we didn't have. The only difference I see is that you don't have to pay for Crossfit...just look at the site each day for the workout. Are you a fighter too? I need to get back into the ground fighting again. My stand-up game is decent...but my escapes and technical skills are sorely lacking. I guess once the academy is over I will sign up again for some accellerated stuff.

[Darth Choke]

I love MMA and have all of the UFCs memorized!! LOL

I haven't trained hard since completing college and starting a family and career. My groud fighting is much better than my boxing skills. I am a PMA instructor for my office and try to educate as many officers as I can on the need for ground defense (and offense).

If you watch TV at all and have seen The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season two that just ended on SpikeTV, my friend Joe is the one who won the $100K contract with the UFC. I used to train with him all the time. We took different paths though.

What did you do before the academy...working w/ Crossfit trainers?

DC

[ResQ]

reference my avatar...I work part time at the Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, CA. I fly Pavehawks and I work with the PJ's (pararescuemen) who are tip top. A few of them are great ground fighters and a few are crossfit guru's. Also I work with a female flight engineer who turned me on to crossfit a year or so ago even though I didn't start until recently. I wish I could emphasize how important ground fighting is to everyone...it is one of those things that you have to lose at a few times before you understand the science and importance behind it?! and once you learn how to fight and relax at the same time...oh glory! that will bring a smile to your face. I just hope I have time to pursue some more training after break-in is over... We have a friend of a friend who was on last season too. He fights out of Jackson's in Albuquerque. I can't remember his name right now...small world though huh?

[Darth Choke]

let me know how boxing day and wrestling day turn out :biggrin:

[ResQ]

Choke...10-4

I think I will only post significant events (wrestling and boxing day being two of them) from here on out. I think the readers of this site are mainly interested in being prepared to actually GO...rather than needing minute by minute play action with instant replay...there is too much of a good thing. So from here on out folks...don't expect much from this office. Talk to the "old heads" here and listen to what they say. They have 'been there & done that..and have the t-shirt to prove it' I am forever indebted to the sage advice of the administrators.

God Speed to all.

[SB 405]

Haven't heard from our academy friends yet this weekend. Guess now that week two has been completed the study factor get's turned up a few notches:badgrin: and not much time for play.

[Nellie]

Haven't heard from our academy friends yet this weekend. Guess now that week two has been completed the study factor get's turned up a few notches:badgrin: and not much time for play.

Correct-a-mundo!

[ResQ]

SB 405,

Package arrived! Thanks! I will use and share...or use and return...your preference.

Yeah, week THREE (! I can't believe it is this slow and this fast as the same time) is over. More attrition, unbelievably. But, hey...it is either your style or not your style. Those that went 2+ weeks must have had a hard time tearing off that scab. I would rather poke my head in for a night or two and then say FORGET THIS...or...stick it out for a solid month and then say This Isn't For Me. But it was a wierd time for some of them it seemed like?!

Anyway, the studies are getting more intense and they are starting to overlap. It isn't just one big assignment, it is a series of medium sized ones. The instruction is still top notch and we are actually having FUN once in a while. I know it probably isn't authorized, but we even laugh a little here and there! The relationships are starting to become stronger now that the chaff has blown away and the group dynamics are stabilizing more each day. Getting to know the people in the class has been interesting in itself. There is a pro wrestler, pro basketball player, a journalist, a house dad, someone who just moved from momand dad's house to the academy and has never lived on their own...people with incredibly diverse backgrounds really are the salt that makes this part of the journey so satisfying.

and you are right...no time for leisure this weekend! see ya

[SB 405]

Thanks for taking the time to check in guys,and as always good luck. ResQ feel free to pass the radios onto another cadet once your done using them if you think it will help someone.

[FuelInjection09]

Cadets are allowed to carry personal two way radios at the academy? :shock:

[SB 405]

Cadets are allowed to carry personal two way radios at the academy? :shock:

I sent the guys a couple of my old police scanners to help them get familiar with CHP radio traffic,not two way radios.

[Your Mentor]

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves at Camp Academy. I'm sure you guys and gals are busy as hell but loving the immersion into your new culture, . . . uh hem, er, new career.

[Cameron]

Thanks for all the updates, ResQ pilot. They are really helpful, and heartening, for those of us who are somewhere in the application/hiring process. Keep them up, if you can!

-Cameron

[ResQ]

Mentor...I agree...CULTURE! I am starting to look at tags/plates, lights, lane changes, etc. etc...and I am not even half way through vehicle code. In fact it is still very confusing at this point, but my mind is searching for that different "approach" to being in the highway environment. Very strange unconscious change! and with culture come relationships. I look at the officers on the side of the road and smile to myself as I pass, make sure they aren't in a fight where they could use a hand and imagine me out there at the beginning of next summer... rather than just blowing by and thinking 'I wonder what that is like' Then of course there is the culture of the facilities themselves. That is another story (that some of you know) :biggrin:

Cameron, I wish I had more for you at this point, but it is becoming a routine; study, clean, memorize, study, clean, march, eat, run, study...ya' know. The most important info is already out there. Your last interview with your BI is the MOST important because you get the tools you need to be successful in the first couple weeks. If you blow that off...then you will suffer...if you take it seriously then you will sail

speaking of sailing...I need to sail through some vehicle code today. Best of luck to the forming February class...see ya soon

[SB 405]

How many classes go through the Academy at one time? Any time during the year when the place is down or do classes keep rolling in one on the heels of another?

[dw]

There are always two classes, except for a one week gap between classes (when there is only one class there). They're staggered every three months, so there is always a Junior class and a Senior class. The Juniors are able to learn some things from the Seniors. Unless we have a freeze, it runs year-round.

