What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

The nights on duty offset by the best food in the chow hall!

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.

Had to learn to take orders. Sometimes from younger persons. Open bay sleeping till I gained some rank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

people from different areas and backgrounds sharing a common goal.

Everything was structured and hurry up and wait.

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