ITS Tactical

ITS Tactical is one of the latest blogs I've been following. There is so much cool stuff about these guys (and girls?) that I like.

Straight from their "About" page:

ITS Tactical, Inc. is dedicated to showcasing the everyday gear and DIY projects that can help you live better on the tactical side of life. We don’t limit our content to any particular viewpoint, rather our goal is to become an open-source collection of different methods, ideas and knowledge that could one day save your life.

Does that not get you hooked?! Combine the words "Tactical" and "Everyday" and you got a recipe for awesomeness. Also, who doesn't enjoy a good DIY project?

They post regularly with useful information which is key to at least my attention. They seem to talk a little about everything which is good. I've been going back into their older posts to read what I've missed since their beginning.

Also, they are someone you should follow on Twitter. They update that regularly as well with both links to new posts or contests or just replies to comments. Go ahead, tweet them! And say @mikepetrucci sent you.

They are on so many social networks and one thing I love way more than I probably should, is their use of graphics on both their site, their logo, and their uber creative social networking icon set. Check this out:

Really, this is sick! I wish I had that idea! It's graphically just so cool it's making my eyes bleed! But that sounds bad... ok, my eyes are bleeding but not blood, they are bleeding the sweet nectar (which is like Red Bull but for God) of the heavens. Sorry, you may not agree but really, take some time to appreciate those icons.

Overall, they are a no nonsense but lighthearted group that just seeks to better your knowledge of preparation for anything. Worth following? Totally.

ITS Tactical

Into the Abyss

I recently got the OTB Abyss. If I were to tell you what they were up front, you probably would think I lost my mind.

This should sum it up:

The OTB Abyss Boot is ideal for use in any rocky or muddy situation, the sole unit also works well in dry conditions. With its superior fit and drainage features, this boot works well in any environment.

These boots were "designed & engineered at the request of the U.S. Navy SEALs."

And no, I didn't pay full price for them. I got them for a killer deal and these things seem totally worth it.

I got them to replace my aging Merrell Chameleons. Well not really replace but just to add to them. I'm not sure how the Abyss would handle cold and my Merrell's have that area covered.

Merrells

So I had them for just a few weeks now but around one week after I have been using them I decided to give a review of what I noticed. I'll be posting an updated one and with video but this should be good for now.

1 Week Review

Thoughts:

- Water from puddles get in. But isn't that the point? So maybe on really rainy days I wear goretex merrells (which don't breathe like these at all). ALTHOUGH, on rainy days I've noticed that they repel water like a mother and it's only when I get into real puddles do I notice some wetness.

- When water does "infiltrate" the boot, it tends to leave fairly quick and when I thought my sock would be soaked I was surprised to find it was nearly dry.

- Very comfortable even compared to sneakers.

- Stylish with jeans and other pants.

- Jogging in them is not out of the question, great flex and movement.

- Sometimes they squeak on stone floors at work.

-Feel bulky only when sitting down and crossing legs but only because it's a boot.

- Very lightweight feeling but still feel as if I can kick a few doors down.

Side Note Observations:

- When worn with dress pants I feel like a PMC (private military contractor), not really the look I was going for.

- When the metro rail goes by (Washington, DC), I feel the air rush through the boots and around my feet. That goes to show the breathability.

- I have worn these everyday and have not noticed any discomfort.

Downside:

- They may not work with everyday outfits.

- Water gets in if you step in big puddles.

Disclaimer:

- This review was based on my own findings and observations and is not affiliated with OTB.

- I have not done a full submerge to see how well they drain but since I'm so close to the Potomac maybe I'll try it there.

Major new developments!

I don't have the time to put details together right now but there are some major updates, I'll post it soon though.

Warrior Challenge

I saw an ad in GX Magazine for a series on Ripe TV where civilians try and become a part of the National Guard (sort of).  The are competing for a behind the scenes hang out session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and to become the "Ultimate Warrior."

First glance review?  It looks way fun!  I wish I could have been on that show!  Why didn't they call me?  Oh well, maybe for the sequel...

Anyway, I've only seen two episodes and its good so far but I'll give a more in-depth review when I'm done watching all of them.

You can watch them here: Warrior Challenge via RipeTV

Basic Training

I found this great video on Vimeo.  Just a really great job of shooting and editing.  Enjoy!

Army Basic Training - HD from MrGlory on Vimeo.

PT Test

Obviously, I want to get the best score possible.  Well, I've been running and doing pushups mostly.  Although the holidays caught me off guard and it got really cold but I still do what I can.  I do pushups at work and run the stairs when I don't have time to run before or after work.  Here are some unofficial PT tests I gave myself.

