What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

RallyPoint News — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:26:37 -0400

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Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Oct 12 at 2021 9:48 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:48:56 -0400

For me, much to the contrast of the Hollywood version (or, honestly, what I hear from most everyone else), it was very much a lobster in hot water scenario. 30th AG at the Fort Benning School for Misguided Boys was a VERY minor culture shock. All of a sudden there were drill sergeants. But, well, I had had parents, and teachers, and principals, and Dominican Nuns, and coaches, and all manner of authority figures telling me what the rules were and what I had to do. OK, these were more abrasive than some (but not all), and the repercussions were more immediate. Small adjustment, move on. Then I went up the street to the 2nd Battalion of the 54th Infantry (Mailed Foot, Drill Sergeant, Mailed Foot!) and learned some more rules.

After my vacation at Benning, I went to Fort Drum, NY and became a Polar Bear. There I learned more about how to kill people, how not to be killed (which included how not to be killed by angry SSGs), and other useful lessons. And then on to Arizona, Germany, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Arizona (again), and Kentucky (again) with a few short trips to cool tourist Meccas like Great Britain, Iraq, Ireland, Bosnia, Fiji, and Afghanistan.

Each and every step of the way, I was adapting, learning, and growing. All the way up until the day I retired. And I am still doing so in retirement, although not to the "military life."

Looking back, I am OBVIOUSLY a VERY different man than when I joined back in *mumble mumble mumble*. But I cannot point to a single defining moment, or even a series of them, and say "Aha! THAT is when I finally figured it out and FULLY became a Soldier."

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Oct 12 at 2021 11:00 AM

LTC Tom Jones — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:00:43 -0400

Took awhile to get used to the noise--Drill Sergeants first; Platoon Tacs later. Noisy bunch.

Response by SPC Terry Page made Oct 12 at 2021 11:38 AM

SPC Terry Page — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:38:40 -0400

The profound instant I took the oath was my moment. Truly it was a life altering event for Terry L. Page. Our country became the center of my universe; everything and everyone were peripheral to that obligation. In a way, I was along for the ride with a duty to hang on tight. Marriage, children and a life beyond the military could all wait. I volunteered to go with my Uncle Sam; he knew where he was going and that was good enough for me.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Oct 12 at 2021 11:45 AM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:45:02 -0400

During high school I was part of the CCC California Cadet Corp. This prepared me for the regimentation of military life and structure. It put me a step ahead of many.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 12 at 2021 11:45 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:45:44 -0400

For me it was easy. I grew up in a house with strong personalities both men and women. A place where you respected your elders and those in charge. You did what you were told without question or there would be consequences. You had innate trust in your family that when you were told to do something they had your best interest and safety at hear. The physical part for me was easy as well.
I played sports and was very athletic. The rigors on the body and training were second nature. When I joined the military all of those things came second nature...the hard part was being away from my family. It was tough because we were tight knit...that part came easier later as I made friends and the military became my family.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Oct 12 at 2021 12:05 PM

PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:05:06 -0400

Having to get up at 0 dark thirty took some time to get used to.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Oct 12 at 2021 1:21 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:21:12 -0400

In Marine Corps boot camp there was no such thing as "I won't do it." You f-ing did it, like it or not or pay the price. This also set the stage for my life since that I now say, "I can do it or find a way to do it" period!

Response by PFC Angie Nickels made Oct 13 at 2021 8:35 AM

PFC Angie Nickels — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:35:09 -0400

The constant hurry up and wait method helped me develop patience.

Response by SGT Kevin Taber made Oct 13 at 2021 8:57 AM

SGT Kevin Taber — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:57:31 -0400

Not much. My pop was ex-military. I was used to getting yelled at lol

Response by PVT Michele Bowman made Oct 13 at 2021 9:57 AM

PVT Michele Bowman — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:57:50 -0400

The things I remember about adjusting to military life is having to get up before the roosters lol, having your locker right and bed tight, MRE's geesh, OMG some of them cadence's SMH, and the push-ups and physical exertion OHHHH weeeeeeee! But all in all I am so thankful for the experience :)

Response by SSgt David Samples made Oct 13 at 2021 10:35 AM

SSgt David Samples — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:35:24 -0400

I learned in basic training that teamwork supercedes race creed and color. we were all part of the green machine

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2021 10:49 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:49:16 -0400

That just when you think you couldn't be more achey, more cold, more tired, more wet, and more hungry...it can get worse.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Oct 13 at 2021 11:38 AM

SFC Terry Fortune — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 11:38:54 -0400

Hurry up and wait.

Response by CPL Harold Brown made Oct 13 at 2021 12:11 PM

CPL Harold Brown — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:11:06 -0400

I came from a really brutal and horrible upraising, knowing this is not the live I want to continue in so I joined the Army. Best choice of my life. They fed, clothed me and game me shelter. I felt safe and secure and learned valuable skills which carried me forward in the future and beyond. Having served for over 24 years from Vietnam on to everything requiring being called up was a real challenge. It gave me hope and a real purpose in life. The pay back has been real and never would I have thought that the decision to enlist would turn out so good. I survived. Harold Brown

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2021 1:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:03:43 -0400

I was a punk. 18 years old. May have been involved in less than legal activities. Maybe. Pretty tough. I thought.
Nope. D..I.'s were tougher.
Learned a little respect and accountability.
Best thing I ever did.
And I will never admit crying into my pillow at 0300. Never

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Oct 13 at 2021 1:52 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:52:58 -0400

Punctuality. You are never late in the military, never

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Oct 13 at 2021 2:14 PM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:14:09 -0400

Adapting to military life was a bit of a problem. Getting my first haircut was not all that bad, but having to pay for it was. It was the first haircut that I ever had to pay for. LOL Really though the hardest thing was to keep mouth shut and not get myself into trouble. Prior to that I was always able to speak my mind all though as in civilian life one had to speak carefully and respectfully and in the Army I had to relearn that skill. Sleeping with a bunch of guys was not a problem as I have 7 brothers. As a farm kid I had to have self discipline but not in the Army. Even working 7 days was not a problem. The hardest thing to get used to was putting up with all the stupid stuff.

Response by SrA Joe Martin made Oct 13 at 2021 2:21 PM

SrA Joe Martin — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:21:41 -0400

Discipline. Discipline to get up on time. Discipline to learn. Discipline to exercise. Discipline in thought and behavior.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Oct 13 at 2021 5:27 PM

AA Loreen Silvarahawk — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:27:34 -0400

My Dad was in the service so I pretty well knew what to expect. The early hours, well, I was usually up and in the head before the DI started banging on the trash can. The discipline was as expected and the feeling of being part of something bigger was keen. The marching for long periods was difficult at first but soon caught on thanks to my running in high school. All in all, I believe I was better prepared for military life because I knew what my Dad had taught and instilled in me about this way of life.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Oct 13 at 2021 7:09 PM

CPT David Gowel — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:09:26 -0400

I think it was both the extremes of efficiency and inefficiency and took some time for me to get used to. For example, there was a proven, tested, "right way" to disassemble, clean, and reassemble a weapon to make sure it was ready for when you needed it. On the flip side, I remember standing in ranger school in formation with BDUs and no field jacket in freezing weather just waiting for what felt like hours (but was probably less than 30 min) for the RIs to tell us what our next task would be with no knowledge of what that might be, or when it might happen. In the end, all of the above built character in ways I appreciate MUCH more now than I did at the time.

Response by CPO William Slifko made Oct 13 at 2021 7:33 PM

CPO William Slifko — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:33:50 -0400

It wasn't so much adapting as it was a simple transition. Adapting from military to civilian life still kind of makes me crazy. The waste, abuse of privilege or rights, the laziness, it all makes me wonder how most of the people who never experienced military structure managed to live to adulthood.

Response by SrA Theodore Dobbins made Oct 13 at 2021 8:58 PM

SrA Theodore Dobbins — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:58:34 -0400

My whole life changed. Hind sight is 20/20, but people, places, and experiences are priceless. Blessings!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Oct 13 at 2021 9:04 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:04:40 -0400

Everything?

Response by SPC Will Thorson made Oct 13 at 2021 9:38 PM

SPC Will Thorson — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:38:20 -0400

I cant talk for anyone but infantry guys. Definitely a culture shock. I'm not an A type personality and all muscle and aggressive. So hanging out with those guys made me definitely grow up. My dad served for 27 years in the Air Force and all his senior NCOs were WW2 vets. He served from 52 to 78.and he retired as a chief master sgt. I aiwats had that attention to detail and keeping my mouth shut, but i had another skill. I can talk to anyone and completely relax those around me. Yes, i can be pretty funny, but i paid attention to everything, no matter how small. I got along even better with my NCOs and officers. Plus I love military history. And i could talk about any place i deployed and made it fun...well for what it was. You wouldn't think that if you knew me before basic. I was quite and reserved. It was the bayonet training that brought out the voice in me and completely changed how I went thru my mini career. Being on time meant being 30 minutes early. Understanding that you meant something to those around you That my brothers around me had my back. That i could withstand criticism and get a job done. That i could sleep anywhere really fast, and the biggest? That i knew that those guys to my left and right would give their lives for me and me the same back. That's probably the biggest thing. That i wasn't alone, that there were guys going thru the same thing as I. Even though my body and mind is pretty broken, I wouldn't change anything....except back in 93, telling mechanics to put in 3 cotter pins that held the tranny and engine together on a Sheridan. I stopped a huge battle with the 1st CAV division as i got medivaced . Lol. Good ole NTC... It gotta take it's payments. Lol.

Response by SSgt Malakhi Reynolds made Oct 13 at 2021 11:11 PM

SSgt Malakhi Reynolds — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:11:33 -0400

As with many others it became very clear very quickly that there were things I would have never imagined myself capable of that became routine with enough pressure. You find out early on exactly what you're made of when you're pushed to the brink. It completely changed how I saw myself.

Response by SPC Sarah Hamby made Oct 13 at 2021 11:26 PM

SPC Sarah Hamby — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:26:36 -0400

Just learning how to put up my darned hair.
For ages I had this weird half braid twisted and bobby pinned to the top of my head.
All "natural" colored hair ties and then...
Scrunchies.
But not during PT because if it fell....all hell broke loose.
I still (20 years out) have my hair up ALL the time.
What a pain in my... Head.

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Oct 13 at 2021 11:39 PM

SPC Justine Blankenbeckler — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 23:39:57 -0400

Adapting to Military life , especially before we got housing, I had to get up at 4 am. I did not have a car the first 6 months, so I rode the bus with other Veteran's and Civilians working on Ft. IRWIN. I did not get home till almost 6 pm. Husband was working nights, so I had to feed 2 hungry children, make sure their homework was done, get my uniform ready for the next day. I was a person who wanted to look sharp every Day at my job. Come Friday I was exhausted, but there was grocery shopping and laundry. My daughter was trying to be a Big help. I just pushed myself, till October 31, and my Husband said let's go to Toyota. I found my car, and 2 miles on it. Finally no more work bus, and getting more time with my Family, and we finally got on base housing. Even Greater. Thank You

Response by SSG Michael D. made Oct 14 at 2021 12:37 AM

SSG Michael D. — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:37:10 -0400

I enlisted in the Army at age 25 in 1987. Adapting to the structured routine military life was a challenge. However, it was a positive challenge to myself in order to see how far I could go; and the goals I could accomplish in the process. I completed 2 AAS degrees, a BA, and a Masters thanks to self-determination and Uncle Sam financing the process. Thanks to ALL that have served before me, present service members and those to come! Go out and challenge yourself to BE the Best You Can BE!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2021 1:07 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:07:59 -0400

I am a Military Brat. My Dad was a veteran of the occupation of Japan and Korea. He and I both fought in Vietnam. As a military brat raise mostly in the cocoon of military families I never experienced real racism. In 1965 I had a crush was on a beautiful black girl. I know she really liked me but I couldn't understand why she would not go out with me despite being very affectionate in hiding. I realize now in 1965 she knew racism.
We all played and fought (fist fights no weapons) and partied together at AYA functions.
Then in 1969 in basic at Fort Jackson I experience full out real hate of blacks from New York recruits. I did not welcome racism and ended up being hated by both white and black bigots for a while. In time things smooth out and we trained and functioned as a team.
Point is: I was raised to respect everybody as were most of my friends and life was beautiful.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Oct 14 at 2021 4:59 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:59:22 -0400

"There's was no I in team." This is the first thing that was taught in basic training and till this day that's one of the things I remember. Coming from High school it was about me and what I'm going to do when I want to do. That attitude damn sure changed once you got off the bus. Ever since then it was nothing but life changes from learning how to march to what a battle buddy really is to respect. For me learning respect was way different than what I thought it was. Respect your elders and your Veterans completely changed my life for the better.

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Oct 14 at 2021 7:47 AM

PO2 Jay Stotler — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:47:56 -0400

The biggest thing to adapt to was the idea that even when I was off base fishing I could still be called to base for emergency. This only happened twice but it was always their in my mind that at anytime they could put on the radio all coast guard personal return to base we didn’t have cell phones. Also I was in charge of hanger maintainer of San Juan air Station so they would call for problems with the base as well as other emergency.. But I would do it again if asked because it was a feeling of being part of life saving system.
Thank you for that chance

Response by SPC John Tsutsui made Oct 14 at 2021 10:41 AM

SPC John Tsutsui — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:41:34 -0400

One thing that sticks in my mind was the lack of private space. Almost always someone around or something to do. No t a chance to be alone with your thoughts. That might have been a good thing.

Response by SPC John Hunczak made Oct 14 at 2021 12:23 PM

SPC John Hunczak — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:23:20 -0400

I had more culture shock coming out of the Army than going in. Rules, orders, and discipline were almost refreshing because finally I knew exactly what was expected of me, and how to do it. Because they TOLD me! And corporal punishment took on a whole new, literal meaning, Corporal! Yes, Corporal!

This was over 50 years ago. I never thought I came from a disadvantaged family; I still don't. But my first night in the Army was the first time in my life that I can remember sleeping on clean sheets. And every week we got crisp, fresh, clean irond sheets! We HAD to get them, Drill Sargent! Yes, Drill Sargent!

This was the first time I KNEW I could count on three (count'em, 3) square meals Every Single Day! And you guys who bitched about the food? Go to your mother, or to her grave, and thank her one more time. I loved my mom, and still do. Mom was a wonderful woman who did her best but she wasn't the best cook. You guys who were Army Cooks? Thank You!

My culture shock was leaving the Army. I was at Phu Lam, southwest of Saigon, counting my short days. I had less than 40 days left in Nam. Then the rapid draw down orders came! 72 hours later, after a tornado of Bien Hoa, and Oakland, Cali, I was a "PFC" as in Private Fucking Civilian! I wasn't complaining, but from taking random incoming, Army life in Viet Nam to walking the streets in San Francisco 72 hours later with no decompression or transition... wow!

The last official order I was given by the Army was, "You WILL go to the PX and buy civies! You WILL NOT fly home in uniform!" What? What the Fuck ? ! Guys were getting harassed and spit on in uniform. All this in 72 hours. Welcome the fuck home.

Response by PO2 Jim Furiosi made Oct 14 at 2021 1:59 PM

PO2 Jim Furiosi — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:59:45 -0400

Going from a high school kid to Navy boot camp and later to aircraft carriers where you worked 12 hrs/day, 7 days/week. Tonkin gulf yacht club, where the hell is vietnam??

Response by SSgt Robert LeBlanc made Oct 14 at 2021 2:40 PM

SSgt Robert LeBlanc — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:40:09 -0400

Www.staffsergeantleblanc.com
This will say it all.

Staff Sergeant LeblancStaff Sergeant Leblanc

Silent Drums: Adapt, Improvise, Overcome! is the powerful life story of Bob LeBlanc, a decorated gay combat Marine in Vietnam and his personal 45 year fight for equality!

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Oct 14 at 2021 4:09 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:09:21 -0400

I joined because I needed structure. I was craving it. Being the second youngest of six, my parents were just worn out by the time I came along. High School presented absolutely no challenge, except showing up. Bored, lost, on the verge of going to the dark side in the late 80s.
Best thing I ever did was get the fuck out of my hometown when I did.
The only difficult part was getting through the 18-24 month episode with the E-3 "Fuck the Suck"mafia. It is probably still the hardest part for many.
Now, after a little more than 20 years later I was able to return and settle into my calm, cool years.
"Smoke pouring out the window, ice cold beer sitting in the console"..

Response by Capt Tobey Thatcher made Oct 14 at 2021 4:10 PM

Capt Tobey Thatcher — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:10:07 -0400

Dates. Day/month/year.

Response by MCPO Hilary Kunz made Oct 14 at 2021 9:37 PM

MCPO Hilary Kunz — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:37:45 -0400

Mid-70’s, and long hair was in vogue. I got my hair cut the day before I left so that the Navy wouldn’t have to. I had no idea what a military haircut was like until I hit boot camp, and the haircut I got in Spokane wasn’t it.
My ears got sunburned terribly in the San Diego spring sun. I ended up losing most of my left ear to sun-damage skin cancer….

Response by PFC Julie McLean made Oct 16 at 2021 12:54 AM

PFC Julie McLean — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:54:43 -0400

Discovering I was part of something that depended on me.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2021 7:59 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:59:28 -0400

I joined the Navy right out of high school. The shock of the drastic changes in life along side the fact I was now on my own. After got adjusted it became a fact of life and routine

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Oct 18 at 2021 12:42 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:42:08 -0400

Joined at 17 in 1956 - Basic no harder than scout camp. Adapting was easy. Adapting to powder skiing in CA and the Alps after hard pack eastern skiing, was also easy. Re-enlisting in the Reserve at 47 and re-training Infantry 11B took some adapting but having to get in shape and staying in shape until retirement at age 60 kept me much healthier than most of my peers.

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Oct 18 at 2021 3:44 PM

A1C Joseph Copeland — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:44:10 -0400

i didnt really adapt until I met SMSGT I FORGOT HIS NAME IN ZARAGOZA SPAIN BUT HE WAS REALLY THE FIRST TO HAVE ME ME COMPLETELY SHAVE MY HEAD FOREVER

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Oct 18 at 2021 3:46 PM

A1C Joseph Copeland — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:46:06 -0400

I SERVED IN THE GULF WAR

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Oct 18 at 2021 3:47 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:47:04 -0400

all the proper customs and courtesies many of which I had no idea about at that time

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Oct 18 at 2021 4:20 PM

SPC Carlton Phelps — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:20:01 -0400

Having to think about every action I took. That meant being responsible for my actions all the time. Also, the brainwashing helped, that is until my girlfriend, now wife, told me some of the stuff I was being told didn't add up. For example, Crest toothpaste wasn't bad for my teeth.

Response by PO2 Stanley Buck made Oct 18 at 2021 5:03 PM

PO2 Stanley Buck — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:03:16 -0400

I knew things for were different for me when I got off the plane in San Diego and got on that bus heading to boot camp and being up all night putting my name on my uniform and a chief walking around watching us and telling us to hurry up!

Response by SGT Michael Buckley made Oct 18 at 2021 7:26 PM

SGT Michael Buckley — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 19:26:37 -0400

I think the fact that I just became a robot. They gave me my programming code and I executed. That lasted 2 years and I think it's what helped me adapt.

Response by Sgt Christian Mendieta made Oct 19 at 2021 4:11 AM

Sgt Christian Mendieta — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:11:41 -0400

I struggled to tell my parents. I was the first in my whole family to join the military. Eventually I got the guts to tell them, and I HAD to, because I was still 17 and needed their blessing. My mom and dad both didn't want me to, but when I sat down with them, my dad just said "do you really want this", and I said yes. He signed. I think they were worried for me, but this was pre 9/11 so they weren't as concerned as someone who would be joining the military just a couple years later.

Response by Sgt Christian Mendieta made Oct 19 at 2021 4:12 AM

Sgt Christian Mendieta — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:12:50 -0400

I adapted to the ridiculous amount of things you can do in a single day. I still think about it all the time, you learn so much in a day, get your exercise, eat all your meals, and still had plenty of time for hazing along the way.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Oct 21 at 2021 10:16 PM

SSG Rick Miller — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:16:23 -0400

I was 18 when I enlisted. Young and stupid, thought I was hard. I quite quickly found out I was about as hard as Twinkie filling. 3 months later, I had discovered just what I was capable of, and what my limitations were. It ended up being a wild ride, that lasted 24 years.

Response by SPC David Batterson made Oct 22 at 2021 7:04 PM

SPC David Batterson — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:04:28 -0400

It was difficult to get up at 5:30 in boot camp, as I had never jumped out of bed like that. And just having to run so much, like from chow hall back to the barracks (no walking allowed). And basically just being bossed around, unlike I had ever experienced. Plus the physical part was very difficult for me, as I was never athletic. But I learned to go along to get along.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Oct 22 at 2021 7:53 PM

PO1 Frank Reiffenstein — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:53:07 -0400

I really didn't have a hard time adapting to military life. I just followed orders and was where I was suppose to be when I was suppose to be etc.

Response by SN Orrin Donohoe made Oct 22 at 2021 8:16 PM

SN Orrin Donohoe — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:16:20 -0400

It was like running into a brick wall at 90 MPH----I was a fatherless boy who lived in the ghettos
and did whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. they just didn't care about my likes and dislikes.
I wouldn't trade it for a big pile of money!!!

Response by SFC Zena Taylor-Reid made Oct 22 at 2021 8:47 PM

SFC Zena Taylor-Reid — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:47:53 -0400

It was definitely a culture shock being away from home and having all of those drill sergeants screaming at you and then realizing that you can go the extra mile and overcome any and all obstacles. I remember the gas chamber and live fire demonstrations. Going to the field was also an experience that I never got used to.

Response by PO1 Howard Barnes made Oct 22 at 2021 10:51 PM

PO1 Howard Barnes — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 22:51:03 -0400

What i remember about adapting to military life was having to get up at O Dark 30, the total lack of privacy and the prolonged separation from family. eventually i was able to adapt to the waking up at whatever hour was necessary, and the lack of privacy. my sea time was on aircraft carriers so the constant motion was not so much of an issue after my first at sea period which was kinda rough be were sailing through a typhoon in the pacific. sometimes you just have to roll with it.

Response by MCPO Russell Neal made Oct 22 at 2021 11:08 PM

MCPO Russell Neal — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 23:08:47 -0400

I was not a morning person, still not but I adapted

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Oct 22 at 2021 11:31 PM

SPC Edward Abney — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 23:31:07 -0400

As an enlisted Army, 18-year-old, I learned what responsibility was all about, and what the consequences were of failing to be responsible and what the rewards were, of being responsible.

Response by SPC Robin Price-Dirks made Oct 22 at 2021 11:40 PM

SPC Robin Price-Dirks — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 23:40:12 -0400

It was a life changing experience for me. I was tired of being discounted as a person so I joined the one organization where I could get dissed for life for just existing. The bullies just kept coming out of the woodwork. I loved my job don't get me wrong, I loved being in the military. I never really had a family and the Army was it and I have been so alone out here that it hurts......

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Oct 23 at 2021 6:15 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:15:44 -0400

I knew after basic Training , That I would be away from family at Considerable lengths of time, And Whrn I can get back to them to see them, Call then more, Write then
More, Even send gifts as a reminder,Encourage the Family to stay busy, And keep in touch all holidays, Cherish the times together, do not be selfish and have the service person sweat or Worry, missing them is real, but think knit as just like you went off to college in another state and you know they can not get back home every evening.See them on your smartphone or I Phone or Skype, Face time visits

Response by Carla Lawless made Oct 23 at 2021 6:58 AM

Carla Lawless — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 06:58:35 -0400

Loved the early morning runs with my marines!

Response by SSgt Walter Embleton made Oct 23 at 2021 7:52 AM

SSgt Walter Embleton — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 07:52:49 -0400

For me, it was an easy change. My father was Air Force (retired as a Lt. Col.) and, thus, for most of my young life, I grew up around Air Force bases and fell in love with all types of aircraft. I also learned the different grades of Airmen and officers. I knew every aspect of the uniforms and where to place every ribbon and/or medal. So, as you can see, it was definitely an easy switch. The one thing that I had trouble with was Basic Training. That was a slow start for me, as far as change is concerned. After Basic was completed, everything else just fell into place. However, my love for the Air Force didn't start until I went to Tech School.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2021 9:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 09:04:15 -0400

4 day weekend 2x a month, piss tests 2x a month, 630am PT morning 5 days a week, "hurry up and wait ", ruck marching, shit stirring, fire pit, (not the kind where you drink beer with your friends, ) NTC, JRTC, MEDIC! (I was the medic,) Grafenwoher, Seoul, Cairo, Europe (at no cost to me ha ha ha) Deuce ana a half, 5 ton, hummer, jeeps...pldc.

Response by PFC Laurie Doelle made Oct 23 at 2021 10:21 AM

PFC Laurie Doelle — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 10:21:09 -0400

How bad my feet hurt! Standing and standing and standing, just to eat, or get equipment, etc. But the hardest thing was being deployed during Desert Storm. We didn't have cell phones back then, no internet, so every time we where near a phone, I'd stand in line to call home. I racked up a $700 phone bill to my mom! She was so awesome, never complained or said not to call as much. I miss her.....

Response by PFC Jeanine Thomas made Oct 23 at 2021 10:40 AM

PFC Jeanine Thomas — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 10:40:13 -0400

It was a good challenge. I learned a lot about myself, my capabilities, and it gave me MANY moments of self-awareness. I realized I am NOT and never will be a morning person. That was the tough part. I am grateful I had the buddy system to help me through that, otherwise I would not have survived getting up in the morning. I also learned how to stay humble even if I was humiliated and embarrassed. That is a quality most people don't understand or learn until they are faced with it. As time has went on, I don't remember most of the details of my experience but I do remember the qualities I have kept with me all this time (patience, determination, stay healthy, respect your body/stamina, and advocate for yourself where other people may not easily stand up for you). I took pride in myself of taking that leap to join the military in the first place and realized that I was very capable of working towards whatever goal I wanted to seek. It also taught me how to stay determined (sometimes more headstrong than most people think I could be). I realized that doing activities independently can be just as much fun as doing it with a group.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Oct 23 at 2021 11:14 AM

PO3 Rick Lewis — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:14:16 -0400

Getting up so early was the hardest thing I had to get used to.

