HMMWV Training: HEAT and Convoy

Today was the first day in the "field".  Started off by simulating a Humvee roll over.  I had so much anxiety and nerves, i was a little scared to go, HOWEVER, i executed it perfectly...well, the first time!  The second time, i got disoriented, frustrated and took forever.  They give us the 30/45 and then a 180 roll over. All of us yell ROLLOVER ROLLOVER ROLLOVER, then as soon as they say EGRESS, then we commence evacuating the truck.  Open the door, unbuckle the seatbelt, grab your weapon, and exit the truck, setting up a parameter around the vehicle.  TOO EASY.  The second evolution, I was upside down and could not find the handle to open the dang door.  I tried for what seemed like eternity scanning and feeling for the handle, not being able to find it, i released the seatbelt and dropped to my head, i decided if i turn right side up, maybe i would have better luck!  Well, inside the humvee its extremely limited and adding ALL the extra gear we have on just reduces the amount emmensely. So...good ol Chaps, had opened up the rear door to help walk me through and calm my self.  Luckily i wasn't too worked up, however, I was frustrated and just plain ol pissed! I finally got out, and I remember my adrenoline pumping SO hard I felt like my chest was going to explode. I knew upon completion I would like it was awesome and want to do it again.
Moving on to Convoy Operations.
A convoy is where truck after truck is lined up and heads off with a mission.  We had 5 trucks, and 21 people. Each truck has a driver, obviously, a TC or Truck Commander, a Gunner, they are in charge of the crew serve weapon or machine gun on top, and 2 scouts in the back seat. We took an hour and drove around rotating between positions.  As we rolled out the FOB, our base, we had ALL female Gunners.  It was a badass feeling!  Our drill sargeants are mostly males, however our one female drill sargeant was thrilled to see the setup. KILL KILL KILL she says as we rolled out!  Another rush, to have the wind blowing in your face, sitting proped up with a weapon in hand scanning the area.
Final task for the day was to group and zero our M4. Pretty easy task except we had our stupid helmets on.  They are called ACH's and weigh probably close to 10 pounds.  RIDICULOUS. But...if it saves my life I guess its worth sucking up the pain and wearing it. We shot with laser weapons jsut as a familiarization evolution.  Tomorrow morning we actually are going to zero our weapon in at the range, as well as I have to qualify on the 9mm M9. TOO EASY.
I am exhausted.  Thankfully tomorrow is Saturday and we have Sunday off!  PLUS, Jason is coming down as well as Justin and Meagan are coming up!  I AM SO EXCITED!
Love to you all, thanks for your thoughts and prayers, week 1 down, only 2 more to go!!