Reporting for Active Duty

I finally got access to a computer workstation, and so I can post!

I reported for duty at Marine Corps Combat Development Command Quantico, Virginia, September 6, 2006, and spent the first few days checking in with various offices and units, before coming to rest at the History Division September 11.

Most of my time has been taken up with setting up work space at the History Division, going to and setting up appointments with medical, dental, legal, supply, etc., and getting refresher training, all in preparation for my upcoming deployment. It's been a busy couple of weeks, needless to say.

I have been able to continue working on an oil painting of one of the wounded warriors I sketched up at Bethesda Navy Medical Center with WO1 Mike Fay in August.

Next week I'll be going out to fire various weapons with the H&S BN, as part of Marine Battle Skills Training. This is very good, as I need to familiarize myself with a variety of weapons before deploying (The Combat side of the Combat Artist's repertoire...).

I also hope to get a chance to go out in the field to observe and sketch the officers at TBS (The Basic School here at Quantico-- intensive basic training for new officers). That will be another opportunity to get used to doing the job in the field.