Air Assault!!

I did it!

 

I passed the Air Assault 20K (12 mile) road march this morning and am now an Air Assault badge holder.

I crossed the finish line at 2 hours and 51 minutes. I had an allowed time of 3 hours. When I crossed the class behind us was having formation and singing the Screaming Eagle Song. It was perfect timing and felt like something out of a movie.

I was so proud of myself this morning. I am a badge holder now. Never before have I been able to say that. In the years I have quested to earn the EFMB, that ridiculous 20K road march held me back and haunted me. But not today.

When I had the air assault wings pinned on my chest at the graduation ceremony I felt so proud of myself. I know many Soldiers don't feel like the air assault badge was difficult to earn. But for me, it most certainly was a challenge.

After the ceremony with my BN CDR, who was also in my class.

Never before have I been in good enough shape and strong enough to complete the Air Assault Obstacle Course. The 4 mile run in less than 36 minutes we conducted in 90 degree heat tested my will to finish. Going to the top of the 34 foot tower and repelling off 8 times tested my fear of heights and falling. And, finally, the 20K road march tested my endurance and heart to finish. Air Assault was not easy for me: and I completed it.

I fucking completed it.

 

AIR ASSAULT!