What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

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.

I remember the structure and organization that helped mature me. This was invaluable for the rest of my life.

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.

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.

Hurry up and wait. If you're early you're on time, and if you're on time you're late.

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.

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.

I must be ready to react and be flexible in what ever situation arose. Served me well thru out my life.

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!

I remember basic was lonely amidst lots of people. It was odd adjusting to people yelling at you all the time.