reporting to basic training tomorrow. can't sleep tonight

[Fasckira]

Played through Battlefield 3, thats enough for me.

Joking aside, I considered the British forces awhile back as I felt kind of at a loose end but decided against it. Its a huge commitment and you're literally dedicating your life to it so good luck and hope everything works out the way you want.

 

[merc hunter]

hey guys. this will surly be my last thread on here for at least a while.

on March 18th 2011 I enlisted in the US Navy. After 9 long months in the Delayed Entry Program DEP, tomorrow I am to report to the Navy for boot camp. Tomorrow afternoon I will meet with my recruiter who will drive me to a hotel in Nashville TN. I will spend the night there, and then at about 4 AM Wednesday morning I will get on a bus that will take me to MEPS for a quick once over and then i will get on a plane (i have never flown before) to Great Lakes IL for boot camp for the next 8 weeks.

I am a bit nervous about the whole thing, and I can't sleep tonight. If anyone has anything they'd like to ask or tell me that would be cool. I'll probably be up for at least another couple of hours.

I know the feeling, I enlisted in the NZ Army over a year ago, the night before basic I was incredibly nervous, that was 16 weeks long. Its a bit to get used to to begin with but you will adjust, its something that im sure you will enjoy.

Good luck, merchunter

 

[loc978]

From someone who went through US Army Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox a number of years ago...

Spoiler: snipped for space

IT GETS BETTER

First 2 weeks are hell on earth. After that, it gets better. Never easier, but the TIs knock off the screaming to get their message across, and you get a routine going which really helps.

NUMBER ONE: Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut
The less attention you draw to yourself the easier it will be. Getting singled out is a nightmare from which there is no escape.

NUMBER TWO: SEE NUMBER ONE
Seriously. Do what your told, do things right, and things cannot go smoother.

NUMBER THREE: If you are unsure about a command, ask when they stop talking if it has been made clear you have permission to speak. If it hasn't, make it clear you have a question with body language, eye contact, et cetera.
Much better to get angrily growled at to clarify then to get screamed at for being wrong.

NUMBER FOUR: DO NOT WATCH EXPECT THINGS TO BE LIKE FULL METAL JACKET
They only beat you in the Marines don't generally beat you in any service anymore. No physical violence is supposed to be happening, but if it does happen, the punches will not be to vital areas, and they will be pulled, so don't scare yourself, it does no good. Everyone makes this mistake. Your mileage may vary. Mine did.

NUMBER FIVE: Count down the days after 2 weeks. You'd be amazed how fast things go.

NUMBER SIX: Go to church on Sundays, even if not religious. I'm an Atheist, and tried out all the different churches to help me focus. Wicca was fun, as was Buddhism. And Christianity has enough people that aren't yelling at you to relieve some pressure.

And that's it. Good luck, and thank you for serving.

Spoiler: snipped for space

^basically what he said. Corrections as I see 'em made^
My dog tags say NO-REL-PREF (there was actually a joke among us atheists there about worshiping the almighty Norelpref), and I went to the Jewish church through most of basic (we had a choice of Jewish, Catholic or Protestant when and where I went. I tried Protestant the first week, as it was familiar to me... that didn't go well). They had snacks and a guy with a guitar who took requests. He even humored the one smartass who said Stairway. Never had time for Freebird, though.

As to corrections

1. They DO not knock off the yelling for EVERY little thing. They still yell. A lot. But not as much.

2. Correct. Listen to the Army dude

3. They DO beat in the Marines. Not as bad as they used to. I know this isn't the most reliable source, but my friend Mike is about to finish his time in the Marines, and he'll fully admit they hit recruits. One dude mouthed off to a TI. TI broke his nose. Mike cracked a rib when he raised his arm while a TI was talking to him, and TI socked him in the gut. But they don't in Navy, Army, or Air Force.

But yeah, I'll agree with the changes.

1. Your mileage may vary. The yelling never subsided where I was.

3. Eh, I believe it. Again, your mileage may vary. One of my friends joined the Corps less than two years ago, and his entire platoon put together took less of a beating than I did at Knox (I dunno about now, but back when the Army still wore BDUs, they'd beat ya... just not hard. A broken nose, a cracked rib, sure. Caved eye socket or broken rib, no)... but he and I are both POGs.

 

[AndyFromMonday]

Hazing is fun. Don't worry though, I'm sure it won't happen to you.