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Oct 23 at 2021 11:17 AM

SGT Carl Watson — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 11:17:15 -0400

I joined the Army to be given the opportunity to become a W.O. to fly helicopters. I took the physical and written test and passed both I was told by the enlisting sergeant. I enlisted only to be told a few days later that I failed the written test. I went to Basic complaining of how I was tricked or lied to about the written test and I was ordered to take the written test again. I complained asking why did I need to take a test that I was told that I passed. I suffered with my first Migraine headache arguing then I was denied the right to visit a doctor until I completed the test. I guessed on the test to get out of the room and building. The second test score was lower than my first and I was the final score and not the first test score. The Army lies, cheats and never admits that it is wrong. Documents proved that I passed the test the first time.

Response by SN Harry Conrad made Oct 23 at 2021 12:21 PM

SN Harry Conrad — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 12:21:56 -0400

At 18 there really is no conscious adapting. To me it was just the next adventure, and since I left an abusive father behind, it was easy. I loved my first 2 1/2 years at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, who wouldn't? I switched to black shoe, got a fast ship to Viet Nam and my next adventure began. I must admit there was some adaptation involved with shipboard life, but overall my whole 4 years was a great experience.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 23 at 2021 12:50 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 12:50:47 -0400

It was a culture shock for sure. I volunteered for the draft in 1969 right after high school. most of my classmates were joining some branch of the military. I didn't want to be a Marine or Navy so 2 years in the Army was right for me. I wanted the shortest hitch possible and was willing to serve but had no intentions of spending more than 2 years, which I did. Basic training and AIT were tough, but i got through it OK I figured that if I made it through grade school with nuns for 8 years I could do 2 years in the Army standing on my head. The drill sargents were nothing compared to those nuns. I was an ingantry grunt in Vietnam and made it back OK so I guess it all worked out.

Response by PFC Guy Gantner made Oct 23 at 2021 2:03 PM

PFC Guy Gantner — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 14:03:18 -0400

Stay out of site! :-)

Response by SGT John Overby made Oct 23 at 2021 2:06 PM

SGT John Overby — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 14:06:58 -0400

Learning to keep my mouth shut.

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Oct 23 at 2021 3:35 PM

SGT George Reimuth — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 15:35:29 -0400

what i remember about adapting to military life was that in 1983 I was working at a western steer steakhouse making only get this 3.50 an hour by 1987 I decided to enlist in the National Guard it was there I went on to serve twenty more yrs to get a retirement , and from 1987 - 2002 I was only making 7.50 an hour today I am with the DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS , I have been here over 18 yrs. I had to go where the green grass grew for a brighter future.

Response by CW4 Richard Pecht made Oct 23 at 2021 4:02 PM

CW4 Richard Pecht — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 16:02:40 -0400

Knowing that those who are higher in rank than myself are in charge and make and or enforce the rules, and I must follow those orders unless those orders violate the law or military policy/regulations.

Response by SGT Doug Comer made Oct 23 at 2021 7:06 PM

SGT Doug Comer — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:06:39 -0400

Adapting to military life was easy for me as I was already used to a steady routine. The problem that I had was adjusting from a graveyard schedule to the early morning schedule.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Oct 23 at 2021 7:21 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:21:42 -0400

My first act in the military never left me.After an eleven hour day at the induction center, and a 3 hour bus ride in the pouring rain,I bailed off the bus with my shirttail out.After having part of my shirttail cut off this very nice man gave me my first "command".Give me "10"and stand at attention until I come get you.

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Oct 23 at 2021 7:44 PM

PO2 Jay Stotler — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:44:11 -0400

When I went to basic training my parents had given me a big attention getter , you know all those forms you filled out and they all said NO initials well my middle name is spelled C that’s all of it so every paper I got called down told to do push-ups till I learned how to follow instructions. So my middle name came back Conley , calzone and all kinds of other things and I would have to go back and get it redone one of those things they hate doing was redoing paper work but I made it and am stronger for it.

Response by LT Mordechai Schwab made Oct 24 at 2021 11:44 AM

LT Mordechai Schwab — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:44:16 -0400

Boot camp. Every service member goes through it. Its goal is to turn civians into military men and women in a short period of time. As a friend's mother told me years ago, the Air Force did in 8 weeks what I couldn't do in 18 years: turn my son into a man! For me, boot camp was a culture shock. But just like many before and after me, I made it through to graduation. I ended up making a career in the military. I began as a Seaman Recruit at 17 years old. I retired as a Navy Lieutenant.

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Oct 24 at 2021 12:46 PM

1SG Steven Malkowski — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:46:14 -0400

BCT was a definite shock to my system. Getting up well before sunrise, Drill Sergeants yellng at you in all kinds of menacing ways, different food and the physical and emotional stress on your body. I learned very quickly to take it one day at a time. Get through this day and welcome a few hours of blessed sleep before doing it all over the next day. It helped that the guys in my platoon bonded right away at reception station. Knowing you weren't in it alone got me through not only BCT, but the next 3 years and what eventually became a 30 year career on active duty and the National Guard. It made going through my police academy class seven years later a breeze. Currently I have been dealing with my wife's illness and three weeks ago she had a liver transplant. Scary times for both of us, but one day at a time got me, and her, through. Like the former great coach of the Buffalo Bills, Marv Levy, would always say: "Where would you rather be than right here, right now?"

Response by SPC Robin Price-Dirks made Oct 24 at 2021 9:58 PM

SPC Robin Price-Dirks — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 21:58:31 -0400

The one thing I never was while in the military was a morning person, now I wake up at 4am sharp and can't go back to sleep again until 3 in the afternoon. I am living backwards and it suuucccckkks!!! LOL

Response by SSG Jim Blunt made Oct 25 at 2021 1:49 PM

SSG Jim Blunt — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:49:25 -0400

I thought it was an easy transition. The military is 90% mental and 10% physical...mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Response by SPC John Coleman made Oct 27 at 2021 2:56 AM

SPC John Coleman — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 02:56:24 -0400

Overcome and adapt to the situation

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Oct 27 at 2021 9:24 PM

PO2 Jay Stotler — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:24:53 -0400

We all made some change even if we didn’t know it. When holidays came around we had to be in other places with different ways . So where was your best cookies or pie .
Mine was when my wife made peanut butter cookies with the Hershey kisses , she had a few extra kisses so put two on each of the last batch , guess what I looked at them and said Hooters cookies then I got hit up side the head . But we still make a few every year and remember that day .

Response by MSgt Michael Ashby made Oct 28 at 2021 1:51 AM

MSgt Michael Ashby — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:51:32 -0400

I joined the Air Force in 1985 and headed to Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. I was not your average 18-year-old recruit. I was 24-year-old recruit. From the beginning, I refused to take anything said in Basic as personal. The mission of the Technical Instructor was to tear down what made each of us different and build up a Team that would accomplish the task at hand as a Team and not individuals. Later, General John Jumper would visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. During an address to the base, he would say "Flexibility is the key to Air Power!" I've adopted that thought to life. Flexibility is the key to Life. You may have a plan, but things change. Be flexible enough to bend a little when those changes come along. Still works for me today.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Nov 3 at 2021 8:16 AM

SSG Rick Miller — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 08:16:25 -0400

Learning that can't and won't were no longer part of my vocabulary. That was challenging, but not too terribly hard. Learning to speak Army, now that was hard. I learned what a Goat Rope, a Clusterf@#$, a Soup Sandwich were, and the definition of 11 up - 3 down.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 5:39 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:39:28 -0400

It wasn’t a very difficult transition for me. I found military life easy as I was a self-motivated person. Now retiring was difficult. I miss the people now.

Response by SrA Erwin Jones made Nov 3 at 2021 5:58 PM

SrA Erwin Jones — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:58:05 -0400

Comrades, cohesion and teamwork.

Response by PO2 Camille Muhammad made Nov 3 at 2021 5:58 PM

PO2 Camille Muhammad — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:58:10 -0400

Boot Camp in the Navy had its challenges but I was able to survive knowing that I was there for a purpose. I did the best that I could and after graduating boot camp, living in the barracks was similar to a college dorm. It was literally like a 9 to 5.

Response by 2LT Bruce Mendelsohn made Nov 3 at 2021 6:08 PM

2LT Bruce Mendelsohn — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:08:18 -0400

Understanding and embracing the fact that the mission doesn’t exist for you; rather, you exist for the mission.

Response by PFC Camesha Baig made Nov 3 at 2021 6:11 PM

PFC Camesha Baig — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:11:34 -0400

Adapting to the military life was a cultural shock for me. I have to left my son behind and I wanted to change due to a domestic violence relationship. I was only 22 years old when enlisted. I was very scared of what might happen to me or my child while I was serving. Each day my mind often wondered.
I have multiple service members in my family even high-ranking retired veterans. Looking at my family members I wanted to make a change in my life that would benefit me, my child, country and financial situation.

Response by SPC John Deschenes made Nov 3 at 2021 6:32 PM

SPC John Deschenes — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:32:32 -0400

Waking up super early to do pt and eat breakfast was a big adjustment for me and I learned to embrace the suck on a daily basis in the motor pool.

Response by SPC M Moore made Nov 3 at 2021 6:38 PM

SPC M Moore — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:38:29 -0400

Trash cans getting thrown down the stairs in the middle of the morning. I had fun in basic believe it or not. Only one time I really got pissed. Had some old Drill Sergeant take the company on a run in a wooded area after mess hall. He looked like Hitler's older skinny brother. Had a bum knee, one good eye and supposed to be a banana peel away from the grave. This guy ran forever, way past any other drills did. At the end I was keeping on his pace PURELY on anger. There were times I wanted to choke this clown out I mean I could picture it. We go down this real long pebble like stretch about a football field length or longer. He turns and stops and the old "at ease". At this point I'm not even hiding the expression on my face. "PVT Moore" "Yeah (notice the "yeah" not "Yes" because I'm waiting or a fight) Drill Sergeant?". "Where's your company?". I turn around and it's been only me and him forever. It took like 8 to 10 minutes or so before the first people came around the bend to start the length of the pebble road. I learned anger is a helluva motivator!

Response by SPC Jose E Figueroa made Nov 3 at 2021 6:41 PM

SPC Jose E Figueroa — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:41:59 -0400

The military gave my life a complete turnaround. I became more organized, always on time at everything I commit to. The Persian gulf war experience gave me a total perception of life itself. Love it. Would do it again if ever reborn….

Response by SR Alpha Sandy made Nov 3 at 2021 6:54 PM

SR Alpha Sandy — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:54:35 -0400

To me, the military instilled in me how to become a servant of your peers, your command, the military as a whole but not only that to become a servant of the country that you serve. I now understand that by applying that same application to Yahweh/Jesus, my family, friends, love ones and co workers. The military (Navy) changed me from being selfish to self-less.

Response by SGT Shaul Feld made Nov 3 at 2021 6:57 PM

SGT Shaul Feld — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:57:10 -0400

Eat it now taste it later

Response by SPC Kerry Weaver made Nov 3 at 2021 7:01 PM

SPC Kerry Weaver — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:01:16 -0400

Adapting to military life was not that difficult, I think part of it was I joined at the age of 36, having worked entry-level to mid management jobs kinda helped also. The hardest part was being away from my wife and kids for the first time, but it made us all better.

Response by PFC Sandy Cleary made Nov 3 at 2021 7:02 PM

PFC Sandy Cleary — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:02:58 -0400

The comeraderi is what I remember

Response by CPL Tom Bouressa made Nov 3 at 2021 7:04 PM

CPL Tom Bouressa — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:04:59 -0400

The discipline I learned

Response by SGT Mickey Riley made Nov 3 at 2021 7:10 PM

SGT Mickey Riley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:10:14 -0400

They provide the needed discipline for a young person.

Response by SPC Scott Crump made Nov 3 at 2021 7:11 PM

SPC Scott Crump — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:11:34 -0400

The concept of "free time" will be gone for most of the year. As a soldier you will always have a purpose, mission, or place to be. The Army teaches you the basics and then trains you to do more. There is almost always work to be done but you're never alone. The concept of teamwork is a basic that they drill into you. Ultimately the biggest adaption is the reality that you are now 2nd in your life and your service to your country is 1st.

Response by SSgt Marina Marini made Nov 3 at 2021 7:15 PM

SSgt Marina Marini — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:15:20 -0400

One of my biggest adjustments, after joining the AF when I was just 18 was of course basic training. I remember that we weren't allowed to call home for the first few days and when I was finally able to call mom and dad, all I could do was cry. lol!

Response by CPL Victor Wells made Nov 3 at 2021 7:23 PM

CPL Victor Wells — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:23:00 -0400

Just serving and honoring the USA

Response by TSgt S. Lynette Deveaux made Nov 3 at 2021 7:31 PM

TSgt S. Lynette Deveaux — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:31:19 -0400

What I remember from Basic Training in January, San Antonio, TX was getting up when it was dark and cold and having to run two and a half miles. Then I had to eat three times a day when I used to eat once or twice a day and having potatoes with every meal—fattening! And I had to wait in the cold, at parade rest, until my entire flight was finished eating. I would do it all over again because I loved the Air Force.

Response by SP5 Morris Turner made Nov 3 at 2021 7:32 PM

SP5 Morris Turner — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:32:29 -0400

I remembered having to adapt ot leaving my family at a moment notice.

Response by PFC Martin Gorski made Nov 3 at 2021 7:38 PM

PFC Martin Gorski — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:38:25 -0400

Waking up so early, getting things ready for the day and actually feeling satisfied I could follow and fit in to that life. It was a feeling of honor .

Response by SPC Alexis DuBuque made Nov 3 at 2021 7:39 PM

SPC Alexis DuBuque — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:39:11 -0400

Being asked to stay late almost every day because “we are soldier 24/7, not just 5am to 5pm.”

Response by PV2 Elizabeth Rathbun made Nov 3 at 2021 7:43 PM

PV2 Elizabeth Rathbun — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:43:24 -0400

The hardest thing for me was leaving my family. My son was 6 months old with medical conditions. I just kept reminding myself it was all for him. I am thankful to this day for the military for getting both of us out of an abusive situation. I can honestly say the US Army saved our lives.

Response by SGT Melina Bush made Nov 3 at 2021 7:47 PM

SGT Melina Bush — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:47:02 -0400

My baby was less than a year old when I got deployed to Iraq for a year, it was a very hard adjustment.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Villasana made Nov 3 at 2021 8:11 PM

SSgt Ricardo Villasana — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:11:12 -0400

Well first the quaranteed green check every two weeks, which was not a quarantee when I got out. lol Other than that it really was good because when you told whoever you were trying to work for it was defeinetly a large plus as they knoew we were trained, tean player and etc this helped a lot. Forgetting things that happened while in the military that would not normally happen in the civilian world was a bit difficult to get out of my mind. Most I know though including myself are doing well though with no real problems adapting.

Response by CPT Anthony Donato made Nov 3 at 2021 8:15 PM

CPT Anthony Donato — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:15:54 -0400

They knew I would always join the Army. I spoke about it to them since I was a child. Even though my service time would be during the Vietnam era, I never hesitated for one minute. I believed strongly in serving my country!

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Nov 3 at 2021 8:16 PM

SGT Carl Watson — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:16:41 -0400

When I joined I wrote as I usually had about playing a saxophone, clarinet and piano. Our head drill Sgt. would become hoarse shouting out Hup-two-three four after so long so he came to me to start a band. I did not join the Army to play a musical instrument but I was harassed over and over then promised that he would help me to get into flight school and I believed him an E-7. He made other soldiers carry our rifles and bags. He got two others, one white to play the trumpet and a black to beat a bass drum. I thought that was unfair. After about two weeks the white soldier stopped then a week later the drummer stopped leaving me alone until I too quit.
I had never had a civilian job to ask me to play any musical instrument.

Response by Sgt Barbara Seville made Nov 3 at 2021 8:25 PM

Sgt Barbara Seville — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:25:52 -0400

It was a big step for me. I was at a point in my life where I just didn't know what to do. I joined the USMC and my new life began. I was aware it would not be easy, I was okay with that. I was really surprised and grateful when I was told I would be a keypunch operator. I was transferred from Parris Island to Camp Lejeune for training. After training I was transferred to Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington DC. It was great. I left the USMC with a feeling of accomplishment and a Very Proud Marine. I continued my education and was an honor graduate. The rest of my career was built on the decision to Join the USMC.

Response by CPT Anthony Donato made Nov 3 at 2021 8:26 PM

CPT Anthony Donato — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:26:10 -0400

The discipline required. Having to learn quickly on my feet. I also felt strongly about asking questions of those who had service experience. I will always be grateful to those with whom I served. They taught me to not only be a good soldier, but also the man I am today. Adjusting to military life was not as difficult as it may seem, because I was driven to be a good leader. I hope some of the troops with whom I served see this. I want them to know I have not forgotten them, and never will. They are a very important part of my life, and always will be.

To all of you with whom I served, my heartfelt gratitude for always being there for me. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand. I love you with all my heart.

Response by SP5 Lois Harding made Nov 3 at 2021 8:27 PM

SP5 Lois Harding — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:27:08 -0400

I enjoyed my service as a 94B a cook

Response by Sgt Richard Graziano made Nov 3 at 2021 8:28 PM

Sgt Richard Graziano — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:28:57 -0400

I found that perseverance could overcome many of life's stumbling blocks. It all came down to what I was willing to invest in getting over, around or through that which lay in my path.

Response by PO2 Mark Henry made Nov 3 at 2021 8:29 PM

PO2 Mark Henry — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:29:40 -0400

5am, the day after graduation of HighSchool, June 1980. Went from country farm boy to Harrisburg PA for writeup, then off to Chicago and Great Lakes Training Center. I was scared and was a 96 pound weakling. I decided to BUCK UP and just do this or end up back at my Father's House. I'd rather take the beating at bookcase than my Father.
I looked forward to my new life with the Navy, and was never sad or mad about joining! I loved the travel, friends, and learning how to be a real man, not a beaten boy.

Response by SGT Amy Pasqualini made Nov 3 at 2021 8:34 PM

SGT Amy Pasqualini — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:34:21 -0400

Start running and walking. You will be doing A LOT of that. Begin to keep a regular schedule. Everything is on a schedule in The Military. I had 2 small boys when I joined as a single parent. Being used to staying away for long periods of time was the most difficult thing I had to do. Write lots of letters, make calls, do video chats. Try to remember the reasons why you joined during those lonely times. It will keep you going, and help you to be successful in Military life.

Response by PO2 Jenny Wu made Nov 3 at 2021 8:43 PM

PO2 Jenny Wu — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:43:27 -0400

Adapting to a life style where "I" is no longer applicable. It was always what "we" all had to do. Just because I got done with my part of the job doesn't mean the job is done. If others are not able to complete the task, we all failed. This was pretty different from civilian life style where I could just leave once I'm done with my part.

Response by CPT Thomas St. George made Nov 3 at 2021 8:47 PM

CPT Thomas St. George — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:47:58 -0400

The sense of being part of a team

Response by LTC Paul Rivette made Nov 3 at 2021 8:49 PM

LTC Paul Rivette — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:49:43 -0400

Personally I loved the change. This brings to mind what we used to say: "I cant believe they pay me for this!!"

Response by CW2 Darrell Newman made Nov 3 at 2021 8:53 PM

CW2 Darrell Newman — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:53:10 -0400

I was 19 years old, I did not know how to shave, my drill sergeant had to teach me. I did not even know how to do my own laundry. Learning to take care of myself was a huge transition for me!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 9:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:06:13 -0400

Getting use to PCSing every 3-4 years
Trying to explain to children about why they are leaving there friends
Living on post and how safe it was
Establishing relationships with different families every 3-4 years

Response by Sgt C S made Nov 3 at 2021 9:06 PM

Sgt C S — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:06:14 -0400

There were many expected adjustments that I didn't have much of an issue with. One thing that was a personal habit was putting my hands in my pockets. It would be a great day and there I am in uniform strolling down the street, hands in my pocket. No. No. In staying that I never got called out for the following hand heel thump to the head.

Response by SFC Diane McGowan made Nov 3 at 2021 9:08 PM

SFC Diane McGowan — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:08:39 -0400

The Vietnam War ended 2 years prior to MD enlisting. As a female in a non traditional role I was being tested by the men always. I mainly worked with and for Vietnam vets who taught me a great deal of things. But the one thing that required me to adapt was my first duty station in Panama. Working with Jotc as a private in a company that always went to the field. My take away from all of v this is know how job well amma share the information with your subordinates, taking care of their needs.

Response by PFC Sandra Pickard made Nov 3 at 2021 9:33 PM

PFC Sandra Pickard — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:33:59 -0400

I was 19 years old, living in Cody Wy. I met a soldier, who was home on leave. Blind date, married 5 months later. I moved to Detroit, MI to Mt Clemens base. Culture shock, base housing. I had to grow up quick, 5 months later we moved to White Sands Missile Base, NM. 2 years later, I joined the Army and was sent to SC and then GA. Quite a lot of change in a short time.

Response by PO3 Ranger Beavis made Nov 3 at 2021 9:51 PM

PO3 Ranger Beavis — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:51:01 -0400

People dumber than me giving me orders!!!..

Response by PO3 Marijo Cole made Nov 3 at 2021 9:51 PM

PO3 Marijo Cole — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:51:09 -0400

I had to adjust not sleeping much and being hollered at.

Response by PO2 Lisa Muncy made Nov 3 at 2021 9:55 PM

PO2 Lisa Muncy — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 21:55:43 -0400

I didn't feel like it was hard adapting to military life and service, my parents raised me with the mindset "Do it right or don't do it at all" and I've always worked for more, never left a job without something better always lined up. I was 29 when I enlisted and I loved it. I wish I had done it at 19 when I graduated high school.

Response by SSgt Aaron Rasheed made Nov 3 at 2021 10:18 PM

SSgt Aaron Rasheed — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:18:16 -0400

I remember the fast pace and never seeming to have time to complete the simplest task. It was like an nuclear shock to my brain. Once getting into rythem, I remember valuing every spare second I had and started to really make the most of my life even to this day.
This since value made my service feel my heart with pride especially when servings my country.

Response by PO3 Anthony Johnson made Nov 3 at 2021 10:20 PM

PO3 Anthony Johnson — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:20:44 -0400

Transitioning from military life to civilian life was challenging in some ways, some was with the day to day routines were different, and how we communicate with our peers

Response by PO2 Doug Young made Nov 3 at 2021 10:23 PM

PO2 Doug Young — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:23:44 -0400

I’m 6’7” and was stationed on destroyers. Learning to duck through hatches and WT doors and walk bent over was the hardest lessons I learned in the Navy.

Response by Sgt Justin Nosenzo made Nov 3 at 2021 10:37 PM

Sgt Justin Nosenzo — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:37:37 -0400

I remember being humbled in Marine Corps boot camp; as a late joiner, I thought I knew everything, but I soon found out I knew nothing. Additionally, I was shocked to realize a very simple truth through boot camp: I am capable of anything, as long as I stick with it and put all my effort into it. As Cpl Burk noted, you don't have the choice of whether or not to do things in MC boot camp - you just do it. This is something I still carry with me to this day.

Response by SP5 Deontrai Damond made Nov 3 at 2021 10:45 PM

SP5 Deontrai Damond — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:45:04 -0400

Adapting to military life for me personally wasn’t very hard at all. I have family that served so they gave me the rundown on what to expect. They really weren’t that far off.

Response by CPL Tawanda Garner made Nov 3 at 2021 10:46 PM

CPL Tawanda Garner — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:46:49 -0400

Shit I almost got kicked outta basic and AIT , it was hard having people talk shit to me but I made it.

Response by Sgt David Donnelly made Nov 3 at 2021 10:52 PM

Sgt David Donnelly — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:52:03 -0400

The Marine Corps taught me confidence. I went in at 17 and came out at 30. The Marine Corps was the main factor in who I am today. It was the only option to leaving a bad home life. I’m thankful that they were there. Many good mentors over the years. I worked hard but had fun.

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Nov 3 at 2021 10:54 PM

A1C Joseph Copeland — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:54:14 -0400

I dont believe I ever did and I was in the gulf war. I got my wake up call in north Dakota after being lied to when I left Spain though.

Response by SGT Kathleen Shannon made Nov 3 at 2021 11:24 PM

SGT Kathleen Shannon — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:24:39 -0400

Joining the military was an easy transition for me. I joined rather late making me the oldest female in my basic training. The routine came natural and at that time in my life was completely welcomed. I grew up with angry, strict parents so the yelling, constant put downs and punishment were almost comforting.

Response by CPL Timothy Fawk made Nov 3 at 2021 11:25 PM

CPL Timothy Fawk — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:25:16 -0400

Was not to bad, I.went right into cooking.

Response by AN David Steffey made Nov 3 at 2021 11:25 PM

AN David Steffey — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:25:23 -0400

I learned not to talk over people not to disrespect to be punctual to clean up after yourself be neat and clean,exercise, team work,discipline ,honesitie.
And that was just Boot Camp.

Response by PFC Wilder Cambara made Nov 3 at 2021 11:32 PM

PFC Wilder Cambara — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:32:03 -0400

The few things for me was waking up to a drill sergeant yelling early morning, not a lot of time to accomplish tasks, and not being able to talk to family for while.

Response by CPL John LaVelle made Nov 3 at 2021 11:35 PM

CPL John LaVelle — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:35:29 -0400

My family was a Marine veteran family. So I was well educated about how to be a Marine. The disconnect was I went Army. Basic Training, A.I.T. and permanent party was easy for me. I just made sure I acted as if I was home, and home I always was.

Desert Combat duty was a massive change for me.

I grew up a city boy raised by Vietnam Marines. I had jungle stories galore to guide my actions when in woodland environments. Being so far away from city lights so that there was no artificial light pollution between me and the heavens was, in many ways, transformative to me. Being able to gaze out into the night sky and see so much of the milky way made getting shot at almost worth it.

No lights, almost never any cloud cover, it was glorious being out there.

