Where and when did you attend Basic/boot camp, and have you ever been back there?

SFC James Baber — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:55:52 -0400

Would be an interesting thing to see not only the locations, but a generational perspective on how changes to those locations may be for each and if it even exists anymore. Also have you ever returned to the location either as a duty station or just to see what is was like for memories and changes that may have taken place. I will lead off, Ft McClellan, AL: D10-1983. I did OSUT there so I started in '83 and finished AIT in '84 I went back in 1992 for another school, but haven't been back since it shuttered it's doors to AIT in '99, have been to Leonardwood for few other schools and checked out their facilities, big difference to what we had at McClellan back in the day though. Would love to go back to McClellan today and see what the base looks like and what bldgs. still exist or training areas are there.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 2 at 2014 11:56 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:56:36 -0400

I went through Ft Benning, Ga. Harmony Church, 4th Plt, B co, 1/38 Infantry Training Battalion. Dec 1, 1988 - Mar 89. Airborne School Til April. D co I think 1/501st. "Rock Of the Marne". Was at 30th Reception for Thanksgiving, That was areal treat. Told us to bring 2 days of clothes, and they had a 4 day weekend!! I was OSUT so AIT was switching from turtle shell to soft caps. I was told that Harmony Church has been bulldozed, So no Haven't been Back!

Response by SSG Shawn M. made Apr 2 at 2014 12:05 PM

SSG Shawn M. — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:05:19 -0400

Fort Lost in the Woods, Jul-Nov 08 for MP OSUT training. Never been back and don't plan on it either

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 2 at 2014 12:24 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:24:45 -0400

Ft Jackson, SC back in 1987.  C Co 1/63rd Inf Bn.  I was on OLD tank hill with the WW2, 2 story stick barracks.  I have heard that those are all gone now.  I remember PT running from base of hill to the top of the hill and back....a few times!  Never been back since.  Really...have no desire either.  Basic training: really, did not get to see the post, so other then the fantastic time I had on the Bayonet course, Victory Tower, and a couple other things.....would not recognize anything there in the first place.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Apr 2 at 2014 12:32 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:32:33 -0400

OSUT (One Station Unit Training), Cavalry Scout, FT Knox, KY. 1982......

OSUT the Army started around 1980 for combat MOS', otherwise you did your basic and AIT together. Non-combat go one place for 8 weeks of basic, then another for what ever their MOS school was at. 1987, went back for 3 weeks for the D3 (M3 Bradley Training)

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Apr 2 at 2014 12:44 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:44:13 -0400

USCG Recruit Training Center, Government Island, Alameda, Have not been back, Recruit Center closed in 1982, & the Recruit Training Center consolidated to Cape May NJ. Now rebranded Coast Guard Island Alameda, Government Island, is an artificial island, formed in 1913 in the Oakland Estuary between Oakland and Alameda. The Coast Guard first came to the island in 1926 when it established Base 11. June 1, 1982 the island was renamed Coast Guard Island & The Pacific Area Command, Coast Guard District Eleven, and Marine Safety Office San Francisco Bay were relocated there.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Apr 2 at 2014 12:46 PM

SPC Michael Hunt — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:46:49 -0400

Ft Benning, GA 1989... have not been back, should take a trip there some day I guess.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 12:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:59:28 -0400

Great question and idea. I went to basic in September 1991 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO then went to Fort Lee, VA for AIT in November 1991 graduating in February 1992. Haven't been back to FLW but would love to visit some time. Was stationed at Lee in 2010 and it has changed tremendously. The changes in 2008 when I was there in 2008 for BNCOC (yes, I'm calling it that instead of ALC since that is what it was called when I went through) were pretty vast.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 1:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:10:33 -0400

Fort Leonard Wood, MO 2011-2012 MP OSUT, and never left! still stationed in FLW.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 1:13 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:13:40 -0400

Fort Benning Jan 2010 to April 2010 for infantry OSUT training and I am stationed there now and have actually went and seen my old battalion

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 1:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:32:52 -0400

I went to Basic and AIT (OSUT) at Fort Benning, GA in 1998. I went back in 2006 for WLC and havent been back since. I liked Ft. Benning Basic especially now that I am an AIT PSG and see that still today Benning is sending the most diciplined Soldiers of all the BCTs.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 2 at 2014 1:50 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:50:03 -0400

My first tour of duty I went to Fort Bliss, Texas for OSUT in Air Defense Artillery. No I have not been back since, I spent 14 weeks waiting for a huge golf ball to drop from the sky and kill us all, I have hated sand ever since. When I went back in 1999 I was supposed to go to Fort Jackson, SC; however, after spending 2 weeks in reception getting shots and basic issue items they decided that they had overbooked the barracks and sent me back to the Midwest to Fort Leonard Wood, MO. otherwise known as fort lost in the woods. Have not been back their either, but would love to go some day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 2:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:00:01 -0400

I went to Jackson for reception and the was sent to Ft. Gordon Ga. for Basic and AIT Infantry training.  I was their for the 15 day leadership school also.  I was in the Old Wooden Barracks B-4-2 & A-8-3.  Then to Ft. Benning!  Seems like a hundred years ago .  This was in 1963-1964'. I have been back, not the same!  Buildings are gone and Rebuilt, Private two man rooms, Male-Female in same buildings.  I Felt tired old and nervous!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 2:05 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:05:47 -0400

A 1/19th FA, Ft Sill, Oklahoma 1996.  I have not been back there but have considered a road trip sometime.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Apr 2 at 2014 2:15 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:15:10 -0400

Fort Leanord Wood, Aug - Oct 1972, and have never returned. Although after doing my Drill Sergeant duty at Ft. Dix, NJ (the absolute worst duty station in CONUS), I would have loved the opportunity to go back and do Trail time at Leanord Wood

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 2:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:27:04 -0400

Boot Camp- MCRD Paris Island 1995 (class 2025); 2146 M1A1 Tank school Fort knox, KY 95'-96'; AIT (63H) Edgewood APG, MD 2000

I have not been back to either Paris Island or Edgewood as there was nothing to really miss there although, I did return to APG for BNCOC in 2005.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 2:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:31:00 -0400

Fort Benning, Ga in 2003 and then returned as a Drill Sergeant in the same Battalion I went to OSUT in.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 2 at 2014 2:32 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:32:07 -0400

Boot Camp was Parris Island. AIT was Redstone Arsenal. I have yet to go back to either, but I'm not opposed to it. I remember PI having a beautiful museum..

