Joint Base Lewis–McChord (JBLM)

[rcaf_777]

Anyone on here been there? I am going there in a few weeks, and wonder what to expect?

[mpipes]

I was stationed at Fairchild AFB in the late 80s.

Hope like clouds and rain. Should have lots of both.

[pmulcahy11b]

I unfortunately have no current information on that base(s); in 1987, the last time I was there (at Lewis; at that time, they were separate bases), I remember fog in most of the mornings in the TAs, but the day usually brightned up around 10AM and the fog burned off shortly thereafter. Then, it was mostly nice days (I was there in the Fall, BTW.) Take light cold-weather gear -- it tends to be a bit chilly, especially at night, in the morning, and at dusk.

[rcaf_777]

Thanks Paul, I the weather info is great. I bring my PT belt so I won't get yelled at. A lot of my unit is still trying to figure out the Sgt ranks, what is the first Sgt? why is he/she first? Is there a second Sgt?

All I know if see bars, clusters brids or stars I salute

[Desert Mariner]

I spent my high school years in the area (Spanaway). Weather isn't as bad as folks make it out to be. Just remember, Washingtonians don't tan, they rust.
Traffic in the Puget Sound area is beyond terrible. Depending on how long you're there, the base had an area on American Lake for boating/swimming that was pretty great. Best thing about the area IMHO, was getting up into the Cascades, Mt Rainier is a easy drive.

Dave

[pmulcahy11b]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

All I know if see bars, clusters brids or stars I salute

And stand at parade rest when conversing with Sergeants who outrank you -- you'll make a good impression that way, since most other countries don't do it.

The First Sergeant is the top NCO in a Company -- thus, the "First" Sergeant. Always address one as First Sergeant -- no better way to set a First Sergeant on a high boil than addressing him as simply "Sergeant." (He has three chevrons over three rockers and a diamond in the middle.) The same goes for the Sergeant Major, who has a star in the middle of the chevrons and rockers. Unless someone of higher rank is present, call to the area "At Ease!" and go to Parade Rest when the First Sergeant or Sergeant Major come into the area -- that'll impress them too, since again most countries don't do it.

[rcaf_777]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

And stand at parade rest when conversing with Sergeants who outrank you -- you'll make a good impression that way, since most other countries don't do it.

The First Sergeant is the top NCO in a Company -- thus, the "First" Sergeant. Always address one as First Sergeant -- no better way to set a First Sergeant on a high boil than addressing him as simply "Sergeant." (He has three chevrons over three rockers and a diamond in the middle.) The same goes for the Sergeant Major, who has a star in the middle of the chevrons and rockers. Unless someone of higher rank is present, call to the area "At Ease!" and go to Parade Rest when the First Sergeant or Sergeant Major come into the area -- that'll impress them too, since again most countries don't do it.

Good to know, it a Muilt-National Exercise that I'm going on US CAN UK AU, and NZ Troops, so it will be interesting to see what we are told when we arrive. I will be in the rear with the gear so I don't see many US First Sergeant or Sergeant Major coming into my office and I will be sharing with a Captain, so........

I wonder how US army mess hall food theses days