I’m about to finish in processing to my first unit at Fort Bragg, any tips I should know before getting there?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:16:17 -0500

I’m finishing up in processing at Fort Bragg, and I’m going to be in the 2nd brigade in the 82nd, and I’m a 12C, anything I should know going in to be the best soldier I can be?

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 11 at 2019 9:08 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:08:15 -0500

Listen to the senior enlisted. They are not their to target or attack you. They are there to help you grow. Listen to them and understand they are there to help. Don't get caught up in the shit talking drama. Keep a positive attitude. There are going to be situations you don't agree with. That's ok, just "hooah" and move on. Do PT in your free time. Theres no excuse to fail a PT test.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 9:18 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:18:25 -0500

I'll tell you I just heard something (literally 2 hours ago) from a MAJ; he said, "Remember you have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak".

I hated life as a PVT...So I acted like an NCO, before I knew it I was an NCO and life got WAY easier. Always remember, the Army doesnt think they need you. To the big Army, you are easily replaceable, your job is to prove them wrong through your actions. You're going to absolutely hate your life some days, and some days will be great. You get paid both days.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 9:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:39:34 -0500

The number one issue people have at Fort Bragg is alcohol. Geraldo Rivera once visited the 82nd and after spending a week with them, called them the most in-shape alcoholics in the world. If you do drink, do it responsibly. If you have had a single drink and you drive through the gate, you will be breathalyzed. The DUI Monster is indiscriminate and has taken down battalion Commanders and CSMs at all levels. The local police will not cut you any slack for being military, and if you're at a platoon party and do something stupid, being drunk will not be an acceptable excuse. Seriously, the dumb crap I've seen people do in the 82nd because they were drunk is mind boggling. Stabbing each other, cussing out Staff Duty Officers, jumping out windows, whipping their junk out at females walking by, spraying fire extinguishers, pooping in the dryers, driving into buildings, barracks orgies, non consensual drunk sex, etc. As soon as you add alcohol to it, it becomes an alcohol related incident, which is grounds for a letter of reprimand from the General or separation.
So, drink responsibly and in moderation, and never, never believe you can get away with driving even if you've only had two beers and know you're good.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 12 at 2019 9:19 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:19:22 -0500

Maintain financial discipline. As an officer with prior enlisted service, I still have memories of former Private and Specialist peers asking friends or going to payday lenders for loans. Along with staying physically fit, make sure you are monetarily fit by not overspending.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 12 at 2019 11:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 23:08:35 -0500

Best damn BDE in 82nd, longest serving unit in the 82nd. Keep mouth shut, ears open, you will have tp earn acceptance. Life is hard but great people, and it is harder if you are stupid. Also we never move a slow speed!