Adventures of HG at NRTI

Yesterday was Monday and what a day! After a rigorous PT, we only had class for two hours. Our instructor who was supposed to teach Hazmat for the day called out sick and our Commander couldn't find a replacement in time so the Commander taught us a few things about the NPS and then we all called it quits. It was rainy so I stay inside but basically didn't get much done. I decided since I had so much free time that I would study a bit then cook an early dinner for the guys. They've had me over for dinner a few times now so I thought I'd repay the debt. I cooked big, juicy cheeseburgers and French fries. Yum!



Today we also got out a little early. The same instructor called out for today and tomorrow. We got out at 1600 (4:00 p.m.) as opposed to 1700 (5:00 p.m.) and it looks as though the schedule is the same for tomorrow.

In class today we went over searches, fingerprinting, car theft, VIN numbers and a few other things. We started with searching. We each had to pick a partner and search each other. I was not at all comfortable doing this, but luckily I was paired with Tom who is familiar with how to do a search as he works for the TSA. He was not invasive and handled himself very professionally. I was also nervous searching him, but it went just fine. Wow, too much information, huh?!

We also worked on fingerprinting. Since there was only two fingerprinting stands the rest of practiced handcuffing each other while waiting. I'm still working on breaking my new handcuffs in. I got a new pair yesterday because my old pair wasn't working correctly. When you get a new pair of handcuffs, you have to cycle them through a few hundred times before you can 'slap' them on someone, otherwise it's really going to hurt. My new set of cuffs are Peerless, that's a specific company. They have a different style than Smith & Wesson, so I'll let you know what I think once I get the chance to try them out. On Friday, my instructor lent me his handcuffs which are hinged (no chain in between the cuffs). I really liked these because they are easier to hold with my smaller hands. I might eventually get these for a second set of cuffs.

Tomorrow we were told to bring our boots, duty belt and 'all weather gear' to PT. I'm afraid of what's to come. I'm thinking we are going to have to run outside at 0600 (6:00 a.m.), in our boots, in 20 degree weather. Yup, that sounds fun. I'll write all about it tomorrow! :)