Do you remember your first day of basic training?

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:28:15 -0400

Everyone has their memories of that day

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 9:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:33:06 -0400

Absolutely do and then 7 years later was a Drill Sergeant in the same company. D 1/19. I remember watching guys who messed up getting "corrective training" and all I could think of was please don't let that be me.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 9:36 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:36:11 -0400

Excellent! I'll certainly never forget mine, it was more like first day(s) at Parris Island, me and three others up for ~48-72 hours straight, good times! lol

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 1 at 2014 10:54 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:54:39 -0400

Getting to Orlando at Midnight, Getting First Issue, Giving up everything I own. Getting to my Rack at 0-Dark Thirty. That jack-ass thorwing that garbage can down the P-way 0530 am. Oh yeah that is burned in my brain and soul pretty good. Learning to Hate the term "Recruit".

Response by SN Sean Willson made Jul 1 at 2014 11:50 PM

SN Sean Willson — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 23:50:49 -0400

I remember it like it was 26 years, 3 weeks and 4 days ago. I thought I had walked into hell.

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jul 1 at 2014 11:54 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 23:54:26 -0400

Yes I had to get rid of my food my mother sent me with to eat and to have. LOL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 1:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 01:42:43 -0400

No, Sir, the entire first week is a blur to me!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 2:00 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 02:00:55 -0400

Oh yes. *Shudders*

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jul 2 at 2014 9:09 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 09:09:48 -0400

oh yea i remember getting off the plane in San Diego (USMC) and walking the trough the airport and getting yelled at by a DI telling me to sit on the floor left leg over right leg and left hand left knee and right hand right knee and that ie what i consider the first day of my first career

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 11:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:36:10 -0400

E 1/48 at Fort Leonard (Lost in the) Wood, MO.

We were going through a "shake down/smoke session" after being picked up from reception. It was raining ICE and the DS told me that this "was fun". I don't remember having any fun.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 12:31 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:31:41 -0400

After hitting yellow foot prints immediately followed by 3 days of busy work to prevent sleeping, which included yelling, bloody shaved head, yelling, confiscation of any nasty civie trash, yelling, being renamed a recruit and renamed again with bootcamp nick name, yelling, moving from one squad by to another, yelling, cleaning, yelling, making a bed I would not sleep in, yelling, moving to another squad bay, yelling, testing, yelling, cleaning, yelling, making a bed I would not sleep in, yelling, moving to another squad bay, yelling, motivation checks, yelling, yelling oh and finally some yelling. That was a very long first day. It only got worse from there, at least until 3rd phase when we almost started to get treated almost human again almost.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 9:21 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 21:21:30 -0400

I remember it like it was yesterday... 2 JUN 1981, E Co. 7/1 INF TNG BN, Fort Benning Georgia.

Then I remember the new one... 7 JUL 1992, T-140, Cape May, NJ.

Both days are burned into my memory. Good times!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 4:30 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 04:30:49 -0400

Yes, the moment I realized "ohhhh THAT'S why my recruiter said pack light"...

Response by SPC Carlos Gonzalez made Jul 3 at 2014 5:14 AM

SPC Carlos Gonzalez — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 05:14:07 -0400

I remember crossing over those track in Fort Sill and all hell breaking lose. Those drill sergeant went wild on us lol.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 3 at 2014 9:05 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 09:05:24 -0400

5 July 1983. Flew from Columbus, OH to Philadelphia, PA arriving at around 8pm. Got on a but to Ft. Dix, NJ which got a flat tire somewhere between Philly and Dix. Ended up getting to reception around 3am. There were only 3 of us and they put the three of us in one bay.. no one else was in that bay and told us that wake up was at 4:30. About 5 am two drills came in yelling and screaming that we were late and the rest of the platoon was waiting for us. Needless to say, it was quite the smoke session! Yeah.. I remember... got off to a real rocky start there! I was never happier than when we left reception two days later to join our BT company so I could 'start over'. After that initial shock, nothing else even phased me! LOL!