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 2 at 2014 3:20 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:20:19 -0400

"Home of Armor and Cavalry" Ft. Knox, Sept '87-Jan '88: 19K OSUT....returned for M1A2 TC Course in Sept '98, 19K ANCOC '04 and was stationed their as a Sr Instructor and the Tank Driver Training Committee NCOIC '06-'10.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 3:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:56:57 -0400

B 2/46 INF, Fort Knox, KY 1996. I have been to the post since then, but not to the training area, and really have no plans to do so.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Apr 2 at 2014 5:20 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:20:56 -0400

Fort McClellan, Alabama, OSUT training, B/787th MPs, the last QUAD before the ranges besides the FAT FARM that was next door. I went back for the regimental NCO of the year competition and also the Special Reaction Team course with a team from MDW. All my visits to Fort McClellan were before warrant service (1992), so all were before it closed in 99. I can honestly say after 26 years in the Army, that it was a blessing for Soldiers to leave that part of Alabama. It was the most ill-will friendly place I have ever lived during my service. I was not served in restaurants, charged extra for rent, treated like a second or third class citizen the entire time I was there. Glad it is gone, all the recent news about the chemical school there and my daughter being born with disabilities has me concerned even more!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 5:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:38:26 -0400

Reception Station: World War 2 Barracks, - Fort Leonard Wood, MO. They're completely gone.

Alpha Company, 4th Training Bn, 2nd Training Bde, 12B10 OSUT, 11 JUL 1980 - 13 OCT 1980, Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Brick barracks, then into the 'tin shacks' . I saw both of them when I went back to:

A Co. 554th Engr Bn, 26 MAR 1994 - 16 AUG 1994, for Engr Officer Advanced Course.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 5:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:42:05 -0400

I did my basic training at Ft. Jackson in 1995. I haven't been back since. I have, however, been to Ft. Gordon 3 times. First for AIT in 95/96, second for SBOLC in 2011, and third for BN S6 course in 2012.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 7:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:25:27 -0400

Fort McClellan, AL. 1997. OSUT. I was sent back for a second school and we were the last class to go through as the installation was closing. I was able to go back to my Basic Training barracks just to watch it be torn down.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 10:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:38:39 -0400

First enlistment...Fort Knox, KY (August-October 1986)

Second enlistment...Fort Jackson, SC (OSUT/November 2002-March 2003). Been back several times for school and ALC and going back next month for SLC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 10:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:51:37 -0400

Ft Jackson, SC 1996. 3/13 Inf. Stayed there for AIT at 369th AG BN.

Response by SFC Andre'-P. Fournier made Apr 3 at 2014 6:19 PM

SFC Andre'-P. Fournier — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:19:59 -0400

Fort Jackson for Basic & AIT(1979) -- visited again in 2001. HOOAH!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 7:21 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:21:28 -0400

I am now stationed at Ft Knox.....where I work across from the Basic training barracks where I attended JROTC summer camp in Junior High and the ghosts of the old white WW2 barracks I stayed in as a NG Soldier before I went active.....so old.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 7:23 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:23:59 -0400

Ft Benning 1/50th for Basic 93' and 2/58 AIT 94'....didnt go back until Airborne 2005....(8 year break in service)

Response by SFC Andrew Heil made Apr 3 at 2014 7:52 PM

SFC Andrew Heil — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:52:15 -0400

Fort McClellan, Alabama We were the first unit to start OUST. The hills were a killer!
95B, Military Police School. Oct 1977-Feb 1978

Response by SPC Rachel Stubbs made Apr 3 at 2014 8:55 PM

SPC Rachel Stubbs — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:55:57 -0400

Ft. Leonardwood, OSUT from OCT02-March03. NO I have not been back. Knee deep snow and sub zero temps. I will never go back to that place.<br><br>

Response by MSG Stephen Thomas made Apr 3 at 2014 9:08 PM

MSG Stephen Thomas — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:08:56 -0400

Never went to US Army boot camp.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 9:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:27:36 -0400

OSUT Ft Sill 1981, B 5th Tng BN. was stationed back at Sill twice, once in IIICorp 1992 and once in Garrison Cmd 1996. BNCOC,ANCOC and TACFIRE long course also taken there. Bought and sold a house in Lawton. Great community there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 11:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 23:08:40 -0400

I joined in 2005 and went to C 1-48th INF BN, Fort Leonard Wood, MS. I haven't been back to see what it's like but my best friend went there for his chemical school after graduating ROTC last year and visited the company we went to. He said it's pretty much like he remembered. As for AIT, I was assigned to D 309th MI BN in Fort Huachuca....well I'm here now and it's exactly as I remembered....from nine years ago. Pretty cool though except for the fact that the organizations in TRADOC absolutely do not operate in the same way as it did when I went through. If you look at a soldier wrong, there's a SHARP and/or EO complaint against you. They're like the PLAGUE man!!!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 12:37 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:37:58 -0400

Ft. Knox OSUT yes been back once.

Response by SrA Victor Michael Garcia made Apr 4 at 2014 1:31 AM

SrA Victor Michael Garcia — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:31:16 -0400

I went through Lackland AFB, Texas July, 1968. Never been back, but would like to see it once again. Then onto Scott AFB, then onto Bien Hoa AFB,Vietnam.

Response by SGT Phong Le made Apr 4 at 2014 6:29 AM

SGT Phong Le — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 06:29:46 -0400

I started in Ft Leonard wood Mo November 2010 and left February 15 2011 for AIT in for Ft Gordon Ga then came right back to the woods in June for my first PDS. Finally left on September 2013 for Korea and heading to Ft Polk Louisiana by September this year. I'll probably be back in Georgia for ALC.

Response by SSG Granville Moad made Apr 4 at 2014 9:19 AM

SSG Granville Moad — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:19:14 -0400

Fort Benning, Georgia: 1983, Cco 8-2. Harvey Barracks. I went back there about 15 years ago, and Harvey Barracks was shut down. I asked around and was told it had been shut down for a long time. Still brought back a few DI memories though. I guess the old days are long gone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 9:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:41:46 -0400

I went to Fort Leonard Wood, MO from April-June 1997. I haven't been back since nor to I want to ever go back. Maybe because it was BCT but I just had a bad vibe about the place. The Drill Sergeant's complained alot about how there was nothing around FLW and ended up taking their frustration out on us.

My daughter graduates BCT at Fort Sill in 2 weeks so that will be a great experience. I've never been there but from what I hear, i'm not missing a thing.

