What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

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

The sense of being part of a team

Adapting to a life style where "I" is no longer applicable.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.

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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed my service as a 94B a cook

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.

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.

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.