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 4 at 2014 10:01 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 22:01:35 -0400

10 Nov 1966. Can anyone think of a holiday that happens around this time? What a rotten day to report to Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Il. After a flight from Raleigh to O'Hare, waiting for the bus to RTC Great lakes, and being dropped at the Gate, we reported to Boot Camp at Midnight. Were greated by a voice crying out in the distance, "You'll be sorry!"

And we were met by a group of Service Weeks, (people in the 6th week of boot camp on a break to work and not to just learn). Since it was a holiday weekend all of the Company Commanders and Assistant Company Commanders were OFF. We finally got chow at around 0100: cold ham, cold lima beans and bread. Then we marched (HA!) to our barracks and turned in for the night.

At 0500, we were awakened by our assigned Service Weeks, who informed us that we were NOT going to get our uniforms until Monday or maybe Tuesday. Most of us had listened to our recruiters and had the clothes on our backs. So it was a long, smelly weekend before we finally got our haircuts, clothing, etc.

On Sunday night, our Company Commander, SHC George Karahos, came into the barracks and assigned us to our Squads and duties. Because I had put down Greek Orthodox as my religion, I became the Company MAA. This earned me a few extra privileges and a lot of extra duty anytime anyone screwed up.

Forget my first day? Never and not my first 4 or so. In fact all 13 weeks are just about etched in my memory. We even got to watch the Ice Bowl and I got EMI for authorizing the Company (CO-668) to go into the TV Room and smoke when the Chief was not there. It was worth it. Biggest lesson learned - it is better to ask for forgiveness that to be denied a request before making a decision.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 4 at 2014 10:12 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 22:12:30 -0400

My new training cycle

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jul 5 at 2014 11:30 AM

1SG David Niles — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 11:30:37 -0400

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was full of excited nervousness, I was a bit scared of the unknown, but I realized that millions of recruits went before me and made it just fine. I welcomed the challenge and the harder it got the more I smiled. It was one of the funnest most challenging times in my life and it truly taught me that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 5 at 2014 11:37 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 11:37:08 -0400

Grew up with a DI for a father, so it wasn't so scary, it was more exhausting, and I kept telling myself, "Keep you mouth shut... this isn't home!"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 6:09 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 06:09:51 -0400

I got there ~0400, and they let us bed down at 0500. At 0530, they woke up back up and many of us had fire guard duty that night. It had been a long time since I'd stayed up that long.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 5 at 2014 4:09 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:09:18 -0400

CPT Jacob Swartout I want to say it involved a bit of yelling, or was that my first day of marriage? Oh well, samey same.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Sep 5 at 2014 5:42 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:42:52 -0400

That was an amazing day. Fort Benning, summer of 2007. The hottest summer in ten years. I wouldn't trade that sweat storm for anything.

Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Sep 5 at 2014 7:00 PM

MSgt Chris Adams — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:00:08 -0400

I do. Got into San Antonio late. They must have woken up this TI just to mess with me. I was standing in line to turn in my dependent ID card. He comes across the room with my ID in his hand got in my face (his 6'2" vs my 6'6") and asked "you think you're special cause daddy is a SMSgt!?!?"

I stood there at attention, looked him dead in the eyes and said...yes.
LOL he about had a fit.

2nd funniest story - was an element leader, TI from another flight decided it was pick on the big guy day. He pulls me out of formation and commences to chew out my stomach. This guy was barely 5' in his boots. I tried so hard not to laugh. His smokey bear hat kept hitting me and made me chuckle harder.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 5 at 2014 7:11 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:11:29 -0400

CPT Jacob Swartout, you ask this like forgetting was an option. July 2, 1983. Oh crap! I just totally dated myself.