Response by SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu made Apr 4 at 2014 11:26 AM

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 11:26:20 -0400

Fort Benning, GA Bravo 2/47 2004. I loved the place and also thought of going back but they sent me to Drum. So I hope to go back there as a Civilian to visit some family who are stationed out there.

Response by SrA Marianne Santangelo made Apr 4 at 2014 2:01 PM

SrA Marianne Santangelo — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:01:48 -0400

USAF Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio ,Texas..Then on to Sheppard AFB,Wichita Falls, Texas for Tech School. Have not been back to Lackland AFB, but went back to Sheppard AFB in Feb 2005 for training when I joined Air Guard in 2004.

Response by COL Dan O'Rourke made Apr 4 at 2014 2:33 PM

COL Dan O'Rourke — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:33:43 -0400

Ft Benning, sept 86. Been back a couple times.

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Apr 4 at 2014 2:59 PM

MSgt Raymond Hickey — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:59:21 -0400

Lackland AFB, TX in 1968 for Basic and Tech School...went back in '69 for AZR (pre Viet Nam weapons/tactics training); in '75 for ABGD (Air Base Ground Defense); in '82 for AF Recruiter Training and in '84 for NCO Acad. And then again in '03 for a reunion of the AF, Viet Nam Security Police Association.

Response by LTC Alan Moore made Apr 4 at 2014 4:45 PM

LTC Alan Moore — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:45:17 -0400

Ft. Knox - summer 1973

We were all "draft dodgers" on our way to Law School, Medical School, or Grad School. The class included the son of the head of the CIA, William Colby. We were told we were the "most educated boot camp class in history!"

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 7:33 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:33:57 -0400

RTC Orlando, FL CO 443 CTRC Zetterholms Mad Dogs, Push Up Position Hut Battalion 5. Sep-Nov 76 Closed in 1993 No I haven't been back.

Response by 1LT David Newman made Apr 4 at 2014 8:27 PM

1LT David Newman — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 20:27:56 -0400

Bus pulled up to Harmony Church at Ft Benning George for me in June 1983. We got out of the bus and then the drills chewed our asses out and put us back on the bus for Sand Hill, to complete our 11B OSUT. B-3-1 Bushmasters. I had joined the Virginia Army National Guard, 116th "Stonewall Brigade." Did 2 years in the Guard, then in January 1985 I'd signed up for Regular Army and showed up at Fort Bliss Texas, for 16P Chaparral training. It was supposed to just be AIT, similar to when one re-enlists for a different MOS. I was supposed to live in Enlisted barracks and just go to the MOS retraining. But one of the 16P OSUT units had suffered huge attrition, 3 attempted suicides, and so on, so I was plopped into 16P OSUT. My Senior Drill met with me, and told me that since I was prior service I could not have a leadership position but he expected me to help the trainees out. Broke my heart to take my blue cord and discs off. They sent me immediately to the field, where I was put in a tent with the attempted suicide types and told to watch them. One of the dumb asses in the tent ate a bottle of aspirin. That just gave him a belly ache. Meanwhile, the Drills watched the superbowl in their tent...

So there's the story of someone who went through and completed 2 different MOS OSUTs.

Response by LTC David B. made Apr 5 at 2014 2:03 AM

LTC David B. — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 02:03:26 -0400

FT McClellan, AL

D12

DEC 1983

95B, OSUT

SFC Baber and I were just a couple of buildings apart......over 20 years ago. I think I drove through there a couple of times but didn't stop to visit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 4:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:01:22 -0400

SFC Baber,

I went to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. That was in 2011, so I imagine it hasn't changed much since then. I'm interested in knowing how different FLW might have been about 20-30 years ago.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 4:16 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:16:47 -0400

D Co. 2/47 Inf Bn, Fort Benning, GA in 2003! Sand Hill!

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Apr 5 at 2014 4:30 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 04:30:09 -0400

I was at Fort Benning Georgia in June 2007 (Alpha 2-58 1st Platoon.) I haven't been back but would love to see the old place. I have been back to my first unit at Fort Bliss. I can find the exact spot when I met my first team leader. Man was that a long day.

Response by SrA Donna Patrick made Apr 5 at 2014 6:48 AM

SrA Donna Patrick — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 06:48:53 -0400

Lackland AFB. Yes, I went back a few years later and it was creepy. The memory was fresh so I could still smell the french toast and feel the fear. LOL! Don't want to go back to San Antonio but would love to go back to Austin.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 8:43 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 08:43:18 -0400

2011, Relaxin' Jackson, and don't plan on ever returning.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 9:19 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 09:19:40 -0400

Fort Sill, OK, from June-August 2003 and I haven't returned since then!!

Response by SGT Lucas Serna made Apr 5 at 2014 10:41 AM

SGT Lucas Serna — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 10:41:15 -0400

Fort Benning, GA from March - May of 2003. D Co. 1/38 IN

Gotta love Sand Hill! I'll never forget the Stairway to Heaven either!

I've never been back but I wouldn't rule it out either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 12:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 12:19:01 -0400

I went through 13B OSUT at Ft. Sill May-Sep '99 in A BTRY 1/40th FA. I have never made it back to Ft. Sill but would like to. Later 88M AIT at Ft. Bliss Jul-Sep '05. Never made it back to Bliss nor do I want to. Currently though back at 88M school at Ft. Leonard Wood and enjoying training future 88M's

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 12:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 12:56:21 -0400

Fort Lost in the Woods, Misery...aka Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Both for Basic and AIT as a 12B, split op. So I got to spend two of the worst summers of my life getting smoked in the back woods of hell. Went back once after iw as married and had kids, but nothing looked familiar and none of the units were in the same places. I reclassed to 15T in 1999 and went to Fort Eustis, VA. Then went back in 2006 for BNCOC, then again as I PCS'd there to become an Instructor in 2009.

Response by Sgt Mark Ramos made Apr 5 at 2014 1:00 PM

Sgt Mark Ramos — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:00:26 -0400

Lackland AFB in 1984. I returned for my brother's graduation last year. It was a bit surreal seeing the place after 29 years. Coincidentally, he was in the same building that my flight was. My last duty station was Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan. I'd love to go back to Okinawa for a visit.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 1:07 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:07:32 -0400

I graduated Basic Training in 1998, Fort Jackson, SC, 2/28 INF D Co "Black Lions". I went back to Fort Jackson as a Drill Sergeant in 2009. 2/28 INF doesn't exit, but it got re-flagged to 3/60 INF. But my life in the military is doing another go around, as I may be PCSing again to Korea, Camp Carroll, where I was there from 01-02. Hopefully my HAP takes me to Fort Riley, where I PCSed to in 2002. Funny how things work.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 1:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:10:59 -0400

Fort Benning Jun-Sept 99 C 1/38, been back twice. First in RTB and now as a Recruiter in Columbus.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 1:21 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:21:38 -0400

fort sill... may 2000..... i haven't been back but i would like to see what has changed

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 1:57 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 13:57:55 -0400

Fort Sill, Oklahoma
August-October 2001

I really enjoyed my three weeks serving in a peace time military.

