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jmcgowan
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Name: Joseph
Gender: Male
Interests: Photography, exotic/foreign food, working out, climbing things, military, shooting, jumping out of planes, traveling, movies, music, performing arts, doing things I've never done before, outdoors adventure stuff, staying active, a good challenge, adrenaline, friends, life, and a ton of other stuff I can't fit in this little box...
Expertise: Being a part time ninja, photography, shooting, traveling, getting a degree in Strategic Intelligence with a minor in Security Management, serving as a sniper in the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, witty phrases, and some other random things...
Occupation: Infantryman/Sniper
Industry: US Army
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
Member Since:
3/19/2005
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| I am now a US Army Sniper. After a month of grueling training, I have emerged from the fire with a new skill and a new job within my unit. But I will be the first to say that it was in no way shape or form easy.
32 soldiers entered the training to try and earn the coveted Sniper title. 14 stood tall on the last day to receive the honors. I am honored and humbled to have been one of that 14.
Sniper school was rough. Physically it wasn't bad. Not the easiest, but definately not the hardest. Mentally, this school was rough. I spent a month in almost constant fear of failing. To pass this school you must pass 4 weapons qualifications, a range estimation test, a target detection test, a stalk, a final exam, and show yourself motivated and proficient in other tasks, ie. range card, field sketches, live fire exercises, etc. Passing one test only bought you a couple days until the next test.
Range estimation almost got me dropped from the course. You have to pass one out of three graded tests with a 70% or better (70% was the standard for the whole course). I ended up passing graded test number three. If I failed that, then I would have been sent home. But God had other plans and I passed and ultimately graduated the course.
Overall, I am happy that I was able to go through the course and very excited that I passed. Thank you for your prayers, they helped in ways that we will probably never know.
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| I got back from Warrior Leader Course on Saturday. I graduate on the Commandant's list which is only limited to the top 20% of the class. I guess it's the equivalent of graduating with honors. It was a good course and I had a lot of fun. The people in my small group were amazing and I enjoyed hanging out with them all.
Anyways, I was still waiting to hear back from my unit on going to Sniper School down at Benning starting in two weeks. Well, I get a call on Tuesday from my unit. "McGowan, can you report to Arkansas for sniper school on Friday?"
And I responded with the little three letter word that has gotten me in more trouble than I would care to admit. "Yes."
So I leave tomorrow for Camp Robinson, AR to go through Sniper school. It will be done in two phases, shooting phase and field craft phase. I will be gone a month. Here are some prayer requests:
-Focus
-Safety for the trip and for the duration of the school. No injuries.
-That I do well, learn quickly and am able to utilize what I learn quickly. That I do well on the tests and ultimately pass the school.
-The other students
-That I am a good representative of myself, my unit, and above all my faith.
-And anything else you think I need.
Man I love this life. Drop everything and go. This is the way to live I tell you what. I'll have my cell phone. Thanks.
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| I'm gone from March 7-22 for Warrior Leader Course. It is a pre-NCO leadership course that will give me the tools to be able to lead other soldiers. Should be a good course and should be fun. Pray for safety, for rest, focus, and great weather. It is raining outside and cold, so right now it looks pretty bleak. But for the rest of the course, pray for sun. That's all.
I'll have my cell phone but will not have my computer.
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| Diplomacy at this point is obsolete. When you've been punched in the face by the playground bully, do you stand up, brush yourself off, and simply smile while trying to convince the bully why playing so rough is not a good representation of himself and that this modern, gentler playground has no room for such rough behavior. Or maybe run away. Or maybe get into a fight, and when he hits you again, you yell "uncle" like a mama's boy and run off.
Meanwhile, all the other shady characters of the playground watch from a distance, measuring you up and watching what you are going to do.
No, you stand up, brush yourself off, kick the guy in the face, knock the wind out of him, push him over on the ground, and beat him with any available object including your various appendages. And don't be afraid to try that new move out too. Then, while he is barely moving and moaning, you stand up, spit the blood from your busted lip on the ground, glare at the bystanders and others that are watching and snarl "okay, who's next."
This is the reason I am supporting John McCain for President. End of story.
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