Response by SPC Kurt Weiland made Sep 5 at 2014 8:18 PM

SPC Kurt Weiland — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:18:41 -0400

Who could forget such a pivotal day in our lives? I remember being crammed into cattle cars from reception at Fort Benning and traveling to Sand Hill. So crammed that wha ever direction you were standing was the only direction you could see. So most of us couldn't see what was coming. No matter how crammed that cattle car was it was empty in seconds flat! Then I remember assholes and elbows, a cluster fuck an FUBAR. I hadn't been issued my military issue rape prevention goggles and a huge black Drill took issue with it and I hadn't learned to not look them in the eyes yet and that was all he needed. I was on my back doing flutter kicks and then the front leaning rest sweating my ass off and fearing for my life because he got real real close to me and told me when he wasn't doing this, he wrestled alligators for fun!! I remember thinking who the hell does that??!!! Welcome to Fort Benning son! Still love the experience till today.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 12:07 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:07:37 -0400

CPT Jacob Swartout, I do remember my first day of basic training, and it was a little over 39 years ago. The last leg of my trip from home (upstate NY) to Fort Polk (basic training site) was by bus, and at the last bus station there were several troops who had failed out of BCT, telling us that we'd never make it. I remember it being extremely hot and humid (end of June 1975). That night we were put up in our WWII barracks, and then the next day was actually day #1. Something that stands out for me is that we had a formation, where we dumped everything we brought with us on the ground. The drill sergeants came through, confiscated contraband, and told us to pack up most of our things to be placed in storage.

It may not have been the first day, but soon after that, they rushed us through uniform issue. It was HOT! And everyone was sweating a lot. In classic fashion, at the end of the hurried uniform issue, we were told to get into our Class A uniform for official BCT photos. Many people had sweat lines on their shirt collars in their photos. I was one of the many who did.

Another part of either that day or soon after that stands out was the immunizations line. Those "air-gun" syringes were popular then. We got our shot records and were put in lines to get our various shots. One fellow near me moved when the medic pulled the air gun trigger. It ripped his arm, which started bleeding quite a lot. I don't remember the exact number of shots I got that day, but I do remember that it was quite a few.

Looking back on it now, these are good memories. At the time, I was kinda scared.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 10:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 22:33:06 -0400

I sure due, I was volunteered to unload the cattle trucks with our bags. At first the Drill Sergeant was calm and relax, then all of a sudden the switch turned on and my world was rocked for ever. And over 10 years later I saw that same Drill Sergeant, but he was now the Assistant Commandant at ALU while I was in SLC. Now that proves how small the Army really is.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 3 at 2014 11:38 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 23:38:27 -0400

I remember my first day in Basic Training (Nov. 18, 1983) right down to the nasty chicken they served on United Airlines....best haircut EVER....yellow footprints.....

"Welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. From this moment forward the first and last word out of your nasty little mouths will be SIR. Am I understood?"

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Oct 4 at 2014 4:19 AM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:19:37 -0400

I'll never forget my first day. I'm not including reception, I'm talking about the first day. the DS's at Ft Benning were intimidating to say the least, but the training they gave us instilled in me the building blocks of what 'right looks like'. I'm grateful for where I went for basic, and I'm especially grateful for having the DS's I had.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 4 at 2014 10:14 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 10:14:40 -0400

You mean first 72 hours? I am not entirely sure I slept until after receiving. I remember being a zombie, peeing in a cup, calling home, getting uniforms, getting rifles, sitting in a nasty squad bay eating bag nasty's, marching here and there, the glow belt being important somehow, not being allowed to talk, getting photos taken for ID cards, getting the "did you ever do anything illegal" talk, getting issued gear, pick up day, then I think we slept. Not in that order. I am sure there was more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 11:06 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 11:06:39 -0400

I remember having to hold our bags in our arms. We weren't allowed to use the straps or anything. You just wrapped your arms around whatever bags you had and held it to your chest. Which wasn't so bad, but there was this one guy who decided to travel with a big suitcase that had wheels on it..... and yes, they made him hold that up while we were standing in line just waiting.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 7:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 19:49:35 -0400

Yes it was September 11 1995 when I first stood on the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego. Never before and not since have I witnessed such a magnificent display of organized chaos, wouldn't change a thing though. Would have been nice to attend Army basic to get the experience that my Soldiers had.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 10:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 22:00:50 -0400

CPT Jacob Swartout - I remember the first night and being in the dorm sleeping in a very strange place. Lots of yelling and spit. LOL. That following morning we had an AB Crowder who wigged out in formation. Learning how to make a bed was pretty cool. I bragged out it when I went to a Motel one time. I have mad skills!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 4 at 2014 10:17 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 22:17:28 -0400

CPT Jacob Swartout,

Yes, quite well. I arrived at the San Diego airport and reported to the Marine Corps liaison NCO. My orders said to report at 0001. I reported in about 1400. The very nice and polite Marine Sergeant (E-5) so very nicely ASKED me to sit Indian style on the floor of the airport in view of his desk. (Sarcasm is hard to type so I hope it is getting through).

