Fort Polk EFMB: Arrival

Ahh yes, here I go again. Off to yet another EFMB. This time lovely Fort Polk, Louisiana is hosting the event. The 86th Combat Support Hospital rented 3 vans and sent 16 of us down here to compete.

The 12 hour road trip took roughly 3 hours longer than it should have. People have to pee constantly. Or eat. Or smoke. By the time we made it to Fort Polk, it was late at night and we were tired from traveling. All I wanted to do was take a shower and get into bed.

Of course this was not to happen. We were informed upon arrival there are no shower facilities at the EFMB site. We will be bussed onto main Fort Polk midway through the event for a shower. EFMB is 10 days long. My hair will be in greasy dreadlocks by the time I get to wash it.

 

The packing list sent out from Fort Polk clearly stated we were to have no fewer than 3 towels and quarters for laundry machines. 3 towels for the 1 shower I am to be allowed. I can't even fathom how to use all 3 towels. But you better believe I will invent a way to use them since I had to take up so much space in my duffel bag to accommodate 3 freaking towels!

 

After the shock and dismay of no showers settled in, we were lead to a connex full of cots and shown to our tents. So it's midnight, and the other female candidates are already asleep in the tent when we came crashing in with all our shit. Never have I been given more dirty looks. These females knew we were coming, but they still left no space for us. We had to squeeze cots in between these girls. I swear I shared oxygen with the girl beside me all night, she was so close.

My fiancee is in Afghanistan and his living conditions are better. Yay EFMB.