DCC week 4
It’s the smallest moments that have the biggest impacts
Why, hello, last week. You came quickly, but not quick enough.
True to typical group nature, the last week of DCC was fueled by excitement, irritation, coffee, and plans for course exodus.
Without further ado, here’s the week breakdown:
Day 1: We got a relatively later wake up. Had breakfast chow, then grabbed all of our CIF gear to return. The return process was quick in easy. Came back, cleaned weapons until roughly dinner chow, ate, then called it a day. It was quick to see the stark drawdown in intensity from the prior week. The following day was our PT test. In preparation, I had a healthier dinner, stretched, and turned in for the night.
Day 2: 0400, for the last time (for now). We were administered the PT test, which went relatively well on my end. PT failures were to be counseled, as passing wasn’t a requirement, but obviously necessary to remain in the Army. All Soldiers would be required to pass the PT test at BOLC, however. We showered, had an AAR with the company commander. An AAR (active action review) is the Army’s form of critique to better itself.
Day 3: Today we had PT, began the process of out-process, and practice for graduation. We spent the majority of the day in the auditorium in preparation for graduation, as the Army is meticulous in its presentation of its Soldiers to the community.
Day 4: We spent a good portion of the day out-processing, cleaning weapons, and packing our bags for departure (I would be staying for another week as a holdover).
Day 5: Today is DCC Graduation (whoooo!). I can’t say that this graduation has the same flair as previous graduations, however today was exciting as we finally able to exit DCC as a course and were essentially allowed some autonomy. Those leaving that day would out-process by turning in all of their unit-issued items, receive their leave forms, and turn in their linens.
We graduated after chow, and were saluted for the first (and last) time by our cadre. It was a unique experience of mutual respect. We marched back to the battery, and those who had flights that evening immediately took off. I, and the other new Active Duty Soldiers, would be held over as we didn’t have sufficient leave to cover us until BOLC.
There’s a resiliency topic that all Soldiers will hear multiple times, which is “Put it in Perspective”. It’s a simple tool to look at an event that would otherwise be a pain in the rear, but you look at it from a different light. It’s tricky to admit that I came away with practical lessons taught from DCC — I likely share this perspective with the other prior service folk. However, there is a learning lesson in any environment, if one knows where to look.
My time at Ft. Sill taught me a lot about patience, performing my role, and gratitude. Many of the other troops were just experiencing the military for their first time, which meant my role was to practice patience and offer advice when given the opportunity. I could only imagine if I were to have complained the entire time, and the message that would’ve sent the other folk. Would they have felt inadequate? Annoying?
DCC is the introduction to being a leader. One of the arts of leadership is how you present yourself. For those prior service folks, I couldn’t advice more the art of your influence. Be conscious of how other perceive you. Utilize your genuine leadership, and be authentic with your peers. You will have complaints, but complain in a manner that doesn’t affect morale.