Response by SFC Aureliano Almazan made Nov 3 at 2021 11:43 PM

SFC Aureliano Almazan — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:43:13 -0400

What I remember about adapting to the military life was the early morning wake up for physical fitness. It took a while to get accustomed to waking up early and conducting physical fitness training. But eventually it because a life style and something that you do wether your on duty or off.

Response by PO3 Celena Guerrero made Nov 3 at 2021 11:44 PM

PO3 Celena Guerrero — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:44:13 -0400

Adapting to military life wasn’t as tough of a transition for me because I was raised by a Navy veteran. He ran a clean and orderly house with restrictions and liberties based on age (kind of like rank).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 11:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:59:27 -0400

I was already a professional when I joined. The pivotal moment was going back to basic yet I still learned a whole lot

Response by PO2 Samson Caballero made Nov 4 at 2021 12:06 AM

PO2 Samson Caballero — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:06:36 -0400

Paying attention to detail

Response by SPC Andrea Butler made Nov 4 at 2021 12:07 AM

SPC Andrea Butler — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:07:54 -0400

I remember having to make sure my uniform and person reflected regulation.

Response by SrA Thomas McClellan made Nov 4 at 2021 12:19 AM

SrA Thomas McClellan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:19:02 -0400

The struggles of still having the military bearing and learning to not over do it in the civiling world and employment seemed tough.

Response by CDR Charles Buechele made Nov 4 at 2021 12:20 AM

CDR Charles Buechele — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:20:27 -0400

Adapting to military life was not that hard. I was in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, ROTC in College.

Everything is structured. Trying to navigate the bureacracy was challenging

Response by PO3 Freddie Drummer made Nov 4 at 2021 12:37 AM

PO3 Freddie Drummer — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:37:10 -0400

Different cultures Different nationalities. Being the first to get to work and last to leave. Long hours. Rocking of the ship. I never got sleep. The ear plugs not drowning the sounds of the boiliers in the galley. I could go on lol. It was alot.

Response by SSgt Anthony Coppola made Nov 4 at 2021 12:42 AM

SSgt Anthony Coppola — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:42:48 -0400

I remember it was very easy to adapt. I mean, you don't have an option anyway but I wanted to be part of the military... Much harder to adapt to civilian life after adapt to military life.

Response by PO2 John Drake made Nov 4 at 2021 12:43 AM

PO2 John Drake — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:43:10 -0400

Not so easy:
Lack of sleep

Easy:
All the traveling

Response by PV2 Cherish Allen made Nov 4 at 2021 12:44 AM

PV2 Cherish Allen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:44:53 -0400

I remember that I went from basically no structure in my daily life, to having everything planned out. I remember it being a lot harder than I realize.

Response by CPL Aaron Novak made Nov 4 at 2021 1:05 AM

CPL Aaron Novak — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:05:33 -0400

I joined later in life then most. Turned 30 in basic. Adjustment was a little different for me. I had already established who I was a s a person living my life with a family of my own, wife, kids. Not to mention competing with kids nearly half my age. Fun times.

Response by SN DeAndre Loving made Nov 4 at 2021 1:06 AM

SN DeAndre Loving — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:06:58 -0400

Learning how to be organized and neat with everything.

Response by CPL James Kalekas made Nov 4 at 2021 1:12 AM

CPL James Kalekas — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:12:49 -0400

Response by CPL James Kalekas made Nov 4 at 2021 1:16 AM

CPL James Kalekas — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:16:22 -0400

Running everywhere. I have been out for 8 years and I still do it. It's more of a very fast walk now.

Response by SSG Stewart Ritchey made Nov 4 at 2021 1:19 AM

SSG Stewart Ritchey — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:19:16 -0400

My mother, a nurse, would come home and say "Oh, I'm so tired." As a teen full of energy, I paid no attention. Then I went off to basic training. After a couple of weeks, I wrote her a letter and said, "Mom, now I know what you mean when you said "I'm so tired". It must have given her a great deal of satisfaction.

Response by PFC Christopher Matthews made Nov 4 at 2021 1:35 AM

PFC Christopher Matthews — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 01:35:43 -0400

While I never had any issue with being in several multi-racial neighborhoods growing up, I had never been in such close quarters with so many cultures for such a long time, and in an open squadbay for living arrangements for several months. It meant an impact to sleeping habits and getting used to everyone else's foods, music, languages, senses of humor, and all of it was for the good or bad, pretty or ugly. It's more intimate than a marriage at times. You get to see some of the most disgusting habits imaginable, but thankfully, if you have good platoon leadership, they will help teach them how to change that into good habits soon so that everyone's habits at least become more agreeable. It at least teaches everyone to become more amicable and to learn to accept one another for who we all are... green. If you aren't used to being around multi-cultural communities, it can be quite an adjustment. Be open-minded. You also still need to be conscious that not everyone shares your ethics, even though you are all expected to not lie, cheat and steal, that's not reality. You still need to watch your back.

Response by SGT Robert Wagner made Nov 4 at 2021 2:27 AM

SGT Robert Wagner — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:27:42 -0400

I had a purpose and couldn't just give up if I felt like it.

Response by GySgt Nicholas Cross made Nov 4 at 2021 2:28 AM

GySgt Nicholas Cross — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:28:46 -0400

I had looked forward to joining the Marine Corps since I was 12. When I joined at 18 I really had no life skills. Being on my own for the first time and making my own decisions was the hardest for me. Military life in general was a blast.

Response by PV2 Kaitlyn Barnes made Nov 4 at 2021 3:28 AM

PV2 Kaitlyn Barnes — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 03:28:53 -0400

For me personally it was getting used to having a team mentally. Before the military I came from a broken home where everyone fended for themselves and it lacked proper discipline and tools to teach me to be prepared for every situation. My biggest adjustment was getting past myself and realizing that the only obstacle in my way and my teams way, was me. Once I got past that everything started clicking, I started performing better and feeling more comfortable. Because it wasn’t how you did it, it was getting the task done.

Response by SGT Darnell Mora made Nov 4 at 2021 3:34 AM

SGT Darnell Mora — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 03:34:43 -0400

It is not as difficult as anyone says. You put your mind to it and you can do it.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 3:43 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 03:43:25 -0400

I came from the live performance world as a civilian and was used to changing costumes backstage with the opposite sex during quick changes. Clearly, it is totally different in the military, which I had to adjust to because it never phased me before. But after 10 years active duty, yes, I would feel weird changing clothes in front of my male colleges. I definitely assimilated to the military culture in that way.

Response by LT Hefsiba Cohen made Nov 4 at 2021 4:00 AM

LT Hefsiba Cohen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:00:57 -0400

The extremely structured military life took a little getting used to, but once in the rhythm of things, it all got so much easier.

Response by MSG Alden Lambert made Nov 4 at 2021 4:12 AM

MSG Alden Lambert — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:12:28 -0400

The schedule. I was not ready to have someone tell me when I had to be somewhere or when I could and could not eat.

Response by SSG Mike Gerber made Nov 4 at 2021 4:33 AM

SSG Mike Gerber — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:33:47 -0400

I needed to join the US Army. I was 18 when I went to San Francisco to live and work for almost two months. My grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins lived there. I freaked out. People were walking bare-footed and they were selling tabs of acrid out in open. So, I returned to Chicago and enlisted. I learned how to make my bed and to type. I'm a Viet Nam vet. I was in Honolulu for two months of training. Experiences that I will never forget. I'm also of my local VFW.

Response by SP5 Sergio Russell made Nov 4 at 2021 5:16 AM

SP5 Sergio Russell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:16:46 -0400

Early morning wake ups and getting straight business. Prior to the military you are in high school you wake up and take your time go to school but in the military its 4 am or before wake ups or even no sleep to 15 min sleeps and just always doing something and if not you're in formation waiting just there. So the sleep change factor was the biggest change that sucked the most and has never gotten back to that I to 10 hr sleep ever again

Response by SPC Parvin Daneshvar made Nov 4 at 2021 5:20 AM

SPC Parvin Daneshvar — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:20:59 -0400

I was 29 when i joined, and female, I quickly learned you have to be twice as good as any male to prove yourself as a female, and you have to never show emotion or weakness.

Response by PFC Marianne Ludwig made Nov 4 at 2021 5:36 AM

PFC Marianne Ludwig — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:36:14 -0400

Raising my right hand and signing a check for an amount up to and including my life. Taking an oath I knew would never expire for the rest of my life.

Response by Amn Terry Atkins made Nov 4 at 2021 5:41 AM

Amn Terry Atkins — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:41:31 -0400

It's 05:30. No sane human should be up this early...

Response by Lt Col Jeffrey Simpson made Nov 4 at 2021 5:54 AM

Lt Col Jeffrey Simpson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:54:17 -0400

I remember the tremendous devotion to the mission mowst of us felt. We felt a sense of family with those we served with.

Response by SSgt Stephanie Howell made Nov 4 at 2021 6:29 AM

SSgt Stephanie Howell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:29:35 -0400

I remember having to be self-sufficient, not relying on my parents to take care of me as I left for basic three days after my high school graduation. I was scared. Scared of failing, not being strong enough to make it, but then I remember when I got my airman's coin and U.S. Air Force badge. I then felt so proud. Proud of my accomplishment and to be a part of my new family in the military!

Response by SPC Titus Harris made Nov 4 at 2021 6:30 AM

SPC Titus Harris — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:30:17 -0400

Following orders and keeping a daily schedule. Discipline and maintaining a professional attitude.

Response by PO2 Lonnie Moorehead made Nov 4 at 2021 6:31 AM

PO2 Lonnie Moorehead — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:31:33 -0400

I remember doing push-ups and how out of shape some of my shipmates were. Boot camp was fun. My division leader was serious but had a humorous side to him. The last thing the first time I stepped off that bus and I realized that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

Response by PFC Monica Del Vecchio made Nov 4 at 2021 6:38 AM

PFC Monica Del Vecchio — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:38:50 -0400

Mentally challenging, physically easy

Response by PO1 Christopher Griffiths made Nov 4 at 2021 6:42 AM

PO1 Christopher Griffiths — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:42:50 -0400

Learning to not ask 'why' we do things that way.

Response by Cpl Gregg Thatcher made Nov 4 at 2021 6:55 AM

Cpl Gregg Thatcher — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:55:01 -0400

I never was a morning person. That changed quickly. A person's body adapts pretty quick as you adjust to your routine. Your life is in the control of others, you listen and obey.

Response by SGT Jeremy Hunt made Nov 4 at 2021 6:57 AM

SGT Jeremy Hunt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:57:04 -0400

Getting used to the training. The chain of command. How to address certain ranks. Early wake ups. Late nights. Wondering if a deployment was coming down the line. And leaving family when it did come.

Response by Sgt Dave VonAllmen made Nov 4 at 2021 7:04 AM

Sgt Dave VonAllmen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:04:16 -0400

The biggest thing for me was being told when and where to do everything, when to get up. when and where to go to sleep. when to eat. when and where to smoke, when and where to shit, when and where to do everything and I mean everything.

Response by SPC Eric Townsend made Nov 4 at 2021 7:37 AM

SPC Eric Townsend — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:37:23 -0400

The amount of yelling and in your face drill Sgt. That was a bit hard to get used to in the beginning. Having someone just run up to you screaming everytime you were expected to do something and did not respond instantly. Started hating those round hats.

Response by CPL Robert Torian made Nov 4 at 2021 7:41 AM

CPL Robert Torian — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:41:48 -0400

Just always being open minded remembering that we all come from different backgrounds but all have the one thing in common which is the military and that we love our country.

Response by SCPO Henry Miller made Nov 4 at 2021 7:41 AM

SCPO Henry Miller — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:41:50 -0400

Coming from rural south Alabama in 1975, I had only been around black and white people my entire life. When I arrived at basic training, it was scary at first because there were people of different ethnicities in my boot camp company, in the class rooms, on the parade field, and in the chow halls (Virgin Islands, Hispanic, Filipino and others). They looked different, talked different, and were just, well, different; and that was scary for me. I have never been prejudice and I had no reason to not like or distrust any of them but this difference really shook me up. As boot camp progressed I became friends with many people of different ethnicities. And, as my Navy career of 21 years progressed, I became acutely aware the main thing people in life really want is acceptance from others, regardless of the color of your skin or where you are from. I furthered this concept by being selected to attend the Navy's Equal Opportunity Program (EOPS) (Class 91-1) and finished my last 6 years in the Navy as an Equal Opportunity Specialist, promoting harmony within the ranks. I retired in February 1996 and still have and communicate with friends (longtime, great friends) who are Filipino, black, Hispanic, and others). Would these experiences have happened to me had I not joined the Navy? I will never know, but I am thankful it did, I enjoyed the Navy, and I would do it all over again.

Response by TSgt Matthew Covey made Nov 4 at 2021 7:45 AM

TSgt Matthew Covey — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:45:42 -0400

Basic training for me was not a typical basic training. It was conducted at Ft. Jackson but was different to say the least. My basic was done in a year where Ft. Dix closed to basic training so all recruits that were scheduled to do their training there were moved down to Ft. Jackson. Because of that, they had to reopen closed barracks that were scheduled to be torn down....Tank Hill. They were WWII barracks with no air conditioning (in July). They also had to have Reserve drill sergeants come in that rotated every two weeks. As a result, it was like starting basic over every two weeks. It was not fun!

Response by TSgt Debra Messina made Nov 4 at 2021 7:48 AM

TSgt Debra Messina — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:48:48 -0400

Joining the military brought forth insecurities I wasn't aware of. Gained some strengths and learned to keep moving thru it all.

Response by SPC James Kittrell made Nov 4 at 2021 7:49 AM

SPC James Kittrell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:49:59 -0400

Stepping off the bus and getting hit with the reality of everything that was about to happen

Response by PO3 Nate Gonzales made Nov 4 at 2021 7:55 AM

PO3 Nate Gonzales — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:55:41 -0400

Just getting to know everybody as being the new guy down in the main space.

Response by Cpl Jacob Wedin made Nov 4 at 2021 7:56 AM

Cpl Jacob Wedin — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:56:19 -0400

I remember whenever I first joined that I was thinking to myself this is it. It's time to be a grown up and nobody is going to hold your hand or walk you through the little stuff. It's time to make sure all your things are in order and ready to go

Response by PO3 Rhonda Mott made Nov 4 at 2021 7:57 AM

PO3 Rhonda Mott — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:57:21 -0400

I remember adapting to the working hours was difficult. You were scheduled to work - you worked. When we had to go to 12 hour shifts it was really hard to do the night shift. Convincing your body to stay awake and training it to sleep when you could was hard for me.

Response by SFC Abid Shah made Nov 4 at 2021 7:58 AM

SFC Abid Shah — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:58:05 -0400

When I took my first oath, I felt a member of a winning team. After serving 27 years, military life became a lifestyle.

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made Nov 4 at 2021 7:59 AM

SSG Bob Robertson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:59:00 -0400

Joining the military was the best thing I ever did. After 10 years retiring as a SSG E-6 I was in demand for a lot of jobs when I got out in 1985. But I would advise that no one one join today. In 1976 we had benefits out the ass. They have taken away all the benefits I had, and now the politicians consider you just fodder.

Response by AN Douglas Woodall made Nov 4 at 2021 8:05 AM

AN Douglas Woodall — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:05:09 -0400

Before joining the Navy, I had attended a Military Academy. Therefore I was accustomed to a military lifestyle. Boot Camp was easy compared to a military academy. I also entered service as an E-3 due to my JROTC training

Response by SGT Norma Rowe made Nov 4 at 2021 8:11 AM

SGT Norma Rowe — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:11:36 -0400

I joined the Army at the age of 28. I was a mentally withdrawn and physically abused wife. The Army brought me out of my shell and made me the strong woman I am today. I thrived in Basic training. I found the strict lifestyle was just what I needed. I found my voice through my Drill Sergeant. Adaption to military life was a great transition for me. I was able to help those younger females who found it difficult and were away from home for the first time. Adjusting to civilian life as a Veteran has been more difficult.

Response by SSgt G Antonio Smart made Nov 4 at 2021 8:14 AM

SSgt G Antonio Smart — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:14:11 -0400

Being away from family and other familiar people and surroundings. I was also in the best physical shape of my life in those days. I quickly adapted to getting in line for chow.

Response by PO2 Kiana Garcia made Nov 4 at 2021 8:19 AM

PO2 Kiana Garcia — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:19:40 -0400

I enlisted when I was 18 right out of high school. I was in the DEP program for about 3 months before I went to boot camp. I enlisted to get away from home. I had a mother who was strict and controlling and I just wanted to get away. Going to boot camp was scary because I didn't know what to expect. You see the movies and you see how the drill sergeants get in the person's face and yell and scream, and I thought boot camp would be like the movies. I was wrong. It wasn't near as bad lol. After 8 weeks of boot camp, heading to fleet, I was excited and nervous and just ready to go have fun and begin my life as an enlisted member of the Navy. The fleet was different than boot camp, way more relaxed. My first station was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 in Norfolk, Virginia. I will tell you, the best 4 years of my life. We were the first ship to call during 9/11 and set world record of an aircraft carrier being at sea with no port call for 159 days. We did a 10-month turn around after OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) and went right into OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom). I got to experience life at sea, visit other countries, made some amazing friends that I still keep in contact to this day, made tons of memories, learned self-discipline and became very independent. Adaptong to military life was easier than I had imagined. It was the best decision I could have made for my life. Adapting back to civilian life was the hard part. I had become accustomed to military life and military tactics that discharging back to civilian life felt out of the norm. To this day (21 years later), I find myself utilizing many of the things I learned while in the military from cleaning and high dusting to folding my clothes and rolling out of bed some mornings, getting ready for work in 7 minutes or less as if I was getting ready for battle stations lol..Biggest mistake I made was reenlisting for Active Reserve and then never reenlisting again after. If I could do it all over again, I would and I would make a career out of the military.

Response by Cpl Shawn S. made Nov 4 at 2021 8:19 AM

Cpl Shawn S. — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:19:55 -0400

It was rough at first, but in time and hard work living a military life style became second nature.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Nov 4 at 2021 8:20 AM

SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:20:28 -0400

I had always been a loner, one or two friends and none of them very close. I think the biggest adjustment for me was working together. Basic was all about teamwork. I made it through, second or third in my class, I was so proud of myself and the women who graduated with me. It's an experience I will never forget!! Basic was the beginning of my new live in the U. S. Army!!

Response by PO2 Julie Sobania made Nov 4 at 2021 8:21 AM

PO2 Julie Sobania — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:21:51 -0400

How overwhelming it was to learn how many people think about things differently from a cultural standpoint.

Response by SN Alejandra Puente made Nov 4 at 2021 8:22 AM

SN Alejandra Puente — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:22:15 -0400

Having a positive mindset is key to adapting to military life. It is clear to see who live their military life miserably because of the negative complaining mindset. It does make a huge difference. Overall, military life is a good thing, it contributes good qualities for life in general.

Response by PO2 Shannon Hardester made Nov 4 at 2021 8:24 AM

PO2 Shannon Hardester — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:24:14 -0400

Comradery, dealing with so many different personalities, constantly moving, military life was not too bad!

Response by PO2 Shannon Hardester made Nov 4 at 2021 8:25 AM

PO2 Shannon Hardester — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:25:11 -0400

Learning to adapt to using a chain of command and the structure of having to get permission to chew gum basically!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 8:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:27:45 -0400

Adapting to the military (Army, in my case) was not as difficult as I thought it was going to be. Sure the physical and mental aspects were challenging, but long ago when I entered service, I was looking for structure, security, and stability in my life. Plus, I knew that the Army would challenge me in many ways and I welcomed that. I wanted the change that the Army would deliver. Adapting to the circumstances was made easier because I was surrounded by many like minded individuals, and the Drill Sergeants pretty quickly weeded out those that were not fit for any number of reasons; leaving only those really committed to the challenge and lifestyle.

Response by Cpl William Holdar made Nov 4 at 2021 8:36 AM

Cpl William Holdar — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:36:59 -0400

Adapting to military life was a a matter of of changing my frame of mind. You really have to look at it as a second life and live 2 very different lives. The way you interact and trust your nonmilitary friends and family will be very different than your brothers and sisters in arms. Plus the closer you are to a combat job the more different and difficult it will be.

Response by SSG Leonard Harrell made Nov 4 at 2021 8:39 AM

SSG Leonard Harrell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:39:02 -0400

In the army I think being yelled at was the hardest thing to adapt to

Response by AB Willie Stephens made Nov 4 at 2021 8:44 AM

AB Willie Stephens — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:44:55 -0400

I was kinda wild, as some young men are prone to be. I started going to bed at a reasonable hour every night. Instead of ripping and running the streets for nefarious reasons. My dad told me “Son, you will now be answerable to people for your every action both on and off duty, can you handle it? You will now represent the USAF, so conduct yourself accordingly”, It stuck!!

Response by SPC Sharon Wolfe made Nov 4 at 2021 8:45 AM

SPC Sharon Wolfe — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:45:30 -0400

Luckily, I had married into an Army family, so my hubby and his twin sister and their little brother had all been through basic training. I couldn't have been anymore prepared, it was exactly as they had told me. My Army experience was cut short due to breaking my femur in AIT. But as I said my hubby had been in the Army for 5.5 years, so it was easy for me to adapt.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 8:49 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:49:21 -0400

I was never a family person, so becoming closer to my fellow Marines and welcoming them in as family

Response by CPL Michael Cummings made Nov 4 at 2021 8:52 AM

CPL Michael Cummings — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:52:03 -0400

Gratitude

Response by CPL Michael Cummings made Nov 4 at 2021 8:52 AM

CPL Michael Cummings — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:52:45 -0400

Gratitude

Response by SSG Stephinie Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 8:55 AM

SSG Stephinie Johnson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:55:32 -0400

Adapting to military life was not a hard transition for me. I figured out early that I needed to always be prepared for change. Once I realized that, I was able to flow with things. I grew up with uncles in the military, but I was the first female in my family to join. I was told to be assertive, but respectful. Be a part of a group, but be a leader of my peers. Be strong, but be understanding. Be knowledgeable, but teachable. So in other words be flexible and there for those who need me.

Response by PO1 Kendice Lewis made Nov 4 at 2021 8:59 AM

PO1 Kendice Lewis — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:59:46 -0400

Well from the beginning, Boot camp. I'm from south central LA I grew up in and around the Gang life, but boot amp changed my life and started my purpose. Out of all the guys that got off the bus in san Diego CA , they chose me to be a squad leader and it gave me leadership and responsibility off the jump. And I never looked back lol..

Response by Cpl Jeff Burns made Nov 4 at 2021 9:00 AM

Cpl Jeff Burns — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:00:12 -0400

One of the things I learned and have missed the most is the brotherhood. You never had to worry if your backside was covered. Not matter what was happening, there was always three or four ready to jump in!!! I have really missed that type of brotherhood

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 9:01 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:01:01 -0400

In some ways, it wasn't hard to adapt -- I had some "OCD" tendencies already that made parts of military life somewhat easier to accept. Otherwise, it was learning to balance the advantages of military culture -- structure, clarity, tradition -- with the value of creativity, individualism, and innovation. Both sets are needed, but finding the sweet spot between them is different for everybody.

Response by LCDR Jt Greeno made Nov 4 at 2021 9:03 AM

LCDR Jt Greeno — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:03:29 -0400

TEAMWORK. It was all about working together, and backing-up your team members.

Response by MSG Ricardo Santiago made Nov 4 at 2021 9:04 AM

MSG Ricardo Santiago — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:04:27 -0400

Being from Puerto Rico the language barrier, but I will tell you it was fun.

Response by SMSgt Katrina McIntosh made Nov 4 at 2021 9:14 AM

SMSgt Katrina McIntosh — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:14:11 -0400

I didn't have much to adapt to. My mom, biological father and step dad were all in the Air Force. I grew up with the standards and the moving. My parents warned me of what to expect in basic training.

Response by CPO Teresa Frith made Nov 4 at 2021 9:14 AM

CPO Teresa Frith — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:14:35 -0400

it wasnt that hard except for the physical aspect of it. I was ready to leave home. The military isnt a job, it is a way of life, a new family to belong to

Response by Sgt Skip Riffle made Nov 4 at 2021 9:19 AM

Sgt Skip Riffle — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:19:46 -0400

I was amazed to watch the transformaation of some of the guys in 'Boot Camp'. The ones we called "Mommy's boys' who had never been away from home. At first they were scared to death of their 'new' life, and had 'no' backbone to fend off the demanding rigors of physical and mential training. Some would cry at night and want to go home...some did. Then slowly the change started to take place. The Airmen started to 'grow up'. If they were over weight, they slimmed down. If they were under weight they 'bulked up'. The 'wails' of wanting to go home stopped and they started to take control of their new life and begain to be 'Soldiers'. On graduationday we all looked 185+ or- a few pounds, all stood tall in our 'greens' and marched with pride. It was an proud time for us all!

Response by Cpl Liroy Guerrier made Nov 4 at 2021 9:29 AM

Cpl Liroy Guerrier — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:29:41 -0400

I remember the brotherhood, the unity and honor loyalty.

Response by PO1 Tery Wayne made Nov 4 at 2021 9:32 AM

PO1 Tery Wayne — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:32:45 -0400

I member when we got our first haircut and My company commander was hollering us the whole time … I was thinking Dorthy, we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Response by MSG Fred Heffernan made Nov 4 at 2021 9:33 AM

MSG Fred Heffernan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:33:02 -0400

Shaving with 40 people and using the old double edge blue blade razor. How we all didn't cut our throats, I don't know. Being a fireman in the old barracks and shoveling coal in the winter to keep the furnace going. Cleaning out the grease traps while on K.P.. Such great memories

Response by Sgt Jason Gardner made Nov 4 at 2021 9:36 AM

Sgt Jason Gardner — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:36:52 -0400

Military life is an animal all it's own, for as many movies, books, games, and interactive experiences exist around and are readily portrayed in our culture, none of that fully prepared one for the reality of it. I have grown up with veterans and had the privilege of being able to pick their brains over details that weren't covered in those media. That helped immensely as I watched fellow recruits make classic errors where just keeping ones mouth shut would have saved them a lot of trouble. Even armed with that, aclimating to life as a Marine was exceptionally hard work. The discipline and dedication required consistently strengthen and test ones meddle until they are honed to a razor sharp point of professionalism and bearing. Needless to say it took me a while to whittle off my rough edges, but the DIs and instructors did a good job of that.

