How Basic Training Changed Me

A recent USAA post on Twitter boasted that their staff arrived recently at 4am for calisthenics with real drill instructors to simulate boot camp. Boot camp (basic training) is/was much more than PT (physical training). We learned teamwork, respect for weapons, hand to hand combat, drill and ceremony (essentially how to march), how to clean up after ourselves and others, and we even got to work in a restaurant (KP - kitchen police, aka dishwasher). That got me thinking about my experience over 30 years ago. My experience is not unique nor is it heart wrenching, but it did help shape the person I am today.

This was a stressful situation, and stressful situations are processed differently than normal situations in the brain. Additionally, time changes those memories as well. Therefore I am certain that some details I will share are not totally accurate, but, my memories are still very vivid, and mostly positive.

My dad was not happy with my decision to join the Army, even if it was only the National Guard (he has a Bronze Star and Purple Heart awarded in Vietnam). But, I was determined to go to college and pay for it myself. The National Guard afforded me that opportunity.

At 17, and only one month out of high school, I boarded the plane bound for Fort Dix, New Jersey and Army Basic Training. My parents were divorced, and I lived with my dad from about 4 years old. He worked mostly nights, so I was a fairly independent kid. Despite this, I had never been away from family more than a few hours.

The plane landed in Newark in the early afternoon, and, per my instructions, I made my way to the Army reception desk. My stomach was churning and I had no idea what to expect. The people at the reception desk were very polite, and that put me at ease. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all. They put me on a bus for the long ride (I have no clue if it was long or short) to Fort Dix. When we arrived everyone was friendly as well. We were herded off the bus and into the barracks for the night.

We were all in civilian clothes, hair of different lengths and colors. We were all unique and we had some time that night to get to know each other before lights out. The next day that all changed; by the end of the day we all looked the same. Shaved head and wearing BDUs (battle dress uniform). I cannot stress this point enough, I got to know several people the night prior, now, I have no idea who these people are.

It is hard to put in words the feelings that I had in those 2 days. Anxiety and apprehension were the two I remember most. Sure, there have been millions that have gone through Army basic, and, if you are one of those people I am sure you are shaking your head in agreement. Those who went before me told me horrible stories, yet I had not even had someone raise their voice. That all changed the next day.

Again, time is a blur, but, let's say that the next morning we were told to gather our bags, throw them on a truck and get in formation. We then were marched a few blocks to our new home. It was a peaceful march, until we halted, did a right face and were staring at our barracks. That is when it hit the fan. Drill Sergeants appeared from everywhere. We were at the position of attention, or what we thought was the position of attention. You see, we had not been taught drill and ceremony yet (basically, how to march). The Drill Sergeants attacked (figuratively).

I don't think it is appropriate to tell you what they said, but let's just say it was not polite. And every interaction resulted in pushups, whether it be for the individual, a squad (about 7 people), a platoon (4 squads) or the entire company (4 platoons). My best guess is that we did somewhere north of 200 pushups, but who knows for sure. After a hundred they really are not true pushups. This could have been 10 minutes or 10 hours, but it was probably less than an hour.

The rest of basic is a jumble of various memories. Soldiers getting tackled on the firing range for pointing their weapon in the wrong direction, or loading "cattle cars" for trips to various locations for training. (they looked like livestock trailers). Savoring jello because it was the only sweet food they fed us. Sneaking out of bed to buff the floor to save time in the morning. Blocking off stalls and sinks to minimize cleaning.

We did all of these things together. I don't remember one name, but what I do remember is that we did them as a team. We were evaluated together, meaning that we all suffered when something was not done. Therefore, we learned to look out for each other.

Basic Training is also about managing stress. You do not have time to do everything that needs to be done. They keep you busy from the time you get up until the time you hit the rack. (4am to 9pm). Therefore you get up after lights out and shine your boots or clean the barracks. This adds to the stress because now you are tired as well, and this lasts 8 weeks.

My Drill Instructors helped shape me into the person I am today. I arrived as an individual and left understanding that you accomplish much more as a team than you do as an individual.

There are countless schools in the various branches of military that are harder than Basic Training, but this is one course that the majority of people experience. I don't regret one moment of my 11 years in the Army (National Guard, Active Duty, Reserves). In fact, I credit the Army for my success as a leader. They taught me leadership and responsibility in a manner that no other organization could have.