I'm going this summer to Fort Benning Georgia, to become an Infantryman, could anyone tell me how would it be???
138175
Basic training is just that, after that your schooling varies depending on MOS. Some technical fields require more schooling. It won't be fun I can assure you, but don't let it get to you, life is different after basic. Not much better, but better just the same. Do your stuff, and try not to get noticed. It is best if they don't know your name.
176758
In Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. in the older barracks, for the males, they sleep in bays the with anywhere between eight (which is where I stayed) to 16 people.  The newer ones are just open "starship" bays with up to 50 people in them.  \n\nThere is plenty of room, and a good part of the BCT experience.  You wont see more private accommodations till you get to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and even better after you make it to your first duty station.
279963
I was stationed at FT Jackson as a Drill Sergeant for a time in the 1990's. Lots of sand and bugs. Lots of heat as well. Expect early mornings and long days. Just remember it is all a head game. The Drill Sergeant's job is to make you a soldier. It is not hard, you just have to listen and do what is asked of you. You can do it. Their job is to make you think, walk, talk, like a soldier. You will have to learn military customs and tradition, rank structure. How to properly maintain and fire a weapon. How to properly wear your uniform, boots and how to have a professional look about yourself. Be proud to be in the US Army. \n Physical training is a big part of it. Be ready to get fit and lean. Don't worry, they will not leave you behind. They will make every effort to help you and make you a soldier. Also weapons qualification is the other key. If you don't qualify with the M16A2, you will not graduate. A soldier is nothing if he or she cannot properly use the weapons they are given. \nBe ready for FTX(field training exercise) for about 2-3 days and a 10-20 mile road march. Don't worry they will be checking on you and you will stop and take breaks. Keep plenty of water in you at all times. You can't drink enough water. Drink it till it makes you think you will hurl. You don't want to get stuck by a medic with IV bag or in the hospital. Also you will have access to medical care. If you have a problem,let your Drill Sergeant know. Good Luck!
542205
I will give you an eyewitness statement. First, I'm not from Texas (I'm a Tar Heel!!! - GO NC!!), second I'm not in the National Guard, I'm active duty. Now the account, I served with an active duty battalion that was assigned 2 National Guard companies - one was from Kansas and one was from Texas. They were truck companies, and both saw heavy action. On a side note, I found both units to be extremely professional in their duties. Neither shirked from any mission assigned to them and had an amazing "Can Do" attitude. If I had any negative comments about the Guard units I have served with - they are minor. I found they had a bit of a height/weight and PT shortcoming, but they more than made up for that with their Mission First attitude. My BC had a board in his office/tent with a collection of all the Guard patches of units we had run into over there. I don't recall a single state missing from his board - we even had a couple territory patches (Guam and PR). So whoever posted that on a Yahoo Board is simply giving into conspiracy BS and once again, as they almost always seem to be - are yapping away and have NEVER spent a day. Isn't it curious how the folks who seem to to come up with this crap have a mysterious lack of service to go along with their tripe?
137293
I was in Ft Hood for 4 years.  We just moved to Ft Jackson last Nov.  My husband is a Drill Sgt here.  If you have any questions about Hood, feel free to message me!
387615
~Well, pilgrim, me and the Duke just discussed it and we agree the Marines want you.  No brains, likes to sweat, believes invading a sovereign nation without cause or justification is a patriotic thing to do and is somehow akin to defending the motherland.  You'll probably look good in a butch cut and will give the folks on the other side a worthwhile target to shoot at.  By all means, stay away from a "technical" branch that may require foreign concepts like thought and reason and get your butt to Paris Island and start pushing dirt as soon as you can.  Bill O'Reilly loves you.  Given your reasons for wanting to sign up, I'm sure you'll go far.  You could even be our next Bill Calley or Ollie North.
