Chapter 2
Blind Faith

"Blind Faith" captures the jarring transition from civilian life to the harsh realities of military training for Captain Douglas J. Ernest. The chapter begins with Douglas leaving the comfort of home, propelled into the intense environment of Fort Benning. From the grueling first days, packed into a sweltering cattle truck and enduring relentless physical drills, Douglas quickly realizes the enormity of his decision. The once-clear goal of earning college funds becomes overshadowed by the immediate challenge of surviving basic training.

Guided by the imposing Drill Sergeant Reynolds, Douglas is pushed to his limits, both physically and mentally. The drill sergeant's tough love and relentless focus on Douglas's fitness shape him into a determined soldier, ready to face whatever lies ahead. As the reality of the Gulf War looms large, triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Douglas's journey takes on new significance. The stakes are no longer just personal; they are global, and the fear of deployment becomes a constant undercurrent.

Despite the intense physical challenges, Douglas finds moments of camaraderie with fellow recruits and brief respites during church visits and cleaning duties. However, the revelation of the impending war deepens his resolve, transforming his initial motivations into a profound sense of duty and honor.

As Douglas moves from basic training to airborne school, he faces new trials, including conquering the terrifying experience of his first parachute jump. Each challenge pushes him further, transforming him from a young recruit into a soldier prepared for the realities of war. By the end of his training, Douglas emerges stronger, both physically and mentally, ready to serve and protect, with the looming specter of the Persian Gulf conflict as his ultimate test.