Increased Nerdiness

[RickyRich]

Four months ago I shipped to US Army Basic Combat Training (BCT), during this time I had no access to the internet or any kind of technology for that matter. Since I've gotten out of BCT, and now during Advanced Individual Training (AIT) I have basically overloaded on all of the stuff I used to be in to, such as gaming, comics, and all other nerdy activities. For example, I used to just wear clothes that nobody would guess I was a nerd in, however, since being in AIT, I have purchased multiple superhero shirts, hats, and belt buckles. I have also started playing steam a helluva lot more than I did before I left.

I was just wondering what you all thought of this. Am I like this now because I am trying to reclaim my identity or am I just like this now because I have money to blow? Or do you think it is something else. I am honestly interested in knowing what everyone thinks of this.

 

[Dangit2019]

If I had more money, I know I would be getting some freaking nerdy-ass shirts.

 

[DugMachine]

4 months without internet or technology? That'd make anyone come back and dive into games n stuff harder than before.

Don't worry too much about the clothes though, plenty of people wear that stuff without being 'nerdy' or what have you.

 

[Basement Cat]

Watch the "money to blow" factor!!!

I live in a city with a lot of soldiers from the Arsenal and they practically empty their wallets every pay period. They order out feasts, buy everything they ever wanted to buy but didn't before because now they don't have to worry about paying for room and board, etc.

And most end up flat broke when they get out.

OT: I suspect part of it is you just getting your 'fix' after a long dry spell. Nothing wrong with that.

I never joined up but many of my friends from high school did--Army, Navy, and Marines. Part of it may be a reaction to 'reclaiming your identity'. They all went through the "identity crisis" bit that comes after your first drill instructors break you down and build you up. I remember one telling me that just getting out into the real world with his platoon doing something as mundane as visiting a McDonald's restaurant turned out to be an alien experience for him after the utterly regimented (no pun intended) reality of barracks life.

P.S. I repeat: Watch the "money to blow" factor!!! You'll be glad you did.

Good luck, man.