13Oct08

- 2 mile run = 18:00

- pushups = 27

- situps = 45

30Oct08

- 2 mile run = 17:23

- pushups = 37

- situps = 25

20Jan09

- 2 mile run = 16:12

- pushups = 55

- situps = 47

It's only 3 tests but you can see a difference for sure.  Also, I'm not sure what happened to the situps on the second test.  That's really weird.  My guess is that I was lax on the first one and let bad situps count. I know that after the first test I started to really make sure my form was good so I wouldn't waste reps.

As long as I keep it up I know I'll be very comfortable (relatively) in Basic.  What I really want to focus on is getting that run down!  I know I can do better.  We'll see.  

Where did this interest come from?

First off, I feel that an interest has turned into a passion.  I've been dutifully thinking and praying and talking over the entire process of joining the Army.  Seemingly, out of the blue I started thinking about this.  But as I try and think back, little things along the way steered me towards this conclusion.  Let's take a journey back in time!  Ok, that was really cheesy but let me just brainstorm for a minute.

- In High School I was in JROTC, just for two years (I have a funny picture in my uniform, I'll have to dig it up).  

- I was in Royal Rangers for almost 10 years (it's like Christian Boy Scouts)

- Random things like video games and paintball interests (sorry if that's cheesy)

- A love for structure, organization, new skills, camaraderie, sense of honor, sense of accomplishment...

I also did some checking of my internet bookmarks (to see when I started doing research online) and I found that in July, I searched for info about the Army National Guard.  Then in October I searched for Active Army and possible jobs.

I don't know... I guess that's part of it but I know there's more.  

Army Update

I decided to go the Enlisted route over Officer.  At least for the beginning.  For a reasons.  

- I don't feel that I have any "traditional" leadership traits

- Passing the AFPT for OCS would be difficult

- No signing bonus for OCS applicants

- Having no guaranteed job was a little unsettling with my wife and I

Benefits to Enlisted first?

 

- Get my feet wet; understand how the Army works

- Gain credibility 

- Enlistment bonuses

- Pick my MOS

So I told my recruiter and we started the work on swapping things around, not too hard.  I gave him my hospital records and security clearance info and luckily I won't have to go back to MEPS!

Stay tuned for more info.

MEPS Notes

Well, I came back from MEPS unscathed.  I took some notes while I was there and I though I would share them with you.  I'm not really going to edit them and I just jotted them down in a bullet point format so I'll keep that the same too.  Enjoy.

MEPS Trip 1 Day 1 20081203

- Took the ASVAB in about 1:45

- Got a 71 total and a 114 on GT (needed 110 for OCS)

- Bunked up with Chad (Navy) - ASVAB = 78

- Ate dinner with Chad and Jillian (Army - ASVAB = 95)

- After the ASVAB and while waiting for the hotel shuttle we all sat for about 2 hours watching TV but I was so tired.

- Planned to go to bed around 8:30 or 9 but ended up 10pm.  I wanted to hang out but I was tired and it's just MEPS.

- Dinner was lame, Chicken looked great but was incredibly dry.  Mean lady, gross dining area: "Chesapeake Room."

MEPS Trip 1 Day 2 20081204

- Bed at 2200, roommate stayed up later.

- Decent sleep

- Woke up and dressed. Ready in a flash, dropped off keycard.

- Breakfast wasn't bad; eggs, bacon, sausage, toast.  I had doubles just so I wouldn't go hungry.

- Board bus at 4:45am

- Got through some tests super quick but then had to wait with a bunch of guys.

- Staff is fairly friendly and helpful but some are grumpy, probably because it's still super early.

- 2 guys in line for an exam with the Doc kept falling asleep.  One snored and the other kept dropping his folder.

- These lines are some of the most mind numbing waiting I have ever done.  Bored and tired.

- Done (almost, well, virtually).

- 1100. Hungry, perfect, free lunch.

- Met a "coastie" but he did NOTHING all day; recruiter didn't put him in the system properly.  Has to do it again later.

- Need to get hospital records and all set.

- 12 dudes in underwear tend to smell a little, though I took a shower, did they?

- Waiting to leave, met girl going to OCS.f

- You kinda see a difference in Enlisted route and Officer route candidates; clothing, attitude, speech...

- I was the only one with a clean shave, a high and tight (or even groomed hair), decently dressed, not sitting sloppy, mouth shut... you get the idea.

- Everyone I met got a higher ASVAB score than me!  Is that bad?!