 

[Thaluikhain]

43 minutes after my post, 57 from when the thread started. I expected it to be sooner, really.

 

[manic_depressive13]

It's called discipline, and he was being a smartass, but he obeyd his orders in a way he thought fit. That's he kind of leader that gets people back home.

Dear god, okay. Um, sure. I think I'd prefer someone who can follow orders without significantly injuring themselves, but to each their own.

what i took from that was he followed the command to a T the commander told him to follow it. drop to the floor. so he did without moving. so i think the recruit was being a smartass and following the order at the same time

Smartass- An impudent person who often responds in a rude or sarcastic manner.

Dumbass- Someone who thinks it's a good idea to land on their face.

 

[Zio_IV]

Hey man, good luck out there and stay strong. I just got out of the Marines 11 months ago and we work alongside the Navy all the time. From their stories, it sounds like you're in for some tough times. But don't worry, if you persevere and maintain discipline (with yourself if nothing else), you'll make it out just fine.

I sure can relate to the whole "last day before" thing, though. I was waiting for the bus to take me to the airport, counting down the seconds till 2:40 AM. Once it hit that I was like, "Well, happy 18th birthday to me. Time to go through hell."

Kinda surreal, but I'm rambling now. Point is, keep your head on straight and try not to panic during the rougher parts. It'll be over before you konw it.

Semper Fidelis (lol I know it's not Navy, but hey, I was a Marine. Can't help it sometimes.)

 

[Anthony Wells]

It's called discipline, and he was being a smartass, but he obeyd his orders in a way he thought fit. That's he kind of leader that gets people back home.

Dear god, okay. Um, sure. I think I'd prefer someone who can follow orders without significantly injuring themselves, but to each their own.

what i took from that was he followed the command to a T the commander told him to follow it. drop to the floor. so he did without moving. so i think the recruit was being a smartass and following the order at the same time

Smartass- An impudent person who often responds in a rude or sarcastic manner.

Dumbass- Someone who thinks it's a good idea to land on their face.

he was being a smartass by following the order exactly. he was basically told to drop to the ground. so he did. like a rock. it was being a smartass. its like if i was told to do (insert some kind of expression here) and i did it eactly as it was said in order to spite the person for telling me to do it. im being a smartass without saying anything. true i might not be very smart for doing it especially if its stupid. but im making a point none the less without saying anything

 

[Elijah Ball]

I'm almost in the same boat. I leave for basic dec 27, but for the air force. I'm getting more and more nervous as the days tick by, but i think once i get there itll be fine. Not sure what you'll be doing, but just keep remembering your reasons for joining and you'll do fine. =]

"same boat" lolz, Navy joke. when i learned i would be in the DEP for 9 months i was like "that is forever" the last couple of weeks have flown by so fast though.[/quote]

hahaha, i didnt even notice the same boat thing. =]

and yeah, ive been in the dep since april. i am definitely ready to leave.

 

[Viedrick]

Been in the Army for three years, and I can remember being in your shoes. I went to Fort Benning, GA for my basic training. Fun times.

 

[RaffB]

...Really? I have to be the first to say this?


WHY?

The way the world is atm, I would rather die than go into any of the armed forces. The idiots in control of them and the politicians that they are following are just....morally retarded.

Don't get me wrong, I have respect for anyone who defends his/her country, and I do mean anyone, friend or foe. But right now I struggle to think of any major conflict that the western world is involved in that is a worthwhile cause to support.

Apologies if I seem like an ass, you have your reasons to join and I respect your choice, I just fail to see how it seems like a good idea?

 

[Phyaran]

I'm in the process of joining the Aus Army Reserve, gunning for GSO (general service officer). Discovered a few months back that I effectively have a year off uni so I'm trying to get all the training down in the next 12 months so I can go into my last year of uni as a lieutenant.

 

[Craorach]

I want to congratulate you on deciding to serve your country, it is an honourable thing to do.

I also want to beg you to remember that what you are doing is both an honour, and a privilege. You represent your country with every action and word, both on duty and off, and you should be the very best representatives of that nation. Also, I hope that you remember that you serve your country... and that the people are your country. You are a servant of the people, as much as you are of your leaders.

People should respect you for what you are doing, but they should not treat you as better than them unless you actually ARE better than them. You are rewarded by your government for your work, but only deserve the respect that the military demands IF you behave as a model citizen while you are serving.

