What things do you remember about adapting to military life?

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.

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.

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

Being away from family

during basic learning to fall asleep standing up.

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.

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.

It was not easy I was 16 when I enlisted and I had to learn all over again

I remember the hardest part about adapting to active duty military was all of the marching, saluting, and dialect that the military uses.

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.