DLAB Test

The DLAB test is used by the military to measure your aptitude for learning languages. It is not a language test or a grammar test. I took the test about a week ago, and now I am sharing my experience with you.

The contents I can’t tell you, I can give you hints on what to study. Learn the basics of english grammar and their functions. You also have to keep in mind that other languages aren’t going to be the same syntax or grammar rules as english. In fact, there is a nonsense language that they use for the test, and you will need to learn those new rules and apply it to translate basic phrases into english.

Adulthood

 I just recieved notice of my ship date today, it will be Tuesday, March 4th, 2008. 

I will be shipping out as a CTI. 2 months of boot camp and then I get to go to A school for language training.

Before I go I will post more updates on enlisted jobs and my experience with the DLAB as well as the future of this blog.

I guess I will call this the beginning of my adult life. See you guys on the other side.

MEPS Experience

I went through MEPS on November 2007, in Brooklyn, NY to join the active duty Navy. I’m writing this for all the recruits who are thinking of joining the military. Here is my personal experience going through MEPS. This is going to be pretty long so grab a drink. First afternoon you will take your ASVAB test and the next day you do your medical, meet with the job counselor, and take your first oath. Bring a change of clothes and a set of workout clothes, might also want to bring a book. I wouldn’t recommend ipods or handheld game devices or anything expensive. You need to lock up your bag in a locker for most of the day, and there’s a risk of it getting stolen or damaged.

A quest for more intellectual pursuits

A goal of mine starting a few months back was to study a new language. I began studying Japanese on my own with the aid of a language learning site and a textbook. I did that for a couple of months, but lost interest after a while, it’s boring doing it alone. =( I decided to start it up again after publishing this blog and give occasional updates on progress and stuffs.

Grats on fat

I am going to put my social commentary on hold for a bit and get back on track with preparing for the navy.

Navy boot camp is relatively easy compared to the marines or army. I heard the numbers are something like 29-60 pushups and situps in two minutes each and a 1.5 mile run in 12 minutes. I could do that in my sleep. Still, I am doing a daily workout routine to keep in shape for boot camp. For the rest of you fatties, if you have trouble with that, get hot and start working on it.

I run 3-5 days a week for about 2-3 miles, it takes about 40 minutes for the warm-up, run, and then cool-down. Before I run, I drink a bottle of water, do a quick set of 50 pushups and 30 situps to warm up, then do some stretches. I got some workout routine off the internet that worked pretty well for me, but I got kinda lazy and stopped following it. This should be good for those of you that are looking to get back into shape but if you are going in for spec ops or something, you probably need a harder workout.

This is a low rep workout I personally am using, which maximizes your core muscle groups and works out your upper body and legs along with it. I also do this sometimes before I go running, it is a good warmup.

1 set consists of:
10x Pushups
10x Situps
10x Reverse situps (works out your lower back)
10x tricep pushups (also called diamond pushups)
20x left/right crunches
10x Wide-arm pushups

Do 2 sets at first and work your way up to 5 sets. Lower reps to work out all groups. You can also subsitute pushups for squats and work out your legs. When you get all the way up to 5 sets you will have done 150 pushups, 150 situps/crunches, 50 reverse situps. It is harder than it sounds, but if you stick with it, it’s a great way to increase your endurance and you are sure to knock out your PFA.

Where I run

Route 1 is about 2 miles, and sometimes I run like 3 miles on Route 2.