The Cyclone Challenge

Well, we got back to some semblance of order today. We had our challenge, after two days off with cancelled classes, courtesy of Hurricane Sandy. The challenge for today was named, "The Cyclone." The session met in the gym and we did a twenty minute circuit. It sounds easy and simple, but for some of us, it sure was a workout. There were six circuit stations set up. Each section started at a station and proceeded clockwork around the circuit. Each circuit stop lasted 40 seconds with a 15 second "rest" in between (In reality, the rest consisted of going to the next station and preparing to start; there was hardly anytime to 'rest.'). The stations were: (1) ten bodyweight speed squats/ten lunges/ten squat jumps, (2) mountain climbers or rotating hip floor touches, (3) T-pushups, (4) burps or squat thrusts, (5) tension band exercises (bent-over squat rows or chest expanders), and (6) skater hops. We did each circuit four times. That took twenty minutes to complete and trust me, most of us were fatigued when we finished. Twenty minutes never seemed so long. I keep telling myself what I know is true: I need this and it IS good for me...

In the afternoon, we elected a class speaker. Maj. Mark Bailey, USMC was elected and will represent us proudly on graduation day. Our enrichment speaker, Bobby Smith, Louisiana State Police was cancelled, due to Hurricane Sandy, but he was booked for a later night, so we will not lose out on his excellent story. 

Our regular schedule resumes tomorrow. That is a welcome thought.

Halloween and Hurricane Sandy?

Today is pretty much a study and rest day for most here. Both breakfast and lunch crowds in the Academy cafeteria were sparse. 

Washington dorm, floor three has the most creative and cool people for this session. Our best and brightest sent out, bought Halloween decorations and used the floor as their canvass. Very cool for them to take the time and energy to make the environment more homey for everyone. My thanks to all of them...

Hurricane Sandy is approaching this area and local radio and television stations are advising people to stock up on supplies, in the event that power is knocked out and access is restricted. The latest National Weather Service is showing the storm to be turning more towards the north of us, but there is still a chance for us to get some winds and rain. We'll just have to see...

Week Four is History

Today marks the final day of week four. It was a good and challenging week. Classes were awesome (Thanks to Dr. David Matsumoto for being so kind to come here and teach us his lessons on facial micro expressions, gestures and emblems) and the physical training was both great and challenging. For my section (shout out to section #3), we had three P.T. sessions with the incomparable  E.J. and he trained us well. He certainly knows his stuff and knows what we need.

This weekend was the New York City (New York City???) trip for this session. About 105 people went on the trip, but I decided not to go. But, there was a steady, stable, admirable group of us who stayed behind and ran the FBI's "Most Winded" 5k. It was a great run.

Above is an image of those of us in Session 251 who ran the FBI "Most Winded" 5k today. I did it in 28:15. I was shooting for 28:00 or less, but I am not disappointed. That computes to a 9:05 minute mile. There's more running ahead of me, and I know that I'll get faster. Below are the graphics from the nice performance style long-sleeve t-shirt for the participants. Pretty nice, if you ask me.

Reading, studying, laundry, paper writing and shopping lie ahead for the remainder of the weekend. 

In the words of my friend, Ice Cube, "Today was a good day."

A True American Hero and The Lion's Leap

Wow!!! Was last night an amazing experience and a fantastic treat! It was our first "enrichment" seminar. These are mandatory, schedule session meetings, where the NA staff brings in outside speakers to talk to us and provide encouragement to our journey. Last night was a great start...

The 14th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Hugh Shelton, (Ret.) spoke to us on leadership, our roles, and what is expected of us from those we work alongside. Gen. Shelton was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for two, two-year terms, one under President Clinton and one under President George W. Bush. He served in that capacity until he retired on 30 September 2001. He was the Chairman on 9-11. What an amazing story from a truly remarkable man, husband, father, military hero, leader and American. He spoke with confidence, conviction and intelligence. He received three standing ovations from everyone in the audience. 

He was very considerate to take the time to sign copies of his book, "Without Hesitation; The Odyssey of an American Warrior," for anyone who took the time to stand in line after his lesson. He was remarkably candid (professionally) and shook hands. Tell me, how amazing is it that I had the opportunity to listen to a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and talk with him (even briefly) one-on-one? The night will be etched in my memory for a very long time.

Now for today.

"In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion leaps this morning....."

Okay, so that's not exactly how the song was written, but that IS how it went today. Today was the third challenge of eight that we will be completing during this session. It was supposed to be a 5k run (3.1 miles), but those with GPS tracking devices placed it at closer to 3.35 miles. I'm certainly not complaining, because I NEED the physical training that this Academy provides and the accompanying challenges. They are a test of most of our physical capabilities and we are encouraged to "challenge" ourselves, instead of merely participating. I completed today's challenge in 30 minutes, 15 seconds. The curse (I meant to type course) started on the track and then took a layout via the roadways and parking lots of the FBI complex. There were slight hills and turns, but I have to say that I enjoyed the opportunity to participate and grow. Tomorrow, I will see if I can get out of bed...

