Kris is Headed to a West Coast State!

 Okay, maybe not immediately. First he goes to Ft Knox for training (up to 13 months)...then he's off to Fort Irwin, California. For quick reference, Ft Irwin is about half-way between LA & Vegas.

Ft Irwin is one of the Army's training centers...in fact Fort Irwin National Training Center's tagline is "The Worlds Premier Training Center for the Worlds Finest Military." Specifically, Kris is scheduled to be assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. One of their jobs is to be the 'opposing force' for the training that goes on there. The other is to deploy and operate as a combined arms unit. I believe the regiment nickname is Blackhorse. Here's a description off the website:

 There, the Blackhorse trains the United States Army, one unit at a time in the brutally harsh climate of the Mojave Desert. Consequently, the tough and uncompromising standards of the 11th ACR have become the yardstick against which the rest of the Army measures itself. 

Kris said earlier that there are good aspects, such as being within travel distance of the west coast and Vegas. I figure that in order to be part of the team that trains other Army units, he will get great training himself...then by the time he transfers to another unit, he will have a lot of invaluable experience. I just wonder if he'll be ready for the heat after living in NY for 4 years...but after starting his life in Vegas then living in TX from 4-17, he should adjust quickly. :-)

Well, if you are curious...here's a link to Fort Irwin's website: Fort Irwin National Training Center. 

Love you all!
Gail