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FFTorched
08-03-2006, 23:26
I leave for Army Basic Training August 22nd. I start in Fort Benning, Georgia then I'm off to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for my MOS training. I'm gonna be be an Airborne Ranger Health Care Specialist (68W). I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I plan to go and when I get out finally do my thru-hike, and I'll be in shape for it.

Shutterbug
08-03-2006, 23:42
I leave for Army Basic Training August 22nd.

Thanks for being willing to serve in these trying times. I appreciate it.

Dave

hikerjohnd
08-03-2006, 23:46
Good luck and remember to have fun! Oh and tell the Drill Instructors you heard you get to go home on weekends - they love that!

Just Jeff
08-03-2006, 23:56
Don't lose your sense of humor. It'll help you keep perspective...and help you keep your head when everyone else is pinging.

Good luck...thanks for serving.

Hammerhead
08-04-2006, 03:57
Here's what got me thru - When your DI's are yelling at you, don't take it personally. Pay attention to detail and you'll be fine. I appreciate what you're doing for our country. Thanks and be safe.

Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-04-2006, 06:27
The best of luck to you and thank you for being willing to do this. My grandson-in-law is a 68W - Army combat medic - who has already been to Iraq and is soon going to Afghanistan.

Lone Wolf
08-04-2006, 07:16
Good luck and remember to have fun! Oh and tell the Drill Instructors you heard you get to go home on weekends - they love that!
The Army doesn't have drill INSTRUCTORS. They have drill SERGEANTS.

StarLyte
08-04-2006, 07:19
I leave for Army Basic Training August 22nd. I start in Fort Benning, Georgia then I'm off to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for my MOS training. I'm gonna be be an Airborne Ranger Health Care Specialist (68W). I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I plan to go and when I get out finally do my thru-hike, and I'll be in shape for it.

Love the Abbey quote.

Do you know Wolf23000 from this website? If you're from Hershey is your family in that area also? Carlisle? York? Do I know you? Do any of your family attend the PA Ruck or are listers on the AT-L ? Let me know.

Just trying to connect - I know a lot of folks in that area.

I wish you the best of luck and stay with us here on Whiteblaze okay? I'd personally like to keep up with you.

Marsha
"StarLyte"
[email protected]

peter_pan
08-04-2006, 08:00
Enjoy your service....a great community of folk....The Brotherhood of Arms.

Pan

Skidsteer
08-04-2006, 08:01
Wow. Columbus, GA in August. Brutal.

Thanks for your service. :)

Footslogger
08-04-2006, 08:18
I leave for Army Basic Training August 22nd. I start in Fort Benning, Georgia then I'm off to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for my MOS training. I'm gonna be be an Airborne Ranger Health Care Specialist (68W). I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I plan to go and when I get out finally do my thru-hike, and I'll be in shape for it.
==============================

Benning can be steamy place in August. Went through jump school there in Aug '68. Good luck to you.

Don't volunteer for anything !!

Rangers Lead the Way ....

'Slogger

1Pint
08-04-2006, 08:28
==============================

Don't volunteer for anything !!

'Slogger

I have to second that. The best advice I ever received came from 2 former soldiers. They both said:
(1) keep your mouth shut
(2) don't volunteer for anything

I am NOT a "keep your mouth shut" kinda person, but that advice got me through basic training as smoothly as one can go through that sort of experience.

And, when you get assigned somewhere, give us an update and let us know if you need anything. Best of luck to you!

fvital
08-04-2006, 08:57
In addition to not volunteering and keeping your mouth shut, try to blend in. Drill Sargeants learn the roster numbers of the stand-outs (good and bad) first.

Former US Army Drill Sargeant, Infantry Training Brigade, Ft Benning, 90-92.

TOW
08-04-2006, 08:59
right on!!!!!!!!! may the Hand of God be upon your young shoulder............as soon as you get out of basic and get some leave, come back here and tell us what is going on.........

frieden
08-04-2006, 09:35
My daughter says that counting helps (only 30 days left...29 days...28...27...) in boot. MOS is fun - like boot, without all the yelling. Do you get to go through combat training? That's the payoff, when you get to blow stuff up!

Good luck, focus on the finish line, stay hydrated, and may God be with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you PM us with your email, you'll be in our address book too.