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made Apr 5 at 2014 9:27 PM

MSG Gene Potocki — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:27:38 -0400

A-2-3 Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Basic. (July-Sept 1978)

C-6-1 Fort Benning, Georgia for Infantry AIT. (Sept-Oct 1978)

I've never been back to Leonard Wood. Stationed at Fort Benning for Drill Sergeant duty with A-4-2 then re-flagged as 2nd Bn 58th Infantry (1985-1987). Then stay on for assignment to 3rd Ranger Bn. (1987-1993)

Response by COL George Antochy made Apr 5 at 2014 10:13 PM

COL George Antochy — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 22:13:41 -0400

As an ROTC cadet I did my Advanced Camp at Fort Bragg, 1978. Went back there in 2010 to visit my son. Most of the old WWI barracks that we lived in were demolished, though a few still existed. Very fond memories. As a US Naval Sea Cadet I attended Basic at NAS Willow Grove, 1972. I do not have many fond memories of our USMC Drill Sergeants.

Response by SGT Charles Owen made Apr 5 at 2014 11:03 PM

SGT Charles Owen — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 23:03:58 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. C5/10 Feb 92 - Apr 92. It was like being at home. I only grew up 85 miles from there. Got on a bus in Springfield, MO to go to KC MEPS, flew on a 737 from KC to STL, got on a bus to go to Ft. Leonard Wood. Nothing like going 900 miles to go 85. LOL My experience was pretty good while attending basic. The Cadre knew that I was married and twice allowed my wife and kids to visit me when we had some down time. I PCS's strait from Ft. LW to Katterbach GE after basic. My civilian training allowed me to skip AIT. The cadre had taken very good care of me to the point that I only had to fill out and sign a couple of forms to get my housing and family shipped over once I arrive at my post in Katterbach. I have only been back once and the place had changed a lot.

Response by SGT Byron Labadie made Apr 6 at 2014 2:58 PM

SGT Byron Labadie — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:58:52 -0400

Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, 15 APR 75 to 13 JUN 75. Have not been back in a very long time. I wonder if Waynesville/St. Robert is still as "bad" as it used to be, no place to go at night without running into trouble.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 3:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 15:37:37 -0400

Went to Fort Leonardwood, Missouri in 2009. Haven't been back since.

Response by 1LT Israel (Izzy) B. made Apr 6 at 2014 3:58 PM

1LT Israel (Izzy) B. — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 15:58:46 -0400

I know I'm not the only one who did Basic Training twice... The first time was 19D (Cav Scout) OSUT at Fort Knox, KY in 1991. It was really tough, with the irony being that we stayed in the, "Disney Barracks." Nothing like finishing the first 8 weeks, having a family day on Saturday, then being told on Sunday, "Welcome to AIT!" and being rushed into PTs for a pop APFT. Same drill sergeants for a total of 4 months. It sucked. I did two years active, then finished my remaining commitment in the national guard (Army, then Air Force). When I reentered the Army in 2003 as a 42A (HR Spec), I had been out of the Army for over 5 years, so I had to redo Basic. This time, I was blessed with Fort Benning, GA and enjoyed yet another, "You are all equally worthless" environment. Sand Hill for non-Infantry BCT was looked down upon, but still tough nonetheless. And yes, years later as an Officer stationed at Fort Benning, I got to visit my old stomping grounds.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Apr 6 at 2014 5:15 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:15:53 -0400

USAF Basic Training at Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY Apr-July 1954. Sampson was closed in 1956. I've never been back.

Response by SFC Justin Rooks made Apr 6 at 2014 8:51 PM

SFC Justin Rooks — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 20:51:31 -0400

Fort Sill, OK from June to August of 1989. D Btry 2-80 FA. Still remember Drill Sergeants Woodson, Holmes and Pisarcik.......outstanding group of NCOs

Response by SFC Don J. made Apr 6 at 2014 9:02 PM

SFC Don J. — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 21:02:16 -0400

Basic and AIT at Fort Dix, NJ. I've never gone back there. I heard that part of it is now a federal prison and also a army reserve post.

Response by LT Ken Anderson made Apr 6 at 2014 9:06 PM

LT Ken Anderson — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 21:06:39 -0400

Went to Annapolis....had 4 plus years of Boot Camp.

Response by CW3 Neal Couey made Apr 6 at 2014 11:12 PM

CW3 Neal Couey — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:12:32 -0400

I attended Basic Training at Fort Polk, La from Nov 1972 to Jan 1973. Still remember the unit C-5-2. We were bussed everywhere since there was snow on the ground. I also attended a Naval Boot Camp in San Diego as a Naval Sea Cadet in the summer of 1970.

Response by TSgt Jeff Smith made Apr 6 at 2014 11:46 PM

TSgt Jeff Smith — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 23:46:16 -0400

Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX from 15 May 1982 until 1 July 1982. Was stationed at Kelly AFB, Lackland Annex, TX from April 1991 until April 1993. Not much changed those 10 years. As of 2001, Kelly AFB became part of Lackland AFB. Recently I used Google maps to look at Lackland; a lot of things have changed, but the basic training barracks are still there.

Response by TSgt Dennis Macy made Apr 7 at 2014 9:13 AM

TSgt Dennis Macy — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:13:36 -0400

Lackland AFB, TX, San Antonio in March 1984. Stationed back there in Aug 95 for 14 months. Recently attended my sons basic training grad in Mar 2014.

Response by TSgt Dennis Macy made Apr 7 at 2014 9:16 AM

TSgt Dennis Macy — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:16:23 -0400

111

Response by MSG Tony Rodriguez made Apr 7 at 2014 10:38 AM

MSG Tony Rodriguez — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 10:38:52 -0400

C-5-1 Ft. Puke, LA (AKA Ft. Polk , LA) April 1971.

Response by SPC Eric Francis made Apr 7 at 2014 2:07 PM

SPC Eric Francis — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:07:36 -0400

Basic Training at FT Knox, B Co 1/46 INF 4th Platoon "Mad Dogs". Havent been back nor do i want to.