I sat there until a little after 0001 when everyone else was there and we were escorted to a line of waiting buses. All were a beautiful green color with more nice and polite Marine NCOs. We arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot a while later after riding for what seemed like an eternity. I thought we would be whisked off to a barracks and a LONG nights rest, instead, we hit the yellow foot prints and in processing began immediately. We received our haircuts, were issued sweatshirts, cammie trousers, and covers, received a haircut, and about 0500 had breakfast. Then it was a BRAND NEW DAY.

My first day as a Marine recruit lasted about 18 hours before my head hit that comfortable rack.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 10:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 22:20:44 -0400

I'll never forget arriving at Ft Benning around midnight, no sleep for about 48 hours and standing in lines for days. It was so cold in the breezeway at 30th AG and I had no jacket in January. Someone next to me talked in the DFAC and I got kicked out. Those were great times. Lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:49 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:49:46 -0400

I remember that pretty clearly, it started when we went to the Airport to take a bus out to Fort Sill. After a long and silent bus ride over there, we went through the gates and pulled to a stop near the concrete with the yellow feet painted on it. It was a blur of briefings and instructions, before being given our free haircuts the following morning. Definitely something that I can still remember today

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 2:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 02:31:39 -0400

The memories...it was so nice I had my own bed and my own locker and my own duffel bag with new uniforms with lots of room mates....lmao...and some random people with brown hats screaming out what we're doing wrong and yelling at us to square our selves away...lol...such wonderful life...at the end of it all that small coin had great meaning

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 1:06 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 01:06:08 -0400

I sorta remember the first...Def remember the last! With fellow Rally Point Member SFC Ian Lumgair , 1987, Harmony Church, E 1/38. (Me on the left)

Response by SGT Donald Howard made Oct 12 at 2014 4:40 AM

SGT Donald Howard — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 04:40:56 -0400

June 1982,t. Leonard wood,Mo.I was a 17yr old kid.I remember the how the DI's poured out of the barrachs as soon as we arrived and smoked the dog snot out of us.I swear I thought I had died on the trip to boot camp and had landed in hell.

Response by CPL Robert Ramsey made Oct 12 at 2014 4:56 AM

CPL Robert Ramsey — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 04:56:12 -0400

I remember the DI's always having that signature "HOOOOLYYYY SH**!" when they have discovered some poor soul deserving of ridicule. To this day, I do not remember the fellows name. Only the moniker in which was thrust upon him. He had massive BCG's on his face, just massive things. Upon sighting the poor guy, the conversation went something like this.

"HOOOOLYYY SH**! Geezus, son, I'm hungry as hell! I bet you can read the menu in the DFAC from here! Come on, son, tell me what's for dinner! Jesus Christ, don't TELL me you can't see the future those! Your name is now Portholes!"

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 6:07 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 18:07:02 -0500

I've done 3 "boot camps." My first boot camp is the only one that can really be considered boot camp, and I did that at MCRD San Diego. I remember only bits and pieces of it as we were up for around 60 hours. My main memory from that time is getting off the plane in San Diego and being greeted by a DI with an eye patch emblazoned with a giant EGA. I knew I was in for a long 13 weeks.

My second boot camp was the indoc for the Naval Academy prep school. My orders were all screwed up, so I didn't get any leave en route from Okinawa to Newport, so I was extremely jet lagged. Then to add insult to injury I was forced to pay for my haircut... Not a fun day.

My third and final first boot camp memory was I-day at the Academy. The prior Marines (7 of us) had to go to 8th&I to pick up our SRBs. Once we picked them up, we reported to a large auditorium where we got our shots and our haircut. The day ended with the oath of office ceremony which I fell asleep during. This happened due to a number of factors: one I was dog tired, as I woke up at three that morning and had been going all day, and two because we were all wearing white which caused a glare that physically hurt my eyes.

