Day 5

This entry is in retrospect, as I had no energy with which to write at the conclusion of Day 5.

I was roused from my bed at 0315. Our now-haggard band of prisoners was forced outside into the already-oppressive heat at 0400. The night before, as I was preparing for some much-needed sleep and wondering if I might make it through another day, an announcement had been played from the guard towers that detailed our sadistic guardsmens' plans for us:

"You will form up at 0400. You will bring all of your gear, to include: body armor, helmet, and all other heavy objects. We will be moving to the field for the entirety of the day. You will need sun block and insect repellent. Expect snakes, insects, and scorpions. There will be no shade, so bring ponchos to create shade. Do not bring hope."

Fearful and unsure of what was to come next, I waited for several hours until we were finally loaded into cattle trucks. The trucks drove, and they drove, and they drove. We stopped, literally in the middle of nowhere. I looked around, and saw nothing in any direction but Godforsaken, sun-scorched, treeless inifity. Our captors then proceeded to subject us to some crude form of indoctrination. We stood, sat, or kneeled, attempting to stay awake, alive, and somewhat comfortable in the harsh ground, sun beating down upon us, as we were subjected to five blocks of 100-minute indoctrination sessions. As if to mock us, they "taught" classes on subjects we were all clearly well-versed in already. The mind games continued all day, with no reprieve.

Finally, after what seems like years baking in the sun, we are told to mount the cattle trucks back to the prison facility. Upon arrival at approximately 1630, we hope only for some mercy on our captors' part. Since it is Friday, we would only expect they would want to go home to see their family...but their sadism knows no bounds. We are forced to sit on the ground outside of our cell blocks until past 2000, for no apparent reason.

I hoped for some decent rest, but none was to come. In yet another sleep deprivation attempt to break me, I was forced to stay awake until 0300 "guarding" our cell block. I fear I am weakening.

Long Live the Free Officer Corps!