Response by SP5 David Cox made Apr 7 at 2014 3:18 PM

SP5 David Cox — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:18:25 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO: Jan-Feb 78 for BCT, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN: Mar-Apr 78 for AIT (74F school). Haven't been back to either - Lost in the Woods was cold and nasty with snow the whole time - many days too cold for any outdoor activity, no fond memories at all. Ft. Ben is in Indianapolis, or was - heard it has been closed and turned into a state park. It was great.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Apr 7 at 2014 5:17 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:17:26 -0400

Basic at Ft. Jackson (2003), AIT at Fort Lee (2003). I have yet to gone back to Ft. Jackson, but would love to have orders to go there and see new recruits through my old company and see how things have changed.

For AIT at Ft. Lee, I go there quite often as I am now a logistician and that is our grounds, so nothing have really changed there for me. I do drive by often my old AIT barracks to see if I find any recruits, but that's about it.

Response by SGT Rusty Hexter made Apr 7 at 2014 5:24 PM

SGT Rusty Hexter — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:24:58 -0400

Fort Benning, GA - C 1/19, June 2000

Response by SFC Siva Williams made Apr 7 at 2014 6:36 PM

SFC Siva Williams — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:36:14 -0400

I went to basic at Fort Bliss JUL - SEP 87. It was hotter than Hades there and we were isolated on the side of the Franklin Mountains. There is not a better environment for forging kids into men than training them in the desert. We spent two weeks at McGregor Range in the field. That was two weeks of dodging rattlesnakes, beating scorpions off the pup tent and out of our boots, as well as praying you weren't laying on an ant hill full of 1" TX sized demon fire ants. Temps were 110+ daily and we humped everywhere we went. Those were good times (not). I believe to this day that the Soldiers trained at Bliss were harder than woodpecker lips. They should have never shut basic down at Bliss. I never wanted to return to Bliss but the Army sent me back for permanent party and it took me eight years to get away from the place. I finally left in 1995.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Apr 7 at 2014 11:35 PM

SSgt James Guy — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:35:53 -0400

Basic at Lackland AFB - August 1966 for 6 weeks. Then Shepard AFB for Tech school Sept 1966-Dec 1966 Go back to Texas? Are you nuts?

1st assignement Fuchu AS Japan ( now closed) Feb 67 to Oct 68 2nd assignment Phu Cat AB RVN Oct 68- Oct 69 (now a community Airport - We turned over to the VNAF who lost it to the NVA. Go Back no way.

Last assignment March AFB 1969-1970 Now closed

Even my Reserve base at Hamilton is closed. See a pattern here?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 1:28 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 01:28:02 -0400

BCT (B CO 1-48 IN) & AIT (A Co 58th Trans) December 1998 - March 1999 at Fort Leonard woods. I still remember DS Brownny, and my two favorites, Bush and Rivera.

Response by TSgt John Marshall made Apr 8 at 2014 12:01 PM

TSgt John Marshall — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 12:01:25 -0400

I had the "pleasure" of attending what was called Basic Camp at Ft. Knox
in July/Aug of '83. BC was the first of 2 6-week training cycles held
over 2 summers for ROTC cadets. After leaving New Mexico Military Institute I went to Basic at Lackland AFB in '85 and retired after 20 in '05.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 1:27 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:27:31 -0400

I attended basic training at FT Sill in 2008. I haven't been back since. I do miss the famous "Golden Corral" DFAC.

Response by SFC William (Wardog) Ragsdale made Apr 8 at 2014 3:04 PM

SFC William (Wardog) Ragsdale — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:04:25 -0400

Took Basic and AIT in 1971 at Ft Ord CA and got ststion there with 7th ID 12 years later all the nice ranges and training areas I remember from from 71 were trashed. But over all the Post had not changed a whole lot

Response by SSG Matthew Bayless made Apr 8 at 2014 6:27 PM

SSG Matthew Bayless — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 18:27:31 -0400

Went to Ft. Benning, have not been back since.

Response by SGT Jack Johnson made Apr 8 at 2014 10:38 PM

SGT Jack Johnson — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:38:49 -0400

Ft Jackson, SC August - October 1977. COBET (electronics school) Nov-Dec 1977, Redstone Arsenal, AL 27B Missile Maintenance School January 1978 - August 1978. Took medical in 1984 and returned to Huntsville, AL looking for job.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Apr 8 at 2014 11:37 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:37:04 -0400

I did Basic Training at Ft. Dix NJ in Oct-Dec 1983 and it WAS cold. I have never returned. I have, however returned to see what's left of my Active Duty post at Ft. Devens, MA on a few occasions. There is only a fraction of the post remaining, but my old Barracks is still where I left it, and the former Group HQ is still Directly across the street. The first time I went back the old WWII Barracks where we had our duty shops were overgrown and unused as 10th Group had moved to Ft. Carson. The second time I returned, those buildings were totally gone, and much of the base had been razed and rebuilt into office, or industrial spaces.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Apr 9 at 2014 12:07 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:07:00 -0400

RTC Great Lakes, Nov 1966 - Feb 1966. Would have graduated in Jan. But a blizzard kept CO 668 sitting there for an extra 3 weeks in boot camp with nothing to do except liberty at the gedunk. Home for two weeks then back to Service Schools Command Great Lakes for a year of ET"A" School. Opened and then Closed my Account at the Great Lakes Credit Union since I knew I would never return.

Returned to Service Schools Command Great Lakes in 1969 for a one month "C" School on my way to Guam then back in 1971 for a one year Advanced Electronics "B" School. Opened and then Closed my Account at the Great Lakes Credit Union since I knew I would never return.

November 1979, my 13th Anniversary in the Navy found me back in Great Lakes as an Instructor first in the ITB and then in ET School. I opened an account at the Great Lakes Credit Union. All of the old WWII barracks I lived in were gone - almost. there were still a few that were slowly being burned and used for firefighting training. At the end of that 4 year tour I DID NOT close my Great Lakes Credit Union Account (I finally figured it out). In fact it remained open until 6 months after I retired to make sure!

All in all - as you can see, I spent almost 7 of my 30 years in Great Lakes IL. No Sailor should ever have to spend this much time away from Salt Water! And so close to Chicago! But the Milwaukee beer and people helped to make up for it!