Not exactly how it finished. Only water for us.

Week Four Begins

Week three closed yesterday, without much fanfare. I did get up early yesterday and did some interval track training. I know that it is a good thing for me to train and will benefit me, but I have to admit that I am not much for sprinting. I ran the straight-aways on the track and fast-walked the curves for 20 minutes and tenth-five seconds. I am sore today. Clearly, it woke up muscles in my legs that had been on an extended nap.

I got a lot of housekeeping chores done yesterday and expect for one load of laundry today, I spent most of the day doing reading and working on a paper for my Advanced Seminar in Investigative Interviewing. The paper is expected to be from 8 to 12 pages and is not due until November 27, 2012, so I have some time. I already have two pages done and only 6 to 10 to go. I have a lot of material researched already and I do not anticipate that I will have any difficulties in preparing a decent final product. If I knock out a couple of pages per week, that should give me sufficient time to review, consult with the instructor and revise, if necessary.

A couple of us went to a local store today to complete an assignment for our Interviewing Strategies Through Statement Analysis class. Our assignment was to 'interview' the store employee and look for various language signs to see if we could detect signs of either deception or veracity. It was an interesting assignment.

The Tin Man Trot-Challenge #2 & The NLEOM

Today is our second session challenge. It is the Tin Man Trot. It is scheduled to be a 2.6 mile run. I hear that there may be some obstacles/physical tasks to complete, also. I'll just have to wait and see.

Yesterday was a good day for classes. In one of my classes, we had to complete an online test for non-verbal facial clues. It was a very interesting and a very powerful lesson. I like this class and the training that it provides. In another class, we were split and my half was given time to complete further research for our research paper. In a couple of weeks, we will head into the interview room and the other half will work on their research paper.

Physical training was yesterday, also. Several of us talked and we did not believe that after the workout that we got on Monday, anything could compare or be worse. It was. Even though we had a lecture on anaerobic and aerobic exercise physiology and what each does for the body, strength and endurance, the gym loomed.

Our guest instructor (E.J. was in upstate New York speaking to a group of law enforcement officers) set up eight cross fit style stations for us. We started with a five minute jog and bodyweight exercise warmup and then on to the stations for twenty minutes. We then did a shortened ten minute circuit of four of those stations of our choosing. That was followed by a tortuous cool-down core building 'relaxation period.' I believe that I sweated more than twice my body weight out during that training session. When I sent into the locker room to shower, I am certain that I sounded like a sponge sucking up lost water. There is absolutely no doubt though, I need this physical training and I am benefiting from what we are doing. It is both practical to law enforcement and conditioning.

Okay. The Tin Man Trot is history. I have determined that I do, in fact, have a heart. Why do you ask? Because the designers of this challenge made a valiant attempt to get mine beating to it's maximum potential, then try and rip it out. But I held onto it and retained ownership. This challenge was a 2.6 mile run. There were also physical exercise stations at roughly evenly spaced intervals. First was a lunge station (they wanted a minimum of ten, I did twenty). The next station was an uphill/downhill bear crawl station (they wanted a minimum of three, I gave them three). The next station was a pushup station (they wanted ten, I gave them fifteen). The next station was a shoulder press station from the ground, push up style (they wanted ten, I gave them twelve). The final station was a burpee station (they wanted ten, I gave them ten). Then there was a final run back to the track, with a final lap to the finish. I clearly wasn't first, but I was not last. It was exhausting for me, though.

Next for today is a mandatory seminar on CJIS/VICAP in the auditorium. Then tonight is a mandatory trip to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial at Judiciary Square in downtown Washington, D.C. I hope to be able to read the names of the Tulsa Police Officers who gave their lives, since I joined the department.

Well, I am back from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. What an awesome place. The ceremony was truly moving and humbling. To be enveloped by the walls which are inscribed with the names of those who willingly gave their lives for us was one of the most touching events that I have experienced.

We were met by bagpipes, including a bagpiper who is in our session. There was posting of colors, the signing of the National Anthem by a member of our session, a wreath laying, speeches, the playing of taps, more bagpipes, and a talk on behalf of the sacrifices of our international session members by a session mate from Bermuda. All session members even raised their right hands and repeated an oath, including international students, that allowed us to rededicate ourselves to law enforcement, our communities, and to each other. That was absolutely awesome.

