Life on an Army post is definitely different than I had imagined.
There are a few things that have wigged me out, such as hearing random gun shots going off at all hours of the night [it’s an army base…so I know they are just doing training].
But it wasn’t until yesterday, when J. Alabama told me that they were doing a Family Day out in the field that I got to see what all the random gun shots were all about.
Family members were encouraged to come out into the field and see what these men are doing everyday. 
I was actually really excited to be able to understand on a deeper level what my husband’s job is all about.
They started us off with a live firing demonstration. Complete with earplugs, we all sat intently watching the different tanks shoot off rounds at targets.
It was a crazy rush to watch these powerful machines go off.
Next up we were escorted to a small building where we were going to have lunch. I’m not sure why I didn’t expect this, but they handed us our MRE [Meal Ready to Eat] and told us to dig in!
The MRE’s are a little bag packed with a full meal in it – usually ranging about 1500 calories for the whole bag.
I honestly was intrigued by the Sloppy Joe and was curious as to what it would taste like.
In the bag also included a Trail mix, Gatorade powder, a piece of bread, a small block of cheese, a brownie and a small heater to heat the Sloppy Joe.
I scooped the sloppy joe mix onto the dense piece of bread, and added a bit of the cheese on top. Yeah it looks pretty nasty I agree but it was edible.
I could only down about half of it before my tummy started to hurt.
After lunch it was time for the vehicle tour!
We were encouraged to tour the vehicles and really see what they are all about.
This one is called a Stryker.
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The next one we checked out was the Humvee.
He was showing us how heavy the doors were to open and close. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to get your finger caught in one of those doors!
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Our last vehicle to tour was the Tank.
Here’s a little peak into what the inside looks like.
It’s pretty cramped in there! And it’s hard to believe that three people sit in there at one time.
It was crazy to see how technical these vehicles are. And it was fun to actually see them up close and explore the inside.
Here is where my husband sleeps when they are doing field exercises. 
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My experience yesterday was actually pretty amazing. I feel like I can relate to my husband’s job a lot better now that I’ve had a more in depth look.
It’s just nice to know what the heck he is talking about when he rattles off about Tanks, Strykers etc…
I’m not saying that this whole army thing still doesn’t scare the crap out of me, because it truly does. But at least I understand it a little bit better now.
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Thanks for letting me share a little bit to what I’ve been up to. I promise to get back to my normal working out and running posts soon.
wow that is 100% a different bring your wife to work day! hhahha
looks like you had fun!
I loved this post! So nice to see what you and J. Alabama are up to. Things are super busy for us. Dustin is working hard on new logos and website for the business and the legislative session started and school starts next week. No rest for the weary. Miss you tons and hope you’re enjoying Georgia.
It definitely is a different lifestyle. I love reading these types of post.
P.S. Miss you
I love this post! I feel like I have an insider view now, too. And I love that it helps you understand what your husband does. For a long time my husband did not understand my work, and it kind of hurt my feelings. I am not very good at explanining things, so that may be part of the problem.
The MREs are so interesting! I cannot believe there was a little heater in there!
That is SO COOL! I love the idea of “take your spouse to work day” regardless of the job because it would make it so much easier to truly imagine and understand what your significant other does all day!
It’s neat to get a glimpse of the tour day. I dated someone in the air force for awhile that lived on base, and it was always interesting to me to see how things worked around there. Hope all is well!
How fun! When my dad was in the air force, sometimes we’d get to go on base and learn stuff about his job. That helmet is a good look for you!
Cool! The picture of you in the Stryker is so cute! I’m really jealous. I’d love to have my husband take me to work. Well, when he’s not deployed. And as long as I don’t have to eat an MRE.*
I think it’s a good thing they do this for the family. Makes it easier for you to understand life at base and J. Alabama’s job.
Seeing the photos does bring back memories. My Dad worked for the Dutch army. He drove a big truck that transported tanks and other army vehicles. As a child we had such days at base too, they were fun.
And that ready meal package, he used to bring boxes with all kinds of cans with food home regularly. Some were tasty, some were awful.
Actually my boyfriend was in GA this week to work on a tank! He went to Columbus, GA. Is that we you are?
That is SOO awesome! I have always wanted to go to a base and see all the stuff that goes on. Sometimes I wish I had joined the army or navy but I guess that was not meant to be.
That’s so cool that they allowed & encouraged you to check everything out and see how it all works. Not so sure about lunch though! hahaha
AAAH! that is hardcore. I hope you are making the boy some yummy dinners to make up for him having to eat stuff like that mess of glop… even raw almond butter & jelly sandwiches would be better!!!
<3 you!
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I agree with Aneta… that IS a different bring your wife to work day! What a neat opportunity to understand your husband’s work! I don’t think I’d enjoy eating those MREs, though… I think my tummy would hurt, too!
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