| Author | Message | ||
     Cataract2 |
Well, down to my last week as a civilian. Almost done packing the room up (parents house) and am now just waiting. How to spend my time now. Thinking I should do some more work on my truck. Little things that are nagging me. Hmmm... Anyways, asking myself if I should cut back my workout a tiny bit to try to min. the chance of injury. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Start drinking alot of water. Get your body charged up with H2O before you get there. Get plenty of sleep. Remember not to take anything the Drills say personally, they will try to get a rise out of you. Keep your military bearing. Keep your nose clean and do what you are told and basic will be done before you know it. | ||
| Aldaytona |
Ryan, the night before you leave, get a case of your favorite malted beverage and rent the movie "Stripes". Insert the DVD and start drinking heavily. GO ARMY! Good luck Al | ||
| Jackbequick |
Ryan, I was about 23 years old when I went in service. I didn't realize it at the time, but a little maturity goes a long way and will serve you well as you get into the swing of things. You'll be a father figure of sorts to some of the younger folks. That's not a real burden, it reminds of all the things you've already learned the hard way and benefit from. Good luck there and stay in touch with the BadWeb as you go. Jack | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Ah yes, you gotta watch Stripes. Too bad you arent going to Ft Knox, you would recognize quite a few places in the movie from the film. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Treat basic like a game. The drill sgts. are just doing a job. Keep yourself and gear squared away, and what ever you do don't lend anyone any money! Three things I really remember from basic was learning the 10 general orders, code of conduct and most important of all my rifle number! And to think I went thru basic in July, August at Fort Dix New Jersey. What a hole! Lots of sand, bugs, and humidity. And to think that was 46 years ago, time flies when your on prozac! | ||
| Stingaroo |
Ryan, I went to basic in 1999 at Fort Knox, the obstacle course is basically the same as in strips! I would suggest just look at it as a mind game, pay attention to what they are teaching you, watch out for peronal quarrels, and observer your Drill Instructors. One day you may become an NCO! Take care and enjoy it, the stress will be overwhelming at first, but you get used to it as you become a soldier. Brian | ||
| Outrider |
Remember...They only ask for volunteers for the good details. Once the volunteers are off doing something relatively easy, they "draft" whomever is left for the nasty details. So playing "Beetle Bailey" is not a good thing. I was given this advice when I went in and volunteering paid off for me quite well. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Well, I have SeanP's e-mail now. Gotta get his address and write him so he can post updates on my torture... er... I mean Basic training. | ||
| Alanshouse |
Basic is awesome dude. Its much better than the regular army. | ||
| Rum_runner |
your first day the drill sgts are going to ask who wants a smoke don't raise your hand its a trap. and don't go in acting like barney bad a$$. it won't pay off i promise. just do what your told to do and it'll be over before you know it. enjoy it and good luck. | ||
| Brineusaf |
I'm AF, and one thing in Basic was NOT TO VOLUNTEER for anything... except kitchen duty. Famous line " who likes bowling?" "good you can clean my toilet bowls then!" Luckily I was warned beforehand about their little games and avoided all of them. I graduated and my instructor didn't even know my name... which was a good thing. Just take it day by day, think of all the rewards of what you are doing, and all the people who are proud of you for it. Hope this helps, even if I am AF...  | ||
| Odie |
Ryan- good advice above. Keep your head low; calmness and maturity go a long ways; if you can get thru incognito you are doing well; even though the Army wants everyone to be fit they feed you crap at the messhall if you want it- eat well; yes sir, no sir, three bags full and you'll be fine. It will be over before you know it. Like I've told you before- the Army is what YOU make of it. Opportunity abounds if you are willing to accept the challenge. My life would be so different if I would've gotten out after my 3 years. One of the top 3 things I've ever done in my life was stay in for 21 years and get a retirement check deposited every month. Have fun, be safe and keep us informed. If you need anything, and I mean it, call me (334)494-5975 cell. Take care, Odie. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I only did 6 years in the Navy (87-93) and I'm glad I did it. In basic keep your head about you and follow orders to the letter. It's all about breaking old habits and installing new ones. If I hadn't done my time and earned my VA benefits I'd really be up a creek right now with medical bills. Thank you for volunteering to serve. | ||