Time To Fly 97
08-04-2006, 10:06
Basic training is all about learning to follow orders. The orders you receive will seem ridiculous (like ironing and folding your underwear into 6" squares you can measure with a ruler)...but it is all about following any order you receive as perfectly as you can while being sleep deprived, yelled at and made to feel uncomfortable. Never question your orders. You'll learn quickly to listen closely for what the order is though the haze of the noise and discomfort. The US military has honed this training for decades and it works. Even now, almost 20 years later, I can still turn "military bearing" off and on if I want to (kind of mind over body).

When I went in I was irresponsible, didn't have a sense of identity, partying too much, kinda drifting from one thing to the next. Post-military - I got a 4 year degree in 3 years with honors, got a good job and basically did a 180. I'm proud of this change, especially because I initiated it. I think every US citizen should do basic training.

Basic training and military life that follows isn't a cruise...but you will experience a series of successes and pride from that you will always have.

Keep a sense of humor, reach out to others AFTER you have your stuff togetether, keep as many uniforms as possible at the dry cleaners (less to be inspected).

Godspeed!

TTF

Just Jeff
08-04-2006, 11:23
Don't blend in. Do as well as you can whether it makes you stand out or not. Not doing you best just so you don't attract attention to yourself is weakness, plain and simple. That's not what the military needs.

Don't be afraid of how good you can be. B/c boot camp is where you start learning what that is.

bigcranky
08-04-2006, 13:44
When I went in I was irresponsible, didn't have a sense of identity, partying too much, kinda drifting from one thing to the next. Post-military - I got a 4 year degree in 3 years with honors, got a good job and basically did a 180. I'm proud of this change, especially because I initiated it. I think every US citizen should do basic training.


You are describing my life at age 20. Man, that was a long time ago -- Ft Leonard Wood, MO, in January, 1983. The Ozarks in winter -- about as bright as going to Ft Benning in August <grin>. SFC Windsor and SSG Panchana -- I learned a lot from those guys, and not just about military stuff.

FFT -- go all out all the time, especially on the physical stuff. Don't ever, ever, talk back or question an order from a drill sergeant. (Gee, ask me how I know this.... I was one smart-ass MF. Got me in a lot of trouble, but I got through.)

Good luck and keep your powder dry.

Go Army. Beat Navy.

--Ken

Toolshed
08-04-2006, 14:28
Beleive it or not, you will look back on this and wonder where the time went. Keep your head and you will do fine. I found I really enjoyed my army days and the more I forget about them, the more I enjoy them :banana
Seriously, I really enjoyed my times and travels and I hope you do as well.

Ft. Knox - 1978
Ft. Rucker- 1978
24th Avn Bn 1978-1979
11th Armored Cav 1979-1981.

Go ARMY!!!!

Sandy B
08-04-2006, 17:12
Fort Sam is good place, I spent 1 1/2 years there. Once you get the time there are some great parks that have good trails. Most are loops but you can still get in some fun miles. The only cost is getting there. Two come to mind, Friedrich park and Eisenhower. Eisenhower is just out side the gate to Camp Bullis (a place where you will get to go 'in the field') on military rd. Friedrich is going out I-10 west just past the loop, I don't rember the road.

Other than that watch out, I only joined the Navy for 4 years, now 23 years latter I don't know what happened. But it has been FUN.

Sandy B

FFTorched
08-04-2006, 19:01
Thanks for your advice and encouragement. I am looking forward with much anticipation and some fear the unknown that is to come in the next four years. I agree that will be the best for me and actually motivate me to try things I would never have thought possible. I will keep updates for all when I can.

SGT Rock
08-04-2006, 22:02
Whatever you do, don't talk back.

Amigi'sLastStand
08-04-2006, 22:23
Whatever you do, don't talk back.
SGTRock is always overly cautious. Just ignore him.;)
:-? Listen, if the DI's tell you to do something that you just arent up to, simply state that as an American citizen it's your right to take your time and make up your own mind about things.:mad: They'll understand. All they really are are grown up baby sitters. Go ahead and treat them as such. And always look them in the eye, like a real man. Oh, and never be the greyman. You want to either finish first or last at everything. That way you get noticed, which is always a good thing in the Army.

And lastly, always, always remember that the Army didnt print "This side toward enemy" on Claymores for nothing. Their are some pretty dim bulbs you'll meet in the Army. The enemy can be dangerous, but the guy from Arkansas who things sheep arent just for shearing can be deadly.:eek:

Chuck

PS- Part one is for your humor, part two is for your balls. Keep safe, be smart, finish in the middle, and keep your mouth shut. It'll all be over quicker than you think. Thank you for serving and welcome to the family.

