FBI National Academy Class #275

I woke this morning having finished my first full week. The first week seemed long but it actually went by fast. I am kind of in the groove now and have met some great people and received some great instruction. I look forward to the upcoming weeks.

When I got up this morning, the snow from last night continued into the morning. As a result the marine base was classified as “Code Red” which means the base is shutdown due to weather. below is the view from room.

I don’t mind the snow, especially coming from CA. I guess with the base shut down and the weather, I will be doing some homework, going to the gym and watching some football. I am glad I did my laundry early because the washers and dryers have been hard to get this weekend.

I got some homework done, made some calls to family members, took some photos and got a little closer to the red brick challenge 🧱 for rowing. I only have 42,870 meters to go to accomplish this goal. It’s is so beautiful and tranquil here when it is snowing.

Got up this morning a little later than usual. It was nice to sleep in. The weather is changing and a storm is coming tonight. We are suppose to get snow today and tomorrow. I am looking forward to that for sure.

Dave and I are heading out to Fredericksburg today to check out some history. We are going to meet some other classmates there. On the way out we found a Chick-fil-a so we had to stop. Dave says there aren’t many in Michigan. While we were there I had my first Diet Coke in a week. I have done pretty good with no Diet Coke or candy.

We went to Fredericksburg and walked around. I went with four other west coast guys and a guy from West Virginia. Wasn’t many people out due to the weather. The snow has started to come down and we are supposed to get more throughout the night. We stopped off to get some “coffee” and warm up.

Got back to the base and watched the playoff football games.

My next door neighbor, Martin from Las Vegas, has talked me into pursuing the rowing brick in addition to the yellow brick. This requires students to row 35 miles during the academy. I went to the gym tonight and knocked out 4000 more meters so now I only have 48,710 meters to go. One day at a time.

Friday brought the first real physical training class. Had a 50 minute high intensity work out that incorporated exercises I have not done in a long time or at all. I’ll be feeling that workout tomorrow. We have 4 days of that next week.

After lunch we had the opportunity to hear an outstanding presentation on leadership from former Green Beret, Greg Stube. His story is incredible and the presentation was right on point as he relayed his lessons learned from war and how he overcame severe injury. I was impressed with his humility and desire to pass on such a great message. A couple take aways include:

1. Only a fool doesn’t acknowledge their support group

2. Spend some time trying to put yourself out of business, teach and train those around you

3. Don’t be so about yourself that you forget about your team

4. Be big enough to acknowledge greatness around you

5. Never miss an opportunity to shut your mouth

6. Don’t worry about what you know, be afraid of what you don’t know.

7. Love those around you while they are here

Had some free time after class so I went to the resident laundry room and got my laundry done before the rush. I brought coins but no need, just push the button.

In Celebration of our first week, we headed out to Georgetown to have dinner. Josh, Bill, Tjorvi and I hit Clyde’s. Very cool little town.

Up early this morning for breakfast. Had physical training first thing in the morning. Spent the first half of the class in the gym doing some basic exercises and assessment. Then out to the track for the mile run test. Inside wasn’t bad but outside it was 31 degrees with a 20 mph wind. Needless to say, that’s cold.

Had a great lunch today. Had a chance to sit with Kai, a police manager in Germany. It was very interesting to talk to him about policing in Germany, police training and education. Great guy with a lot of knowledge. His wife is also on the police force with him. They enjoy riding their motorcycles throughout Europe so we had a lot in common. It was so awesome to sit down with someone I didn’t know and talk for 45 minutes straight. I was almost late to class. 😳

Finished up dinner. Had some more great conversations with officers from West Africa, Belgium and Arkansas. It is very interesting comparing CA to these other states and countries.

After dinner my roommate and I went to the gym. I hit the rowing machine and then did some laps in the pool. I going to attempt a couple more challenges other than the yellow brick. I obviously forgot how difficult it is to swim laps. I did 10 laps and called it a night. My goal is to work up to a mile. Dave Kerns and Bill Frayeh have been swimming a mile a day. They have been rocking it. I’m definitely no Michael Phelps.

Had a full day of classes today. The classes are going to be great and the instructors are top notch. Had Leading at Risk employees, Navigating Leadership Crises, Emotional Intelligence and Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement. All great topics that I look forward to discussing.

Got a lot of information thrown at us so now I’m off to my room to scan all the paper documents I received and figure out an assignment calendar; then off to dinner.

Went to the boardroom tonight and did some networking with our international brothers. This is Tjorvi and he is an officer in Iceland. He has quickly become the most interesting man in the world. He has been nicknamed, “Dr. Awesome”. I’m sure you all can understand why.

I have been given a couple books to read for two of my classes. This is one that I have to read and complete a book review on. I hear this is a good one. I’m going to read a couple chapters before calling it a night.

Was up at 6am this morning to shower and get ready. I am still not adjusted to the time change and sleeping arrangement. It can be challenging to get 4 guys showered and ready in one bathroom, especially when we all have to be at the same place at the same time. I managed to get in and out, make it to breakfast and to my homeroom for some housekeeping and paperwork. Still no classes yet; they will start tomorrow. I will have 4 classes tomorrow and I am looking forward to getting started.

Well it’s the third day and the FBI knows how to serve up not only food but dessert too. You all know I don’t like sweets very much but I had to have one of these. I got one for me and my roommate but he didn’t want his. Sooooo, yup I had to eat them both. AMAZINGLY good!!

After dinner my roommate and I decided to go to the track to run, in preparation for testing on Thursday for the mile run. I must say it is motivating to be running in the dark on a marine base when all you hear is gunfire, explosions and blacked out helicopters flying by very low. It’s even better when one of those helicopters does a touch and go in the middle of the track. Got my mile done in 7:40 so I am more than good for testing.

Got up by 7am after a short, what felt like a nap. The bed wasn’t terrible but I have slept in better. Went down to the cafeteria for breakfast where there was a pretty nice setup.

After breakfast was the registration and uniform purchase. The line was a little long but I managed to get everything I needed. Wasn’t able to try it on until I got back to the room but it all fit so no returns for me. Green was the only option, so I guess green it is.

Had a good first day. I finally got my roommate (Dave Kerns) from Michigan. I was happy to get a good person to share my small room with.

The whole class had dinner together and afterwards we did some exploring. Josh Stahl, Bill Freyah and I found the J. Edgar Hoover reading room.

Today was an early morning. Made it to the airport with no issues.

We made it to check in and got our room assignments. It is a brisk 45 degrees out but not too bad inside.

This will be my living quarters for the next couple of months. I was happy to be the first person to my room; I got my bed choice. 👍🏻

We were introduced to the “Boardroom” tonight. Great place to relax and meet everyone. Seven of us traveled together today and 6 of us are in the photo. Anita, Josh, Chris, Bill, Kelly and I are all from the Southern California area and represent 6 different agencies.