Response by SSgt Kevin R. made Apr 9 at 2014 12:44 PM

SSgt Kevin R. — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:44:11 -0400

I was at Lackland AFB from Mar-May2003. Then on to Keesler AFB from May to Sep2003 for Electronic principals. Moved to Sheppard AFB for Comm/Nav specific system instruction, until Jun2004.

Response by SSgt Mark Rios made Apr 9 at 2014 1:39 PM

SSgt Mark Rios — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:39:40 -0400

I attended USAF BMT squadron 3711 Lackland AFB Tx, October 1986 - December 1986. Tech school was at Sheppard AFB, Tx for 8 weeks for Air Cargo/Passenger School  from December 1986 - January 1987 then off to my first base of Dover AFB De, 436 APS/AMC (old MAC). Been back to Lackland a couple times for graduations, but nothing else. 

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 9 at 2014 2:22 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:22:42 -0400

I did BCT/AIT at Ft. Dix, NJ in 1977. I went back for a visit a couple years ago and saw my old barracks and the motor pool for MTOC. What was really cool was an old M35 from MTOC on static display at the base museum. It is quite possible I drove that truck!

I drove around base and saw various other places I was at such as in-processing, the hospital, theater, graduation hall and the snack bar. Memories flowed and harkened to when I was just a scared kid becoming a man.

Response by SGT Bryant Kazmerzak made Apr 9 at 2014 2:38 PM

SGT Bryant Kazmerzak — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:38:05 -0400

Fort Sill... 1980 crazy weather my drill sergeant was mentally unstable... Didn't matter where I was he dropped me when ever he saw me... I owed him push ups when I left basic...lol Must say he made push ups very easy for me in the end... I maxed every PT push ups on every PT test I ever took. Oh if your wondering i maxed sit ups and did well on the 2 mile average PT score 281...

Response by MSgt Charles Williams made Apr 9 at 2014 2:51 PM

MSgt Charles Williams — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:51:42 -0400

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX back in the summer of 1988. No plans to go back. I would enjoy seeing it again if I had a close relative going through graduation, but there are a lot of other places I would prefer to see on vacation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 2:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:59:40 -0400

I attended Navy Boot Camp at RTC Orlando back in '87. A housing subdivision is now built over the old RTC Orlando site. I've never been back to the site. Google Earth shows an interesting transformation of the former RTC Orlando over the years.

A year later, after I was medically cleared to rejoin the military, I was at Ft. Jackson for Army Basic Training. I never went back there, either.

Response by SSG Sadko Threeohone made Apr 10 at 2014 4:23 PM

SSG Sadko Threeohone — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:23:04 -0400

I attended Basic Training at Fort Dix New Jersey in August 1982, (C-6-3) (Carnivourous Cobras) we had one alcoholic DS named Montera, He would scream and curse at us as if we were torturing him, when he had to Smoke us, He would come in at 0430AM wake us up and start screaming at us that we were all a bunch of sorry ass cocksucking mother fuckers for making him smoke us because we had fucked everything up, he was drunk off his ass and you could smell the alcohol from 10 feet away, his speech was severly slurred but he never seemed to wobble very much. He would smoke the shit out of the beaners who had come from the ESL class because they could not speak english, he would smoke them and sceam in spanish telling them to ask to recover in english, and they would respond in spanish almost everytime, eventually they would figure it out. Then we also had this big ass Mother fucker E6 SSG from Jamaica or one of the other Islands, he caught me with a contraband Radio in the latrine, where we would smoke cigs and blow the smoke out the window, He confiscated the radio which was worth maybe 20 bucks at the time, and he said after graduation I could come back and get it, he confiscated loads of shit like this from the soldiers, right after our first 4 hour pass. After Graduation we came back to get it and he pretended like he did not know what the fuck we were talking about. Pretty sure he made several 100 dollars extra each 9 week cycle this way. back then an e4 made about 425$ a month if I remember right, but I was an E2 , just threw that number because a SSG without dependants probably made a grand a month Maybe.... anyway he was a fucking corrupt piece of shit, so far we had the alcoholic Drill Sergeant E6 and the fucking POS thief Drill Sergeant, we also briefly had a female Drill sergeant , she would berrate us with Sexual comments that in todays army would have gotten her in deep shit for sexual harrasement. Then we had the Senior Drill sergeant, he was one fat ass mother fucker, at the time I did not know anything about weight and tapes but this mother fucker was probably 35% Body Fat, he always had a short stog in his mouth and would smoke the shit out of the whole company for like 4 hours. that when we had the yellow PT shorts we wore with the brown t Shirt, I think we were the first cycle that got the NEW BDU's, they still had the greens until about a year later then they were phased out but Basic was only issuing the new BDU, back then there was no summer and winter BDU, just the winter one for all year around, just like when the ACU came out at first they said do not iron and starch this uniform....LOL anyway we had the fucking overweight POS Double standard senior Drill sergeant, and we had one Black SSG who actually did everything by the book as far as We could tell, and he had done several tours in vietnam back in the day, he had that fucking crazy dead eyed look and if you got to close to him he waould throw you against the wall or the ground... He was actually damn good in all respects,, the rest of the Cadre were all fucking thiefs liars alcoholics sex abusers or other nefarious creatures. But tis guy was solid, back then it was be all you can be and there was none of this gay ass talk about "the 7 Army Values" We were some disciplined tough ass hardcore Sons of Bitches by Graduation day, not the fucking Pussies the Army churns out from Basic Training today. I know this for a fact because I did Basic in 1982, served 6 years and got out, 21 years later I went back into basic training at Fort Jackson, and served from sep 2003 - oct 2011. I can tell you the Soldiers back then were about ass bad ass as the Special Operations guys are now. The rest of the Regular Army from 2003 - 2011 were straight up pussies and punk ass bitches compared to the old days.... these Drill Sergeants today have their hands tied and cannot train warriors the way warriors should be trained. I think If any senior TRADOC CSM went back to basic as an e1 or e2 today (sort of like undercover boss) and went threw the whole cycle after his graduation and return to his real pos\tion in TRADOC there would be a MASSIVE overhual of the system , correcting the modern day deficiencies, IN 1982 our firts Road march turned into a 10 mile run and our last Road march was a 24 hour ordeal. In 2003 our first road march was a 1.5 mile stroll to the Map reading & orientering training area followed by a bus ride home! a Bus! not a cattle car... and our Final road march was a 12 mile march. They made a bid deal out of it in 2003 but in 1982 our first one we ran almost that far, I am telling you todays Regular Army are Pussies and it needs to be fixed

Response by SGT Paul Dare made Apr 10 at 2014 4:51 PM

SGT Paul Dare — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:51:15 -0400

Fort Sill, OK summer of 1995. I was in C Battery 3rd BN of 321st Field Arty Reg. Drill Sgt Brown was 3rd Platoon's Drill. Along with Drill Sgt Keys and another guy who was very rarely there, but he was an ordained minister and would sing an Amazing Grace cadence when he marched us. I was in the cycle with the famous private named "Snowball". He came late to our platoon. We were told he was a recycle, but he was so nuts, most of us were convinced he was a CID insert.