Response by SMSgt Kevin Robinson made Nov 4 at 2021 9:39 AM

SMSgt Kevin Robinson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:39:36 -0400

Adjusting to rigid disciplines was likely the biggest change to life. No room for questioning orders existed, but there was also a sense of trust in your leadership. The military has changed significantly in both of these areas and sadly so in my view.

Response by PO3 Joimil Valdez made Nov 4 at 2021 9:44 AM

PO3 Joimil Valdez — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:44:30 -0400

I remembered when I first join and how scare I was not knowing the uncertainties of what would happen. However once I was in, things flow very smooth.

Response by Derek Jolley made Nov 4 at 2021 9:47 AM

Derek Jolley — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:47:32 -0400

I remember when I went to basic training and they broke us all down and brought us all back together as part of the rigour training we went through to work together as a team.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 9:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:53:04 -0400

The "hurry up and wait" attitude.

Response by CPL Christopher Morris made Nov 4 at 2021 9:53 AM

CPL Christopher Morris — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:53:37 -0400

Having to move somewhere every few years!

Response by MSG Steve Durrah made Nov 4 at 2021 9:59 AM

MSG Steve Durrah — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:59:27 -0400

Summer 1974, Ft Polk, LA. Cut off all my hair and expose my ears to the sun for the first time in years. My ears burned several times. The skin would peel off like a shrimp.

Response by CPL Stephanie Lyle made Nov 4 at 2021 10:11 AM

CPL Stephanie Lyle — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:11:19 -0400

I found a place in the army. I had always felt like an outsider everywhere else but in the army I felt like home. The hardest part was physical as I've never been physically strong. I enjoyed my jobs and made some really good friends. I would go back in a heartbeat

Response by SSgt Gary Elliott made Nov 4 at 2021 10:12 AM

SSgt Gary Elliott — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:12:04 -0400

When my T.I. told me the best time to do something is right now. It sticks with me to this day. Procrastinating was not tolerated.

Response by SPC Katie Hanners made Nov 4 at 2021 10:18 AM

SPC Katie Hanners — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:18:55 -0400

The hardest part for me was turning off my brain. I am a naturally inquisitive person and I really struggled to become the follower
I needed to become, to be a better leader I am now. It was hard to become the soldier that was needed vs the student I was accustomed to being. I succeeded, not without road blocks lol but I survived and am better for it today.

Response by PO2 Lisa Nesbitt made Nov 4 at 2021 10:20 AM

PO2 Lisa Nesbitt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:20:52 -0400

Navy bootcamp in Orlando, getting around 100 women from different backgrounds to work as one and not 100 individuals, becoming and working as a team in 8 weeks

Response by Sgt William Meiers made Nov 4 at 2021 10:25 AM

Sgt William Meiers — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:25:24 -0400

I think the structure was what I remember the most. At first I hated it, did not realize how bad I needed it. Once I did it was an awakening. I needed that in my life, I had no direction or idea of what I wanted, now that I understood structure I could go out and get what I wanted, and figure out what I wanted ahead of time. Also a close second is being in so much much, better shape, my dad bod and I miss that so very much.

Response by SrA Antonio Parrilla made Nov 4 at 2021 10:31 AM

SrA Antonio Parrilla — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:31:53 -0400

I recalled when I moved into base housing in the USAF, they were super picky about your lawn, and weeds in between concrete cracks. It was very annoying, to get a yellow slip that was also sent to your first sergeant. But at the end it makes sense, of always be able to pay attention to detail. It serve me very well years later on everything I do.

Response by A1C Bill Kolb made Nov 4 at 2021 10:33 AM

A1C Bill Kolb — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:33:25 -0400

I had no skills or plans for life after high school Because of the military I learned how to be independent, live with other not my race, culture or faith The life skills of working with others on the job learning the "boss" may be wrong but they are still the boss gave me skills that kept me as a union leader in civilian life The military saw and encouraged me the value to go on to college that was not even dreamed about in high schools I am still benefiting today because of the G I bill

Response by CMC Alex Webb made Nov 4 at 2021 10:38 AM

CMC Alex Webb — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:38:21 -0400

According to XOs, no matter how good something was done (ops, training, cleaning, etc), it could always be better. Perfection goal for the sake of keeping people busy was always the unrealistic and unattainable mindset.

Response by HA Darla Vigil made Nov 4 at 2021 10:39 AM

HA Darla Vigil — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:39:14 -0400

In the Navy, I found out they want you for your brain not your muscles, and it's easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission

Response by LT Daniel Tandy made Nov 4 at 2021 10:51 AM

LT Daniel Tandy — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:51:59 -0400

Wearing a uniform every day

Response by MSgt Mike Ash made Nov 4 at 2021 10:55 AM

MSgt Mike Ash — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:55:39 -0400

I thought the feeling of family started pretty early...although in basic we were all in the same unknown boat, floating out on an mystery sea, in the dark and wondering what would happen when the sun came up...I felt we had to depend on one another to make it through. During 20+ years, that feeling of brother-/sisterhood continued.

Response by SGT Carol Thompson made Nov 4 at 2021 10:55 AM

SGT Carol Thompson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:55:45 -0400

As a very young person, from an extremely small town, going into the military was a SHOCK to say the least. I had more people in my platoon than in my high school graduating class. And people of all colors and races. To learn about their cultures and relate to them was a big learning curve. The physical part of military was easy for me as I grew up on a farm. The rules and regulations was not always easy for me. Learning about ranks and that meant was hard. I got a dressing down a time or two.

Response by SGT K G made Nov 4 at 2021 10:57 AM

SGT K G — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:57:32 -0400

Realizing I would have to work twice as hard and endure harassment for half of or no recognition due to gender.

Response by TSgt Jaysen Basu made Nov 4 at 2021 10:59 AM

TSgt Jaysen Basu — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:59:47 -0400

It was a culture shock for me. I was raised in a small farming town. Life was nice and slow paced, in the militares it was hurry up and wait.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 11:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:00:28 -0400

What I remember was initially it was losing your identity and becoming a part of a bigger cause, everyone had the same haircut, the same clothes and the same name "Cruit" or dirtbag.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 11:04 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:04:06 -0400

I was really excited about joining the Army, my life at home was really bleak. Basic training was great, I loved everything about it. The Army provided me with a life, finally being able to live my life, new adventures, challenges, learning so many things, and establishing life long bonds and friendships. It was the best decision of my life.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 11:05 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:05:01 -0400

The time of day that a military life assumes is not the easiest to transition to. I was a night time security guard, working 9pm-6am before I came in. Getting to experience first hand, what I saw in my grandparents generation of that early bird gets the worm mentality was rough to say the least. I think you are both the worm and the bird in this saying when you come into the military. You see a lot of people crack, due to just this dramatic change of life. Some can’t handle the beginning and they wash out. Then there is school, some just wanted to join and not take on the responsibility of having to learn a career. So they washed out or figured it out. Then there’s your actual first duty assignment. It’s like you’ve made it through the chum and are about to breathe air at the surface and you then get dunked back in the water repeatedly until you truly adjust your way of lifestyle that is truly only comprehensive when the utterances of the military owns you, doesn’t hurt to think of!

Response by AA Robert Tomlinson made Nov 4 at 2021 11:06 AM

AA Robert Tomlinson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:06:10 -0400

First adjustment was there was no more summer off from school. I think that really hit me halfway through boot camp.

Response by PO2 Charity Keller made Nov 4 at 2021 11:07 AM

PO2 Charity Keller — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:07:57 -0400

Having my haircut. I know most people wouldn’t think that would be so much for a woman but I am Catholic And it was a big deal to me. I beg my company commanders to not let them cut my hair.

Response by PFC William Bailey made Nov 4 at 2021 11:09 AM

PFC William Bailey — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:09:16 -0400

Following orders

Response by SPC Edward Marshall made Nov 4 at 2021 11:11 AM

SPC Edward Marshall — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:11:41 -0400

I remember the opportunity to start my life as a man. The army was good for a young teenager.

Response by SP5 Melvin Wilkerson made Nov 4 at 2021 11:13 AM

SP5 Melvin Wilkerson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:13:14 -0400

One thing about the military that was the best for me was I went in as a boy that came out of man things that I learned I would never have learned on the outside. Also I would have never went to all the different countries that I went to. Germany was one of the best countries that I could have ever went to if I had my choice I would live in that country

Response by PO2 Katrina Dang made Nov 4 at 2021 11:14 AM

PO2 Katrina Dang — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:14:51 -0400

Do what they said.

Response by LCpl Jason Henry made Nov 4 at 2021 11:21 AM

LCpl Jason Henry — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:21:14 -0400

The moment I got into the fleet and I was asked to do a task it was in that moment that I knew I had a role and a job to do. I did my job to the utmost. I would never say easy but, definitely worth it.

Response by PV2 Keith B Williams made Nov 4 at 2021 11:22 AM

PV2 Keith B Williams — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:22:50 -0400

I learned the discipline and respect for others and how to contribute to a perfect or good cause it made me a better person in life and how to treat people and what to expect the do's and don'ts the ups and downs and the rewards it's a good feeling to be able to help someone all company or whoever needs it

Response by Cpl David Langford made Nov 4 at 2021 11:24 AM

Cpl David Langford — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:24:41 -0400

Morning wake-ups (DI throwing metal trash cans down the squad bay}. Not being able to explain to DI why this did/didn't happen. Having someone in my face yelling, Maximum PT time. Teamwork. Self preservation. War mentality and survival,

Response by PFC Daryl Ilano made Nov 4 at 2021 11:37 AM

PFC Daryl Ilano — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:37:50 -0400

My memory of adapting to military life was the constant expectation of excellence in all aspects. On base to out in town being away from the family that you know to having a new one and way of life. Waiting to wait, never late and always 15 minutes early. Hardest part for me adapting was having asthma and PT every morning 3 -6 miles and couldn't even sing the cadence as I was always just trying to breathe. 3years of never quitting aall whilst having a medical condition. I was always last in back of the overweight marines and basically almost getting ran over by the golf cart or the corpsman in the humvee.

Response by SN Ian L made Nov 4 at 2021 11:40 AM

SN Ian L — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:40:21 -0400

Eating bad food

Response by FN Scott Ebbe made Nov 4 at 2021 11:42 AM

FN Scott Ebbe — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:42:19 -0400

The main adjustment came from basic training. Having to wake up at 4:30 am every morning and doing PT before going anywhere.
When I finally reported to my ship, adjusting was getting a little easier. Things were more relaxed, but at the same time, still structured.

Response by Sgt Brian Biehler made Nov 4 at 2021 11:42 AM

Sgt Brian Biehler — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:42:40 -0400

I remember laying in the rack in boot camp saying to myself what the heck did I do. I was 20 years old. I stayed in the Marine Corps for almost 7 years and loved all of it. Semper Fi'

Response by SPC Gilbert Morales made Nov 4 at 2021 11:50 AM

SPC Gilbert Morales — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:50:06 -0400

To keep driving forward and never giving up.

Response by SSG Joseph Jones made Nov 4 at 2021 11:50 AM

SSG Joseph Jones — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:50:22 -0400

The inability to question, you had to follow orders

Response by PO3 Nani Va made Nov 4 at 2021 11:53 AM

PO3 Nani Va — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:53:57 -0400

Waking up at odd hours of the morning, PT being essential in life, being away from your family for an extended period of time, having people around the ship that became family.

Response by SSgt Joshua Strick made Nov 4 at 2021 12:02 PM

SSgt Joshua Strick — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:02:58 -0400

One thing that was truly hard was the constant "hurry up and wait" mentality. Being a fresh Airman, at the crisp age of 23, I disliked the fact that everything I did was to be accomplished immediately and had to wait on everyone else to confirm or inspect. Having to be 15 minutes early to anything and everything, but waiting 20 mins. plus after the proposed time.

Response by PO2 Brittany King made Nov 4 at 2021 12:04 PM

PO2 Brittany King — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:04:01 -0400

It wasn't so easy but I got used to being in another world/life. It's completely different than civilian life but you just go along with it. I also got used to rotating shift work with odd/random shifts and working on little to no sleep. I don't even know how I managed but I made it through!

Response by CPT Antonio Canas made Nov 4 at 2021 12:04 PM

CPT Antonio Canas — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:04:48 -0400

The discipline was a huge shock and the structure of being told what to do with every minute of your life.

Response by SPC Brian Brown made Nov 4 at 2021 12:04 PM

SPC Brian Brown — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:04:54 -0400

Adjusting to what “right looks like.” I came from a background where there was zero accountability. Adjusting to that perspective has since shaped me, albeit not always how I’d imagined, into who I am today.

Response by SMSgt Bill Mundt made Nov 4 at 2021 12:05 PM

SMSgt Bill Mundt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:05:49 -0400

When I joined in 87', I went from an unstructured life to a very structured life which I fell in love with! I enjoyed the frequent moving and the new co-workers/friends that came with the moves. I really liked how everyone had a say on how we can improve our area, which improves the Air Force. These traits I still use today in my civilian life. Regarding the current mission, I always felts we all were in the same page...working together as a team and work family. This togetherness made it difficult when we all had to leave our deployments to return back home. I am thankful for the priceless experience, traits and training I learned over my 20 years in the Air Force.
Bill

Response by Cpl Jonathan Tomaszewski made Nov 4 at 2021 12:10 PM

Cpl Jonathan Tomaszewski — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:10:00 -0400

Everything you had learned up to joining the marine corps became worthless, this include thing such as logic and common sense lol. For a short time the best way to progress was turning into a robot and performing every command you were given, this was both rewarding and devastating at the same time. On one hand it felt as if everything that made you YOU, was being stripped away, but the values and discipline they beat into you made you feel like a better version of yourself.

Response by SPC Jose Ibarra made Nov 4 at 2021 12:10 PM

SPC Jose Ibarra — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:10:29 -0400

Initially, it was a change in lifestyle with new responsibilities and life living disciplines. Then it became a constant change in life as I was maturing, moving and deploying, and socializing with new folks from all sorts of life backgrounds. As a small town boy that grew up around family, military life was like a foreign country.

Response by SGT Matthew Mason made Nov 4 at 2021 12:13 PM

SGT Matthew Mason — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:13:02 -0400

Do what your told, keep your head down, shout loud and all is easy.

Response by SPC Howard Witherspoon made Nov 4 at 2021 12:22 PM

SPC Howard Witherspoon — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:22:01 -0400

While in Basic Training you exercise all day, every day. Best thing I have EVER done.

Response by PFC Glenn Arras made Nov 4 at 2021 12:30 PM

PFC Glenn Arras — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:30:09 -0400

I was 17 and living out of state for the first time. I used to think about having to pull the trigger in battle. I was both anxious and excited to be on my own.

Response by PO2 Gregory Stewart made Nov 4 at 2021 12:31 PM

PO2 Gregory Stewart — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:31:37 -0400

Hardest part for me was the newness of everything.
I was just a dumb 18 year old kid from Wisconsin who knew nothing about the real world.
Starting over in a new place with no friends, no real money, no transportation of my own, no clue in general. That made me scared more than anything else. Luckily everyone I met had started basically the same way. The culture of taking in new sailors and showing them the ropes was a life changing experience for me.

Response by CMSAF Eric Stephens made Nov 4 at 2021 12:32 PM

CMSAF Eric Stephens — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:32:05 -0400

I remember the new found level of structure and responsibility. The comradery that followed has lasted a lifetime. Also, my level of confidence to try new things really surprised me!

Response by SrA Debbie Holmes made Nov 4 at 2021 12:34 PM

SrA Debbie Holmes — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:34:21 -0400

Getting sleep in basic training with 2 bays full of snoring people was challenging. By the end of basic, I was so sleep deprived I was almost running into walls.

Response by CPL Jason Blackwood made Nov 4 at 2021 12:34 PM

CPL Jason Blackwood — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:34:28 -0400

I felt alot of pride serving my country. The hardest part was exercising in the morning before the sun came up but it always made the day better and go smoother.

Response by CPL William Triebel made Nov 4 at 2021 12:40 PM

CPL William Triebel — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:40:01 -0400

lack of privacy

Response by SP5 Sara DuBois made Nov 4 at 2021 12:49 PM

SP5 Sara DuBois — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:49:04 -0400

Adapting to military life is not just a lifestyle, but a movement. Over time you’re used to independence and doing things your own way. The saying is dress right dress, a saying that my battle buddies and chain of command used meaning everyone needs to be exactly alike. Everyone wears their hair, their uniform, and their person to army regulation standards. The hardest part was dealing with someone that could not get it right, and therefore discipline the entire platoon.

Response by Sgt Alvin Dalisay made Nov 4 at 2021 12:49 PM

Sgt Alvin Dalisay — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:49:15 -0400

The lifestyle of order and structure and respect of authority or chain of command translated in the civilian world with any job and giving them my best…excellence in all we do.

Response by SPC Dan Dunn made Nov 4 at 2021 12:50 PM

SPC Dan Dunn — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:50:10 -0400

The hardest thing was doing p.t. The Army made me lose weight and get in shape before sending me to basic training.

Response by SN Dave Oliver made Nov 4 at 2021 12:55 PM

SN Dave Oliver — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:55:33 -0400

The difficult part was of course being thrown into an entire new way of life. Confusion may be the biggest part of signing up. The unknown causes sleepless nights at the beginning. Adapting to the military way of life is a real opener. But of course almost all of us get through it.

Response by LCDR Cassandra Hornbuckle made Nov 4 at 2021 1:03 PM

LCDR Cassandra Hornbuckle — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:03:03 -0400

What I remember the most is having to tell my family that if I were to be captured, DO NOT, under any circumstances, give in to a request. It would likely be futile and remember, what you can't see or hear is my absolute defiance. It was a rough but necessary talk.

Response by TSgt Victoria Mackey made Nov 4 at 2021 1:15 PM

TSgt Victoria Mackey — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:15:56 -0400

Having to wake up at 0 dark 30.

Response by SPC Jesse Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 1:30 PM

SPC Jesse Johnson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:30:55 -0400

The first thing I remembered, was asking myself was what am I doing here.

Response by SPC Jesse Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 1:32 PM

SPC Jesse Johnson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:32:01 -0400

Learning to follow and take orders.

Response by SPC Jesse Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 1:32 PM

SPC Jesse Johnson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:32:53 -0400

Learning to follow and take orders

Response by Sgt Timothy Gassman made Nov 4 at 2021 1:33 PM

Sgt Timothy Gassman — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:33:11 -0400

One of the things that was the biggest adjustment from civilian life was reconciling with the fact that you no longer had autonomy in your life. By taking the oath of enlistment, you made a commitment to do whatever it was you were asked (i.e., ordered) to do, no ifs ands or buts. At a class at recruit training one day, some lieutenant came in and explained to us that the United States was now at war with North Korea. As a result, our training was being expedited and we were going to be among the first boots on the ground in combat. They explained to us that since many of us did not enlist for combat MOS's, we had the choice to voluntarily end our enlistment. All of this was complete nonsense, of course, but the vast majority of us fell for it and were then faced with the blunt reality of the commitment we made. If it had been real, as it was for recruits at Parris Island during previous conflicts, we would have no choice but to jump into action.

Response by SPC Jerry Smith made Nov 4 at 2021 1:38 PM

SPC Jerry Smith — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:38:30 -0400

I was no longer a kid on the street. I was a man with a purpose and a mission!

Response by SR Alexandria Marenich made Nov 4 at 2021 1:44 PM

SR Alexandria Marenich — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:44:12 -0400

No one prepared me at all for what life would be like at the Nuclear Power Training Command. And I don't think anything could've prepared me for getting raped, developing depression/ ptsd, then being treated like garbage while my separation process was messed up every step of the way.

Response by Cpl William Stilwagen made Nov 4 at 2021 1:49 PM

Cpl William Stilwagen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:49:23 -0400

Boot camp was the first time I was in close proximity to Blacks and Hispanics for any length of time. I grew up in Oceanside, NY (a bastion of Whiteness) and had little interaction with minorities other than visiting sports teams. Being raised by a bigoted father for 18 years and then being thrust into the madness of Parris Island with people of color started me rethinking my conditioned perspectives. We were all in this together. We helped one another. We became toughened together, skilled, and sharp together. By graduation we were the same. We were one force. We reacted, moved, and executed commands as a single unit, a single being.

By the last two weeks of boot camp, the drill instructors could do nothing to break us. We were in the best physical condition of our lives, and we had overcome all the psychological stress inflicted upon us. I believe the drill instructors were proud of this fact. We would make good Marines after all. They had done their job.

World War One Marine recruit, Malcolm Aikens, said it best when he described his time at Parris Island, “The first day I was afraid I was going to die. The next two weeks my sole fear was that I wasn’t going to die. And after that I knew I’d never die, because I’d become so hard that nothing could kill me.”

With the insanities I experienced in the war locked firmly in my psyche, other incongruities kept trying to sort themselves out in my mind. Upon entering the Marine Corps, various training bases, and subsequent deployment to Vietnam, I was thrust into a jumbled world of race, color, creed, and national origins that I was ill-equipped to grasp intellectually. There were African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Caucasian-Americans, European-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native-Americans, and Rednecks, fighting communist Vietnamese (supplied by Russians and Chinese) who were fighting against republican Vietnamese. Throw in some Australians, New Zealanders, Thais, Filipinos, Laotians, Cambodians, Koreans, Canadians, various Montagnard tribal warriors, and a host of others, such as Catholics and their Buddhist political rivals, crippled orphans, mama-sans in fear, Bob Hope, kill Cong, take a 5-day vacation with a hired Asian girl, sing Silent Night, ‘yellowing’ the war, refugees everywhere, body counts, and better-dead-than-Red. Welcome to Race Relations 101. How was I ever going to sort out all of this in my young mind?

In the end, I have come to understand how my military experience turned this confused teenager into a humanist.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Bisch made Nov 4 at 2021 1:50 PM

SSG Jeffrey Bisch — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:50:57 -0400

Adapting to military life was not that difficult for me. My father was a Marine, so growing up, I became used to that lifestyle. When you take that oath to server and defend, it should be taken seriously. I knew what I was getting into right out of high school, and I welcomed it with open arms. While I had some street knowledge of the world, being a soldier opened my eyes beyond the "street", and certainly beyond the city life that I had grown to know. I've always had a sense of duty, honor, country, and getting to live that life has taught me so much, and has given way to much more then I ever expected. I think that everything in life takes some getting used to, but having that opportunity to serve comes with a certain distinction. I'm proud of my service, and would do it all over again.

Response by Sgt Mark Bilger made Nov 4 at 2021 1:56 PM

Sgt Mark Bilger — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:56:52 -0400

Adapting was easy. Basic training was good food and exercise and playing their game. Living quaters were always comfortable enough and traveled and made many friends. Vietnam was wrapping up and got out in 76. All experience was positive.

Response by SFC Michael Elam made Nov 4 at 2021 2:04 PM

SFC Michael Elam — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:04:09 -0400

structured schedule

Response by Sgt Glen Mcdonald made Nov 4 at 2021 2:07 PM

Sgt Glen Mcdonald — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:07:14 -0400

NO EXCUSES. You are well informed of what is expected. You are required to perform. No exceptions. You are well trained. I had to learn how to improvise and adapt. I had to learn how to work with a team. Cleanliness was a big one. Your area is to be high and tight......without fail. All in all it is just a better way of living. I think every single young american should spend at least 2 years in the military as a requirement for citizenship. This would be a far better country for it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 2:09 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:09:35 -0400

I came from a large family, often sleeping 3 to a room but being inches from a handful of dudes at all times and no personal privacy was hard to get use to

Response by PV2 James Maruca made Nov 4 at 2021 2:12 PM

PV2 James Maruca — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:12:48 -0400

It taught me about growing up and becoming a man. I learned so much from my drill sergeants in basic training and they gave me the motivation to be a good soldier and better person. I recommend all young men and women to join the military if they have no options left out there for them. It's life changing for real

Response by PO3 Micheal T. made Nov 4 at 2021 2:28 PM

PO3 Micheal T. — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:28:02 -0400

Coming from a military family (g-father WW1, father-national guard Korea, uncle marine, 3 uncles national guard, uncle Viet Nam) I went navy. I pretty well knew what to expect. Discipline was a bear, though.

Response by SFC Ronald Bell made Nov 4 at 2021 2:32 PM

SFC Ronald Bell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:32:50 -0400

Adjusting to a set standard and solid structure was difficult at first, but it dominates my life to this day. It bothers me when I do not see Structure & Standards in the work place or even in a Church.

Response by SP5 Tom Lerche made Nov 4 at 2021 2:34 PM

SP5 Tom Lerche — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:34:06 -0400

Going from civilian life in college to basic at Ft. Leonard Wood was a big shock, especially the first few weeks, with such a variety of other recruits and the Army way. Once I ‘bottomed out” with feeling sorry for myself, everything kicked in for what the army wanted from me and I I started doing things the Army way and I was the most improved recruit in the training battalion.

Response by Cpl Nicholas Gallinot made Nov 4 at 2021 2:35 PM

Cpl Nicholas Gallinot — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:35:46 -0400

I recall thinking that being in shape would be helpful. But I was in "my" kind of shape. Used to doing things "my" way. Which didn't always match up with the PT that we were required to do. I was frustrated, but eventually it became helpful to just let it go and do the work.

Response by Amn Dick Roberts made Nov 4 at 2021 2:43 PM

Amn Dick Roberts — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:43:48 -0400

I was bored at home, but not when I joined Air Force. Meeting new people was great. Basic training was a real eye opener. All in all it was a great experience.

Response by SSG Dave Disney made Nov 4 at 2021 2:54 PM

SSG Dave Disney — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:54:52 -0400

SSGT. Military Police, Operations & Training NCO.

Entered the US Army in 1970 through 1974; spent 20 more years in the California and Oregon Army National Guard. Served Active in South Korea for two years with the Second Infantry Division. The remaining years were in a Military Police MOS; Secondary MOS NBC Training NCO.

