Thin Grey Line sounds like a reference to West Point. That and your discussion of the beast barracks and what not has me thinking that either you've been either been in the military or if not have read a good deal about it. I remember boot camp and all the things that seemed insane at the time. The first steps of changing civies into squids. (At least in my case)
While it seemed more of a filler chapter it was still quite enjoyable. There were enough hints dropped thoughout to leave no doubt that Harry was about to find/be found by who he was looking for.
All and all nicely done.
Author's response
Yea it is. I did 20 in the Army, Long Range Recon followed up with Information Technology when I blew out my knees. Not really a filler, remember Harrys going to be there for 4 years so its the intro to the academy years.