We were given the opportunity to read the names of those from our agency, who had given their lives protecting us, in the line of duty. I was honored to read the names of three Tulsa Police Officers who gave their lives, since I joined the department in July of 1982.

James A. Slay, End of Watch: 11-10-1986

Gus George Spanos, End of Watch: 04-23-1993

Dick Vernon Hobson, Jr., End of Watch: 06-11-1996

Lions guard one entrance to the memorial. They overlook risky lion cubs. They symbolize the bravery and courage of law enforcement officers. Lionesses guard the other entrance to the memorial. They overlook sleeping lion cubs. They symbolize the kindness and compassion of law enforcement officers.

Yes, I shed some tears and I didn't feel ashamed.

What a Physical Day

The highlight of today was the physical fitness training for Section 3. I don't know what we did to make our instructor hate us, but he sure did put us through the paces today. Okay, he doesn't really hate us and he is a better than excellent instructor, but my gosh, he sure did work us. 

He thought of muscles and muscle groups that are seldom used, and made us use them all. We worked with small bands, big bands, chains, sand bags, weighted bags, foam rollers, the TRX training System, steps, rowers and bikes. 

Oh yeah, bodyweight exercises were placed in between sets of the other exercises. By the time we were through, I was physically exhausted and I was praying for water boarding. 

I know that this was good for me, that it was truly relevant to our line of work (think Crossfit) and I do appreciate the instruction from E.J.

  

Cold is Cold

Got up this morning and went for a 6:45 a.m. outdoor track run with my suite mate, Jared, who is from Honolulu. He now officially hates me for talking him into this. We misread the temperature when we were going to the gym and thought it was going to be in the mid to upper 40's for our run. Unfortunately, that was the high for the day. The morning run was temperature was about 38 degrees. Yes, it was cold. 32.5 minutes later, the run was down and we walked about another 4 minutes as a cool down. No wonder the run in my FBINA moisture wicking shirt and shorts was so darned cold. I did clearly hear a small buck that was out along the track say, "Idiots," as we ran by him. The good thing, the run is over for the day.

Did some laundry and watched an episode of Revolution (NBC) on my computer. I enjoy that series. Lunch is in mere minutes and then a carload of us are going to drive to the Metro train station about 10 miles from here, board the Metro train for Washington, D.C. and go on an exploration walking tour. We'll see what is out there and explore our nation's capitol.

Four of us (Jeff-UNLV, NV Police, Joe-El Paso County, TX Sheriff's Office, Dale-Lino-Lakes, MN Police and I) took the Metro Blue-line train from the Franconia-Springfield station ($14.00 24-hour pass) to the Metro Center station. I could write volumes about our walking tour, but we spent about 7 hours walking and visiting monuments on the west end of the mall. I took 119 digital images. Here are 9 representative shots. The capitol of the United States of America is both beautiful and an amazing receptacle of people, memories, history, culture and artifacts. God surely has blessed this nation. You can click on the images to enlarge them. Enjoy.

 
Back in the room at about 10:00 p.m. I am tired...

Hogan's Alley

Today was a normal day for the most part, except two of my classes had the opportunity to walk over to Hogan's Alley, a realistic training setting to complete some class work. I won't go into the exact details of what we did, because it would potentially undermine the training and research that the FBI is providing and it would be unfair to those who may read this and attend the FBINA some day. It wasn't painful and difficult, rather it was a unique way to complete an assignment that doesn't come along often. Below are some of images of Hogan's Alley.

Oh yeah. They asked us not to take photos there, in order to protect the training process. Just use your imagination ....(I know...I'm a real wise guy).

1st Challenge Day-"You're not in Kansas Anymore"

Today was our first session (all 260+) physical challenge. The name of the challenge was "You're not in Kansas Anymore." It was a 1.8 mile run that we ran as a group for a short distance, then an orange cone signaled us to "challenge yourself." That was the go ahead to break free. Already being broke, I didn't break free, but I did pick it up slightly and kept that pace up, until the end. There isn't a time clock to measure yourself against, and I didn't wear my watch, so I don't know my time, but I believe that it was around 17:30-18:00 minutes. Not fast by any means. I was clearly behind some and clearly ahead of others. Overall, I was happy with my performance. I believe that I will enjoy these challenges. No official photos are permitted, in case a class member enters into an undercover assignment, after graduating. However, I did have one of my classmates sketch me while I was running.

Today there is a mandatory section meeting at 3:00 p.m. and flag night is tonight at 8:00 p.m. We'll get the chance to mingle with the NAC (New Agent Class) members and see if anyone is coming to Oklahoma, or specifically Tulsa.