Response by PV2 David Vogelgesang made Nov 4 at 2021 2:58 PM

PV2 David Vogelgesang — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:58:07 -0400

Going in army in my late thirties was a challenge in itself, in basic training by week 16, I was upfront running with the drill sergeant.

Response by PO3 Eric Bland made Nov 4 at 2021 3:01 PM

PO3 Eric Bland — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:01:46 -0400

When one f'd up, we all paid the price... I guess it taught us to look out for one another and help each other succeed.

Response by SSG Dave Disney made Nov 4 at 2021 3:03 PM

SSG Dave Disney — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:03:21 -0400

When I enlisted in to the US Army, The most difficult part of adjustment was the Control of my Life. After a year in the Army; I adjusted this way of life. God Bless America.

Response by PO2 Sheba Stepnay made Nov 4 at 2021 3:03 PM

PO2 Sheba Stepnay — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:03:26 -0400

I had to learn to teamwork, which I discovered I enjoyed. I found out that I thrive when I have structure. I've carried these lessons with me every since.

Response by SrA Larry Gray made Nov 4 at 2021 3:04 PM

SrA Larry Gray — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:04:54 -0400

Learning to sleep standing!

Response by PO3 Robin Murphey made Nov 4 at 2021 3:10 PM

PO3 Robin Murphey — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:10:16 -0400

I joined the US Navy two weeks after my 17th birthday, having taken the necessary entry exams at the recruiter's office in Eugene, Oregon at the age of 16. I left my junior year of high school to enter the Navy. I remember part of adjusting for me was the abdominal pain I experienced while standing at parade rest while waiting to enter the commissary for meals. While in my teens I was not eating healthy and had gotten to a point my diet was full of starch-laden foods, causing me great discomfort. I remember being in such pain and not knowing if I could keep standing at parade rest without having an very embarrassing event. After a week or two of eating square meals, I was getting my diet into the normal zone, and therefore, not experiencing the discomfort and pain any longer.
I assimilated into the military ranks pretty well, for my twin and I had been living alone without parental supervision since the age of 14, due to my dad having remarried and leaving us to live in one of his rentals, while he gave us chores and paid our food costs. I was used to living without female influence, which I think helped me to get along with all the guys in boot camp, though there is no way to prove that.

Response by LCpl Michelle Maquinalez made Nov 4 at 2021 3:16 PM

LCpl Michelle Maquinalez — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:16:15 -0400

Response by PV2 Tony Goss made Nov 4 at 2021 3:16 PM

PV2 Tony Goss — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:16:18 -0400

Continuous physical training shining boots 21 hrs a say haha and learning how to press my uniform with the mattress while i slept

Response by SPC Hakeem Britt made Nov 4 at 2021 3:17 PM

SPC Hakeem Britt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:17:09 -0400

It was difficult adjusting to the early mornings and late nights

Response by SP5 Melanie Cantu made Nov 4 at 2021 3:20 PM

SP5 Melanie Cantu — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:20:34 -0400

To adapt to military life is easy, just remember that things are out of your hands… orders come from the top down, unless you gain rank you will be executing orders, not giving them! Also, be very very flexible with personal plans and know a deployment or PCS will come at the most inopportune time!

Response by PO1 Francis Bulfamante made Nov 4 at 2021 3:25 PM

PO1 Francis Bulfamante — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:25:42 -0400

The absence of the "I can't" attitude and mentality.

Response by Sgt Dennis Brumley made Nov 4 at 2021 3:26 PM

Sgt Dennis Brumley — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:26:10 -0400

The culture to Military Life wasn't that bad, it was like having an extended family. But adjusting to living in close quarters with various races from other countries. Meeting Marines from Guam, Cuba, and other countries that step up to serve in the US Military, so they could earn citizenship. That my only sacrifice for me was my family that was always a phone call away. But for some they left their families, their homes, and their culture behind was more of a sacrifice.

Response by PFC Andrew Booth made Nov 4 at 2021 3:29 PM

PFC Andrew Booth — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:29:55 -0400

During boot camp-
morning roll call I answered phone and it was my mother never do that again 100 push ups for me

Response by PFC Andrew Booth made Nov 4 at 2021 3:32 PM

PFC Andrew Booth — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:32:24 -0400

When 9/11 happened at 15 yrs old I knew then I wanted to join the Army and fix helicopters and that I did just that
6 yrs later.

Response by PFC Andrew Booth made Nov 4 at 2021 3:33 PM

PFC Andrew Booth — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:33:40 -0400

I told my family
last minute I was joining because I knew it would make them sad for me to leave …

Response by PFC Andrew Booth made Nov 4 at 2021 3:35 PM

PFC Andrew Booth — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:35:32 -0400

I left all my civilian clothes at home in a big dirty
clothes pile and it waited for me until I got home 5 yrs later and I didn’t mind the smell of those ordinary old clothes of mine

Response by Ernest Gonzalez made Nov 4 at 2021 3:50 PM

Ernest Gonzalez — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:50:00 -0400

Discounts

Response by Cpl Cleopatria Jones made Nov 4 at 2021 3:52 PM

Cpl Cleopatria Jones — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:52:56 -0400

I would say what I remember the most ...I was scared yet as with anything else that's new and unknown. Learning the military structure such as rules and regulations even with how I will fit in. It was all so overwhelming at first until I got settled in, learned the ropes and owned the title Marine. Being a female had its own adaptation yet I came in, adapted and overcame. Just had to remember everyone started off in these shoes.

Response by PO2 David Campbell made Nov 4 at 2021 3:57 PM

PO2 David Campbell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:57:51 -0400

Taught me to trust my brother.. we worked hand in hand like a well oiled machine

Response by PFC Rachel Duff made Nov 4 at 2021 3:59 PM

PFC Rachel Duff — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:59:26 -0400

adjusting to the constant lack of sleep and accepting the never ending stress

Response by PO2 Julie Edwards made Nov 4 at 2021 4:02 PM

PO2 Julie Edwards — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:02:13 -0400

Taking cold showers, luckily they were only a few minutes long....

Response by SGT(P) Francis Gregorin made Nov 4 at 2021 4:02 PM

SGT(P) Francis Gregorin — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:02:16 -0400

One thing is adjusting to the pace of life, it's a constant on the go and it doesn't quite give you a chance to enjoy what's going on around you

Response by AN Angie Stickel made Nov 4 at 2021 4:07 PM

AN Angie Stickel — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:07:44 -0400

I remember that everything had order and that you were governments property.. keep reminding myself!

Response by Ellen Davis made Nov 4 at 2021 4:10 PM

Ellen Davis — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:10:59 -0400

As the spouse of an Army chaplain used to small town living where the pastor's family feels hemmed in by what others expect, it was freeing to be a military spouse not seen any differently than any other spouse.

Response by SSG Dan Coursen made Nov 4 at 2021 4:12 PM

SSG Dan Coursen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:12:25 -0400

One the biggest adjustments I had to make when I joined the Army was realizing I no longer had the 1st Amendment right to free speech. I am kind of a smart-a$$ and I used to exercise that right to speech frequently, sometimes to my own detriment. When I joined the Army, I quickly learned the DI's don't really care how funny you think you are. That was a problem they corrected immediately and with great prejudice. LOL

Response by PO1 Capri Cruz made Nov 4 at 2021 4:14 PM

PO1 Capri Cruz — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:14:29 -0400

I was just coming out of foster care so joining the military was an escape route for me. A little "ignorance is bliss" was at work when adapting. I remember my company commander calling me a whore because I wore red lipstick, and being pretty oblivious about transitioning from boot camp to A-school and then 1st duty station. I didn't have a frame of reference as to how to create my life within the military except that I just wanted to be the BEST. Interestingly enough, I wanted to be the best, which I was in many ways (Honor Grad, flag bearer), but I lacked confidence and did not know how to distinguish between people on the right path and people who were probably going to get into trouble. That was a consequence of not having healthy parents prepare me ahead of time. So, I learned a lot the hard way. Having a mentor would've been a really great help, someone to guide me smartly, but by retirement time I had learned and adapted a lot LOL I think adapting to the varying schedules was a bit difficult and becoming a single mother was hard. Definitely could've used a mentor LOL

Response by SSG Michael Jenkins made Nov 4 at 2021 4:15 PM

SSG Michael Jenkins — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:15:16 -0400

The hardest thing about military life is having to start over every few years. Although you make forever friends, you have to make new ones everytime you change duty stations.

Response by SSG Tom Sullivan made Nov 4 at 2021 4:16 PM

SSG Tom Sullivan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:16:07 -0400

I remember most the regimental of daily tasks. Everything was done in a precise manner and in a timely fashion

Response by SSgt Lee Platt made Nov 4 at 2021 4:20 PM

SSgt Lee Platt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:20:00 -0400

I remember all my great fellow Airmen and Airwomen. TI and NCOs.
Officers and civilians that I had the honor to serve with. May God bless them all

Response by PV2 Michael Schwarz made Nov 4 at 2021 4:25 PM

PV2 Michael Schwarz — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:25:39 -0400

Learning that at the time of joining, I thought I was in peak physical condition, to be a lie. I never puked during BCT but came damned close.

Response by AN Steve Hurley made Nov 4 at 2021 4:30 PM

AN Steve Hurley — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:30:44 -0400

For myself, it was a real terror. I was almost 16 and was given an option by my parents. They would settle my debts if I would go into the military. It might be better understood if I explain some background. I was actually 15 years of age and had all the answers. I dropped out of school (not a great student) while taking advantage of my parents going through a divorce. I left home and moved to the city. This is where all my issues came more to the forefront.
I got a job pumping gas and got an apartment not far from the gas station. It did not take long for the money I made, was not enough to support the rent. First big mistake. I sold my temporary driver's license to a friend (so-called friend) who in turn sold it to someone else. it was about two weeks later that I received a call from the police from upstate. Apparently, the person who purchased my temporary license was involved in an armed robbery upstate and left my temporary there at the scene.
Well, both of my parents were notified as was I and we all had to go upstate so I could be interrogated. When the conclusion was drawn I was innocent we went back home. Going upstate I was with my father, however, going back was with my mother. Understand that with the police she tried having them put me into a reform school. That was not successful so the ride home was hell. There was a list of things I was given to be done when we arrived home. The first was to move out of the apartment (which had put me into debt) and move back home with her.
The whole scenario came down to as I mentioned earlier. My father settled my debts and mom signed me away to the NAVY.
Arrived in Great Lakes, Ill. at 2:30 AM on an extremely cold night got off the bus and the rude awakening started! The Baldy haircut was first and from there was the Bootcamp style welcoming.
While going through the rigorous training I became very depressed and missed my very fragmented family a great deal. For as much as I disliked them. I disliked this new way of living even more.
Finally, we made it through the Bootcamp Hell graduated and had Liberty!
Now we are asked to fill out a "DREAM SHEET". So, who knows what they want to be in life at16/17 years of age let alone 15? Still being somewhat a renegade, I went through the list and chose what I thought to be the best choices to make money. A veterinarian, dentist, and doctor. Odd, a doctor was not on the list. I need you to realize this was in 1969. So I scoured the list looking for a job close to a doctor. On the list was MEDIC! So that was my third choice. Well as time would have it this smarter than anyone else guy screwed himself. When I received my Orders they were for Corps School Great Lakes, Ill.! Who in their right mind would want to be a Medic with a war going on and all graduating classes are being sent where. TO WAR.
I was very lucky as it turned out all the classes prior to mine and many after mine went but my Company stayed stateside.
Thru my tenure of four years, I spent much of my time either trying to get out of the NAVY or experiencing the Rath of THE Captains Mast. It was in the second year with the NAVY I tried to get out on the famous "Psychic Discharge". I was given an appointment with a Psychiatrist to determine my suitability. My life changed for the better after our 3 and a half hour evaluation. I do not remember his name but after all that listening this Lieutenant looked at me and said;
"Young man the four years are going to do you good."

Response by SPC Dennis Danielson made Nov 4 at 2021 4:36 PM

SPC Dennis Danielson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:36:43 -0400

I remember how quickly I got used to walking up at odd hours, learning how to fall asleep virtually anywhere, and loving to hate doing PT at o'dark-thirty.

Response by SrA Terry Killen made Nov 4 at 2021 4:37 PM

SrA Terry Killen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:37:14 -0400

Hi,
Memories are many, however the first and the clearer memory is beginning basic training in the old barracks and transitioning to the new towered barracks.

Response by SN David Miller made Nov 4 at 2021 4:39 PM

SN David Miller — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:39:14 -0400

I was suddenly integrated with ethnic groups I had never experienced before. It was awkward and I didn’t know how to relate.

Response by CPL Michael Herron made Nov 4 at 2021 4:50 PM

CPL Michael Herron — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:50:01 -0400

I found out that this was where I belonged, that I felt like I had made the biggest change in my life for the better

Response by PO2 Alex Oneto made Nov 4 at 2021 4:53 PM

PO2 Alex Oneto — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:53:23 -0400

It was not difficult to adjust to the rigors of Boot Camp or the Military - I had been in the BSA for several years as well as being an Altar Boy at my Parish for about the same number of years! My father had "warned" me of the Rigors of Boot Camp.... for me the hardest adjustment was being away from home for the first time but soon that passed as well...I was focused on succeeding and that was my main focus.... it was 1969!!

Response by SFC Marsha Smith made Nov 4 at 2021 4:53 PM

SFC Marsha Smith — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:53:27 -0400

Learning to get up so early and then do PT on top of that. Major shocker for me.

Response by SSgt Chris Loomis made Nov 4 at 2021 4:54 PM

SSgt Chris Loomis — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:54:19 -0400

learning to eat fast

Response by SP5 Daniel Butler made Nov 4 at 2021 4:56 PM

SP5 Daniel Butler — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:56:04 -0400

The togetherness, just last year I had a reunion with a friend that I hadn't seen in 50 years what a great thing

Response by SPC Edgar Jordan made Nov 4 at 2021 5:01 PM

SPC Edgar Jordan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:01:32 -0400

Waking up early in the morning

Response by TSgt Shelly Pacheco made Nov 4 at 2021 5:26 PM

TSgt Shelly Pacheco — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:26:24 -0400

I don’t remember it being to difficult but truly remember how disappointed I would feel about getting paid so little with an expectation of so much. I actually made more money as a bus girl. The life lesson it taught me was how to plan and live by on a budget.

Response by Amn Russell Klingenberg made Nov 4 at 2021 5:27 PM

Amn Russell Klingenberg — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:27:35 -0400

Adapting to military life was difficult for me. I graduated from high school at age 17 and had been on my own for almost a year before entering the Air Force. I was used to being my own boss and had nobody to answer to asides from myself. I had to totally reshape my way of doing thing. Having so many people that could give me orders was the hardest part. My childhood consisted of growing up on a farm and until I graduated that is the only life I knew. Meeting people that had different ethnic backgrounds and colored skin was very new to me as well. I must say that basic training was hardest of all. Keeping my mouth closed and following orders was new to me.
In summary, after accepting that I was no longer king of my world adapting to the life was smooth. Growing up on a farm with a very strict and abusive step-father wasn't really much different because I knew how to follow rules.

Response by PO2 Dennis Newman made Nov 4 at 2021 5:35 PM

PO2 Dennis Newman — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:35:32 -0400

Navy shower water restrictions shipboard.

Response by Sgt Christopher Jackson made Nov 4 at 2021 5:35 PM

Sgt Christopher Jackson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:35:53 -0400

The biggest adjustment for me after Marine boot camp was my friends from high school couldn't understand me afterwards... Which then in turn made my relationships with my Marine brothers stronger. Try as I may to interpret what it's like to someone that isn't willing to sacrifice everything for the country and corps, unless you've been there, the saying is true

Response by MSG Jason Yurgel made Nov 4 at 2021 5:39 PM

MSG Jason Yurgel — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:39:02 -0400

Waking up early; eating at certain times, go to bed at a early hour.

Response by PO3 Warren Weber made Nov 4 at 2021 5:39 PM

PO3 Warren Weber — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:39:47 -0400

I adapted quite well to Navy life, from boot camp to A and C school to a ship. My Grandfather was a veteran of both WW1 and WW2 and told me many tales of Navy life. Also, my brother, 2 years my senior, was already in the Navy (in Vietnam!) and related some tales of his own. Thus, I knew what to expect.

The only thing that threw me was that everyone had an accent, and it was hard to understand them sometimes. I mentioned this to a mate and he told me that MY accent was worse than anyone else's! I responded, "What accent? I don't have an accent." I failed to realize that as a Montanan born and bred, I did indeed have a strong accent. My mate told me that it sounded like I said "Whacsen? Idnhavnacsen."

Montana can be very cold at times, and at 40 degrees below zero the last thing you want to do is waste your breath pronouncing vowels and hard consonants. I had to learn to enunciate clearly in order to respond to orders.

Response by PO3 Warren Weber made Nov 4 at 2021 5:40 PM

PO3 Warren Weber — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:40:53 -0400

Response by PO2 Paul Reeve made Nov 4 at 2021 5:41 PM

PO2 Paul Reeve — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:41:24 -0400

The things I remember about navy life was the bus ride from the airport in Sandiego to RTC . I remember thinking this is gonna be an easy job. I then remember about 4 men dressed in brown uniforms coming on board the bus and yelling. Truth be known I thought I was in another country. Could not even understand them. It was on graduation day I remember thinking that those CC are men I will never forget. They made of me something no one else has ever been able to. The two chiefs I remember still to this day is Senior Chief Costello and Chief Juan Costillo. Will never for those name. The first real look at what some people will don to make something out of nothing. Thank you

Response by SGT Michael Brown made Nov 4 at 2021 5:42 PM

SGT Michael Brown — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:42:57 -0400

Spending R&R in Budapest

Response by SGT Jessie Dillard made Nov 4 at 2021 5:44 PM

SGT Jessie Dillard — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:44:34 -0400

MILITARY LIFE WAS A BREEZE FOR ME FOLLOWING ORDERS AND STRUCTURE WAS TAUGHT TO ME WHILE IN JROTC IN HIGH SCHOOL I KNEW THEN THAT WAS MY FUTURE. I TELL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FREQUENTLY ABOUT THE MILITARY LIFE AND HOW MUCH IT WAS BETTER THAN LIVING A CIVILLAIN WORLD. THE MILITARY ENVIROMENT MADE ME WHO I AM TODAY I'M LOVED,RESPECTED, AND TRUSTED BECAUSE OF THE LIFE I LIVED NAD SHARED IN THE ARMY.

Response by SGT Michael Brown made Nov 4 at 2021 5:45 PM

SGT Michael Brown — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:45:53 -0400

Adjusting to thousands of different personalities. It was fun.

Response by TSgt Charles Blackburn made Nov 4 at 2021 5:46 PM

TSgt Charles Blackburn — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:46:04 -0400

I loved the structure, the uniform provided. Getting up and formation was awesome.

Response by CPL Johnny Marquez made Nov 4 at 2021 5:46 PM

CPL Johnny Marquez — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:46:53 -0400

I remember the discipline the most. It was an important part of becoming a soldier

Response by Sgt Richard Wigley made Nov 4 at 2021 5:58 PM

Sgt Richard Wigley — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:58:48 -0400

I remember learning the lingo as in what all the initials stood for!

Response by SGT Christopher Coffman made Nov 4 at 2021 6:05 PM

SGT Christopher Coffman — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:05:45 -0400

I remember the long days, being uncomfortably hot, and getting to do things I never dreamt I would do. It was hard, but in the end I learned to adapt and bond with those going through the same thing I was. Looking back it was great for my personal development.

Response by PO2 Tammy Clary made Nov 4 at 2021 6:17 PM

PO2 Tammy Clary — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:17:34 -0400

Everything was structured and hurry up and wait.

Response by FN Simon Trejo made Nov 4 at 2021 6:17 PM

FN Simon Trejo — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:17:47 -0400

I came from a father who was a disciplinarian so military life came to me pretty easy

Response by PVT Marvin Davis made Nov 4 at 2021 6:31 PM

PVT Marvin Davis — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:31:14 -0400

Easy but you gets cared for a while then you begin to be all you can be, you become a man, ready to defend your country.

Response by Ricky Clay made Nov 4 at 2021 6:32 PM

Ricky Clay — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:32:30 -0400

I remember having to turn around and say goodbye to friends whenever my dad would receive orders to move. This always seemed to happen just as I was beginning to make friends and become adjusted growing to love the place we called “home”.

Response by SFC Donald Mulder made Nov 4 at 2021 6:42 PM

SFC Donald Mulder — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:42:37 -0400

Everything was so "clean". I mean "spiffy eat off of the floor" clean. From the buildings to the grounds to the uniforms that soldiers wore. I then knew that I was going to become a member of something very special and unique!

Response by PFC John Duggan made Nov 4 at 2021 6:43 PM

PFC John Duggan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:43:15 -0400

people from different areas and backgrounds sharing a common goal.

Response by SSG Jeanne Gravitt made Nov 4 at 2021 6:52 PM

SSG Jeanne Gravitt — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:52:11 -0400

I wasn't too sure if I would make it through boot camp (the old one), but I made it. I started out at Property Book, but went to company level and loved all but the last two years. The Army has changed so much now, but still love the supply aspect.

Response by SSG David Brown made Nov 4 at 2021 6:55 PM

SSG David Brown — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:55:02 -0400

As an eighteen-year-old, fresh out of high school, adjusting to the regimented schedule of the military and answering to someone other than my parents was tough.

Response by A1C Margaret Hall made Nov 4 at 2021 6:59 PM

A1C Margaret Hall — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:59:03 -0400

USAF Security Police in 1986. Went in for one tour and enjoyed it. Crazy bunch of party animals. Base exercise...have a barracks party afterwards. Have a squadron exercise...barracks party afterwards. Bust a few people for DUI, party after the shift under the back canopy. But those guys would take a bullet for you. So many are gone now but they will never be forgotten.

Response by PO2 James Hampson made Nov 4 at 2021 7:09 PM

PO2 James Hampson — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:09:05 -0400

I had to get organized because of those little lockers onboard ships. We had to fit a ton of clothes in a small locker under your bunk.

Response by SFC Dennis Reabold made Nov 4 at 2021 7:12 PM

SFC Dennis Reabold — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:12:42 -0400

BT in '83 was easier than living at home. Just do what you're told and all is fine.

Response by SFC Leo Sharpe made Nov 4 at 2021 7:19 PM

SFC Leo Sharpe — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:19:16 -0400

Having to get up in the dark and do pt

Response by SP5 Melanie Brandow made Nov 4 at 2021 7:21 PM

SP5 Melanie Brandow — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:21:46 -0400

To be honest, the only thing hard getting adapted to are all of the many acronyms we had to remember. I kind of grew up in a "military" lifestyle. I was already very disciplined. Respectful. Organized. And most of all determined. I didn't think it was that hard. Just do what you're told.

Response by Sgt Sophia Cottrill made Nov 4 at 2021 7:22 PM

Sgt Sophia Cottrill — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:22:56 -0400

I adapted well to military life. But I could see how it would be difficult for some.

Response by MSG Robert Newsome made Nov 4 at 2021 7:26 PM

MSG Robert Newsome — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:26:42 -0400

The most important I remember about adapting to military life was working together as a unit and having your fellow airman back without hesitation.

Response by SP5 Erica Miller made Nov 4 at 2021 7:29 PM

SP5 Erica Miller — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:29:32 -0400

Adapting to military life, was not that difficult for me. I thrive on disciple and having standards to work with. It gave me confidence to speak out when I couldnt use my voice before but reminded me also to be mindful when no to speak as well.

Response by SGT Jaclyn Search made Nov 4 at 2021 7:41 PM

SGT Jaclyn Search — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:41:22 -0400

The most important lesson I learned in basic training was that I was no longer just an individual. I was now part of a team. My actions or inactions didn't just affect me. They could impact my platoon, my company or more. People could be injured or killed because of my mistakes. My behavior both in and out of uniform could bring honor or disgrace to my fellow soldiers, NCOs and commanding officers. Once you take that oath you're part of a greater whole. That lesson has stayed with me through my whole life.

Response by SPC Kathy McCaslin made Nov 4 at 2021 7:46 PM

SPC Kathy McCaslin — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:46:34 -0400

The first time I went home for a2 week leave time. I remember trying to tell my family what my life was like. It was like I was speaking in a foreign language that no one understood. The military has an enormous amount of acronyms. I had to learn how to speak "English" to them and still stay true to what I was trying to express.

Response by SGT Ray Wilner made Nov 4 at 2021 7:52 PM

SGT Ray Wilner — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:52:44 -0400

Had to learn to take orders. Sometimes from younger persons. Open bay sleeping till I gained some rank.

Response by PO3 Paul Scheel made Nov 4 at 2021 7:58 PM

PO3 Paul Scheel — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:58:41 -0400

Zero dark thirty

Response by LCpl Michael David made Nov 4 at 2021 7:59 PM

LCpl Michael David — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:59:34 -0400

First stepping on the yellow footprints at Paris Island was surreal. Boot camp was what I was expecting. The fleet was where the adjustment came. Life changed. Being sent to another country, trying to be 18 but remembering Uncle Sam owns your butt. Living a dream and a nightmare at the same time, hating every second but loving every minute.

Response by SPC Edgar Jordan made Nov 4 at 2021 8:04 PM

SPC Edgar Jordan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:04:33 -0400

Discipline, moral and motivation

Response by PFC Alexandria Poulsen made Nov 4 at 2021 8:09 PM

PFC Alexandria Poulsen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:09:46 -0400

I joined the military after 9/11 and when I went to basic training Fort Jackson was full so we went to Fort Leonardwood instead. I was excited to join the military and do my part to help fight terrorism. When I first joined I was overweight and could barely do everything that was required. By the end of basic training I was the most improved solider and at Ait I was the top of my class. Proud to have served

Response by SP5 Tressa Baatz made Nov 4 at 2021 8:15 PM

SP5 Tressa Baatz — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:15:55 -0400

adjusting to not having a schedule to follow

Response by CPL DeeAnn Rivera made Nov 4 at 2021 8:27 PM

CPL DeeAnn Rivera — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:27:24 -0400

No excuse. Learning to take responsibility for a task has been and invaluable asset to me. After leaving the military, knowing that not completing a task has "no excuse" has catapulted my career. It's not always easy, sometimes not my fault, but if it is my task it will get completed because their is "no excuse" for not performing.

