TX DPS September 2009 Academy

[Adrenolize]

Thanks for updating, and keep up the good work!

It is very informative and interesting to see you guys go through the process. It makes the waiting a bit easier, though I don't know about another 9 months (at the least)..

[Zack91]

Thanks for updating, and keep up the good work!

It is very informative and interesting to see you guys go through the process. It makes the waiting a bit easier, though I don't know about another 9 months (at the least)..

The wait is well worth it. I will promise you that. This is such a rewarding career with the best training. The academy isn't pleasant, but it is preparing us for the turds that we will deal with on a daily basis. I waited 7 Months to start the academy from when I turned in my application, so I know what you mean and how the wait is killing you/ I promise you though that it will be worht it. Wearing the Texas Tan is going to be an honor, but if you have to jump through hoops to get to where you want to be, then so be it. I cannot wait for 16 more weeks to be able to call me self a Texas State Trooper and waer that unifrom.

But all in all, I know the wait stinks, but just be patient. I'm not sure when the next academy is going to be either, but if you have to qualifications, you could get a part time job and just stick it out or something.

Just let me know if you have any questions.

Take Care. God Bless.

[Zack91]

Week 13 is now in the books!

Next week, week 14, is our off week! So, it's it the books as well.

This was a quick short week. Driver Orientation and Firearms Orientation. I'm actually excited to get back and go to the range. Driving and shooting will be a blast, I'm sure.

We had 2 huge tests. Penal Code #2 and Use of Force.

I'm glad the holidays are here though. The weeks are creeping up and about to be on the down hill portion os this mountain of an adventure. 14 weeks left.

Take Care. God Bless!

[FHBelton]

Congrats on making it this far. If you've enjoyed the acadamy thus far you're really going to enjoy the shooting and driving portions. Just remember to treat the Driving instructors as instructors and show enthusiasm at the shooting range. You'll have a blast. I know most of us in A-09 did.

[Zack91]

Week 15 is now in the books and behind us.

My group started Shooting this week. It's awesome. Especially to get out of that classroom. haha.

It sure was cold this week with the wind chill making the temperatures be in the teens.

Qualified on the Sig though. My hands were numb, shot a 276. Need some practice though.

Next week will be a blast when we start driving.

Starting on the downhill side of this academy. 13 weeks to go.

5 week until TSDs.

April 9th is getting closer each minute.

God Bless!

[Zack91]

Week 16 is now in the books.

Fun week. Driving. By far the best thing we have done yet. Learned alot and how to go fast while dodging cones.

2 weeks until Dreamsheets.

3 weeks until duty station assignments

4 weeks until TSDs.

Time is flying. 12 weeks left.

Take Care. God Bless.

[Adrenolize]

I bet that is a good time! At least things are starting to warm up for you. Please keep the posts coming, it makes the time (mine) in limbo waiting for the application processing to start up go a bit faster..

I was wondering. Do you guys commute far? I'm looking at potential places to move my family if I get lucky down the road. I'm between Dallas (family there) and Austin. Any thoughts about it? If given the option, is Austin better for the family to be that much closer?

[Zack91]

I bet that is a good time! At least things are starting to warm up for you. Please keep the posts coming, it makes the time (mine) in limbo waiting for the application processing to start up go a bit faster..

I was wondering. Do you guys commute far? I'm looking at potential places to move my family if I get lucky down the road. I'm between Dallas (family there) and Austin. Any thoughts about it? If given the option, is Austin better for the family to be that much closer?

Just about everyone commutes, all except the people that are here from El Paso. We have people from all over as well. Some from the Pan Handle, The Valley, Houston, etc. Just about all of us head home on weekends. Some drive 2-3 hours and some drive 6-9 hours. Trust me, it's worth the drive to see the family for a weekend and to get away from the Academy Life. haha. I would say to just commute, because you are confined to solitary here. Plus, you never know where you'll be sent to/stationed at after you graduate. We get our duty stations in a few weeks and we are all comping at the bit to find out where we are headed.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have anything else.

