pheller
UltimaDork
3/5/19 7:35 a.m.
Never went. Long thought the Coast Guard would be a perfect fit for me and my desire to have assignments that change every couple of years.
After having a baby at 34 I think the stress of boot camp would be easier than physical stuff, especially because I get headaches anytime I over-exert myself.
I know people who joined who are hard workers in the employment world, but still dumb as rocks when it comes to everything else. Bootcamp and the military are really good at telling you what to do within a certain strict system, but they don't tell you anything about interpersonal relationships, making wise financial decisions, the dangers of drinking, that kind of thing. College doesn't teach those lessons either, but in the military you can get much farther before life lessons sink in.
My nephew joined the Airforce for direction, he liked being told how his life was going to be, and in that framework he excels. Luckily he's a pretty shy, straight laced kid in civilian life, so he's got that covered. He'll probably be a career Airman.
Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego JAN 02 2000 to MAR 31 2000; Bravo Company, PLT 1027, SDI SSgt. Pagan
Marine Corps recruit training has the chief purpose of teaching you how to suffer. When you learn to suffer, you are better suited at performing in combat. My experience in OIF seemed easier than my experience in boot camp.
yupididit said:
Wtf is a stress card?
Any of y'all currently serving?
Not sure if they still have them anymore, think they just restructured basic so it isn't as stressful as it used to be. Was a thing in th 90's when I saw one. It's a card that fits in your wallet. Concept is when you are on the verge of freaking out from stress this allows you to take a break, relax and de-stress. At the time all us "old-timer Sergeants" just laughed and asked what happens when you're being shot at? Pull the card so the bad guys stop shooting?
Retired Army and currently an Army Civilian. Deal with soldiers daily. Sometimes visit the units to issue and train new equipment.
I went through Army basic in the late 80s.
If I was smart I would have joined a different branch. Hell, I would've done everything differently, including going to college later.
Back in 1975 I went to USMC Officer Candidate School. Quite an experience to say the least. Arrived in Quantico about 0200. Hit the rack. Got "woke" up at 0300 with all hell breaking loose. The job of the DI's was to weed out the sick lame and crazy. They were good at doing their job. I would have walked back to Texas if I knew what direction it was. Got commissioned and my life was quite literally changed forever. Not only by the training but by the Marines I served with. Learned to deal with challenges that alot of people would have given up on. Cancer diagnosis and treatment comes to mind.
Semper Fi!
yupididit said:
Basic training is a good way for youngins to learn how to be sheep and not think for themselves. It'll also teach anyone just how inefficient our military actually is. 
^This!!
Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 1996.
Basic training was cake for me. Between JROTC and ROTC, I knew how to play the game. Drill NCOs are sore losers at this game. That alone made it funtastic!
Crafty individuals would have no issues with Boot Camp once they understand its dynamic.
pheller said:
Never went.....
.......Bootcamp and the military are really good at telling you what to do within a certain strict system, but they don't tell you anything about interpersonal relationships, making wise financial decisions, the dangers of drinking, that kind of thing. College doesn't teach those lessons either, but in the military you can get much farther before life lessons sink in.
For someone that has never spent a day in uniform, you sure come off as knowledgeable as to what experiences and knowledge military services imparts on a person.
