Posted on Apr 2, 2014
Where and when did you attend Basic/boot camp, and have you ever been back there?
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Would be an interesting thing to see not only the locations, but a generational perspective on how changes to those locations may be for each and if it even exists anymore. Also have you ever returned to the location either as a duty station or just to see what is was like for memories and changes that may have taken place. I will lead off, Ft McClellan, AL: D10-1983. I did OSUT there so I started in '83 and finished AIT in '84 I went back in 1992 for another school, but haven't been back since it shuttered it's doors to AIT in '99, have been to Leonardwood for few other schools and checked out their facilities, big difference to what we had at McClellan back in the day though. Would love to go back to McClellan today and see what the base looks like and what bldgs. still exist or training areas are there.
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 274
As a TSgt, I returned to Lackland for the NCO Academy and a TI classmate arranged a "tour" of the BMT facilities for a few of us. I enjoyed the tour, but the scent of the place pierced my soul and evoked unpleasant memories. Funny how the mind encodes experiences--my mind will forever associate the smell of that place with misery despite my support for their mission. Interesting experience!
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I just joined RP and just saw this question. Great one, I was thinking how neat it would be to return to Orlando and see what has become of the base I trained for Basic at. I joined in July of 84 left for bootcamp in April of 85. Went to A school in Millington, TN. Was there when the schools were shutdown and transferred to Pensacola, Fl.
When I went back in 95 to TN. I was amazed that a couple of the old wooden white buildings had been demolished. Walking around and showing my children where I lived in the barracks and went to school. Then as we came back to the barracks I said to the children, " Right around this corner is a long white building where we first checked in and your mama lifted her sea bag one handed from over the backseat." We rounded the corner and there was nothing but grass.
When I went back in 95 to TN. I was amazed that a couple of the old wooden white buildings had been demolished. Walking around and showing my children where I lived in the barracks and went to school. Then as we came back to the barracks I said to the children, " Right around this corner is a long white building where we first checked in and your mama lifted her sea bag one handed from over the backseat." We rounded the corner and there was nothing but grass.
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Ft. Leonard Wood, MO back in '92, 12B OSUT. I've not been back, I'm afraid I'd have to plant more grass or clean more latrines if I did.
I was a bit of a knucklehead and saw most of the base in the front leaning rest position.
I was a bit of a knucklehead and saw most of the base in the front leaning rest position.
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USCG base Cape May, NJ in 1982 (Whiskey 113). I haven't been back even though I've lived in NJ for the past 26 years. Lol
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B CO, 1-38, Fort Benning, GA.
Have not been back since, I'll be putting it on the to-do list.
Have not been back since, I'll be putting it on the to-do list.
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1982 OSUT (Basic/AIT) A-6C-1, FT Knox, KY............ Last time there was 87 for school. Been down to Louisville couple of times, but never a chance to get to Knox! Will be down at FT Campbell tomorrow if that counts! :-)
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I went to OSUT at Fort Leonard Wood in 2012 and have not had the chance to get back there. I plan on a trip to see a buddy of mine who is a Drill there when I get back from Afghanistan, and then again next fall when my nephew finishes OSUT there.
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SPC (Join to see)
Fort Jackson, SC April 1990 for Basic, and no I haven't been back there. Did AIT at Fort Gordon, GA. Have been back there TDY and for two other MOS schools
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SFC Mark Merino
Back in the day, if you drove past him with your rifle in the truck you could have had fun with your civilian friends...."HEY!, You owe me money!!!" Watch the roaches scatter.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
I was in PLT. 1016 1983. It seemed the planes were low enough that you could reach out and grab one and be on your way.
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haha...what is liberty?
D CO 1-34 Fort Jackson AUG-OCT 2011
D CO 1-34 Fort Jackson AUG-OCT 2011
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There was nothin relaxin in the middle of the summer where you'd cut the humidity with your hand!!! I miss all the friends I made there but that's all I miss!!!!
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - Did you take salt tablets during your training? San Antonio can be quite hot during August!!
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