[Darth Choke]

There are always two classes, ... so there is always a Junior class and a Senior class.

I find your use of the word "always" disturbing. :evil:

It was so fun being treated like Juniors the entire time. The PT staff and Office staff were so bored they were coming up with new things all the time to do to us due to lack of "non locked-on" newbies at the academy.

**/ rant off **

[dw]

There are always two classes, ... so there is always a Junior class and a Senior class.

I find your use of the word "always" disturbing. :evil:

It was so fun being treated like Juniors the entire time. The PT staff and Office staff were so bored they were coming up with new things all the time to do to us due to lack of "non locked-on" newbies at the academy.

**/ rant off **

Ture, at the beginning of the freeze, there was a single class for a while...

[SB 405]

Well our friends Nellie and ResQ are 30 days in. Any insight as to what the class may be working on at this point?

[ResQ]

SB-405, you are "Johnny-on-the-spot" every week with a reminder of the progress! Well done...

Nellie is doing great as far as I can see. He sits in the front row on the other side of the class and I see him everyday. We used to be "quad-mates" (meaning living in the same "quad" of dorms) but we moved last week, so he and I don't get to chat after hours much anymore. The classes are still mostly foundational classes. Still using the building block approach to peice eveything together as far as codes, proceedures, policies, etc. We are working through Methods of Arrest, starting Vehicle Ops next week and still muscling our way through Vehicle Code and Forms. We hve had close to 10 tests from POST courses focused mainly on basic Criminal Justice structure and theory as well as basic crimes. We are tested everyday on spelling, grammar, radio codes, etc by the instructors or the Staff Officers and our personal Staff Counselors. Our "drop" count is now 21 from 89 who started...I think we have crossed the bridge and have the core of those who will stick it out until they are washed out by academics or vehicle ops. The most challenging things as of late are simply managing our on-duty time. The schedules are very tight and we usually are running (literally) from class to class while ensuring we have the proper equipment and/or uniforms, are clean and neat, and accounted for. The thing that I forsee being more and more difficult is the necessity to attend all of our scheduled classes, AND do all of the little things like polishing boots, our personal brass, starching our shirts, cleaning our rooms and making beds WHILE getting enough rest to be "present" for instruction. There is a big difference between being physically in class and being tuned in/awake/mind-turned-on. It is challenging to go beyond basic recall of facts and start to think through application and evaluation if you are fatigued. So as the class schedule gets filled up with night classes and more data to be responsible for, the challenges will continue to increase. There was a rash of sickness going around that made PT very tough from some. I even felt the effects of having a pretty nasty cold and still having to "put-out" physically in PT and Methods of Arrest. It was a killer 10 days or so. Many are almost over the sickness and getting back to having normal energy reserves to make the workouts and stay awake in class. Our drill is coming along on schedule. We march most everyday and that helps keep the commands fresh in our minds.

We are still making little mistakes here and there. For example, I collected some memos from our Company (half the class) to deliver to the PT Staff and got a head count, made sure everyone had "the plan" for the next class period...and then ran into the gym with the papers to deliver. I made a dead run directly to the instructor, snapped to attention, reported in with my cadet name and my request to deliver the memos and he just looked at me and shook his head..."What is wrong with this picture?" he asks...?! I stood there for a long moment thinking everything through...and then realized I had my sweatshirt on inside the gym! :shock:ops: So I quickly replied that I would prepare a Blue Card for my infraction and was encouraged to leave the area... Everything was going so well up to that point! :smile: Honest mistake, but it is one more "hit" that I took and will pay for in some way in the near future. Little things like that are what really get us now. The big parts are flowing pretty smoothly. But the devil is in the details!!! :evil:

The pride continues to build eveyday. The desire too. Everytime I am away from the academy and see a unit on the highway I get excited. I can't wait to get this behind me and take all of the lessons out and start really doing what we are here for.
I hope some of the February class will log on and start sharing their experiences once they arrive. It will be fun to compare and remember how fast things change from week to week. Although we have only completed 5 short weeks, it seems like such a long time!

Blue Skies,
ResQ

[Nellie]

Res-Q, how uncanny! I was going to say the exact same thing (just about). Just kidding.

[SB 405]

I've got to stay on top of you guys because the two of you are livin' my dream. Hey ResQ,are the scanners working out? And like I always tell you guys...good luck, in spirit i'm sitting right beside you guys in the classroom. If you need me for anything,just ask.

[Welpe]

Thanks for the update Res-Q, good luck to you and Nellie throughout the rest of the academy.

[Your Mentor]

Brings back memories. Not as a cadet but as an instructor. Even though the Academy experience is a rough go, working there for several years really does something to you. It's the finest HQ unit there is and a great time. Everyone is upbeat, motivated, and a pleasure to work with. It's fun reading posts from current cadets because that place is so vivid to me. Have you started DUI yet?

[SB 405]

Okay ResQ,It's time for you to tell us all about the Christmas gifts the nice people at the academy gave you guys. :lol: :biggrin: :smile:

[23112]

ResQ, thanks for sharing your story about your memo delivery to the PT Staff--bad experience, but a good memory! :smile: As you know, you'll continue to have those "devil in the details" moments throughout your stay. However, it's the details that will keep us alive or kill us when we graduate and hit the road. Though I still have a long way to go myself, I have seen my respect and appreciation for the Academy Staff continually increase because they're doing what they do to get us ready for the road.

It looks like the Juniors are getting things squared away. Endure the starting weeks of Academy, and you'll be amazed at how fast the weeks go by.

-23112