Flag night was really neat! We all met in the cafeteria. The cafeteria has large wooden panels on all for walls, with the flags of all states and territories, along with the flags of the military branches, affixed to them. The NA students go to their respective flags and members of the NAC (New Agent Class) and members of the IBC (Intelligence Basic Class) who have received orders for those states, go to those flags for a meet and greet. The NA students from foreign countries have their flags displayed on stands and everyone gets a chance to meet and greet with them, also. There is patch, hat, pin, etc. trading galore going on. It's a really good chance to meet and mingle for all.

I had the chance to meet and talk with an outstanding woman from the NAC who has orders for Oklahoma. She hasn't received her final orders, but she is hoping for Tulsa. Her husband is a federal agent for another agency and he can likely transfer to Oklahoma, when she gets her final orders. She had worked for eight and a half years for a large municipal police department, in a state close to Oklahoma, so she has a good amount of police experience that not every new agent has gained. She was smart, friendly, excited and I have no doubt that she will be a fantastic addition to the FBI. I certainly hope that she gets what she wants.

I walked away with some patches, some pins and even a coin at the end of the night. It was really packed in there, so I still have many patches to trade.

Nothing but classes tomorrow.

Columbus Day

Well, today was a federal holiday, so no classes today. However, there was plenty to do, organizing for classes, transferring notes, reading, working on a paper for Executive Leadership, getting in a 32.5 minute run, and more laundry. No rest for the wicked. My roommate had spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. with his 17-year-old son. Nice for the two of them to be able to spend some time together and see some of our nation's capitol.

Tomorrow is my section's first organized physical fitness class, so I anticipate that pain and soreness will follow. The emphasis here for physical training is on fitness (cross-fit style training). Wednesday is our session's first group challenge, 'You ain't in Kansas anymore.' It is a 1.8 mile (10 minute/mile pace) group run. All will start together and all are expected to finish together. The emphasis for these challenges is teamwork and cohesiveness. Our session seems to have gelled quite nicely. Wednesday will tell.

Not much else to write about. I am certain that as time goes on, the daily blogging will cease and weekly blogging will take it's place. I'll hang in there, as long as I can and as long as time allows.

Later...

1st Sunday

Not much going on today. Organizing, studying, laundry, strength training ad general hanging around. I did go with some guys for about two hours to the Main Street Grill and Bar in Stafford, VA to watch the end of the Minnesota Vikings game. We were back to the complex at 9:00 p.m. and I was in bed at 10:00 p.m. Tomorrow there are no classes, due to Columbus Day...

...(1:00 a.m.) LIGHTS FLASHING, SIREN BLARING AND A LOUD FEMALE VOICE: 'MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE. A FIRE ALARM HAD BEEN ACTIVATED IN THIS BUILDING. PLEASE EVACUATE THIS BUILDING IMMEDIATELY. DO NO TAKE THE STAIRS...' This was repeated over and over again.

During orientation, we were advised of an evacuation plan and where we were to go, upon evacuation. We all trudged to the FBI outdoor running track and assembled into our groups. We were a sight to behold. It was cold and slightly foggy. After about fifteen minutes, the FBI Police drove up and announced via their patrol car P.A. that we could return to the dorms. We never did find out what happened. Oh well; it was good for the mind and soul.

First Saturday-Long Weekend

Well, today was our first Saturday. This is a long weekend, due to the federal holiday of Columbus Day. There are no classes on Monday, October 08, 2012. I got up early and ran for 32.5 minutes. I didn't keep exact track of the distance (I ran on the 1/4 mile FBI track), but it was about 3.25 miles. I then showered, changed and got some breakfast.

One of the guys across the hall, Dale Hager of Lino-Lakes, MN had to do a field trip to the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA for his Firearms and Arson Investigations class. He was kind enough to invite me along. It was free and a really good museum. To those who enjoy the history of firearms and the progression of firearms, this is a museum for them. Clearly, their is an emphasis on firearms in the United States, but all parts of the globe are touched upon. It was almost too much to take in within a couple of hours. Each of these images can be clicked on and viewed individually.

When we left there, we drove about 25 minutes away to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, located just to the south of Dulles International Airport. Admission was $15.00 per carload to park, but admission to the museum was free. Wow, what a place. The museum has something for everyone and everything is accessible to all. The museum has a full size "control tower" to explore, planes, rockets, balloons, and EVERY form of space and air travel that one can imagine. The displays are not replicas, but the actual items that many of us had only the opportunity to see on television or to read about in the newspaper. Of particular interest to me was the Enola Gay (the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima), the Space Shuttle Discovery, and a Concorde plane from Air France. There is simply too much to write about here. Each of these images can be clicked on and viewed individually.

After the museum visits, we drove to Vinny's, an Italian restaurant in Stafford, VA (just south of the Quantico Marine Base) and ate. I had the spinich stuffed shells and I couldn't eat it all (leftovers tomorrow).