What has changed in basic training over the last 20 years? How will the 37 year old me see things differently than I did at 17?

SPC Josh Tharp — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:14:17 -0400

It appears that because of my break in service, I will be attending Basic Training 20 years after graduating from Fort Benning. What has changed in 20 years? Will it be mostly the same? How will 37 year old me see things differently than I did at 17?

Thanks in advance!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 12:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:00:24 -0400

I was in Basic at age 39.

Don't compete. I know you were in before, and it was my first time, but there were three others older than me when I was in all of them broke. While not the "oldest" in TRADOC, I was the oldest that graduated without injury or medical separation.

The goal is checking the box. The kids don't know that. They are all horny rabbits and trying to hook up. They just don't take in wisdom that isn't be given to them from the front leaning rest.

Just enjoy the rare opportunity to observe that life defining experience the kids are getting, that you are probably going to feel left out from.

I would suggest you try and reflect on your younger years and compare this coming experience. Do you have a memory of holding your Drill SGT's in high regard??? I didn't. I sort of didn't even respect some of them at all. They would lord their rank and power over us, but I'm standing there thinking "dude, I'm less than a year away from promotion eligibility to the very rank you hold, and I just got in, just what exactly have you been doing with your time while in".

Whereas, if I was 17 I wouldn't have that mind set. An E5 would seem like a GOD to an E1.

I envy the experience you are going to have. I didn't have a BEFORE and AFTER experience of Basic Training.

Response by SPC Alexander Correale made Aug 20 at 2020 1:54 PM

SPC Alexander Correale — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:54:48 -0400

Just do what your told and focus on completing the training, just like the first time. Prepare for the teenage drama and the occasional Drill SGT drama.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 2:10 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:10:00 -0400

Oh you're going to see.....A WHOLE LOT has changed. I think it's going to throw you for a loop. There's a whole lot of stuff that was the norm back then during the time of your first go-round that simply will not fly nowadays. Everything has gotten a lot more politically correct and sensitive now than what you experienced back then....and add all of the COVID-19 stuff also!! Your experience is going to be vastly different.

You've got a huge advantage over these young kids, though. You likely have the mental and emotional resilience that come with age, wisdom and years of experience. Things that would likely throw these young ones off will likely not even phase you in the least. Things that seem to be of great importance to them will likely be trivial and uninteresting to you.

Just help guide them while staying off the radar!! And keep pushing for us old guys!!

Response by PO2 Michael Rickey made Aug 20 at 2020 2:45 PM

PO2 Michael Rickey — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:45:23 -0400

I went in at 25 and passed boot. Navy that is. Spent 15 in. Got out I could not run. 3 times u r out. Good luck at 35. I did get two new hip replacement and a disability.

Response by PFC Gerald Lenox made Aug 21 at 2020 2:10 AM

PFC Gerald Lenox — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 02:10:57 -0400

You shouldn’t have to in my opinion. There’s nothing a boot (“drill Sargent or not”) with no OEF/OIF combat will teach you. You should be in a transitional program instead. Regardless best of luck.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Aug 27 at 2020 12:37 PM

SPC Richard Zacke — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 12:37:26 -0400

Just my opinon but if you have stayed in good shape you are ahead of the game. Youe age abd wisdom from being prior service will help you greatly. Don't get caught up in the teenage drama or offer toooo much advise because little Johnny may tell the DS that SPC Tharp told me it was O.K.. When I went through in 78 they kept prior service away from us as much as possible I have heard they don't even try that anymore. Good luck and remember your body is more easily damaged try to be easy on those joints. Remeber your are wiser than you were at 17 so don't get caught up in a challenge with a 17 y/o.