Needless to say, I am happy I am done with boot camps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 9:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 21:57:48 -0500

I loved basic training. I was one of the guys that actually went out into the real world on my own and even finished an associates degree prior to joining, so I already had some real world experience and common sense in my back pocket. Yeah, that meant diddly squat that first day. We get bused in, with all the Drill Sergeants waiting for us to get off the bus. You could tell they were loving every minute of it too. The bus hadn't even come to a stop before one of them hopped on and started yelling at us to move out, get in a circle and dump our belongings so they could inspect what we were authorized and what we weren't. Well, I found it amusing, so I had a smirk on my face the whole time. Before I go on, allow me a little back-story. I'm Mexican, raised with the good old tough love that is rarely seen anymore, with even aunts and uncles pitching in when the time required it for the much needed discipline, be it a smack, a scolding or a good old a$$ chewing with some some smacks thrown in for good measure. Well, one of the Drill Sergeants saw me smirking and ran up to me, got in my face and started yelling at me, "Do you think this is funny private?" To which I replied, "Sorry Drill Sergeant, but you're no where near as scary as my aunt when she is yelling at me." Yeah, bad move. He got red faced, but couldn't recover nor could he come up with a retort, so he started yelling at the guy next to me for laughing, while some of the other Drill Sergeants laughed as well. A few days later, I was the guy that they made an example out of (because one of them snatched my glasses off my head and I cussed him out). Got to say, Basic Training was a blast. Someday I would like to run into my old Drill Sergeants and thank them for being such hard a$$es.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 10:15 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 22:15:41 -0500

April, 1991. Fort Jackson, SC.
**Oh-dark-hunnert. (aka, WTF-time-o-clock??)

Bus pulls up in the dark. Absolute silence... And then........... FIRST.FIVE.MINUTES.
"MCGIRR, WHERE'S YOUR SH*T?? WHY DON'T YOU HAVE YOUR SH*T?? FIND YOUR SH*T, MCGIRR!!!" ((Insert varying endless iterations of same concept))

(("I want to be home. What was I thinking? How was this a good idea??")) Good times. O_o

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 12:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:06:32 -0500

If AG Reception counts? Yes Sir, I do. A CPT. Stillman said "we were a fine looking group of men" to SFC Hulka. Next, we sat down for a lecture on 'goats with stinky butts' then he told us, "he and Uncle Sam were the same". The last few minutes of lecture was "how to walk, talk, shoot, ----, like American Soldiers". I was No/Go on that last skill, until some Corporal yelled "GRENADE"! Honestly all that took place about six months later, but I do enjoy seeing the inside of "Fort Arnold's" Reception from time to time!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 6:39 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 06:39:09 -0500

The bus driver that dropped my group off, dropped us off in the wrong spot. He dropped us off at the actual quarterdeck instead of where we were suppose to be dropped off. we ended up surprising the RDC's because we were also the first group to show up.other than that it was a lot of sitting and standing as we were getting our stuff issued.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Sep 1 at 2015 11:52 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:52:23 -0400

I didn't realize how scary a tiny woman could be until that night. I had arrived and expected TI's to jump on my bus and start yelling at us immediately. Not the case. (this made me even more on edge). After a "fun-filled" evening of briefings and trying to figure out if I was doing the right thing to avoid trouble, I finally got sent to my new sqd. The TI was a SrA White. She was a tiny black girl. I was wearing my tshirt my recruiter had given us for being in the DEP program, because it was the nicest shirt I had. (unbeknownst to me though, this was usually a sign to TI's to be extra tough on this trainee) She yelled at me "Who told you to wear that shirt?" "No one ma'am." "No one told you to wear that shirt?? So you just decided to wear it on your own?" "Yes ma'am" (looking back I wished I had told her why I chose to wear it. Maybe she would have had a twinge of guilt lol but maybe not.) "Well take that off and turn it inside out. You aren't in my air force yet!" off came the shirt and turned it inside out and back on it went. Laying in bed that night I remember thinking, "What did I get myself into...not like I had much of an option and it is too late now to do anything about the past."

