Paul Garth's Projects & Actions

Lotion:
-So far, the inexpensive Albertsons SP30 suntan lotion (greaseless and non-odor) is working well. Strategy is to apply at home, so I can see what I’m doing in the mirror. I then re-apply twice during the day. Key, for me, is to pretend I’m washing my face and neck — that way, I get the lotion everywhere I need.

Water
-Was really hot today (close to 100) and predominantly not in the shade. Also, was clambering up on top of military vehicles. Needed to suck down a lot of water — at one point it was several pints bottles within one hour. Must have needed, because only went to bathroom once during the day. I keep forgetting to take the electrolyte stuff I bought.

FREDI Location
-The lesson is that nobody will place a device exactly where you actually need it. I’m resolved to now just relocate, if I can, any device that’s obviously in a non-convenient location, and that won’t disturb any installation. That will avoid expending energy getting frustrated.

Tactical Nav
-I’m not the primary in using this app, so I’m just using it for my own purposes. I’ve found that it’s really accurate. One thing is to ensure I save any new waypoints because if I quit out of the app then I lose the input. Also, I have to ensure I’m in the correct folder before creating a waypoint — XCTC folder.

Map Reading and Land Navigation
-I saw a group of soldiers laying out on the ground what looked like a map of an engagement. They were quite creative with pieces of cardboard and twigs, to create the overall visual. This is a file for Map Reading and Land Navigation, by the military — here for reference, as I don’t see needing this right now.

Navigation on the Go
-I’m getting pretty good at using the “Tactical Nav” app for navigation while on the go. A MGRS coordinate is relayed via radio and I plug in the numbers. I then look to see if there are any named roads to use, and then it’s about looking at the satellite picture for “off road” trails. Really good that I paid for the 1-month subscription for offline maps, as this would not have been feasible otherwise. To save iPhone battery, I’m also consistently going into airplane mode – so I’m definitely off the grid. I’ve been creating waypoints and naming them, which has worked overall, but I’m forgetting to save them – so I lose them if I quit out of the app. I just need to remember to save them after creating. The method I’m using is the date and the number — eg for today (6/13 – I entered this: 16 – 1 (16th day and first position). This number links to my small paper notebook that I’m initially writing the MGRS codes in.

Kit Fox (and other animals)
-Saw a mother Kit Fox with a small animal (kill) in her mouth. There were several (5+ cubs) that were playing and then going up the hill with her. Pretty cool to see all that.
-Saw an Hawk (not sure which kind) with what looked a squirrel in the talons. Had to wait for the Hawk to take off before we could drive further.
-Saw what we thought was a cobra snake – was just a piece of wood, but fun to consider.
-Found a really nice set of antlers – one of our team scored this

Sniper
-One of our team asked the Snipers if we could photograph the rifle. He graciously said we could hold it while taking the photo.

Lotion
-Using SPF30 (basic Albertsons Suntan Lotion). Getting good at applying liberally once at home, and then a couple times throughout the day. It’s definitely working as I don’t feel burned. We’re also out in the full sun.

Checklist
-Need to create a checklist (for when leaving home) — I forgot the Electrolyte stuff I bought yesterday.

Soldiers
-Meeting some interesting National Guard soldiers on our various routes. They all come from a varied background – VA Admin; IT; etc.

Navigation
Was given an MGRS code and was able to plug-in to my Tactical Nav app, plot a course, and then get us there precisely. This was also off-the-grid — I was in airplane mode, to save battery.

Sun
I’m not used to being outdoors in the sun all day. Sucking down some serious amount of water. Need to add in an electrolyte replenishment drink. Also, putting on SPF30 sunscreen at home in the morning, when I can pay attention – by looking in the mirror – was a game-changer (positively).

Food
Standard pack lunch. Additional food was from one of the NG units. Scrambled egg, 2 sausages, not sure what it was but it included potatoes, cornbread (I think) square. It all tasted fine, but I knew there was a good dose of sodium in it. One of the soldiers gave me a ton of detail on soldier nutrition, sodium, etc.

Soldiers
Engaging with them to resolve any issues; change batteries; chat with some of them — IT professionals, etc.

All-in-All, it was a good day.