Response by MAJ Darwin Feakes made Nov 4 at 2021 8:35 PM

MAJ Darwin Feakes — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:35:52 -0400

It was pretty easy for me I lived a pretty regimental life. Early to bed early to rise and work hard all day. I think the early morning PT was the most difficult but once I got into it I enjoyed it.

Response by PO2 Kathleen R made Nov 4 at 2021 8:46 PM

PO2 Kathleen R — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:46:33 -0400

The nights on duty offset by the best food in the chow hall!

Response by SrA Robert McAvoy made Nov 4 at 2021 9:05 PM

SrA Robert McAvoy — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:05:42 -0400

I quickly learned that I was not the center of the world, but instead part of something bigger than any individual. At the same time, I was able to compare my performance to a very diverse group of cohorts. Further, I learned to adapt to changes in my cohort group AND to a change in our mission, challenges, and competency demands. What a rush!

Response by Sgt Arthur Farmer made Nov 4 at 2021 9:09 PM

Sgt Arthur Farmer — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:09:30 -0400

Boot camp was easy. I was raised on a farm with a strict disciplinarian father. I may not have liked it, but it wasn't hard. In boot camp they said, "You've all been in band so you all know how to march." Well, I hadn't been in band so I had to fake it until I learned how. I was one of the youngest at age 17.

Response by SPC Audriana Hairston made Nov 4 at 2021 9:15 PM

SPC Audriana Hairston — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:15:36 -0400

I remember having to learn to adapt to having your whereabouts always known. This may bee difficult for some however it does create accountability and a sense of structure over time. At first it feels like micromanagement but becomes normal.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 9:17 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:17:25 -0400

Having to be away from family, not being with them on special occasions but as time went by, we learned to appreciate the value of having quality time together.

Response by SPC Joseph Rebro made Nov 4 at 2021 9:19 PM

SPC Joseph Rebro — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:19:55 -0400

I remember how different it was to adjust to all the different personalities, following orders, getting pushed to think outside the box.

Response by SGT Carlos Leyva made Nov 4 at 2021 9:22 PM

SGT Carlos Leyva — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:22:26 -0400

Basic was helpful to changing

Response by Sgt Michael Mote made Nov 4 at 2021 9:25 PM

Sgt Michael Mote — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:25:32 -0400

A lot was easy for me because I was from a small town and was ready for new experiences. The hardest thing for me to adapt to was dropping my shyness and learning how to be louder, confident, and more assertive. I'm a soft spoken individual which was brutal as a Marine.

Response by CPL Michelle Holman made Nov 4 at 2021 9:30 PM

CPL Michelle Holman — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:30:17 -0400

Wearing a Uniform Everyday, Traveling, Working with people from all over the world, Being mentally alert all the time

Response by LCpl Shaun Law made Nov 4 at 2021 9:55 PM

LCpl Shaun Law — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:55:04 -0400

Getting out of the rack in the morning was one I learned real quick and I'm glad I carried with me into civilian life.

Response by PFC Joanie Simmons made Nov 4 at 2021 10:03 PM

PFC Joanie Simmons — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:03:42 -0400

To committing my life for others.

Response by SN John Geralds made Nov 4 at 2021 10:17 PM

SN John Geralds — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:17:58 -0400

First thing I noticed about the military was it was a group effort. It removed any identity of me besides my social security number identity. We all had one, still do. There's a lot of support in the military, and a lot of camaraderie. I think I noticed getting out of the military more. Because that safety net was gone. And wherever my feet hit the ground, was where I had to start building back what I had lost in the military. I needed medical benefits, I needed a paycheck. More importantly the military helped me point myself in the direction I needed to go. It was a good thing, but it wasn't a long-term thing for me. I gave them one chance, and they blew it. So now I'm officially a veteran now.

Response by PFC Candy Lucien made Nov 4 at 2021 10:19 PM

PFC Candy Lucien — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:19:21 -0400

I was stripped of everything that I identified myself by: makeup, clothing, hairstyle, smoking, driving, independence, cookies lol ... I had to peel back the layers to find the interior woman not identified by her exterior. Quite a ride!

Response by SN Aaron Wheeler made Nov 4 at 2021 10:23 PM

SN Aaron Wheeler — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:23:21 -0400

Hardest transition for me was shaving, was perpetually forgetting and get demerits for it.

Response by Sgt Bobbie Pickell made Nov 4 at 2021 10:27 PM

Sgt Bobbie Pickell — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:27:32 -0400

I had been a member of Civil Air Patrol both as a cadet and senior member. I went to work for the USAF recruiters office in Manchester, NH. My parents assumed the next stage was to join and they were right. One of my aunts believed, to the day she died, I only joined to get a husband. That was just a side benefit I got, and 3 amazing children.

Response by PO2 Darin Hetman made Nov 4 at 2021 11:09 PM

PO2 Darin Hetman — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:09:04 -0400

Shaving every day :(

Response by HN Shaun Ryan made Nov 4 at 2021 11:13 PM

HN Shaun Ryan — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:13:40 -0400

I had the tendency to talk back when people said something rude to me. That changed real quick in bootcamp. Staying up late before the Navy and then having a set time to sleep and wake up and even stand watch or study in the middle of the night. I don't think it was difficult other than the first night when they make you stay up all night because I couldn't sleep in the hotel the night before flying to Chicago. As i'm sure most will say, I would do it all again if I could.

Response by PO2 Henry Sotomayor made Nov 4 at 2021 11:28 PM

PO2 Henry Sotomayor — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:28:11 -0400

It was a shock to have taken such a large pay cut from my job in high school. My monthly checks from serving was the same as my weekly high school job.

Response by A1C Mark Nevius made Nov 5 at 2021 12:03 AM

A1C Mark Nevius — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:03:06 -0400

I remember that E-6 personnel can go to work the next day drunk and nothing happen to them. One of my friends, an E-3, had a hangover the next morning and he got put on crap duty. We all worked in the same area. I had a hard time with that.

Response by SGT William Klauss made Nov 5 at 2021 12:22 AM

SGT William Klauss — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:22:37 -0400

Living up to my Dad who was in WW2 with Patton I knew went I join what Army life would be about My basic training was at Fort Knox same place my Dad was trained.
My Dad was with me went I talked to the Recruiter at my house I know he was proud of me. What stood out for me was the look on my Dad face went he seen I was doing it.
Do the best you can thing will get hard but you have a big family the Army dose look out for all Soldiers.
I was peace time and never seen combat I was oversea in Germany I never wanted to get out but I was force out by my 1st Sergeant

Response by PO3 Larry Burger made Nov 5 at 2021 12:25 AM

PO3 Larry Burger — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:25:09 -0400

A couple of weeks before I headed for bootcamp, a good friend of mine said "you are almost at that point of your life that you understand that your father is the smartest man that you know". That thot was not comprehendable. Two weeks onto bootcamp I knew exactly what he was talking about. That was 61 years ago this month, and it's still true. Plus a million great memories.

Response by HN David Iverson made Nov 5 at 2021 12:51 AM

HN David Iverson — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:51:55 -0400

Navy bootcamp, arriving at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Getting off the bus and thinking, 'Now this is going to be like nothing I've experienced before.' It was one of the hardest things I had done to that point in my life, but it made me a better person.

Response by CPT Lauren Dowless made Nov 5 at 2021 2:16 AM

CPT Lauren Dowless — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 02:16:37 -0400

I have never ever been a morning person. Still am not a morning person. Adapting to getting up every morning at the butt crack of dawn was difficult for me. Even after 17 years in the military I still do not get up with the sun, I work nights.

Response by SGT Bob Groom made Nov 5 at 2021 3:42 AM

SGT Bob Groom — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 03:42:17 -0400

It was a piece of cake I'd always wanted to be a paratrooper, and hardcore!

Response by PO2 JonCris Paguia made Nov 5 at 2021 4:03 AM

PO2 JonCris Paguia — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:03:11 -0400

Navy boot camp in Great Mistakes Illinois was where I learned I marching and marching and marching. I still find myself singing those songs just to remember that 1 is my left and 2 is my right.

Response by SPC Lacee Larson made Nov 5 at 2021 4:10 AM

SPC Lacee Larson — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:10:49 -0400

It was a culture shock as far as being exposed to different races of people and just a change of scenery all around I'd never been out of my hometown. Getting used to being away from my family.

Response by CPT Timothy Holden made Nov 5 at 2021 4:29 AM

CPT Timothy Holden — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:29:01 -0400

doing what you have to do before you do want you want to do. that is what is called self disapline !!!

Response by Cpl Jimmie Debity made Nov 5 at 2021 6:11 AM

Cpl Jimmie Debity — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:11:31 -0400

The new Marine Corps language was my biggest challenge I had to overcome. I spent my share of time on the quarter deck learning....

Response by SSG Michael Pershell made Nov 5 at 2021 8:56 AM

SSG Michael Pershell — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:56:23 -0400

I really developed a work ethic. It did not matter how much you did not want to do something, you just did it. I was 18, just graduated, and just married. My first duty assignment was 2,000 miles away, so my wife and I had no choice but to make it work as there was no going back, we were in this together. By God's grace, we have been married for 22 years now.

Response by Cpl Darby Flaherty made Nov 5 at 2021 8:59 AM

Cpl Darby Flaherty — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:59:39 -0400

Teamwork, camaraderie and leadership.

Response by SP5 Howard Thomas made Nov 5 at 2021 9:10 AM

SP5 Howard Thomas — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:10:04 -0400

Basic training was just that, learning the basics of being a soldier. The first thing to learn was that being a Private meant learning that you were basically nothing and that as such you had few if any rights. We were told what to do, when to do it and not to do anything else. We learned how to dress, how to talk (mostly “Yes Sir “and “No Sir”), when to eat and when to sleep. We learned that 4:00, 4:30 and 5:00 AM was a great time to get up and that in case our mothers hadn’t taught us, the right way to make a bed. In the event that we didn’t know, the Drill Sergeant (DI) taught the difference between a rifle and a gun. Anyone who referred to his M-14 as a gun would be made to parade up and down the barracks explaining to everyone that, “this is my rifle”, holding up his M-14 and “this is my gun”, while holding his crotch and finishing with “this is for fighting and this is for fun”. Who said the DI couldn’t be funny?

During the first couple of days, we were issued new clothes, treated to a free haircut and given a series of shots designed to protect us from anything in this country and around the world. “Hurry up and wait “was the norm for the day as we would be in lines waiting for this, that and the other thing. Similar to “hazing” in college, word would filter down the line as we waited for shots describing the shot to the left testicle with a square needle. Looked like life in the Army would be a whole new experience and it would be!

Days started with an early rise, morning formation and PT consisting of various forms of the Army daily dozen. That is push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc..etc. and the joyful one to five mile run. It really wasn’t a true run because it was done in formation at the Army double time pace. Finishing up PT, we were off to breakfast before starting a day of training.

Training consisted of things like; marching, target practice, breaking down and cleaning our M-14, hand-to-hard combat training, bayonet training, use of a gas mask including exposure to tear gas and how to properly throw a grenade. All designed to turn a civilian into a soldier.

In order to graduate Basic Training, we had to become proficient with the M-14. Fortunately, I was not a stranger to rifles and qualified as a sharpshooter, not quite an expert but definitely good enough. The PT regiment we had endured also made sure that I could pass all the physical requirements. The five-mile run, running the obstacle course and crawling up an incline with live machine gun fire overhead and explosions left and right, did not impede my completion of basic training. It also instilled the pride and "Esprit De Corps" that I still, after almost 60 years, carry with me today

Response by SGT Kim Westphal made Nov 5 at 2021 9:12 AM

SGT Kim Westphal — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:12:53 -0400

The thing that I found most difficult was accepting my trainings, especially if they would mean personal discomfort to me, like being cold, hot or tired. However, I had great leadership that also listened to me when the training put everyone in potential danger. Like when we trained in a blizzard and I couldn't feel my hands or feet even in artic gear. I went to my LT. and told him that I had to go in and get warm no matter what. A few minutes later, everyone was asking what I had done. I said, "I just told him the truth". Everyone was celebrating the fact that we could warm up.

Response by CPL Lee Snell made Nov 5 at 2021 9:14 AM

CPL Lee Snell — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:14:07 -0400

I joined the Army as an MP and made it a 40 year career after I got out. If it wasn't for the Army there is no telling where I would of ended up. It was a life saver.

Response by SP5 Howard Thomas made Nov 5 at 2021 9:19 AM

SP5 Howard Thomas — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:19:33 -0400

Basic training was just that, learning the basics of being a soldier. The first thing to learn was that being a Private meant learning that you were basically nothing and that as such you had few if any rights. We were told what to do, when to do it and not to do anything else. We learned how to dress, how to talk (mostly “Yes Sir “and “No Sir”), when to eat and when to sleep. We learned that 4:00, 4:30 and 5:00 AM was a great time to get up and that in case our mothers hadn’t taught us, the right way to make a bed. In the event that we didn’t know, the Drill Sergeant (DI) taught the difference between a rifle and a gun. Anyone who referred to his M-14 as a gun would be made to parade up and down the barracks explaining to everyone that, “this is my rifle”, holding up his M-14 and “this is my gun”, while holding his crotch and finishing with “this is for fighting and this is for fun”. Who said the DI couldn’t be funny?

During the first couple of days, we were issued new clothes, treated to a free haircut and given a series of shots designed to protect us from anything in this country and around the world. “Hurry up and wait “was the norm for the day as we would be in lines waiting for this, that and the other thing. Similar to “hazing” in college, word would filter down the line as we waited for shots describing the shot to the left testicle with a square needle. Looked like life in the Army would be a whole new experience and it would be!

Days started with an early rise, morning formation and PT consisting of various forms of the Army daily dozen. That is push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc..etc. and the joyful one to five mile run. It really wasn’t a true run because it was done in formation at the Army double time pace. Finishing up PT, we were off to breakfast before starting a day of training.

Training consisted of things like; marching, target practice, breaking down and cleaning our M-14, hand-to-hard combat training, bayonet training, use of a gas mask including exposure to tear gas and how to properly throw a grenade. All designed to turn a civilian into a soldier.

In order to graduate Basic Training, we had to become proficient with the M-14. Fortunately, I was not a stranger to rifles and qualified as a sharpshooter, not quite an expert but definitely good enough. The PT regiment we had endured also made sure that I could pass all the physical requirements. The five-mile run, running the obstacle course and crawling up an incline with live machine gun fire overhead and explosions left and right, did not impede my completion of basic training. Basic training instilled the pride and "Spirit De Corps" I still, after almost 60 years" carry with me today.

Response by SPC Andrew Cost made Nov 5 at 2021 9:42 AM

SPC Andrew Cost — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:42:42 -0400

For me adapting to the military life was not hard, because I come from a military family. I knew from the beginning what I was doing and signing up for, and I had been looking forward to serving my country. The military was my careerchoice, and it became my second family. The real hard thing to deal with was when that life was taken from me do to injures that I received in the service. Not having that structured life anymore, knowing what was expected of me, when and where I was supposed to be, and the support/second family; this was the hardest thing for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2021 10:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:51:44 -0400

I don't think adapting to military life was too bad when I joined. But that was 16 years ago, and it's a lot different now, and in my opinion not for the best. The military has been more politicized in recent years, and many standards are becoming more lax, and generational changes are creating issues with respect, motivation, and initiative.

Response by PO3 Debra Dart made Nov 5 at 2021 10:59 AM

PO3 Debra Dart — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:59:56 -0400

I'll never forget that feeling of pride when I took the oath. I remember having to get up at 0 dark thirty and make my bunk, get dressed and be in formation in 15 minutes. It was difficult getting used to marching everywhere.

Response by Cpl Shaunda Boulware made Nov 5 at 2021 11:12 AM

Cpl Shaunda Boulware — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:12:08 -0400

Waking up so early every morning and on PT days waking up even earlier and PT in inclimate weather. Thats why i hate exercising to this day its beeb 30 years plus ago.

Response by SN Bernard Parker made Nov 5 at 2021 11:25 AM

SN Bernard Parker — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:25:29 -0400

12:00am-04:00am watch was very tuff at least at first,then back up at 07:00 for a full days work.But would not change a thing!!!!!

Response by CPO Linnea Thompson made Nov 5 at 2021 11:28 AM

CPO Linnea Thompson — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:28:30 -0400

Adapting to military life was pretty easy, basically do what you’re supposed to do and enjoy your off time. Later in my career it was adjusting the kids every time we transferred. I moved every three years.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Nov 5 at 2021 11:29 AM

SP5 Donna Barr — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:29:49 -0400

Listening to a roomful of people snoring.

Response by SrA Helen Bruce-Jackson made Nov 5 at 2021 11:54 AM

SrA Helen Bruce-Jackson — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:54:58 -0400

Adjusting to the extreme structure and routines.

Response by SGT Todd Lohr made Nov 5 at 2021 12:11 PM

SGT Todd Lohr — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:11:38 -0400

I remember everything changing. I learned new things everyday. Learned how to fight for my country.

Response by SFC Joseph McGraw made Nov 5 at 2021 1:00 PM

SFC Joseph McGraw — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:00:55 -0400

I will never forget the smell of military facilities, it is a very distinct one. Burned into memory.

Response by AN Charles Hendricks made Nov 5 at 2021 1:19 PM

AN Charles Hendricks — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:19:08 -0400

Adapting to military life was a no brainer for me. I had grown up in rural Alaska on a homestead, 20 miles from the nearest town, which had a mission that had a church, 10 bed clinic/hospital, and an incredibly conservative, almost all veterans population where ever you could find one. Moving to military life was simply answering to someone else in a position of authority, and enabled me to have more than one pair of fitting clothes. I was used to military heath care as my dad was retired Navy (he flew during Korea), and military housing (we stayed at Ft. Richardson, AK once a month) and got hair cuts, watched TV, took showers in running water, etc., and was thus around military personnel and rules and regulations for as long as I can remember.

Response by SFC Pamela Travis made Nov 5 at 2021 1:19 PM

SFC Pamela Travis — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:19:12 -0400

Going to Basic Training was a major adjustment for me because I was not prepared for it. The Drill Sergeants hollering at me and all in my face was an OMG moment for me. I was scared of weapons so when I found out I had to qualify with an M16 I was terrified but thank God I qualified. I was the last person in my unit to do so, but I did it!!

Response by Sgt Kelsie Owen made Nov 5 at 2021 1:36 PM

Sgt Kelsie Owen — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:36:19 -0400

I went from being a VERY heavy sleeper so a very light sleeper. Hyper-vigilance was also new for me. It still hasn't gone away.

Response by CPL Norman Bryant made Nov 5 at 2021 1:43 PM

CPL Norman Bryant — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:43:08 -0400

Learned that everyone with higher rank than you an order you too do things

Response by SN Dale Vallier made Nov 5 at 2021 1:58 PM

SN Dale Vallier — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:58:16 -0400

The biggest adjustment is the rigid structured environment, once you accept the structured environment you can move forward to be the best version of yourself

Response by CMSgt Daniel Toma made Nov 5 at 2021 1:59 PM

CMSgt Daniel Toma — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:59:08 -0400

Getting up early!, Working late, eating at different times, trying different food, and travelling

Response by CPO Bruce Metzler made Nov 5 at 2021 2:49 PM

CPO Bruce Metzler — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:49:13 -0400

The hardest thing about adapting to Navy life was overcoming the feeling of separation from my family. After 20 years of active duty, I found adapting to be even harder. Silly-vilans just don't understand how we think.

Response by PFC Shane Johnston made Nov 5 at 2021 3:23 PM

PFC Shane Johnston — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:23:34 -0400

Building the bond with my brothers in the military.

Response by CWO3 Johnny Reese made Nov 5 at 2021 3:30 PM

CWO3 Johnny Reese — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:30:46 -0400

I remember looking at my father's Coast Guard photo album and saying to myself - It really looks like those guys are having a lot of fun. What I didn't know was that the guys in those pics where expressing a thing called camaraderie. When I joined the Coast Guard I was not use to trusting others. In fact, up until that point of my life, I really didn't trust anyone. However, working the arduous duty of a lookout on the flying bridge during a 3mos deployment and working the housing lines during the many mooring evolutions I learned to trust. There were others on the same mission, from various backgrounds and ethnicities. Regardless, we all had to work together and but our trust in those there to guide us. I eventually learned that shared hard work makes for shared hard play. This is what I didn't originally know when first viewing those photos. The lessons of trust and shared camaraderie is one of the cornerstones of the Coast Guard and a lesson I'd never forget. Thanks shipmates!

Response by SP5 AngelNasgnA2019 Santiago made Nov 5 at 2021 4:05 PM

SP5 AngelNasgnA2019 Santiago — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:05:47 -0400

For me it was pretty hard to adapt to Military life specially in Basic Training. I didn't speak english, I was not used to the cold March days at Ft. Benning Ga., The hard treatment of the Drill Sargents and tough physical training. Also coming from Puerto Rico it was hard to be so far away from my family.

Response by PFC Michael Scroggins made Nov 5 at 2021 4:15 PM

PFC Michael Scroggins — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:15:44 -0400

Adapting to military time, being punctual looking Sharp being respectful working hard doing your best.

Response by SP5 Bill Dempsey made Nov 5 at 2021 4:33 PM

SP5 Bill Dempsey — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:33:07 -0400

Being away from home for the first time and sent to Vietnam right after AIT was really hard to adapt.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Nov 5 at 2021 5:16 PM

SPC Carlton Phelps — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 17:16:22 -0400

I had to learn, as a teenager, to rely upon myself more. From the moment I was rushed off the bus at night, the change started. If I didn't rely on myself who else could help me? Being yelled, pushed, having my hands stood on, was 1969, that seemed to be allowed then. Waking up at all hours of the night.
Then off to AIT, not a whole lot better. When I got to my duty station, Ft Kobbe Panama Canal Zone, I still found if I didn't watch everything I did and made a mistake, there was a swift and hard correction.
When my wife was able to join me and I moved off base, at least I had someone in my corner.
Other than that, I wasn't cut off for military life.

Response by PO2 Jerry Van Ness made Nov 5 at 2021 5:59 PM

PO2 Jerry Van Ness — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 17:59:31 -0400

I recall being concerned about boot camp, but I just reminded myself that millions of guys made it through and I can make it too. I certainly learned discipline which served me well through out my career after the service. Being in the Navy was a very positive time in my life, and I look back on it fondly. Sure, it wasn't all a picnic, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. You develop friendships that last a lifetime. The service is like life, you get out of it what you put in. I frequently think a career in the service has a lot to recommend it. I am proud to have served, and I think most young people would benefit from the experience.

Response by SP5 Richard Parker made Nov 5 at 2021 6:10 PM

SP5 Richard Parker — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 18:10:03 -0400

That it was so much a change being around so menny people.

Response by SPC Jimmie Rodriguez jr made Nov 5 at 2021 6:29 PM

SPC Jimmie Rodriguez jr — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 18:29:39 -0400

Being youngest in boot camp no one wanted to trust me. But I made E2 out of boot camp

Response by CPT Tío Rusty made Nov 5 at 2021 8:38 PM

CPT Tío Rusty — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:38:45 -0400

I remember finding everything very well organized and serious, but that kept me at ease and gave me an inner peace. I also told myself that millions of men had already been through the training which meant that I could do it, too! I never found it too difficult to continue.

Response by SN Jason Hawes made Nov 6 at 2021 12:15 AM

SN Jason Hawes — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 00:15:48 -0400

I remember that I immediately a part of a family and brotherhood that has lasted for over 21 years now. I would do anything for my brothers and sisters then and now.

Response by Sgt Kelly Garnett made Nov 6 at 2021 8:51 AM

Sgt Kelly Garnett — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 08:51:43 -0400

I went in with my eyes wide open, accepting anything that was thrown at me. I was ready for the challenge.

Response by SP5 Lonyae Ransome made Nov 6 at 2021 9:16 AM

SP5 Lonyae Ransome — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 09:16:11 -0400

The Facepaint and I still wear it to this day when I workout with my ladies at our boot camp fitness sessions in the city.

Response by PO2 Ben Owens made Nov 6 at 2021 12:34 PM

PO2 Ben Owens — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:34:57 -0400

Arriving at a new base was a pain only because you have to find out where to check in. Other than that getting settled in the new job was pretty easy. Most people are very helpful and welcoming, more so than in the civilian sector. Probably because the new person was not there to possibly take your job. Everybody was there to get the job done and rallied around each other to get it done.

Response by PFC Shaundrika Taylor made Nov 6 at 2021 2:38 PM

PFC Shaundrika Taylor — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:38:39 -0400

The one thing I had to adapt to was physical training

Response by PFC Susan Lodes made Nov 6 at 2021 6:00 PM

PFC Susan Lodes — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 18:00:27 -0400

I remember that my days of "sleeping in" were over. The carefree life that I had become accustomed to was over. There was now a regimen and routine that I was forced to get used to, whether I liked it or not.

Response by MAJ Billi-Jean King made Nov 6 at 2021 8:05 PM

MAJ Billi-Jean King — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:05:23 -0400

I grew up in a small town...my family is still there...been there for 50 years. I am the only one who went to college, Army ROTC, and the Army. While traveling was an awesome perk!...being away from my family for long periods, with little time or funds to visit regularly was the biggest adjustment.

Response by CPL Stephanie Hale made Nov 7 at 2021 12:47 AM

CPL Stephanie Hale — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 00:47:37 -0400

The discipline. Every item had to be dress right dress. Another would be not seeing my family and/or talking to them.

Response by 1stSgt Mark Mattox made Nov 7 at 2021 8:05 AM

1stSgt Mark Mattox — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 08:05:04 -0500

I enlisted in the Air Force to help pay for college while serving the country. Joining the service for me was "in the family" and as our family service goes back to the Revolutionary War. Because of that I felt that I was provided "cliff notes" on what to expect and the transition to military life was not too difficult for me personally. Adapting to military life did require some changes, as we all know, one of which was ensuring you where early to be on-time!