 

[rednose1]

Well best of luck to ya. Been through it myself. It'll scare you at first, but then it gets routine, just like anything else. When they ask for people for ships company, volunteer for it!

In gerneral, since you haven't posted what your 'A' school is going to be, I assume you are undesignated striker? if so, well...try for the smaller boats. The carriers have so many people, seriously, like a third world slum, both in density, and in hygeine.....Also, LOCK YOUR STUFF!! Again, due to the huge amount of people on the larger ships, theft is a serious problem. Always lock your stuff up, EVERYTHING! ( seen underwear get stolen before...)

Pack more socks and underwear than you think you need, then get more. Also, small plastic containers, and ramen noodles. have folks mail you more. This'll save your life out to sea, unless you wind up being a cook.

Almost forgot, one last thing...don't lock your knees standing at attention. You will pass out, and you will fall face first.

Finally, "shipmate" is a derogatory term, don't let anyone fool you. The only people that use "shipmate" are a-holes and diggits.

 

[Anthony Wells]

...Really? I have to be the first to say this?


WHY?

The way the world is atm, I would rather die than go into any of the armed forces. The idiots in control of them and the politicians that they are following are just....morally retarded.

Don't get me wrong, I have respect for anyone who defends his/her country, and I do mean anyone, friend or foe. But right now I struggle to think of any major conflict that the western world is involved in that is a worthwhile cause to support.

Apologies if I seem like an ass, you have your reasons to join and I respect your choice, I just fail to see how it seems like a good idea?

i was just giving the guy advice but i agree with you here. on the other hand my friend joined the military because it was the only place he felt he could go with how his life was. from what i hear of the person who raised him that treated him like crap and i saw first hand how he treated him...that man is now very proud of my friend that he went into the Marines and i am too. anyways everyone has their reasons my friend because he felt it was all he could do. i will never join a cause i dont beleive in and right now that includes the way america is heading and the wars it is in.

 

[AnotherAvatar]

Just... don't let them totally brain wash you. I'm seeing a lot of posts here to keep your nose down and not get noticed, and that is a good idea as soldiers function better as tight knit groups, however don't let that crush the parts of you that make you an individual and don't let them adjust your morals.

Other than that, good luck sir. I hope you gain a lot of experience and a good amount of money to fund any other dreams you may have when you get back. As you've never even flown I'd suggest this is a great chance to see the world, take it in, and decide what you really want out of life.

 

[Anezay]

The first few weeks suck.
Know your training schedule, and count the weeks, not the days.
Don't worry so much. From what I hear, Navy boot camp is cake compared to the other three services. I wouldn't know how hard it is firsthand, I'm a Marine, not a Sailor.
Prepare yourself mentally. Thick skin and willingness to learn go a long way.
The Drill Instructors like to play games with you. Remember that that's what it is, a game.
Everything is for a reason. Even the games.
Don't be the one. You'll know the one when you see him. Don't be him. They won't fuck you up for no reason, but they will be strict, so be perfect.

Welcome to the brotherhood that is the United States Military. Maybe I'll see you in the fleet.
-Private First Class, United States Marine Corps

 

[Helmholtz Watson]

I do believe this is an appropriate time for a sing along.....


I'm just ribbing you.

As an ex Army man I feel it my duty to to aim light banter at all Air Force and Navy personnel.

You'll see why when you get where you are going, assuming it's the same in the US as it is here in the UK. We have a bit of a rivalry between the 3 forces and have to mock each other.

hey how do you make it that the videos appear? I just keep having a link appear, but I can't figure out how you put the video up. Sorry about it being off topic.

 

[Thaluikhain]

...Really? I have to be the first to say this?


WHY?

The way the world is atm, I would rather die than go into any of the armed forces. The idiots in control of them and the politicians that they are following are just....morally retarded.

Don't get me wrong, I have respect for anyone who defends his/her country, and I do mean anyone, friend or foe. But right now I struggle to think of any major conflict that the western world is involved in that is a worthwhile cause to support.

Apologies if I seem like an ass, you have your reasons to join and I respect your choice, I just fail to see how it seems like a good idea?

Would that not depend on the service?

The US Navy, for example, would seem to be less deeply involved in the more questionable things going on at the moment. Yes, without the Navy, the other services couldn't function and all that, but even so.

Personally, I've always said if I was going to join up, it'd be something nice and safe and unpolitcal like NORFORCE, but even so, I think I'll give it a miss.