Lone Wolf
08-04-2006, 23:09
Once again, the Army doesn't have DI's. Today's Army boot camp is coed. Real smart training 18 year old boys with 18 year old girls. They get to call home too. Thank God for Marines.

saimyoji
08-04-2006, 23:09
Basic is just the begining. The really serious ***** comes when you have to rely on your training to stay alive and when your mistakes may cost the lives of your brothers. Learn fast, learn well, kick ass.

Freeze
08-04-2006, 23:17
I(2) don't volunteer for anything

Wrong! You want to volunteer for KP duty! You'll see what i'm talking about when you get there.

Did mine at Fort Knox, KY in August. Hot as hell. You'll loose a lot of weight, and get in awesome shape.

Pay attention and learn as much as you can. You may need to use some of that **** some day.

Lone Wolf
08-04-2006, 23:22
Wrong! You want to volunteer for KP duty! You'll see what i'm talking about when you get there.

Did mine at Fort Knox, KY in August. Hot as hell. You'll loose a lot of weight, and get in awesome shape.

Pay attention and learn as much as you can. You may need to use some of that **** some day.
I started my boot camp in August at Parris Island. I loved it. What ***n heat?!:rolleyes: Suck it up. Pain is weakness leaving the body. The more you sweat in training the less you bleed in war.

Freeze
08-04-2006, 23:28
We like it!
We love it!
We want more of it!
Make it Hurt Drill SGT, make it Hurt!

HUH!

Dances with Mice
08-04-2006, 23:37
I went thru Basic twenty-mumble-mumble years ago. Made some friends there I haven't seen or heard from since.

But if I ever got a call like this at 2 in the morning: "Hey Dances, this is Wheaton from Basic Training....I'm in jail in Detroit and need some help..." then I'd be getting dressed in the car on the way to the airport and I'd call the wife later to tell her I'd see her whenever I got back.

It's that kind of thing. You'll see.

Just Jeff
08-04-2006, 23:40
They called you Dances in basic? Bet that was fun... :p

Lone Wolf
08-04-2006, 23:42
They called you Dances in basic? Bet that was fun... :p
Prolly Air Force or Navy basic.

Alligator
08-04-2006, 23:47
Prolly Air Force or Navy basic.LOL, busting 'em all tonight eh? You left out the Coast Guard.:D .

Dances with Mice
08-04-2006, 23:48
They called you Dances in basic? Got a problem with that, Sparky?

Lone Wolf
08-04-2006, 23:49
It's hard to be humble when you're a Marine.

woodsy
08-05-2006, 07:53
And make sure you are clean shaven when you show up for boot camp, that dry shave you'll be forced to take will leave you dripping blood.!!
Good luck
Woodsy

frieden
08-05-2006, 08:09
Today's Army boot camp is coed. Real smart training 18 year old boys with 18 year old girls. They get to call home too.

Are you serious? Goodness sakes! Do they have air conditioned barracks too?!? Why don't we throw a pool table and a disco ball in there!

greentick
08-05-2006, 09:21
You gotta say it out loud...

R-A-N-G-E-R

R is for Ready
A is for Always
N is for Knowledge
G is for Judgement
E is for Ingenuity
R is for Re-test


Went to infantry OSUT at Ft Beginning in July, then airborne a few years later.
"Their home is Benning Georgia, the land that God forgot,
the mud is 18 inches deep, the sun is blazing hot...."

Good luck and thanks for serving.

1Pint
08-05-2006, 10:27
Are you serious? Goodness sakes! Do they have air conditioned barracks too?!? Why don't we throw a pool table and a disco ball in there!

Am I misunderstanding you? You think because it's coed it's soft?

Footslogger
08-05-2006, 10:50
Can't comment on the "New" Army. Certainly wasn't the case in 1968. We did have Drilll Sgts and there weren't any women any where near us during training.

Basic, Infantry and Airborne School weren't exactly what I would call soft.

'Slogger

SGT Rock
08-05-2006, 12:06
Combat Arms MOS OSUT (Basic and AIT with the same DS the whole way through) is not co-ed.

Lone Wolf
08-05-2006, 12:34
Am I misunderstanding you? You think because it's coed it's soft?
Uhhh...yeah.

capehiker
08-05-2006, 19:21
Good luck FFT!

I just realized that you are from Hershey. I was born and raised there. I was just back there for the first time in 5 years and I was surprised at how much it keeps changing.

frieden
08-05-2006, 20:56
Am I misunderstanding you? You think because it's coed it's soft?