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Dec 6 at 2016 4:11 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 16:11:40 -0500

I got an Article 15 the first day of basic training. We were at Fort Polk, LA in 1972, we were awakened at 345 to prepare for the Cattle Car ride to our Basic Company. Turn in Reception Center blankets, sheets, get shots, and WAIT...The Cattle cars showed we got in, we got out and all we heard was run, not knowing where to run, we ran around the trucks. We were given bunk assignments and diagrams as to how to set up our locker and foot locker. Instructions on how to properly make a bunk with Dust Covers. Running all day, then it comes, lights out, but wait, there is a fire guard roster, and I have 11 to Midnight, well no use in going to sleep. So, I stayed up, I was exhausted. We were on the second floor of a WWII barrack, I sat on my footlocker. A Turtle (Wanna be Drill Sergeant with a helmet liner), had climbed the fire escape, crawled through the window, snuck up behind me and asked if I was sleeping, I said no, sitting, he said sitting is the same as sleeping. I had never heard that concept. He turned me in for sleeping on Fireguard. I got an Article 15, $25 2 weeks restriction, 2 weeks extra duty, and I was the example for the UCMJ class the following week. Article 15's stayed locally on Post and did not follow you, unfortunately I took AIT at North Fort, so I had to deal with that there, left AIT promoted to PFC, there was no place to go but up after that.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2016 6:06 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 18:06:54 -0500

God, what a night. Drove 6-hours from in-processing at Fort Jackson to get to Benning. We were supposed to arrive at 1800, and didn't get there until almost 2300 hours. That red, Georgia clay just GLOWED under the lights of the baseball diamond, and we saw our Drill cadre with black t-shirts and carrying bats and mattock handles. We get all excited and start talking about a game, and I remember a single voice, quietly say, "I don't think we're gonna play any ball."

Staff Sergeant Delaney gets on the bus - a tall, VERY dark Black man - and he smiles this HUGE smile. "Welcome to Fort Benning, gentlemen, I'm SSG Delaney..." and he went on for another minute or two about what to expect and that smile never left his face... until the MOMENT.

With the same smile, he starts, "You have fifteen seconds to get you and your gear off my bus," and the smile disappeared, "AND FOURTEEN OF THEM ARE GONE! NOW _MOOOOVE_!!!!!"

Not a person budged - we were paralyzed with fear from the transformation of nice, cuddly SSG Delaney into this horrid monster. "I SAID _MOOOOOVE_!!!!!" and he cocked back his mattock handle and took aim at the poor bastard in the first seat.

Yes, I am aware that it's an exaggeration, but I still think that we all got off the bus before that blow could have landed. We were diving out of the windows and over seats...

And then things got bad... This was June, 1981, E/7/1 ITB, Sand Hill, Fort Benning.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Dec 7 at 2016 9:00 PM

SSG Christopher Conklin — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 21:00:38 -0500

I when the cattle car stop in front of Delta Company 3/10 that Jun 87 at Ft. Lost Woods. We get yell at and total get off. One drill, me to move out. What do I say? Yes, sir. This drill followed me and when find me, it was push-up the ground with my face. I sure, glad that get that drill.

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Dec 7 at 2016 9:40 PM

SPC Matt Johnson — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 21:40:07 -0500

mine wasn't horrific at all. I was raised in a family of high strung women. So I was use to getting yelled at all the time and having things thrown at me. I joined the army thinking I was going to get a male influence in my life and I ended up getting a female DS that was built like a brick shit house. She even had the male DS pissing themselves. She made sure to get in everyone's face and when she got to me she got no reaction whatsoever. This went on all through basic and finally one day she gets in my face and ask me" WHY IS IT PRIVATE THAT I HAVE EVERYONE HERE SCARED BUT YOU?! WHY DON'T I SCARE YOU BOY?!" and I replied "You ain't met my family DS. You are making feel right at home DS" They are even more scary than you." the rest of the Dill's busted out laughing and her face started to twitch and she walked away muttering to her self. I payed for it later. after graduation she met my family(my mom, aunt, sister, grandma) and she saw how they were and came to me and whispered in my ear "I understand now private"

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2016 9:58 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 21:58:01 -0500

Will never forget it.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Dec 8 at 2016 9:27 AM

SFC William Stephens — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 09:27:57 -0500

Sir, I will never forget my first day because I was known as the "STAR PRIVATE" we were a OSUT group all on the busses and the DS called our name and if he had to call our name more then twice we became "STAR PRIVATES," I became one very fast, because I was not used to someone telling me what to do, so I had to paint all the numbers on the helmets and the white dots on the boots as well, OH I had help.......