579928
Think of military boot camp, the constant physical training and insults (they do insult you, but it builds morale and confidence by the time you are done), and add that to a lot of academic work. Lots of classes and specialized training, such as firearms work and hand-to-hand combat. Be prepared for a ton of exercise, taking a ton of notes, and studying to pass a lot of tests. Just remember, the instructors are rooting for you to pass, no matter how hard they ride you. They just want you to be prepared. You are being trained for a life or death job.
241648
If you're going there for basic or ait, it's a small town with nothing there.  There's a walmart, which is the center of town, and a PX.\n\nIf you're Permanent Party, it'll probably be better.  You can go to places like St Louis.  There are bordellos which are off limits to soldiers, lots of tattoo parlors and gun shops, resturants and I think there's a six flags within 8 hours in one direction or another, not too sure though.\n\nThere's really not much there, I don't know anyone who enjoys the night life there.  And I was out and about there for almost 6 months.
481678
Sheesh, so what if she spells something wrong- even if it is very bad, I bet you would not like 10+ people flaming you and yelling at you about your spelling!\n\nNow, I am going to be a person who will answer her question-\n\nI'd recommend the marines- They have much "Funner" programs, without as much the risk as a the navy. The training is not as rigorous also. But, The decision is a big step- Would you be willing to leave your family, and have a chance at death? The salvation army, or things like that help your country. Maybe do a canned food drive for the soilders?
258682
well brother, joining the army is a big deal. i myself joined the military but decided to go the navy route because they focus mostly on school, a career, and family. i met several army and marine hopefuls at MEPS. these kids (that's right KIDS) thought they were invincible. they couldn't wait to serve their country and blow sh*t up! has the thought of going to iraq crossed my mind, totally. but i have faith i will see the other end and take what i have learned from my future experience. if you have researched enough about that branch and you're confident that is your path, go for it.
451000
This is something you'll have to learn to get used to.  Sorry, but that's Army life.\n\nTDY is Temporary Duty.  Unless it's a certain amount of time or specified on his orders, you won't be going with him on these assignments.  Usually, TDY is some sort of school, training or "war games".\n\nPCS is Permanent Change of Station.  This is an official government move.  It's usually from one post to another.  If he's in AIT, he still hasn't made a PCS move yet.  PCS is a change in duty.\n\nKorea is NOT a deployment.  That's considered an unaccompanied tour.  They last a year to 18 months.  There's several places he could get sent for an unaccompanied tour.  In most cases, you won't go with him, thus the unaccompanied.  That's a PCS for him though.  He can also go to Japan, Germany, Italy or other locations overseas that you will be able to move with him as a PCS.  Places like Germany are a 3 year assignment.\n\nThere's several locations he can deploy to such as Bosnia or Iraq.  Deployments will last a year to 18 months as well.  Those, you won't be allowed to travel with him at all.  He can also deploy from and overseas location as well.\n\nHope this helps.  Be prepared for time apart.  Stay strong and independant, but love and trust him with all you have.  You'll be able to do fine.  The Army is a rough life, but it's a good life.  It'll definitely be what you make of it.\n\nGood luck!!
675431
I would bring my husbands friend, Mark. He just got back from Iraq as an infantryman, his survival skills are the best. I would bring a box of waterproof matches, a waterproof poncho that could be used as a tent,, the book "The Way Things Work", a handgun and either a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife.
363900
If you can go home for 6 months I highly recommend it .the army will move you from there ,but NOT TO THERE.Save all the money you can and keep any problems and distractions to a minimum,If you parents home is near a Fort you can and should get your ID cards ASAP and learn about army finance and ARMY COMUNITY SERVICE -they have wives and counsolers to advise and support you-you will both be fine - YOU BELONG TO THE ARMY FAMILY NOW!-lol
6207
Dogfire:\n\nYou need to be commended for being honest. A lot of guys will follow orders but not say what they are REALLY thinking for fear of retailiation from other troops, commanders, society, etc. So, here's what you might want to consider. I think you should go back because you made the commitment to do so and you'd look like a traitor if you didn't. However, the truly patriotic thing to do is to speak up, let the world know exactly how you feel AS A SOLDIER about what is happening. Make your feelings known. Go back, do your job, but be a patriot: a true patriot in a democratic society will challenge the status quo, will question authority, will speak up when things seem wrong. That is the RIGHT thing to do...fulfill your commitment, but make your voice heard, doing so will bring you dignity, integrity, and admiration.