They get to call home. :eek:

1Pint
08-06-2006, 02:29
Uhhh...yeah.

L Wolf -
Why?

frieden
08-06-2006, 07:55
1Pint, the SGT or Wolf should explain why, but I thought I'd throw in my .02. In basic, they break you down, in order to build you up. It's mental as well as physical.

Let's say you are on a bad stretch of trail for days, with no town or human in sight. One wrong slip, you could break your leg, and your thru hike would be over - your dream down the drain in one thoughtless action. Through bad weather, hunger, thirst, and lack of sleep you have to remain focused. You can't afford to be distracted, if you want to reach your goal.

If guys are distracted by women, and women are distracted by guys, oh yeah.....and you add in calls to home - where is the focus?

SGT Rock
08-06-2006, 08:19
What Frieden said. Well that and "gender norming"

Take a bunch of teenagers and people in their early twenties and put them all in a barracks and they will try to figure out ways to hook up whenever and where ever possible. Some of my former DS buddies talk about catching them in dumpsters and such. Some spend more time trying to figure out how to hook up more than they worry about learning what they are there to learn. The process is so PC for the Army, at least the USMC has never tried to do it. And the Army still does not do it for combat arms soldiers because of a few things like focus, gender norming, and the like.

slingblade
08-06-2006, 08:44
Thanks for the service FFTorched. Slingblade-USMC

stickman
08-06-2006, 13:55
You deserve a huge thanks for serving. My son did basic, advanced, and airborne at Fort Benning, and leaves for Iraq next Tuesday. I'll tell you what he says (and I agree from my Army days in the early 70's): you will learn a great deal about yourself. Best of luck!

PS, Benning is REALLY hot in August. The more conditioning you can do before you get there the easier it will be. Take care and God Bless you and all who serve.

Stickman

1Pint
08-07-2006, 08:42
1Pint, the SGT or Wolf should explain why, but I thought I'd throw in my .02. In basic, they break you down, in order to build you up. It's mental as well as physical.

If guys are distracted by women, and women are distracted by guys, oh yeah.....and you add in calls to home - where is the focus?

After sleeping on it, I've decided this isn't the place for this debate. I'd love to respond and discuss in detail the whole military gender mix issue, but this thread is about a soldier joining our ranks. So, my apologies for letting something push my buttons and assisting in taking attention away from all the good wishes we started with.

Best of luck to FFTorched. Please let us know how you're doing when you get a rare break. However you attack your basic training experience, I wish you well.

Sincerely,
Laura
(just another woman veteran who served in a foxhole when it was necessary)

Lone Wolf
08-07-2006, 09:34
Are you serious? Goodness sakes! Do they have air conditioned barracks too?!? Why don't we throw a pool table and a disco ball in there!
They also shut down basic training for 10 days during Christmas so Drill Sergeants can spend time with thier families. Recruits have the option of staying on base or going home for the holidays to party. Tough training.

dixicritter
08-07-2006, 14:33
L. Wolf behave and stop pot stirrin' man ;)

Best of luck to you FF. :)

FFTorched
08-07-2006, 19:29
Today I took my physical and swore in so it's official. Can't back out now based on my honor. I ship out the 22nd of august.

SGT Rock
08-07-2006, 19:36
FFTorched. Good luck man. Never be first, never be last, and don't volunteer for anything else - you only volunteer once in the Army (I still haven't learned that one though).

Also, even though you are not about be an infantryman, basic is in your future. Check out this thread: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16602

After you graduate basic watch it again. It may mean something to you now, but I bet it will mean something else to you later. It will be something interesting to see in yourself how you change once you finish basic.

RockyTrail
08-08-2006, 09:51
I salute you, FFTorched; thank you for serving our country.
God bless and Godspeed...:sun

Micky
08-08-2006, 11:11
Thank You and best of luck.
I have a son in the Army stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

Gray Blazer
08-08-2006, 11:21
God Bless you and thank you for your service to our country. One of the things I kick myself in the butt for was not serving in the military when I was young. Back then, it wasn't cool (The mainscream press did a good job of brainwashing people people just as they do now) and I didn't know any young republicans, only hippie wannabees. Good Luck. BTW, I don't think you'll be kicking Osama's butt because I believe he's already dead. He's getting his butt kicked by George Washinton and Thomas Jefferson and those other 72 Virginians in Paradise.