What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

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!!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!!

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

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.