In the Army

So as some of my loyal followers may know, I am currently serving in the United States' Army. Right now I am in the Initial Entry Training Program and am currently in my Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) phase. I thought I would write about my experiences and some tips for future soldiers.  

Basic Training

Basic training was really rough for me; however, it should be quickly noted that it is nothing like Full Metal Jacket.

Upon reflection of my basic training, I really don't know why it was so rough for me. Granted that some of the smoking and even the training was tough especially in the hot Georgia heat, but overall it wasn't that bad. I still believe a lot of what was "tough" with basic training was a lot of preconceptions. My main advice for people going into basic training would be to try and remember that Drill Sergeants are not all-knowing supermen. Most of the time when we got smoked, I was in complete agreement with the Drill Sergeant because I could not believe the attitude and disrespect other soldiers would display. The unfortunate thing was that I was guilty by association, but again, I just took it as an opportunity to do extra PT (physical training).

For those curious about how different basic training is compared to say Full Metal Jacket, the differences are actually quite few. The biggest difference is that Drill Sergeants cannot hit you regardless of how much you may deserve it. Many of the other issues are simply because of the times like the uniforms. Although I like to point out that several of the soldiers made their beds incorrectly because the US insignia is not supposed to be showing. Watch the movie again, it bothers me to see it.

Here are the highlights of Basic Training:

• Shark Attack - First day is easily the roughest day. Your drill sergeants basically want to make an impression on you, so expect to do something rough. My main advice for this is to pack light. Whatever civilian clothes you bring, make sure they are clothes you are willing to part with. You will not be wearing them for several weeks, and they'll just be a burden on you. 
• Red Phase - I am lumping the first few weeks together because it is basically PT and getting everything in order. You'll be treated to a lot of briefs (some are actually fairly entertaining while others will bore you to tears). You will also be given everything you'll need for basic training. BE SURE TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR CIF EQUIPMENT!!! You have to return that equipment, and they won't take it back if your equipment is dirty. Plus if you lose it or damage it beyond repair, you'll have to pay for it, and it can get expensive.
• Basic Rifle Marksmanship - This was the most frustrating part of basic training, but it also was some of the most fun. Basically you just shoot your weapon a lot. It gets frustrating when you can't seem to shoot those pesky targets. You may roll your eyes at this, but I can assure you that 90% of the time if you are having trouble shooting, it is because you are not applying your fundamentals as you transition from each target.
• Advanced Rifle Marksmanship - In my opinion this was my favorite part of basic training. During this phase you are trained with other weapons which I won't spoil for you.
• The Gas Chamber - This is your main NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) training. While there is more to your NBC training, the gas chamber really serves to have you really appreciate your gas mask. Personally I think the drill sergeants just enjoy seeing you struggle with it, but I definitely did appreciate my gas mask afterwards. 
• Family Day/Graduation - The finale of basic training. I'm sure everyone's graduation is different, but the main thing that I got out of this is that you never realized how much you missed and loved your family until you see them on Family Day. If you go to Ft. Benning (the only real basic training - just kidding), take a stop at the National Infantry Museum. Easily one of the best museums I have ever been too.

 Well those are the main highlights. Just be prepared to getting little sleep and really enjoy Sundays. Another piece of advice is to bring your cell-phone. It will most likely get confiscated, but if your platoon is good enough, your drill sergeant will allow you to call home. Having a cell-phone means that you will not have to wait and share the pay phones with the other soldiers. Also learn to love snail mail. Every letter I got was a real moral booster.

AIT

Now I am only a few weeks into AIT, but I'll go ahead and say that AIT is completely different compared to basic training. Okay, maybe it's not too different, but the focus of the training and the freedoms that you get to enjoy make AIT a totally different experience. It's almost the perfect blend of college and basic training. You get some of the freedoms of college, but you still have the schedule of basic training. AIT I assume is hard to generalize, but just please do not forget your discipline that you learned from basic training. Plus if you're really good, you may get to phase up which means even more freedoms.

I hope this blog helps with your expectations or wonderings of basic training. If you have any more questions about basic training or even AIT, post a comment and I'll be happy to answer.

God Bless America!