[Adrenolize]

Just about everyone commutes, all except the people that are here from El Paso. We have people from all over as well. Some from the Pan Handle, The Valley, Houston, etc. Just about all of us head home on weekends. Some drive 2-3 hours and some drive 6-9 hours. Trust me, it's worth the drive to see the family for a weekend and to get away from the Academy Life. haha. I would say to just commute, because you are confined to solitary here. Plus, you never know where you'll be sent to/stationed at after you graduate. We get our duty stations in a few weeks and we are all comping at the bit to find out where we are headed.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have anything else.

Eventual duty stations would be part of my problem, (if I get hired on), in deciding where to move to right now. I have family in the Dallas area, but I live out of state atm. I'm trying to figure out the best thing to do with my family. Do I move them in-state to Austin or out to Dallas. Right now, I haven't moved on anything with the big delays in things. My best hope is to get going early in the process and catch an internship somewhere. That way I could at least get a year lease.

All that to voice my issue on moving to the Dallas area or go to Austin until I make it through the academy. Do you guys go back early, or do you have you wait until the last minute to head back to the campus?

I do appreciate the insight!

[CincyCop]

Zack, thanks for the updates. I think it's interesting to hear what's going on on a weekly basis. Keep up the good work!

Also, how's that nutty dude chevyssp doing? Haven't heard from him in a while.

[Safety Steve]

Zack, thanks for the updates. I think it's interesting to hear what's going on on a weekly basis. Keep up the good work!

Also, how's that nutty dude chevyssp doing? Haven't heard from him in a while.

I checked on him this weekend and he is still hanging in there! Go Chevy, you can do it! Be Safe.

[Zack91]

Week 17 is in the books.

Qualified on the Shotgun and the M4 this week. Also qualified on driving.

Driving has been the best part of the academy yet. Sriving fast and squeeling the tires while listening to heavy metal really gets the blood flowing.

Everyone is still coming together like a family. We all ran a 5 mile run this morning together without anyone falling out.

Next week is the scenrio shooting courses. I'm sure it will be fun and interesting.

I believe we get or dreamsheets next week then find out the following week where we are all headed in April.

3 weeks until TSDs

11 weeks until graduation.

April 9, 2010 just over the horizon.

Take Care. God Bless.
__________________

[Zack91]

Zack, thanks for the updates. I think it's interesting to hear what's going on on a weekly basis. Keep up the good work!

Also, how's that nutty dude chevyssp doing? Haven't heard from him in a while.

he is doing great. Sits on the same row in class. He just needs to be more disciplined on his Red Dot Diet. LMAO!!!

[Zack91]

Eventual duty stations would be part of my problem, (if I get hired on), in deciding where to move to right now. I have family in the Dallas area, but I live out of state atm. I'm trying to figure out the best thing to do with my family. Do I move them in-state to Austin or out to Dallas. Right now, I haven't moved on anything with the big delays in things. My best hope is to get going early in the process and catch an internship somewhere. That way I could at least get a year lease.

All that to voice my issue on moving to the Dallas area or go to Austin until I make it through the academy. Do you guys go back early, or do you have you wait until the last minute to head back to the campus?

I do appreciate the insight!

I don't know about that one We have ppl from MI here that never go home. I know it would be hard with a family. We leave Fridays about 5 and back on Sundays about 5. I wouldn't mave but thats up to you. You don't know where you are going until 3-5 weeks out from graduation. We are the first class finding out our duty statons in week 20.

Hope this helps. Let me know about anything else. Hope all is well.

[Zack91]

Week 18 is in the books.

Finished up Shooting this week.

Texas 7, FATS, and Active Shooter were the best training stations of the week. Sure began to learn alot on how to deal with hostil situations under stressThe weather was rough, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

Also recieved our Dreamsheets this week to be turned in on Monday. I will know what district I will be working in on Wednesday and then exactly what duty station on Feb. 10

PT/ACT should be interesting next week, back to pt 5 days a week. Kind of need it with TSDs coming up. 2 weeks left to prepare.

Also got fitted for uniforms, that seemed surreal.

Almost into single digits left. 10 weeks left until Graduation.

Take Care.

God Bless!