08/02/01 - Pararescue Orientation Course, George Washington National Forest, VA

My luck seems to be picking up as I was again met at the airport, and my baggage was there too.

Another night of glorious cold wind in the face as we drove from the Dulles Airport in Virginia to a hotel near the George Washington Forrest.  In the morning I arrived just in time to film some morning PT.  It ran the gamut and ended with some singing...  The instructors (including the legendary MSGT Miller this year) are hard core in everything they say and do.  The cadets "move with a purpose" the entire time.  MRE's are their only sustenance.   After breakfast it was a land navigation course straight into the Forest (which is quite filled with trees, and BUGS, LOTS OF THEM-they seem to look at you as a taxi).  After that was a series of courses on shelters, fire-building and the like.

The next day included a 4 mile hike (mostly uphill and full of rocks) with full gear (a weighted rescue litter for each team) to the rappelling site.   You can't really see the ledge you rappel too so it is a very intimidating course if you've never rappelled before.  There were a fair share of individuals who changed their minds once reaching the edge, but they were eventually "coaxed" into completing the course.  I was able to get some great shots of this as I crawled out on my stomach on an adjacent ledge for a profile shot.

Two Air Force Reserve NCO's made great breakfests each morning for the staff, and I was lucky enough to eat with them, vs. MRE's.  I was supplied with a tent, and a GI sleeping bag for my stay there.

The following day proved to be the highlight of the filming process, the feared PT Test, live helicopter vectoring (smoke grenades and all) a 4mi run, and a river crossing proved to be some great shots for my stay at the activity.

At least 5lbs lighter, I'm off to AFSCFC

Scott