2 Mar

TGIF. Today we had our first base-wide physical training session and awards ceremony. We had a small turn-out, only about 150 of the 500 soldiers here at the base but it was a giant step in the right direction. In order to avoid embarrassing any of the soldiers or officers we spent only fifteen minutes doing stretching and exercises before we presented the awards. We awarded three "soldiers" of the month for the month of February, one from each of the major departments, Force Protection, Operations, and Logistics. The base commander presented each recipient with an award and some cash, and spent about an hour with them having chi and sweets. Overall the new awards program was a great first step in motivating the troops; the Iraqi's love public praise and what better way to motivate soldiers than to give them recognition in front of their friends and give them some extra dough to boot. Have a great weekend.