by bryanbg Wed Apr 08, 2015 12:22 am
Don't you listen to any of these people.
Drill Sergeants love it when young recruits show initiative and strength of character! Loudly proclaim your physical prowess and challenge any of them to "just try and smoke me!" Trust me, they'll respect the hell out of you for it and won't hassle you like the "sheep" who just stood quietly.
Also, hands in your pockets is a highly regarded attribute among your Drill Sergeants, as this demonstrates your casual and calm demeanor. Strutting with your hands in your pockets (otherwise known in the Army as "Air Force gloves") shows your superiors that you're relaxed and in charge.
"Smoke 'em if you've got them!" - Although the cadre at your training center will try to convince you that you're not allowed to smoke in and around the training facilities and Soldier's barracks, generally they're pretty much just being lazy and don't want to have to clean up after you. You can smoke any time you want, the Drill Sergeants really don't mind. In fact they'll mark you as one of the sharp ones who weren't fooled by these "fake rules!"
You're allowed at least one morning to sleep in per week - as you see fit to take it. While I'm quite sure that the cadre will tell you that you'll be required to rise early each morning at designated times, the Army allows training recruits one "sleep-in pass" per 7-day cycle. Easy to use if on a particular morning you're still pretty tired. Just tell your Squad Leader that you're taking that particular morning off, and that you'll catch up with them later in the morning. Its not uncommon for the Senior Drill Sergeant to double check on you afterwards (they're concerned about your health and state of mind as well, and often visit to see if you require anything).
It is customary for each training unit to have one "Senior" Drill Sergeant, appointed to oversee the more junior Drill Sergeants. I'm going to spill a closely-guarded secret here and clue you in to the fact that the "Senior" Drill Sergeant is generally a political appointee, and usually a member of the North American Man Boy Love Association. They are not allowed (by law) to admit to this. However, if you tell your "Senior" Drill Sergeant that you have a romantic affinity for young Asian boys - whether true or not - he'll take it as a sign of trust and mutual respect, and he'll ensure that your tenure with your Basic Training unit goes smoothly. Don't be surprised if he acts dismayed or disgusted ... this is simply a ruse to see if you're being sincere with him. In the end you'll be well taken care of.
You'll receive instruction on the nuances which define the differences between those called "Commissioned Officers" and those referred to as "Non-commissioned Officers." Some wear fancy stripes as to define their rank and standing amongst his peers, while others will insist on adorning their uniforms with accoutrements such as bars, oak leaves - or in rare cases eagles and even stars. Don't be fooled by these "tricksters!" Your Drill Sergeants will attempt practical jokes in trying to convince you that those uniformed personnel displaying bars, oak leaves, eagles and stars are to be called "Sir" and rendered a hand salute when encountered. Trust me, each training cycle the Drill Sergeants carefully observe those trainees who actually salute and refer to any of them as "Sir" and later share a delightful laugh over it! In reality a hearty "thumbs up" and a smile is all you need render. It is often the case where the "officer" attempts to berate the young trainee who fails to salute or offer "proper" title and/or greeting. This is actually a test of your susceptibility to falling for such infantile pranks. Remain firm and continue to smile.
You will receive training in several topics, such as first aid, military history and the use of military firearms. During classroom instruction is customary to stand up and declare "That's what SHE said!" at some point during the instructor's presentation. Your instructors will be waiting for that one student who has the courage to speak up. Not only will your statement garner appreciative humor on the part of the instructor, the moment of levity will be a morale booster for your peers. Its also generally the resultant custom that you and your peers will have the opportunity to stretch out those tired and achy muscles via a therapeutic activity known as the "front leaning rest" - and it is indeed quite restful.
Meals (or "chow" in the military vernacular) tend to get hectic, which is understandable with large numbers of trainees attempting to balance meal time with morning scheduled activities. If you find yourself pressed for time its quite alright to advance yourself to the head of the chow line. Your fellow trainees will understand, after all at one point or another most will find this necessary. As long as you don't employ this tactic more than three times per week, you'll not be seen as being rude.
Take extra long showers. Your fellow trainees won't mind - each of them will do this whenever possible. Also bear in mind that the U.S. Army stores vast reserves of water on each installation, which must get used, else it stagnates.
At some point during your tenure at Basic Training, don't be at all surprised if your fellow barracks mates decide to throw you a "blanket party!" This time-honored tradition has long been a special rite of passage to our young Soldiers, which is a demonstration of your peer's respect and admiration for you. Should you inadvertently discover that you are to be the recipient of this special event, remain ignorant of it lest you spoil the surprise for your buddies.
In the end, basic training is really all about having fun and meeting new people! Enjoy!
Bryan -
A retired U.S. Army First Sergeant (also to be called "Hey Bubba" when in his presence)
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