Response by 1SG Earl Higginbotham made Nov 7 at 2021 10:39 AM

1SG Earl Higginbotham — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:39:10 -0500

The great way to adfapt to an organized way of life by working closely with others and respecting them.

Response by SrA Tracy Sherman made Nov 7 at 2021 7:58 PM

SrA Tracy Sherman — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 19:58:21 -0500

I was 18 and had made the decision to enter the military without my mom’s permission. It wasn’t too hard to adapt initially but the hardest pet was not having any friends or family. I did well and learned how to adapt on my own. !

Response by PO2 Lynette Mullins made Nov 7 at 2021 10:13 PM

PO2 Lynette Mullins — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 22:13:01 -0500

DT2 Lynette Mullins
I remember in 1973 going to Boot Camp in Orlando, Florida was an easy transition from my civilian life to military life. It seemed very easy to adapt to the Navy way of doing things. My father was in the Navy during Korea and I was born at a Naval Hospital Oaknoll, CA. It was a new way of life which I was going for joining the Navy.

Response by PO2 Lynette Mullins made Nov 7 at 2021 10:18 PM

PO2 Lynette Mullins — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 22:18:52 -0500

DT2 Lynette K. Mullins
I remember enlisting in the Navy in 1973, and it seemed very easy for me to transition from civilian life to military life. My father was in the Navy during the Korean war and I was born in a Naval Hospital Oaknoll, CA just before he was discharged from the Navy. My life in the military was an exciting one and I did all the things I wanted to do. Went to college, traveled and lived in Europe and met people from other countries and learned some of their customs.

Response by PO2 Neil Viertel made Nov 8 at 2021 12:02 AM

PO2 Neil Viertel — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:02:01 -0500

For me, transitioning to the Navy wasn't too bad. My mom's whole side of the family all served, she was the only 1 that didn't, but my biological father also served and they met while he was in the Army. Her Step father pushed boots during Vietnam. A lot of integrity was instilled in me at a young age. I was also in the marching band in high school, so that part was easy for me.lol The hardest part for me though that 1st year. I was so away from my family and for so long. I was by my self. I can remember a few times while at subschool making chat call home crying I wanted to come home. Looking back at it, I still would have joined no matter what. Great experience, life long lessons, as well as life long friends, & a brother/sisterhood unlike no other.

Response by SrA Erik Mitchell made Nov 8 at 2021 2:03 AM

SrA Erik Mitchell — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 02:03:29 -0500

The feeling of being broken down by the yelling and constant degradation. It took time to adapt & overcome. And overcome I did.

Response by SP5 Suzanne Montiel made Nov 8 at 2021 4:18 AM

SP5 Suzanne Montiel — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 04:18:24 -0500

I didnt like getting up so early. I was use to sleeping in all the time.

Response by Sgt Roy Perrin made Nov 8 at 2021 7:39 AM

Sgt Roy Perrin — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 07:39:47 -0500

Life for me was obviously different after joining the Marines, but nothing came into focus as much as it did on September 11th, 2001. I was in 29 Palms CA and the base was suddenly on defcon4 and it took me 2 hours to get on base just to go to "work" that morning. People I knew from "back home" were suddenly looking to me for answers about what our country was planning to do and if I was deploying and a million other questions. It was at that time that I got to realize the nation's love for and dependence on our military and specifically the USMC as the front line of defense for our freedom and way of life.

Response by Cpl Art Torres made Nov 8 at 2021 9:00 AM

Cpl Art Torres — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:00:07 -0500

It takes a little time to get used to it. There is much learning at first, but hen becomes a routine.

Response by PO2 William Steffes made Nov 8 at 2021 3:52 PM

PO2 William Steffes — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:52:01 -0500

I just remember them just pushing me out and no info on the government jobs that applied to my training. I found the hydro power plants that the gov runs purely by mistake. All the training that they gave me and no heads up that I can continue my career towards my retirement. So dumb. A waste of talent.

Response by PO2 William Steffes made Nov 8 at 2021 3:53 PM

PO2 William Steffes — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:53:06 -0500

Keep your head down, learn your job, do your job, help others cause you are in it together.

Response by PO2 Ellen Yown made Nov 8 at 2021 5:43 PM

PO2 Ellen Yown — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:43:10 -0500

I had to get used to becoming a team player.

Response by GySgt Jodi Lara made Nov 8 at 2021 6:55 PM

GySgt Jodi Lara — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:55:01 -0500

It was easy for me, I come from a military family. Father, three brothers all retired from the military.

Response by SGT David Matakaiongo made Nov 8 at 2021 8:41 PM

SGT David Matakaiongo — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:41:17 -0500

It was a challenge, not the exercise but younger guys yelling at me. Everything was new to me but it wasn't physically bad.

Response by Maj David BenJames made Nov 8 at 2021 9:08 PM

Maj David BenJames — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:08:11 -0500

I was raised in the Army, Adapting to Military life was not too hard.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 9:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:44:54 -0500

WORKED OUT GOOD FOR A REBELOUS TEEN TO GAIN STRUCTURE AND GOALS AND SKIP ALOT OF THE TROUBLE BOUND TO HAVE GOTTEN INTO. GREATFUL AMERICAN INDIAN AND 20 YEAR LETTER WITH AFGHAN YEAR DEPLOYMENT, EQUADOR,HONDURAS, STATE HURRICANE RESCUE AND TORNADO CLEARING. EPIC EMA EXPERIENCES SSG ARNOLD ARMY ILLUSTRATOR-PAO AUBURN WDE

Response by SSgt Jaime Carothers made Nov 9 at 2021 2:45 PM

SSgt Jaime Carothers — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:45:18 -0500

I traveled a lot while in the Air Force, so we always had to have a 'go bag' by our front door (along with a C bag) and be ready at short notice. Adapting to flying at all hours of the day/night in different time zones and learning not to barf during pattern work was also a plus! The comradery that comes with your military family cannot be beat in the civilian world! NKAWTG!

Response by PFC John Matlewski made Nov 9 at 2021 3:56 PM

PFC John Matlewski — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:56:18 -0500

I enlisted in 1979. The Vietnam war had just ended and although I didn't know it yet, but the Granada war was right around the corner. The Army changed me from a boy to a man, and started knowing what responsibillity meant!

Response by PFC John Matlewski made Nov 9 at 2021 3:57 PM

PFC John Matlewski — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 15:57:29 -0500

Response by PO2 Dru Popham-Snavely made Nov 9 at 2021 4:23 PM

PO2 Dru Popham-Snavely — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:23:52 -0500

Being yelled at "hit the line" at 0400 at boot camp!

Response by SrA Patrick Quinn made Nov 9 at 2021 4:30 PM

SrA Patrick Quinn — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:30:26 -0500

Good Stuff

Response by SSgt Kayla Gordon made Nov 9 at 2021 6:04 PM

SSgt Kayla Gordon — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:04:03 -0500

Adapting to military life was hard in some ways but easy in others. Like many other military members, going off to boot camp was my first time being out on my own in the world, and so far away from all my family. It was hard to get used to not being able to see or talk to my loved ones. But military life can be extraordinarily easy because everything is structured for you. You never have to think about what to wear, where to go, when to be there, etc. because all those decisions were made by someone else. Doing what you're told is incredibly easy. After a time, though, you start to miss having the independence and freedom to make your own choices. That is ultimately why I separated when my enlistment was over.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 6:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:06:45 -0500

don't be afraid to ask questions and use resources provided, and friendships always help

Response by PO3 Doug Kutz made Nov 9 at 2021 6:57 PM

PO3 Doug Kutz — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:57:00 -0500

Eating fast. Being ready to deploy anytime. Travel

Response by PFC Dennis Resch made Nov 10 at 2021 12:49 AM

PFC Dennis Resch — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:49:01 -0500

Having a steady income that was a bit more consistent was a blessing.

Response by SPC Cleveland Norton Jr. made Nov 10 at 2021 1:20 AM

SPC Cleveland Norton Jr. — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 01:20:51 -0500

The U.S.Army does not care or provide any safety equipment at all for left handed soldiers. I found out the hard way when I needlessly suffered permanent hearing damage while at the firing range during BCT at Fort Ord. I complained about this to an Army doctor while on sick call and that's when I found out the hearing damage was permanent! Upon further hearing tests in 1969 I was informed that none of the currently available hearing aids would compensate my hearing loss frequency. By the year 2000 , digital hearing aids were available, so after complaining again, finally I was able to get some help through the V.A. Since I was not informed in 1969 of the availability to open a claim back then, to collect retroactively when finally able to get help, I realized the U.S.Army did not care to help me with a problem that was their fault to begin with. I was very proud to join the U.S.Army from 1967 to 1970, serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam.Clearly this was has been a problem since before I joined in 1967 and it it continues to this day!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2021 3:05 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 03:05:46 -0500

Through OCS and TBS, teamwork was stressed and the self-identity was reduced for the overall benefit and success of the team/mission. Everyone found a way to pull their weight or they found their way off the team. Doing the "right thing" and listening more to your conscience with others in mind was another key point of the transition. So many decisions made in the civilian sector without losing a wink of sleep could or would have serious repercussions in military life.

Response by SPC Clifford Warner made Nov 10 at 2021 6:08 AM

SPC Clifford Warner — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:08:39 -0500

As a combat veteran I got help adjusting threw my veterans center.

Response by PFC Donald Bailey made Nov 10 at 2021 6:34 AM

PFC Donald Bailey — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:34:28 -0500

Having to be so far from home. Home was Florida stationed in Germany. 3 yrs. Drove and delivered equipment.

Response by Cpl Tom Quirin made Nov 10 at 2021 8:46 AM

Cpl Tom Quirin — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:46:27 -0500

TO ALL FELLOW MARINES OOOOORAHHHHH AND SEMPER FI BROTHA'S ,
pride and tradition instilled in us thru bootcamp , very very proud of what we accomplished , 93' grad here from P.I./2nd btn/golf company/platoon 2032/4/16/93. grad here ! , reach out to me marines , would love to talk sometime , greatest thing to serve your country and marine corps = the best of the best , thanks > cpl. quirin (tom) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SPC Joseph Palumbo made Nov 11 at 2021 12:51 AM

SPC Joseph Palumbo — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:51:04 -0500

I hated the haircuts, Spit shined boots and KP!

Response by CPL Robert Kurtz made Nov 11 at 2021 8:17 AM

CPL Robert Kurtz — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 08:17:13 -0500

I remember getting used to the military structured life which was a big change for me. Not the simple stuff like waking up at the same time or eating at the same time, but how I was not only responsible for myself but for others too. And if one of us fell behind or failed to complete something on time, it was viewed upon that we all failed. Quickly we saw the teamwork building and soldiers helping soldiers not only with the physical stuff but weapon disassembly, and making your bunks. I'll never forget it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 4:36 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:36:20 -0500

Definitely the initial shock of getting off the bus on the night basic training began. It was quite a realization how the next few weeks were going to be drastically different.

Response by AN Mario Aguirre made Nov 12 at 2021 9:25 AM

AN Mario Aguirre — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:25:39 -0500

I myself found it a bit overwhelming at times adjusting to a variety of different individual work patterns. Being accustomed to structure and everyone adapting, to bring patient and allowing others work their own way.

Response by PVT Alan Cutcher made Nov 14 at 2021 6:49 AM

PVT Alan Cutcher — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 06:49:57 -0500

I entered the Army at age 16, it was very tough on me because I had never been away from my mother and the adjustment for me was really hard. Also being treated the way we were was also difficult, being screamed at and called names by our Drill Sergeants. It was a total shock to all of us which I think ended up affecting me throughout my life

Response by SPC Jason Freeman made Nov 17 at 2021 7:28 AM

SPC Jason Freeman — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 07:28:22 -0500

The hurry up and wait aspect took some getting use to. Never in my life had I been rushed like something was on fire just to sit and wait for hours sometimes days!

Response by Lt Col Mario Perez made Nov 17 at 2021 3:25 PM

Lt Col Mario Perez — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:25:58 -0500

Officer Training School clashed against my nature since I’m a comfortably happy introvert, and I had a weak start. Stress, lack of sleep, shock of indoctrination, was all a bit much for me and I often wondered what I was thinking by joining the military. Worst, I really missed my wife and son, who was a toddler at the time.

About half way through the 16-week ordeal, I learned there was an informal award presented at the end of training to the most motivated officer trainee. It was the “Motivational Maraca,” which really was just a small Mexican maraca similar to what you’d find at a dollar store.

I coveted that maraca. I determined to be the most motivated trainee to ever attend OTS. To every command from the MTIs, I’d sound off at the top of my voice. To any “request” for volunteers, I was first to step up. Everywhere I went I ran. Winning that maraca gave me a purpose.

Not only did I earn the Motivational Maraca Award at the end of training, I was also presented the Most Improved Award. Afterwards, I was instantly snapped back to my introverted ways when my roommate told me the Most Improved Award only meant that of all the losers, I was the best one.

Regardless, how grateful I am to have learned to turn it on when things got tough, and there were many times I used my new found skill of ramping up, during and after military service.

Response by A1C Sharon Same made Nov 17 at 2021 5:46 PM

A1C Sharon Same — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:46:59 -0500

Regarding completing our Confidence Course in 99 degree humid San Antonio in 1978, I will not forget that our Flight was denied Wet and Dry M16 Fire training as it ended at our group's entry disappointingly. Further, I also recall when I hung over a muddy swamp pool on the Confidence bars, as I refused to surrender and avoid dropping in because the bars were saturated and impossible to grip. Next, I mentally engaged myself and said, "Nope not me" as I shimmied swiftly across in disbelief to the end, thus gaining all the confidence needed as part of my adoption to military life.

Response by CPL Joshua Malfer made Nov 17 at 2021 5:59 PM

CPL Joshua Malfer — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:59:11 -0500

when I joined we all knew in under 12 months we would be in Iraq or Afghanistan. So boot camp was fast and a stepping stone.

Response by SPC Yolanda Shahied made Nov 17 at 2021 6:06 PM

SPC Yolanda Shahied — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:06:33 -0500

In Basic,, routine was definitely sometime I had to get use to. I brought the discipline I learned with along the way till this day.

Response by SPC Keshaira Stainback-Oxendine made Nov 17 at 2021 6:06 PM

SPC Keshaira Stainback-Oxendine — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:06:57 -0500

It wasn’t so much as trying to adapt to military life in general as it was trying to adapt to the people. Coming from a small town where everyone knows everyone to the military where there’s so many people all with different personalities was difficult to deal with. Dealing with people from all over the country and different cultures can make adaptation difficult.

Response by CPO Dave Churchya made Nov 17 at 2021 6:19 PM

CPO Dave Churchya — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:19:56 -0500

The order and discipline were welcome but difficult to adapt and hard to enjoy. It is great for self-improvement and to restructure an undisciplined mind and body. But the shock to the system was a challenge many can't handle. I loved it.

Response by PO1 Billy Wilson made Nov 17 at 2021 6:22 PM

PO1 Billy Wilson — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:22:42 -0500

The CROSSING OVER from civilian to military is impossible to explain. Many think they can but nothing fills the the fact you changed.

Response by LCpl April Michalik made Nov 17 at 2021 6:23 PM

LCpl April Michalik — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:23:03 -0500

Lcpl Mckenney adapted to active duty service by not answering my door. This is advice that most will not want to read. In the early '90s women in the Marine Corps were encouraged to not answer their door. When young male Marines were knocking on their door. I had to adapt to unwanted attention while at work and while on downtime. You had no "free time" My Gunny told me, do not answer your door! That advice didn't work, I was bothered while doing my laundry, or watching TV in the common area and yes I was bothered in my own private space within the barracks. I am now a 100 percent disabled Veteran stemming from MST PTSD.

Response by CN George Davis made Nov 17 at 2021 6:29 PM

CN George Davis — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:29:15 -0500

Shots and boot camp

Response by SGT Linda Perham made Nov 17 at 2021 6:32 PM

SGT Linda Perham — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:32:52 -0500

Lot of shouting and early rise and late to bed. Physically and mentally exhausting, however, it taught teamwork to make the process smoother. It was tough but I learned a lot about myself and gave me a lot of self esteem when it was done.

Response by MCPO Randall Miller made Nov 17 at 2021 6:38 PM

MCPO Randall Miller — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:38:07 -0500

Excited to be getting involved in a new adventure.Egar to learn

Response by PO2 Sandra Rhei made Nov 17 at 2021 6:44 PM

PO2 Sandra Rhei — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:44:27 -0500

I wasn't used to ppl always being around. There was always someone in the berthing or even in your row in the berthing. It was rare that I had the whole place to myself. It really took some getting used to.

Response by PO2 Joseph Barnett made Nov 17 at 2021 6:47 PM

PO2 Joseph Barnett — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:47:16 -0500

I remember having to be in Los Angeles at 0600, on Christmas Eve 1979, to catch my plane to Western Australia. I left my home state on the 23rd. I remember traveling to Los Angeles by myself, finding a hotel from the airport by lifting a direct phone to the hotel. Once I arrived to the hotel, which was in a bad part of town with ladies of the night in front. I got a room and tried to go to sleep. I was awakened in the middle of the night, as the two guys I saw when going to my room earlier that evening were being robbed by gunpoint. Yikes! The police were interviewing them when I left to go to the airport to begin my two day flight through Australia. I had nearly missed my flight because the terminal was changed at the last moment. Finally, once I sat down a guy from my A school in San Diego was sitting right behind me. I arrived in Sydney Christmas night. The next day I flew to Perth, and on the 27th flew to the base. Harold E. Holt. I will never forget Australia!

Response by Sgt David Pitawanakwat made Nov 17 at 2021 6:47 PM

Sgt David Pitawanakwat — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:47:19 -0500

When I entered the service and throughout, I had a bad habit of using my hands when I'm talking. BUT! all those tongue lashings ultimately made me a better speaker.

Response by Sgt William Von Ohlen made Nov 17 at 2021 7:11 PM

Sgt William Von Ohlen — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:11:02 -0500

I was 17 when I arrived at Paris Island, SC. I basically did what I was told to do or got my ass kicked. I did fine. That was August 24, 1965.

Response by CPL Jimmy Webb made Nov 17 at 2021 7:15 PM

CPL Jimmy Webb — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:15:39 -0500

Putting order in my life

Response by PVT Dan Chmielewski made Nov 17 at 2021 7:20 PM

PVT Dan Chmielewski — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:20:02 -0500

you learned discipline, being away from family

Response by LTC Teresa Brashear-Briscoe made Nov 17 at 2021 7:31 PM

LTC Teresa Brashear-Briscoe — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:31:38 -0500

Getting used to being on time to everything!!

Response by PO3 Thomas Jester made Nov 17 at 2021 7:41 PM

PO3 Thomas Jester — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:41:20 -0500

One of the most difficult things was boot camp. Being told when to get up want to take a crap what I'm going to eat when I'm going to eat when to go to bed and what I was going to do during the day. Making my bed a certain way.

Response by SPC Julia Bryan-Skidds made Nov 17 at 2021 7:41 PM

SPC Julia Bryan-Skidds — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:41:56 -0500

Basic Training was the hardest thing I ever had too complete in my life. I was 23 when I join and I was always shy, but going out of my comfort zone taught me how to survive. I am so happy that I took the chance and grateful that my Drill Sergeant never took my wanting to go home seriously.

Response by PO3 Omar Riveracolon made Nov 17 at 2021 8:02 PM

PO3 Omar Riveracolon — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:02:47 -0500

Being part of the military helped me to zone in and develop my critical and strategic skills. I learned about being empathetic with others, leading by example, and taking accountability. These skills and core beliefs (Honor, Courage, and Commitment) set me on a path to succeed as a civilian.

Response by SPC Leonor Hernandez made Nov 17 at 2021 8:10 PM

SPC Leonor Hernandez — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:10:12 -0500

I remember the lack of sleep and functioning at 110% with little sleep

Response by PO2 David Benton made Nov 17 at 2021 8:20 PM

PO2 David Benton — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:20:55 -0500

After boot camp I did not go A school I was sent to Moffett Field VP-31. After being sent to work in the Chow hall I quickly determined I needed to pick a skill to work at that was NOT making and serving food that was not on my list of jobs to do in the Navy.
After completing my time at Chow Hall I retuned to the Squadron. I then worked as air crew and got help pickup a new P3-C.
At some point I picked aviation Hydraulics as what wanted to do after passed the test for E-4 .
Then I was over Night crew to have aircraft ready for service the next day.
After spending two years I VP-31 I came up to be assigned to another location. I picked a one year tour in Adak Alaska.

Response by PFC Dennis Resch made Nov 17 at 2021 8:21 PM

PFC Dennis Resch — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:21:35 -0500

Eating at a certain time daily.

Response by PO2 David Benton made Nov 17 at 2021 8:24 PM

PO2 David Benton — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:24:53 -0500

It was very hard to get use to Navy pay I went from $200 or more a week to $52 Entery two weeks. The great thing about the Navy at Moffett field I got my private pilots license and got got certified skin dive.

Response by SGT Estelle Stewart made Nov 17 at 2021 8:28 PM

SGT Estelle Stewart — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:28:49 -0500

Embracing the change in my life style the custom that I would learn and just keeping an open mind to the new lifestyle

Response by SP5 William Jones made Nov 17 at 2021 8:30 PM

SP5 William Jones — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:30:25 -0500

I don't remember. It was 55 years ago.

Response by A1C Jennifer Luttrell made Nov 17 at 2021 8:38 PM

A1C Jennifer Luttrell — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:38:36 -0500

This was a whole world in itself, different from civilian life. I loved it! I loved that structured lifestyle!

Response by SPC Charles Taylor made Nov 17 at 2021 8:39 PM

SPC Charles Taylor — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:39:27 -0500

I LIKED PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR THE ARMY.

Response by PO3 Deanna Bemus made Nov 17 at 2021 8:39 PM

PO3 Deanna Bemus — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:39:53 -0500

Having your own pre-made community

Response by SN Kelley Ehresman made Nov 17 at 2021 8:45 PM

SN Kelley Ehresman — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:45:42 -0500

I was completely out of my element when I joined the Navy. I had to adapt to being a part of a team (unit) and I had to learn to discipline myself and to reach beyond what I ever thought I could handle, to build an inner strength. It was really hard, however it made me a better person, I learned I could face challenges, difficulties and I could do whatever I set my mind on doing.

Response by Sgt Javier Romero made Nov 17 at 2021 8:58 PM

Sgt Javier Romero — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:58:03 -0500

as early as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a Marine. Always played soldier when playing with my cousins. Always a fighter when I got in trouble. Always the best at hiding when it came to hide-and-seek. I grew up in a society where it was either prison or death. I was the first to make it out of the gang world and to become a Marine in my family. 4 years of high school JROTC and police cadets got me ready for my life in the Corps. Just shy of 12 years. If I could go back and finish my 20+ I would

Response by SSG Lindsey Reamer-Knutson made Nov 17 at 2021 9:07 PM

SSG Lindsey Reamer-Knutson — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:07:53 -0500

Being in a room with 30 other females, it was the worst most of the time.

Response by PO3 Danny Parham made Nov 17 at 2021 9:09 PM

PO3 Danny Parham — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:09:44 -0500

The things I remember most about adapting were getting used to the different terminology. Names and abbreviations for common things. It definitely took some time.

Response by SGT Rebecca Walker made Nov 17 at 2021 9:19 PM

SGT Rebecca Walker — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:19:16 -0500

Adapting to military life was a culture shock to say the least for me. I had no idea what to really expect. I was the first one in my family to join the military so I didn't have anyone to talk to me about it, besides recruiters...lol. I had to adapt fast. During basic, the first day, the drill sergeants would smoke us so bad. Telling anyone if they wanted to go home, too go in the back of the formation. I knew I wasn't going to be one of those who couldn't make it. There was a few people who went to the back. They just got smoked even harder...lol. There was no such thing as a "stress card" when I went through.

Response by PO3 James Minos made Nov 17 at 2021 9:24 PM

PO3 James Minos — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:24:37 -0500

I joined the Navy in 1972 and the day we drove thru those gates at NTC San Diego? I never looked back. To this day I miss those duty stations, I miss those people and I miss the orderliness of it.

Response by PO3 Rex Cowan made Nov 17 at 2021 9:26 PM

PO3 Rex Cowan — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:26:51 -0500

I remember it mostly as a blur. I went from a hippie with long hair and a blue jean suit to a Recruit Sailor and it was humiliating. But I got over it. Discovered that being a Corpsman meant not being able to say I can't do it.

Response by Maj Karina Glover made Nov 17 at 2021 10:03 PM

Maj Karina Glover — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:03:15 -0500

I went through BMT in 1991 and what I remember the most are: powdered eggs, the roach above my head while pulling duty in the dining hall and I couldn’t move, being a snake pit magnet, and (some seriously needed) discipline. I crossed over to the O side after 12 yrs enlisted. Believe it or not that was an adjustment as well.

Response by LTC Pauline Geraci made Nov 17 at 2021 10:04 PM

LTC Pauline Geraci — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:04:53 -0500

Adapting to military life was pretty easy. I was born an Army Brat so I can adapt to anything easily.

Response by PO2 Thresa Arney made Nov 17 at 2021 10:20 PM

PO2 Thresa Arney — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:20:25 -0500

I had never wore pants to Church. That was difficult for me.

Response by SR Gale Gomez made Nov 17 at 2021 10:33 PM

SR Gale Gomez — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:33:06 -0500

getting adjusted to people that were not giving comands

Response by PO3 Steve Bond made Nov 17 at 2021 10:56 PM

PO3 Steve Bond — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:56:17 -0500

These were things that challenged my adaptivity:
1) Hurry up and wait - self explanatory
2) One team one fight - dont matter who f's up, the whole team gonna pay for it.
3) I didn't wanna be weak in boot camp so I prepared beforehand. Well just being a swole beast mf'r ain't good enough. They're gonna pair you with the weakest slowest person in your division because the division's only as strong as the weakest guy.
The military tests your patience, your ability to eat a s*/t sandwich, but it only makes you better and if you make the best of it you can experience things your friends at home dont even know exist.

