Fisher takes cover in the woods with his weapon during FTX, the week-long field training exercises that closed out basic training. The recruits put all their new skills to the test, with raids on mock Iraqi villages, "attacks" on their base and round-the-clock security details. It had been a time of struggle and transformation. Fisher's initial fears subsided as the disciplined military culture replaced his free-flowing suburban upbringing. The Army challenged him, toughened him and gave him a glimpse of his potential.