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 8 at 2016 5:23 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 17:23:13 -0500

Exhausted from the trip. Slept soundly, right up until they tossed the trashcan and started kicking it around.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 8 at 2016 5:51 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 17:51:10 -0500

Yes I do, and it wasn't like it is now, some of the recruits now a days would crying for their mommies in side of 2 minutes.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Dec 9 at 2016 6:32 AM

PO1 John Johnson — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 06:32:49 -0500

I sure do, 30July79. With all the in your face yelling, us running around like chickens with our heads cutoff getting haircuts, issued clothing, doing paperwork, chow, pushups and other calisthenics, etc.; it took me about 24 hours to realize that the main business of the DI's was to separate those enlistees that showed a propensity to fall apart under the crush of unexpected stress from the rest of us. Even though I had quite a rebellious streak in me, it reminded me of all those years of playing football and baseball with a dad who was always a coach. I knew that I had to STFU, pay attention and do what I was told immediately exactly how I was told. The calisthenics and workout parts were the easiest. I must say that being shaved down to bare metal was extremely unnerving after all those years of long hair, and until that point I had no idea my head was the size of a giant Rottweiler's!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 15 at 2017 11:48 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 23:48:40 -0400

Sure remember our greeting at San Antonio airport and all of us getting stood into a formation right there a bit of a spectacle for passing civilians. We were leaded onto buses for the trip to Lackland AFB, TX and the Reception center and it was still dark. the processing inside then proceeding outside and standing on the yellow footprints. The trip to the Mess Hall, side step through the line, looking straight ahead, proceed to a table and stand at attention until every seat was filled then sit and consume Your breakfast and be quick about it. Then followed the day of training which was nice after having been on a plane from Boston and up all the previous day also. We were still marching around in civilian clothes that first day and were called "Rainbows" by others that already had their uniform issues. Remember other's there before us would march by and sign cadence songs like, Rainbow, Rainbow don't fee blue, 4 more days and We'll be through" as one example. of course except what We were wearing all the other civilian clothes etc had already been taken from us earlier in the day along with anything they didn't feel We should have with us.

Response by LTC Joe Loyd made Mar 6 at 2018 11:43 AM

LTC Joe Loyd — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:43:06 -0500

What I remember was Zero Week. The Army. did not want anything to do with me and I felt the same way. We fell out in the morning, personnel were picked for details (cutting grass at the golf course, working in the Base officers club). Once the details were picked, Top would tell the rest of us to disappear. Then there was the first day of BASIC, all I could think over and over again was, “These people are trying to kill me!”

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Nov 28 at 2018 12:22 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 12:22:58 -0500

I must be the only oddball because I honestly don’t remember much of my first day at all - just bits and pieces of BT altogether.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Nov 28 at 2018 1:16 PM

1LT Vance Titus — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 13:16:54 -0500

I did basic at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Our first day in the barracks the drill sergeant opened the back door and pointed to Mt. Rainier. It was a crystal clear day and the mountain was beautiful. The drill sergeant said to take a good look at it because we won't see it again all summer. He was referencing the "typical rainy weather of the northwest." As it turned out we had an unusually dry summer and we saw the mountain more often than not. I think that may be the only good thing that can be said about my experience at basic training.

Response by SGT James Murphy made May 16 at 2019 1:09 PM

SGT James Murphy — Thu, 16 May 2019 13:09:59 -0400

Who the Hell Doesn't?

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made May 16 at 2019 2:11 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 16 May 2019 14:11:21 -0400

Fond memories of....