| Summary: | Primarily documents Ingrid Ruffin's service in the U.S. Air Force from 1999 to 2005. Ruffin briefly discusses her family, including their history of military service; her education, including studying abroad in Ghana; and her reasons for enlisting in the air force. Topics related to her basic training at Lackland AFB include being recycled in basic training because she couldn't pass the PT run; the first day of basic; male and female training instructors (TIs); a typical daily schedule; kitchen patrol duty; academic classes; uniforms; barracks; and graduation. Ruffin also describes her training as a aerospace warning and control systems operator at Keesler Air Force Base, including a typical day's routine; social activities; barracks; and attending church. " Ruffin discusses becoming an expert in TBMCS (Theater Battle Management Core System) at Shaw AFB and training and trouble shooting for the system. She also mention her lack of passion for her air force specialty and recalls being turned down to be an American Forces Network reporter. Topics from her tour at Keflavik Naval Air Station in Iceland include attempting to break a system for technical improvements; weather and landscape; living accommodations; visiting Reykjavik; attending a jazz festival; an experience with racial discrimination; and the September 11, 2001, attacks. Of her time at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Ruffin discusses training to be an electronic protections technician; favorite restaurants; and her activities there after TDY to Iraq, including drinking and attending rock concerts. " Of note is Ruffin's description of her four month tour in Iraq. She talks about learning that there would be military action in Iraq and preparing her unit to be deployed. Topics from Iraq include: building Alaskan Small Shelters; living in an abandoned gym; male soldiers' reactions to female soldiers; bathroom facilities; water use; inadequate supplies, weapons, and armor; coming under fire; being reprimanded for her uniform; and attending a soccer game in ...
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