Response by SSG Iran Medrano made Nov 17 at 2021 11:10 PM

SSG Iran Medrano — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:10:44 -0500

One of the things I had to adapt to was the lack of identity. Because we are constantly in uniform, even our social interactions after work all have military lingo and its in and around a military atmosphere. Going out into the public in civilian clothes made me feel like an imposter and it was hard to feel like I belonged amongst civilians.

Response by PO1 Carlos Xochihua made Nov 17 at 2021 11:17 PM

PO1 Carlos Xochihua — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:17:51 -0500

They did it the hard way but I learned discipline and patience

Response by SGT Bobby Brooks made Nov 17 at 2021 11:21 PM

SGT Bobby Brooks — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:21:56 -0500

What I remember most it was not easy. I was never athletic and had to doba lot of physical activity. Having to follow orders and be regimented was a challenge as well.

Response by PO2 Fredisvindo Bebe made Nov 17 at 2021 11:28 PM

PO2 Fredisvindo Bebe — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:28:14 -0500

Joining the military was an easy decision for me and an intriguing adjustment. Learning all the new systems and ventures the military required was adding growth to my experiences. I remember arriving in the US for the first time and seeing this new world that I had just thrusted myself into and I was in awe at the development of the country compared to my country of origin. Once I stepped foot of the airplane I knew my life was about to change forever and I did not look back. It was about a life and career of strict structure and rearing and I welcomed it. I began a family here in the military and that lead to another aspect of military life that I embraced with the security of my career supporting me. It was an easy adjustment for me because I was secure in my decision to sign up into the Navy.

Response by SPC Maria Muncey made Nov 17 at 2021 11:53 PM

SPC Maria Muncey — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:53:37 -0500

As I was one of the many but few 36C's assigned at Fort Hood I did many other jobs for a few months until the Army figured out how to truly be able to train me in my MOS. I learned to go with the flow, hurry up and wait without stressing.

Response by Tim Kosharek made Nov 18 at 2021 12:03 AM

Tim Kosharek — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:03:00 -0500

Volunteered for the draft in December 1967. The thing I remember that was so foreign to me in basic training was making my bed with hospital corners and making it tight enough to bounce a quarter off of it. Never did see that quarter bounce.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Hall made Nov 18 at 2021 12:03 AM

SPC Geoffrey Hall — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:03:37 -0500

I remember being scared to death at first, but I quickly realized that the drill Sargent was actually teaching how to be the best that I can be. Then I embraced it.

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Nov 18 at 2021 12:20 AM

PO2 Joan MacNeill — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:20:54 -0500

I hate to disappoint anyone, but it seemed easy and natural to me. I suppose I cheated by joining the Naval Reserve in high school, and being a two-week wonder for boot camp, a more gentle introduction to the whole thing. Also, I had been a poor kid, and a lot of the substandard military living conditions were in many ways luxurious. Especially the food. More privileged sailors would gripe, but I actually liked it, the variety and the quantity. The best liver I ever had was at a Navy mess. And the submarine service chow was legendary. I developed an unfortunate overeating habit, that was hard to deal with. It was great to have nice clothes (the same as everyone else was a step up for me), and learn to take care of them. Discipline was a nuisance, but mostly tolerable. It was interesting, sometimes bewildering at first, being in the company of plenty of every kind of person, but that soon became enjoyable because there was so much to learn from them. The educational and professional opportunities were amazing! Later, tying to develop leadership skills was awkward. On the whole, it was mostly ok, but I still never came to love discipline. One of the hardest things to adapt to was a Connecticut winter for a warm California kid. But that wasn't military, just geography.

Response by SSgt Sandra Cunningham made Nov 18 at 2021 12:41 AM

SSgt Sandra Cunningham — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:41:49 -0500

For me, it was the group showers during Basic Training.

Response by SrA Alexandria LaMaide made Nov 18 at 2021 1:02 AM

SrA Alexandria LaMaide — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:02:00 -0500

Being able to work with ANYONE. People who you may not be friends with, you find a way to put that aside and work with them as a team to get the job done. Don’t take things personally.

Response by Sgt Diego Murillo made Nov 18 at 2021 1:10 AM

Sgt Diego Murillo — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:10:20 -0500

The way everyone talks and jokes around was really interesting to me to be honest. It took awhile but It took awhile to adapt to an environment that jokes a lot about serious topics, waking up early, and also drinking energy drinks for breakfast.

Response by PO3 Sean Evans made Nov 18 at 2021 1:23 AM

PO3 Sean Evans — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:23:52 -0500

Adapt and overcome baby! Not just a valuable military mantra. A lot of militaristic mentalities and processes translate extremely well to life outside the service. It's a culture shock, is the best way I often described it, changing everything about your live and the way you go about your days. It's a beautifully chaotic symphony of throttled change. I often referred to the military as a parallel universe. Those outside of the lines have heard of it but don't understand the true nature of what transpires, and those who have lived through some realm of service have a difficult time articulating the nature of the lifestyle in all its unrest and glory. Discipline is a word I anticipated to and certainly gained a greater understanding for. Having a regimented routine is really healthy and I wish other civilian based jobs incorporated physical fitness into their work schedule. Fitness is an essential element of a work life balance which is all too often disregarded.

Response by TSgt Mary Munson made Nov 18 at 2021 1:29 AM

TSgt Mary Munson — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:29:10 -0500

The first thing I remember was the slamming of that door behind you when you went into your Bae and basic. Very scary and a very alone feeling. But what I drew from it is a feeling of belonging in actuality. I enjoyed being part of something bigger than myself

Response by Sgt Hazel Abraham made Nov 18 at 2021 1:31 AM

Sgt Hazel Abraham — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:31:31 -0500

keep a straight face
keep certain emotions under control

Response by PO3 Charles Guerra made Nov 18 at 2021 1:40 AM

PO3 Charles Guerra — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:40:32 -0500

You have no choice , keep up or get left behind. Your not home anymore to have your mom do your laundry, cook for you. You learn to be self sufficient.

Response by CPO Nicole Jackson made Nov 18 at 2021 1:57 AM

CPO Nicole Jackson — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:57:05 -0500

The ability to remember and forget at the same time…a curated skill. HM=secret keeper

Response by SCPO Lester Cruz made Nov 18 at 2021 1:59 AM

SCPO Lester Cruz — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:59:06 -0500

When I joined the Navy I was young and thought I new it all. I was a punk on the streets and thought I could make my own rules. When I joined the Navy, it gave me a huge reality check and also opened my eyes to the real world. I had some challenges in the beginning, but as I did more time I got accustomed to military life and was fortunate enough to move up in rank quick. The military saved my life by taking me out of my comfort zone and bringing me to the reality of life and the importance of serving this great nation.

Response by SPC Robert McElreath made Nov 18 at 2021 2:34 AM

SPC Robert McElreath — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 02:34:13 -0500

I realized that I was like a lone ant. There was a lot that I could not d but my effort, combined with the rest of my unit, could produce some impressive results.

Response by SPC David Valdez made Nov 18 at 2021 4:32 AM

SPC David Valdez — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 04:32:10 -0500

I remember the hardest part about adapting to active duty military was all of the marching, saluting, and dialect that the military uses.

Response by PV2 Michael Nichols made Nov 18 at 2021 4:45 AM

PV2 Michael Nichols — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 04:45:56 -0500

It was not easy I was 16 when I enlisted and I had to learn all over again

Response by LCpl Ron A made Nov 18 at 2021 4:48 AM

LCpl Ron A — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 04:48:31 -0500

Overcoming many obstacles in front of me without giving any thought or second guessing. So much in shape physically & mentally that I felt invincible. Being able to work along side with other alpha males & never being judged, having any conflict. Living in what was called ‘Squad Bays’ where we all slept in bunk beds, lived under one roof & had the utmost respect for each other. Of course it didn’t start off loving each other but we all became a tight unit over time. I really think that kind of camaraderie can be achieved in today’s military.

Response by PVT Donna Myers made Nov 18 at 2021 5:44 AM

PVT Donna Myers — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:44:20 -0500

I remember feeling an excitement that I had never and have never felt again. I never knew what new experience was coming my way and I absolutely loved being part of something bigger; defense of our beloved country. The military was a calling and I miss all that could have been. I would reenlist if I could.

Response by SPC Kimberly Scarzafava made Nov 18 at 2021 5:59 AM

SPC Kimberly Scarzafava — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:59:00 -0500

during basic learning to fall asleep standing up.

Response by CPL Rose Hamrick made Nov 18 at 2021 6:13 AM

CPL Rose Hamrick — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:13:53 -0500

Being away from family

Response by Deon Bell made Nov 18 at 2021 6:42 AM

Deon Bell — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:42:56 -0500

all the ironing i was the spouse to a marine and everything had to have creases in just the right places . i stopped using an iron after he was out of the service haven't picked one up maye five times since

Response by CPT Gwen Cubie made Nov 18 at 2021 6:52 AM

CPT Gwen Cubie — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:52:07 -0500

Basically, it was a new commitment, joining the Army Reserves at 18. And, it was a second job, taking away my free weekends. But the biggest change was leaving home for basic training. I'd never been away from my family that long and it was an big adjustment. It did make it easier that most of the women I met there, felt the same way. It was not easy though. Even coming back home and starting the monthly weekend drills, took some getting used to. For example, my 1st drill (unit assembly now, I think) my unit went to Ft. Riley, Kansas, in October (very cold) and set up our Hospital in the field, and I had KP. But, things did get better from there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 7:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:23:12 -0500

When I stepped on the yellow foot prints nearly 30 years ago Marine Corps boot camp didn't give you much time to think about transitioning. Three months later it seemed like it had always been my way of life. After a six year tour and a ten year break in service I joined the Army National Guard. It was then that I ran into the biggest transition I had encountered. Though the overall job is the same I found the military atmosphere had changed drastically and there are many difference between branches. Some good and some not so much. I will always be a Marine but both branches have treated me well.

Response by AB Irvin Gershowitz made Nov 18 at 2021 7:26 AM

AB Irvin Gershowitz — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:26:51 -0500

disiplin was a little tough to accept,but, i believe it made me a better person

Response by 1LT Michael Contos made Nov 18 at 2021 7:50 AM

1LT Michael Contos — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:50:49 -0500

You had to give up a lot of privacy while entering boot camp, AIT (Advanced Individual Training) and in my case, Officers Candidate School. But you got to live alone eventually and enjoy your privacy away from the troops to hash over the days' events and to plan for the next day.

Response by Jud Newborn made Nov 18 at 2021 7:53 AM

Jud Newborn — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:53:36 -0500

As an Army/Air Force brat, I recall having to adapt to my Dad's treating us kids as if we were in his platoon! Hup, two, three, four, and "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder...." (What's that, Mister? No talking back, when I say stop watching the boob-tube at 6am, that's an order!)

Response by TSgt Jim Kent made Nov 18 at 2021 7:55 AM

TSgt Jim Kent — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:55:37 -0500

Learning that anything is possible. Press forward, find the solution, and never settle for the minimum! Be the best you can be at everything ever day. Last but not least, have a routine, and use you organizational skills to lead from the front!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 7:57 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:57:09 -0500

I was Drafted 10/28/70 and was discharge in 10/19/79 under single parent, My Father just retired when I was Drfted.I was following his foot step went airborne. I was proud, but going through a divorce hurt my carreer in the Army. was discharge honorabley.

Response by AN Catherine Wray-Tully made Nov 18 at 2021 8:02 AM

AN Catherine Wray-Tully — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:02:31 -0500

I had to learn how to deal with stupid whiny women who did not want to do the hard work.

Response by Charlotte Rose made Nov 18 at 2021 8:27 AM

Charlotte Rose — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:27:36 -0500

As the child of a servicemember, the biggest and, I believe, the most profound adaptation I had to learn was that there will be times where my parent is not around. I had to learn that deployment could always occur, and I had to learn to adapt to life and it’s changes while he was gone. It really taught to be strong, and I quickly learned that no matter how far away someone is they are always with you.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 8:28 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:28:06 -0500

I was dedicated to my time in service with Army. But, when i was discharge under the single parent, I was dissapointed. So to continue what I love too do. I went into Air Force Reserves , I started off with being an Aerial Port Spec. 3years later became a loadmaster (C-141) , an (C-17). My finale 3 years I became a fire fighter with 315th Fire Team.

Response by SPC Pamela Jones made Nov 18 at 2021 8:29 AM

SPC Pamela Jones — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:29:56 -0500

I was older when I joined; and for me, the biggest adjustment was the lack of privacy. It was hard always having to answer to someone or justify things that were very personal.

Response by MSgt Gene Jine made Nov 18 at 2021 8:31 AM

MSgt Gene Jine — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:31:15 -0500

My first largest awaking in 1969 when joining the military was going from earning $162. a week in civilian life to $95. a month. I had to learn financial responsibility FAST. Thank God, it stayed with me !!!

Response by SPC Dawn Harvey made Nov 18 at 2021 9:00 AM

SPC Dawn Harvey — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:00:08 -0500

I remember basic was lonely amidst lots of people. It was odd adjusting to people yelling at you all the time.

Response by SCPO James Wooten made Nov 18 at 2021 9:53 AM

SCPO James Wooten — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:53:36 -0500

Adapting to military life was a welcome change for me. It gave me a meaningful and structured purpose to stand by and support my husband, assist him with the Navy correspondence courses and be a sounding board when needed. Each of his accomplishments was a proud moment for both of us!

Response by Sgt Richard E Lambert made Nov 18 at 2021 10:17 AM

Sgt Richard E Lambert — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:17:27 -0500

I must be ready to react and be flexible in what ever situation arose. Served me well thru out my life.

Response by SFC Robert Surrette made Nov 18 at 2021 10:35 AM

SFC Robert Surrette — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:35:31 -0500

Basic training was tough but it made regular army life seemed a lot easier especially in comparison to my home life before basic training. It was also a difficult transition when I got married and my wife had to marry me in the army. It was even more of a challenge because I was deployed overseas to a country where neither of us spoke the language.

Response by SSG Ryan Blackwell made Nov 18 at 2021 10:41 AM

SSG Ryan Blackwell — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:41:52 -0500

1st lesson in boot camp: You are here to serve. This part of your life is not about self it is honorable service.
Military life is service and an adaptation I am privileged to have been exposed to.

Response by MSgt Mark Thompson made Nov 18 at 2021 10:52 AM

MSgt Mark Thompson — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:52:38 -0500

Hurry up and wait. If you're early you're on time, and if you're on time you're late.

Response by SCPO Timothy Canup made Nov 18 at 2021 12:09 PM

SCPO Timothy Canup — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:09:37 -0500

Structure and discipline. It was something I grew up with and I wanted to be in place that represented that same thing. It was not difficult adapting to people yelling at me to do something. The hard thing was adapting to people not doing that anymore. The regular Navy changed in the early 2000’s and that was when I noticed I needed a change and went from being a Boatswains Mate to Navy Diver. With Navy Divers being part of the SPECWAR community, I could have the drive and discipline I wanted early in my career. Bottom line is that it was not hard for me to adapt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 1:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:16:56 -0500

Being able to know that I was being bullied when I first entered. And fighting back and not accepting it. Or allowing my Soldiers or leaders I know get bullied.

Response by SGT Luke Kidwell made Nov 18 at 2021 1:23 PM

SGT Luke Kidwell — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:23:33 -0500

I remember the structure and organization that helped mature me. This was invaluable for the rest of my life.

Response by PVT Jeremy Moody made Nov 18 at 2021 1:45 PM

PVT Jeremy Moody — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:45:36 -0500

The first thing I remember adapting to was holding myself to a higher personal, professional, and societal standard after enlisting. As a member of the armed forces, we are judged by a more rigorous moral standard, and it takes a lot of personal responsibility to live up to those standards. The second thing I had to adjust to was the strict routine, which can be difficult to a young recruit sometimes. I was 18 when I enlisted, and getting used to the intense schedule was hard at first.

Response by SSG Margaret Jacobson made Nov 18 at 2021 3:24 PM

SSG Margaret Jacobson — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:24:47 -0500

Adapting to military life was not as hard as adapting to civilian life after the military.

Response by SFC Donald Shilo made Nov 18 at 2021 4:07 PM

SFC Donald Shilo — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:07:41 -0500

Differences in people, quick realization on who I could count on above and below my rank.

Response by SFC Denver Druesedow made Nov 18 at 2021 4:49 PM

SFC Denver Druesedow — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:49:55 -0500

My assignment to tropic test center and the work I did there.

Response by Sgt Jack Mageluzzo made Nov 18 at 2021 5:53 PM

Sgt Jack Mageluzzo — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:53:15 -0500

It was a time of great oppurtunity, merging with Veterans and cultures from all over. Made a lor of military friends that became like family. Another time another place, from being in Country Vietnam from 64-65. Totlay unprepared as what was to follow.

Response by PFC June Lathrop made Nov 18 at 2021 5:57 PM

PFC June Lathrop — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:57:28 -0500

Growing up very quickly...about the time you hit the footprints at P.I

Response by PO3 Trinkette Bishop made Nov 18 at 2021 6:13 PM

PO3 Trinkette Bishop — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:13:24 -0500

Adjusting to being on a schedule all the time was something I had to get used to.

Response by SPC Tyler Hardman made Nov 18 at 2021 8:47 PM

SPC Tyler Hardman — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:47:01 -0500

Adapting to Army Life was easy for me. I had lived with my dad all of my teen years. He ran his house as a "If I say to do it, you better do it." So, when it came to adapting to the Army I lived by a thought that process of "If millions of others could accomplish this step, so can I."

Response by SPC Sandra Allen made Nov 18 at 2021 10:41 PM

SPC Sandra Allen — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 22:41:01 -0500

Learning to wake up to take a shift for fire guard duty and then maybe after my shift be able to go back to sleep for an hour if I'm lucky. But just learning to be able to function for the entire day with only few hours of sleep was my moment.

Response by PO3 Jackie Parchman made Nov 19 at 2021 12:35 AM

PO3 Jackie Parchman — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 00:35:13 -0500

When I joined the Coast Guard in 1987, I expected it to be tough to go through Boot Camp, as my father forewarned. Physically, it WAS tough for me; I was not in good physical shape. I think mentally though, I had an easier time of it. I guess having previous life experience and jobs where I dealt with many personalities enabled me to adapt to this new life. I LOVED being on a ship, and would go back in a minute! The teams worked together so well and after we rescued one sailor who was swept overboard, I knew I was completely safe there. So proud to have served our country.

Response by PVT Thomas Allen made Nov 19 at 2021 4:57 AM

PVT Thomas Allen — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 04:57:30 -0500

I came from a white bread town. I had never had interactions with so many ethnic and culturally diverse people.

Response by SGT La Rhonda Shirley made Nov 19 at 2021 9:21 AM

SGT La Rhonda Shirley — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:21:24 -0500

I found it hard to get employment, I worked with a temporary agency for a short time, job was great. Then went through usajobs applied for numerous positions and got one. I also miss the comrade that I had in the military, it doesn't exist in the civilian world, some people are just out for themselves. The military is a community and you know no matter where you are in the world you have that comrade and community. It's easier to get along with other veterans, I don't have to explain myself. I don't do cliques, or drama, which my current agency seems to have plenty of. The military life offers many experiences that I would never trade. As a veteran my life has comforts, I'm able to see both sides of the coin in perspective to certain aspects, I try to think out of the box. That is what I remember about adapting to military life.

Response by PO3 Chris Nichols made Nov 19 at 2021 9:30 AM

PO3 Chris Nichols — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:30:07 -0500

Well, I was a prodigy as my dad served in the Navy during the Korean War. So, I had all the stories and a pretty good understanding of what to expect. I recall my dad specifically saying to me "Chris, just remember: the Chiefs the run the Navy". I found that to be generally true. Boot camp was not bad, but it was being away from home for long stretches that took the most getting used to. Also, there was a feeling that the world was moving on outside of the steel bulkheads of my ship (friends were in college and experiencing all that had to offer). Nevertheless, I knew my experiences would shape the rest of my life - and they have. It's one of the best things I've ever done and I have zero regrets.

Response by SP5 Lorenzo Washington made Nov 19 at 2021 9:49 AM

SP5 Lorenzo Washington — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:49:35 -0500

Shut up & Listen.

Response by SPC Monica Bove-Simms made Nov 19 at 2021 1:59 PM

SPC Monica Bove-Simms — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:59:52 -0500

The hardest part about serving in the military, I believe is the rigid structure. You must get where you're going on time, have everything you need, and perform to the standards the military expects.

Response by SGT Nathan Hunt made Nov 19 at 2021 2:45 PM

SGT Nathan Hunt — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:45:27 -0500

It was a means to learn responsibility and practice teamwork, traits that are useful unto this day.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 3:27 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 15:27:23 -0500

It was a wake up call in soooo many ways for a naive New England teen.

Response by SPC William (Bill) Sweitzer made Nov 19 at 2021 4:05 PM

SPC William (Bill) Sweitzer — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 16:05:28 -0500

I was drafted and many of the guys with me were men (boys) that I knew. Two things stand out for me when I first went in. First I was taught by my parents to listen and obey. That kept me out of a lot of trouble in those first weeks and months. Second, along with that, was the fact that I had been on my own for a couple of years so being with a bunch of guys away from home was really nothing new for me. I was 21 and many of the kids were 18 or 19. I remember a couple of time in basic that I would hear some of the boys crying because this was their first time away from home for any length of time.

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Nov 19 at 2021 9:41 PM

Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:41:01 -0500

1. Waking up on own...
2. First time away from home
3. Adjusting to having Money to do as I please (turned out I was a SAVER)...

Response by PFC Tommie Bookard made Nov 20 at 2021 2:08 PM

PFC Tommie Bookard — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:08:36 -0500

Taking orders from somebody that you know was racist

Response by CPL Leslie. Shaw made Nov 21 at 2021 4:10 AM

CPL Leslie. Shaw — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 04:10:13 -0500

What I remember most was the unknown aspect. The newness if a completely different lifestyle. Its was so exciting.

Response by TSgt Daniel Newman made Nov 21 at 2021 3:15 PM

TSgt Daniel Newman — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:15:01 -0500

At the age of 18 I was sent to my first duty assignment overseas RAF Upper Heyford. When I got to the barracks I was introduced to my roommate Sgt C.J from Philadelphia PE. Although this was not my first contact with anyone who was African American I had friends and played in sports back in Milwaukee. It was the first time I would be living with someone in such close quarters. Sure we had our differences but that changed in a very short period of time. Not only was I younger but I was an E-1 to his E-6 so you can imagine. But in a few weeks we had more similarities than differences. Learning to understand one another and listening allowed us to grow and become close friends. Still today we reach out to each other thru social media. I think we both learned a lot from each other. Although I tried my hardest Sgt C.J. still remained an Eagles fan and not a Packer fan.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2021 4:59 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 16:59:06 -0500

I remember it was a very eye opening experience that took a bit of getting used to but by the second week it felt like second nature

Response by SPC Robert Jennett made Nov 21 at 2021 5:52 PM

SPC Robert Jennett — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 17:52:56 -0500

I remember creating bonds with fellow soldiers while adjusting to military life. Now that I've been out some years I find that I miss those more than anything.

Response by SPC Robert Jennett made Nov 21 at 2021 5:53 PM

SPC Robert Jennett — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 17:53:22 -0500

I remember creating bonds with fellow soldiers while adjusting to military life. Now that I've been out some years I find that I miss those more than anything.

Response by LCpl James Young made Nov 21 at 2021 7:08 PM

LCpl James Young — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 19:08:38 -0500

My DI. He adapted me to military life the day I arrived. Sixty years, three months, one week and one day ago.

Response by HN Tammy Lawrence Giger made Nov 21 at 2021 7:59 PM

HN Tammy Lawrence Giger — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 19:59:53 -0500

I remember going to boot camp and realizing there were more people in my unit than in the town I grew up in. I had to have my parents sign since I was 17 yo when i joined.

Response by PO3 Phillip Frazier made Nov 21 at 2021 10:04 PM

PO3 Phillip Frazier — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 22:04:12 -0500

I was 24 years old when I joined the United States Navy; and being told what time I had to go to bed and when I had to get up was the most difficult adjustment I had to make.

Response by SPC Juanita Willis made Nov 24 at 2021 8:05 AM

SPC Juanita Willis — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 08:05:14 -0500

I remember feeling alone because I was away from everyone and everything I knew. I was motivated to meet others because I realized they were in the same predicament I was in. So I made it a point to never meet a stranger and as a result I gained some great friends and lasting relationships.

Response by SPC Louis Terranova made Nov 26 at 2021 9:36 AM

SPC Louis Terranova — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 09:36:00 -0500

getting used to military time tables follow orders and perform to the best of my abilities

Response by PFC William Stevens made Nov 27 at 2021 2:13 PM

PFC William Stevens — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:13:43 -0500

It was hard at the beginning, getting use to waking up early doing pt and retaining all the things that was taught to be a soldier but in the end it became natural to do and just to be proud of myself for endiring basic training and still remembering all that and being a better and smarter bcus of all that i went threw i loved all of it and i wish i was still on active duty right now.

Response by 1LT Thomas Rabatin made Dec 1 at 2021 10:32 AM

1LT Thomas Rabatin — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:32:21 -0500

In basic training, our time was accounted for 24/7. I could not leave the base because some would fail to make roll call. At the end, I was second in my platoon in the PT mile test. I completed the training in better shape than I had ever been.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2021 9:56 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:56:06 -0500

Congratulations to MAJ Billi-Jean King, SGT Kathleen Shannon, PFC Christopher Matthews, SPC Parvin Daneshvar, and Sgt Kelsie Owen! You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 15 at 2023 5:41 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:41:17 -0400

Thanks for sharing

Response by SGT Frank Caporusso made Oct 29 at 2023 4:11 PM

SGT Frank Caporusso — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:11:30 -0400

yes, I remember my Basic Combat Training at Ft. Dix NJ. In 1976. Getting up at O dark thirty and getting yelled out. The Drill Sergeants tried to break me into quitting. No way! I adapted so well, that I went through Basic Combat Training again...