| Xb9er |
In oct. I got back from FT. Benning. keep your military bearing, dont be a buddy F##ker. If you want here is my mailing address put it in your hygene bag and write to me and I'll write you back. I know getting mail ment a lot to me. PFC Hawn 614 North 6th street Bellwood,PA 16617 | ||
| Americanmadexb |
good luck bro..we all thank you!! | ||
| Cataract2 |
Xb9er, thanks for that. Hopefully you'll be able to post up some updates from me. I will certainly mail you. I see your a PFC. Did you enter as that or did you get promoted to it recently? | ||
| Xb9er |
No I was promoted to it. When I went I was pv2. I was just recently promoted. Usually once you've completed basic and ait they promote you. I will most certainly post updates. Where are you going for basic and ait. If you go to Ft. Benning every morning you will recite 1st to fight for the right, and to build the nations might, as the army goes rolling along. Proud of all we have done, fight until the battles won, as the army goes rolling along. Then its high high hey, the army's on its way, sound off the cadience loud and strong. For where ever we go, you will always know, that the army goes marching along. then You can hear it in the heat of the jungle, you can hear it across the see. It calls to every freedom loving man, the cry of the U.S. INFANTRY. FOLLOW ME FOLLOW ME. All this is just off the top of my head from 7 months ago.lol (Message edited by XB9er on April 26, 2006) | ||
| Southern Marine |
Good Luck,I wish you the best. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Nope XB9, going to Ft. Jackson, SC then to Ft. Gordon, GA for AIT. What was your MOS? | ||
| Xb9er |
My mos is llB, Infantryman | ||
| Cataract2 |
Seems to be a lot of people I meet who went 11B. I must be an oddity, 25S (Sat. Com.) | ||
| Wardan123 |
Not odd - smart. Speaking for myself, as a 12B Combat Engineer (somehat close to 11B), when I went into the Army at 19 I wanted to do ... Army stuff. I was not career minded and saw it as a break from schooling, and a chance to mature. You, being older and career minded, have chosen wisely (IMO). Distinguish your self through hard work and consistent performance and you'll be rewarded. My best to you and thanks for your service. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Well, who knows. Might end up working with Xb9. Or anyone. I told myself, if they offer my to go to OCS I'm taking it. | ||
| Spreadem |
Should be a breeze for you. I'm at FT Jacksin which is the largest basic training installation there is. They got freakin' "stress cards" in basic now. They're like get out of jail free cards, if a DS is yelling at you, you give it to him and he has to leave you alone so you don't kill yourself. Oh, and they can't call you "Private", even though that's your rank (too demeaning), now everyone is merely a soldier... Just seems like even in the couple of years I've been in, so much has changed. Real interesting talking to Vietnam era guys. Anyway, GL with your training and lemme know if you need advice on any Army stuff. Wade "FB2" Haughton | ||
| Cataract2 |
Just saw your other post about being at Ft. Jackson Spread. Stress cards? WTF? Man, I worked at the jail for 3 years and would love to have had them the number of times I had some pissed off b#&$& yelling at me to get her to shut up. Oh well. | ||
| Xb9er |
Well at ft. Benning last summer we didnt have stress cards and we got called every name in the book. I know a nco that just got back from DS school and everything they're not allowed to do anymore we got on a daily bases. They can do anything as long as no one with any importance is around. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Ryan, As a parent of a submariner, I truly thank you for your sacrifice and your service to this great country. You will get through basic with flying colors, after all, you ARE a Badweather Biker! Good luck my friend, please let us know how thigs are going for you when you ge out of basic. Brad | ||
| Cataract2 |
Bluz, I'm the brother of a submariner. My brother is a Nuke in the Navy and for odd reason he choose to go on the subs. Not me! Nooooooooo, don't like to be in a place like that. Nonononononono. | ||
| Ka5ysy |
In 1969 my DI, SSG Tovar would have stuffed a stress card up my butt! Besides, the whole point of basic is learning to perform under stress automatically and withoug question (also known as combat.. no stress cards there, only incoming rounds!). Have fun in the Green Machine.. It is a lot of fun if you do your job and remember that the DI's are trying to teach you stuff to save your life, so pay attention to what they tell you at all times. Everything is important to you. Welcome to the brotherhood of veterans, Active duty and newbies, a/k/a FNG's! If you happen to get over to Ft. Polk and need any assistance drop an email and I will send you contact information. I am in Baton Rouge. Doug 55G20 1969-1974, Survivor of Cakmakli! Any other 55G's hiding out here? |
