The sun shone brightly. A pleasant breeze was blowing, however, the air was a little humid. The road was dry thanks to the sunshine, but the fields were submerged due to the heavy rains earlier that week.

Per usual, I arrived late, accompanied by my lovely wife Kathy and my trusty, hyper-kinetic puppy Bow… (she was a Christmas gift). There were already 5 Militia members and a small contingent of sympathizers (buddies) on location. The squad had already formed ranks and begun their maintenance march. As I gathered my gear and put it on, the point man halted the team to wait for me. I called out and told them that I would catch up (famous last words). I did catch up, but it cost me.

I now know that I can not wear either pair of steel-toe boots I own to march in. I can wear them to work and walk through out my day just fine, but marching is not recommended. I tell you this to save you the lesson (pain). You should be well acquainted with whatever foot wear you choose to train in. If you have not already walked at least a mile straight or so in them, you should try it at home before you go hurting yourself on a 2 mile march.

Next problem, or in addition to bad choice of foot wear, there was this issue of catching up… I did! I caught up! Me, the militia heavy weapon division. I caught up as fast as I could and then proceeded to pant like a pregnant yak for at least 10 minutes. The point man was using hand signals to lead us, which was cool. He went through 7 or 8 signals. Lt. Col. Wilks informed me of the signals I did not know. One was double time. Of course it means jog. I had already used my supply of double time! All I had left was half time. Needless to say, I got left behind and eventually got lapped (twice).

Just prior to my being lapped for the second time I made a sacrifice for the unit, knowing that training is so valuable. I decided to offer myself as a mock enemy, who when he sees gun toting highly trained and motivated Michigan Militia persons marching towards him does what he must. I threw up my hands in surrender. The quick thinking point man and Lt. Col. Wilks seized the opportunity for more training. I was instructed to lay down my weapon. Two of the squad advanced toward me while the rest of the team assumed a defensive posture keeping watch to either side of the road and to the rear. My next command was to lie down (this was much appreciated). I was searched and checked to see if I was concealing a live grenade underneath my person. Once thoroughly searched I was released, at which time I graded the search team. They only got a C+, due to the fact I produced a 5-inch lock-blade from my belt.

Having been released, I continued my march as did the team. They made it back more than 20 minutes before I did. Lt. Col. Wilks took on the duty of range officer and we who haven’t yet qualified on the range had several opportunities to shoot. I didn’t qualify and have decided that my rifle shares some of the blame. I decided that day to save for an AR-15 with a 20-inch heavy barrel. I will continue to practice with my AK-47 because, as I said, it is only partly to blame. I need much improvement in my marksmanship.

What I learned at this FTX was that training is where reality meets expectations. Learn your lessons now. Practice all you can because if or when you are called to use these skills there will be no "do-overs". No matter what your skill or fitness level, we can all use some improvement.