478186
Pack light, be the first to get up and the first to get down, stay awake, learn order of rank and insignia asap (NCO's don't like to be called sir as they "work for a living"), eat fast, pay attention to details, only speak when spoken to and speak loudly, bring locks w/ keys (it's easy to forget your combo when your getting yelled at)....as I was informed at basic...only the USMC calls it boot camp....crawl under your rack to tighten up your sheets and dust cover, use foot powder, YOU DON'T HAVE TIME FOR CHICKS....I mean females.... AND THEY JUST GET YOU INTO TROUBLE....go to church even if you don't normally go (it's a nice break from the usual day)....the floor stripper cleans spray paint off the floor esp if there is already a thick coat of wax on the floor, drink lots of water, shallow breaths in the gas chamber, keep your weapon cleaned and oiled (don't forget to wipe off the buffer spring), they give you 2 pairs of boots make sure they are comfortable or it will tear up your feet, don't look around, take notes...it'll help keep you awake.....limit your caffine intake now
346263
What branch of service are you?  If your Army or Marines then you will have a very diffrent set of choices than those in the Air Force.  From a Air Force perspective I would look into Buckley AFB  near D enver(or Peterson/Eagle AFB in Colorado Springs).  Likewise if you are in the Army you ccould pick Fort Carson (3rd AD).  Colorado has AWESOME summers as well as great places to go and things to do in the winter.  I was stationed at Lowrey AFB in the early 90's and returned to the Denver area for good after I got out.  I hope this helps
157357
There's room for anyone in good shape.  I was in recently but was medically discharged before I could go to Iraq unfortunately.\n\nFirst of all, when you talk to the recruiter, ask him about something called the "trail blazer" during basic training.  They change the name occasionally.  It basically involves being able to max out the AIT PT test at day 1.  You want to do that.\n\nSince you're married, you'll probably want to get a non-combat MOS.  (Although I took a combat MOS because I'm married) Try for something along the lines of supply clerk, mechanic, or something of the like.  Don't worry if you aren't trained, they'll teach you everything.  Mortician is a messy and unpleasant job, but if you can handle, it usually has a great signing bonus.  DO NOT GO 88M!  Those are truck drivers.  They have the highest mortality rate in Iraq and they need everyone they can get.  It sound good and easy, but it's not cool.\n\nSigning bonuses are paid after AIT, as much as 6 months later depending on the MOS.  Married people should stay away from counter intelligence since that could keep you away 10 months out of the year, but it's my number one suggestion for single people.\n\nJust so you know, Basic Training is all about messing with your mind.  When you get on base, just turn your personality off for about 3 or 4 months.\n\nInjuries in the Army.  The Army is mean on this one.  If you get injured during anytime you get handed your orders and taken to the airport and the end of AIT, THEY WILL TRY to pass it off as a prior injury, no matter how stupid.  I saw guys getting general discharge on collapsed arches.  Not a pleasant thing, but I did see an honorable on a hernia.\n\nWell, the first few months are hell, after that, it's sweet.  It's good job, you're taken care of, and if you learn well, you have plenty of potential.  If you go to Iraq, you can still get free college there.  And you should take every opportunity for college credits possible.  A degree means eligibility for officer training and a good position in the army.\n\nAnd finally, make sure you fill out the paper work correctly.  Take your time, especially when calculating income.  Being married, I made more than the lieutenant as a PVT.\n\nIt's a good life, but it is the Army and the Army is about war.  For some reason a bunch of kids these days forget that when they sign the papers.  They think about travel and college and easy money and forget that it's about fighting.\n\nWell, I encourage it and wish you luck.