I finally finished my Readiness Level (RL) progression on Tuesday night. I was RL3 when I finished school and am now RL1. This means that I have been evaluated and found to have at least the minimal skills required to participate in Unit missions without an instructor in the aircraft. I will now be able to fly any missions with any pilot-in-command. The best thing about being RL1 is that, for the very first time since I started flight school, I can finally fly without being evaluated and graded. I hope that flying will now be fun.

I am not having very much fun at work when I am not flying. We got two new warrants but I am still treated like a WOJ. "Take out the trash, Woj." or "Fill the fridge, Woj" are still common refrains. At least I get to enlist the help of the new guys.

The new guys, Pete and Dave are both prior service so they have a lot more army time than me. Pete is a former Navy Seal and Dave is a former Army Ranger. Definately a little more military than a former trial lawyer. I think that makes it a little bit easier for them to fit in even though they are new pilots.

Although I dont have an exact date, I know that we are getting very close to deployment. The company is busy taking care of last minute details such as packing equipment and issuing new gear. There is very little flying going on.

I have heard a rumor that we will have internet connections in our living quarters when we get to Iraq. I hope that is true so that I can stay in touch with all of you.