4.5.10

Hey All,

And 13 weeks makes half! There are 27 weeks, however all tests and certifications will be done by week 26. Week 13 was definitely a lot better than week 12. The cadets had their physical abilities tested again, the first time being in week 2. They were tested on sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, running and body fat. Some cadets were permitted to leave the diet table, but most ,like Ryan, were not. The diet table isn't so bad, but each night they are required to write a memo on what they ate that day, that is the worst part. Ryan was improved on all aspects but his body fat % was still too high!!

The cadets have begun enforcement tactics which is another major component. Enforcement tactics teaches our cadets how to keep themselves safe. The difficult part of this portion of learning is they discuss Officer deaths in detail. Going through certain cases with a fine toothed comb including pictures. Obviously, this is not the first time that death has been discussed, however, the intensity utilized now is to weed out those who are not cut out for taking this type of risk. Those who are unsure can pose a greater risk to others. This is an unfortunate reality of this career, however it is not taken lightly as illustrated by the intense training that each cadet is undergoing. I have faith that all will be well when our favorite Officer emerges from the Academy.

In range this week they starting shooting the AR 15. I was surprised to see that Ryan's shoulder was not badly bruised from this rifle. He said that it has very little kick back, unlike their shot gun. Range is 2-3 days a week for 3-4 hours. They are getting a lot of range training and will soon have to qualify with each gun. Today they were running scenarios with the shot gun and the patrol car. Ryan said that it was a lot of fun and felt as though he had done well.

So, yesterday while many of us were enjoying the Easter holiday of over eating, over indulging and most certainly getting over our annual visits with family that come too soon and last too long, our cadet was working at the Academy. This was the orientation for the new cadets and their families. For part of the orientation the cadets are separated from their families so that they can get a little taste of what will be unleashed the following morning. One poor, new nasty had 3 Staff Officers on him yesterday and he gave in and let the tears flow. Hopefully he toughened up for today which will be much, much worse.

Ryan got to see a some of the newbies today looking like deer in the headlights and running around frantic. In the chow hall Ryan was eating his lunch and was sweating as the newbies got demolished as he remembered all too well. One of the Staff Officers came over to the seniors and started yelling at them too asking them is they wanted to be yelled at like that again. In between shoveling his food, Ryan sternly replied NO SIR!!. The Staff Officer came over and slapped him on the back and said, " I'm just kidding Gotti!" This was 1 of the 3 Officers who demolished Ryan on his first day for having pin stripes (very conservative ones BTW) on his suit. He called him Capone, John Gotti etc... Ryan was surprised that this Officer remembered who he was from that day.

A sudden change in the universe has occurred granting the cadets respect from the Staff Officers. They have backed off a bit and actually laugh and joke with them. Being a Senior cadet definitely has its perks.

A side effect of losing a lot of weight is requring new clothes. Finally, some much deserved new things that fit. Ryan shows off his new church and recreation clothes in this weeks pics!

Love,

Amy