Response by Sgt Justin Norman made Apr 10 at 2014 4:56 PM

Sgt Justin Norman — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 16:56:43 -0400

Went to MCRD in San Diego and was stationed on Camp Pendleton in San Mateo from July 2006 to January 2010 with 3/5 India CO. One of the best experiences in my adult life.

Response by SGT Irving Salsbury made Apr 10 at 2014 5:09 PM

SGT Irving Salsbury — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 17:09:41 -0400

Navy-Great Lakes-march 1985 to May 1985. Army-Fort Jackson, SC Aug 1989-Oct 1989. I would go back just to see it and how different it is.

Response by SGT Mark Lockwood made Apr 10 at 2014 6:33 PM

SGT Mark Lockwood — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 18:33:16 -0400

I went to Ft Dix, back in 1989. They closed Ft Dix soon after. I was stationed about 40 miles away at Ft Monmouth 5 years later. They had turned the basic training area into a federal prison.

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Apr 10 at 2014 10:31 PM

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 22:31:07 -0400

I went to BCT at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Charlie Company 2/46 INF. January to March 2007. I have not been back to Ft. Knox since. My MOS don't have any slots at Ft. Knox. I only have four duty stations CONUS that I can be stationed at so the chances of me ever being at Ft. Knox again is pretty slim. I would love to go back there though!

Response by SSgt Troy Considine made Apr 11 at 2014 6:15 PM

SSgt Troy Considine — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 18:15:30 -0400

For me, it was Lackland AFB in San Antonio in Oct 1979. I was then stationed right next door at Kelly AFB for 18 months. Kelly is now closed, but I have been by Lackland a few times in the last few years. It seems to have changed some but it also somehow seems the same. I never went back when I was on active duty (other than when I was stationed at Kelly. Used to go to the theatres and BX's there all the time).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 7:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 19:22:41 -0400

4th PLT Ruff Ryderz, D 2/46 Inf. Fort Knox, KY- April 2003. Man that was great times, would love to go back there one day even if it is just to visit. I learned a lot during my 9 weeks of BCT before taking that, what felt like a 4 day bus ride, trip to Edgewood Proving Grounds for 63W AIT. I never knew how important patience was until the start of this adventure, quite humbling really. #Memories

Response by SFC Dennis Leber made Apr 11 at 2014 10:04 PM

SFC Dennis Leber — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 22:04:59 -0400

Parris Island 1988, Never been back, no more sand fleas for me

Response by SSG Mark Ives made Apr 12 at 2014 6:11 AM

SSG Mark Ives — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 06:11:48 -0400

I attending Basic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in February 1978 and finished 15E AIT in Jun the same year. It was bitterly wet and cold in February and wet hot in June, compared to Korea (so I've been told, though I've never been there!) . Being Arty, I came back after a tour in Germany in 1981. I drove through Lawton & Fort Sill area when I was going home on leave from Fort Riley, Kansas in 1987. The place hadn't changed much, people looked the same. :)

Response by SSG Sadko Threeohone made Apr 12 at 2014 10:50 AM

SSG Sadko Threeohone — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 10:50:26 -0400

hey where is my response I posted I gave a very detailed and historically accurate description with a unique slant on how things really are in the US Army during to different Era's for some one to pull it is extremely unamerican

after all we all fought for Freedom and our Constitution which we swore to uphold and defend against all enemies. For someone who took that Oath to think they have the right to sensor free speech shows just what kind of character they have, they dont even uphold their oath... what happened to the oath keepers ? now a days just a bunch of Oath Breakers ? who violate free speech, freedom of the press, the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness ? I did not yell fire in a crowded theater so you really had no right to delete my post . Shows you likely dont keep your word in any of your affairs.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 12 at 2014 11:53 AM

1SG David Niles — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:53:33 -0400

Ft. McClellan AL. 1986 I went back for SRT school 1990 and BNCOC 1995. I loved it there.

Response by PV2 John Cheek made Apr 12 at 2014 4:10 PM

PV2 John Cheek — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 16:10:30 -0400

Ft. Dix, NJ - 1990
That was the first time I have ever left Texas. I never made it back out there.
The only memory I have of the place was swearing the place was a sand-pit and how I could not imagine having so much sand in one place without trucking it in to torture us with.

Response by SGT Jerome Smith made Apr 12 at 2014 6:51 PM

SGT Jerome Smith — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 18:51:12 -0400

I attended Boot Camp in September 1977 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. We were up near Sand Hill in the old WWII Barracks. Delta 3-1, The Deathreapers! Our barracks was next to Drag Ass Hill, so named that when we came back from training, we had to run up that hill to get back to the barracks. Talk about being beat!! I graduated that November, only to be sent up the road to AIT! I left Jackson in December after completing the self paced Clerk Typist course! Off to Fort Benning I go!!

Response by SGT Randal Dykstra made Apr 13 at 2014 7:27 AM

SGT Randal Dykstra — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 07:27:47 -0400

I went to BCT and AIT in B Company, 2nd Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Training Brigade at Fort Gordon Georgia in 1981. I was in the One Station Unit Training (OSUT) program. I finished at the front of my class in AIT. The radio teletype course was self paced then and I could type the 60 words per minute before I arrived. Many of my classmates had to learn typing before advancing to the rest of the course. When I attended school I went back home because at the time I was in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. A year later, I entered active duty to make a better living for my wife and I. I never returned to Fort Gordon, but would like to visit there one day. My son also went to BCT in Georgia, but he was at Fort Benning.

Response by Cpl Donald Stapleton made Apr 13 at 2014 6:50 PM

Cpl Donald Stapleton — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 18:50:42 -0400

MCRD San Diego Oct. 1976 -Jan. 1977. Never been back.

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Apr 13 at 2014 7:16 PM

SSG Willis Baker — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 19:16:00 -0400

I went to Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC (E-7-2.) in '73/'74. I have never been back. From there I went to Ft Gordon, Ga for AIT then returned nine years later for another MOS, and then returned nine years later because my wife was in the hospital.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:31 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 04:31:17 -0400

Ft Benning, GA last year, A co 1-46, had one of the best Drill Sergeants, and would totally go back. I would love to embrace the suck once more~

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:37 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 04:37:42 -0400

MCRD San Diego in 2005 and I've been back there a few times for some graduations or to show family.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 14 at 2014 6:23 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 06:23:23 -0400

MCRD San Diego 1985

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:23 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:23:21 -0400

MCRD Parris Island. Graduated Dec 2003 and my first duty station was MCAS Beaufort which is less than ten miles away. The air station is very small and doesn't have much of a PX, and the Commisary is on Parris Island so I end up there quite frequently. As much as its changed over the years, recruits are still housed in a lot of the same squad bays. 3rd Bn has been moved to all new buildings, but 1st and 2nd Bns are just now going through the first major renovations since the brick buildings were built in the 1960s.

Response by MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. made Apr 15 at 2014 1:54 PM

MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:54:56 -0400

Since I had joined the Guard before the Marine Corps, I actually went to Boot Camp twice (yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment).

Ft Knox, Ky (Split trained, Basic: July and August 1985; AIT: Feb-Apr 1986)

MCRD San Diego, May 5, 1987-July 24, 1987. Plt 3045, M Co, 3rd Bn.

Never been back to either place since. Now that I live in Alabama, I'd like to go to Parris Island for a visit.

Response by PFC Nathaniel Culbertson made Apr 15 at 2014 7:00 PM

PFC Nathaniel Culbertson — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 19:00:59 -0400

Fort Sill, Ok, also did AIT (not OSUT failed out of another school) and i stopped by there a couple years ago checked out the artillery museum and hit the off post casinos

Response by 1SG Henry Yates made Apr 15 at 2014 11:25 PM

1SG Henry Yates — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:25:21 -0400

Fort Leonardwood, Missouri in 1986. I haven't been back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 3:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:53:10 -0400

I went to Fort Sill, OK. I have never been back and I never want to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 5:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 17:37:28 -0400

Basic and AIT at Fort Sill in March '04. I tried like hell to leave after I got off active duty (moved out of state for 2 years). I am now a DA contractor....on Fort Sill.

ETA: C 1/19th (Basic), A 2/80th (AIT).

Response by SPC David Golden made Apr 17 at 2014 11:46 AM

SPC David Golden — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 11:46:14 -0400

Ft. Knox KY. 1983 C. co. 13-4. Went back a few years ago but didn't go on post. I remember Agony, and Misery.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 17 at 2014 9:05 PM

SFC Stephen Hester — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 21:05:37 -0400

Boot Camp (Navy) in Orlando, FL, in 1981. I have been back many times and although the Navy base is gone now I enjoy walking through what is now known as "Bluejacket Park". If I listen closely I can still hearing the sounds...

I went through Army Basic at Fort Sill and my son went through Basic there as well. He's now stationed there so I've been back many times. I like to ride through the BT area just for kicks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 6:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:10:33 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in1992. Have been back many times and was staitioned there as an instructor 3 years ago.

Response by PO2 Michael Campbell made Apr 18 at 2014 6:54 PM

PO2 Michael Campbell — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:54:06 -0400

RTC Great Lakes from June-August 2005, Apprentice Technical Training & FC "A" School also in great lakes Until December 2005, FC "C" School for NATO Seasparrow in Damneck Virginia until December of 2006 before reporting to the USS Ronald Reagan for my first command.

Response by SSgt Tully Duff Anderson made May 2 at 2014 9:45 AM

SSgt Tully Duff Anderson — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:45:23 -0400

Lackland, San Antonio Tx. November 1983

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 2 at 2014 7:02 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 02 May 2014 19:02:59 -0400

Relaxin Jackson in 1986. I have never returned and I honestly don't remember what it even looked like.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 4:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 16:23:22 -0400

oklahoma,march of 77 Fort sill as a 13bravo was there for 18 weeks have not been there sent 1984 lots of great momories there like to go back soon and see the change there

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made May 5 at 2014 1:20 PM

MSG Gene Potocki — Mon, 05 May 2014 13:20:10 -0400

Fort Leonard Wood 1978, A-2-3

Response by SPC Thorsten Fosgate made May 5 at 2014 9:51 PM

SPC Thorsten Fosgate — Mon, 05 May 2014 21:51:59 -0400

Ft Jackson, SC summer 1992. Never went back.

Response by SGT Brian Watkins made May 15 at 2014 11:24 PM

SGT Brian Watkins — Thu, 15 May 2014 23:24:38 -0400

1OCT2001 Ft Benning, GA C co. 1/38 INF 2nd PLT "Raiders".

"Rock of the Marne"

Response by SPC Edward Mingus made May 19 at 2014 10:47 AM

SPC Edward Mingus — Mon, 19 May 2014 10:47:12 -0400

Ft McClellan, AL 1984
Company E 11th MP Bn

I have not returned. It's my understanding that it's been turned over to the City of Anniston for their use.

I know that my old training company is no longer. I called some one several years ago to find out what ever became of my training company. I spoke with a SFC who said "Sir that was a long time ago and I'm not sure what became of them."

Am I really that old?

Response by SGT(P) Kenneth Jones made May 19 at 2014 10:53 AM

SGT(P) Kenneth Jones — Mon, 19 May 2014 10:53:12 -0400

Went to fort knox kentucky 1/46 F company befor it was tore down then AIT at Aberdeen edgewood maryland

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 11:22 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 11:22:12 -0400

I went to Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX. From July 2010 - September 2010. I have not been back since.

Response by SPC Richard White made Aug 6 at 2014 5:01 PM

SPC Richard White — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 17:01:57 -0400

Went to Camp Challenge (ROTC Basic Camp) in 1988 at Ft. Knox and then I went to OSUT in 1989 at Ft Knox.

Response by SSgt James Guy made Aug 7 at 2014 11:03 PM

SSgt James Guy — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 23:03:49 -0400

3702 BMTS Lackland AFB Aug 1966 – Sep 1966

Response by SPC Darin Taylor made Aug 8 at 2014 8:52 AM

SPC Darin Taylor — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 08:52:27 -0400

I attended Basic Training at Lackland AFB in 1984. Technical Training at Sheppards AFB and George AFB. Permanent Duty Assignment at Clark AFB.

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Aug 8 at 2014 9:38 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 21:38:52 -0400

Fort Leonardwood in 2000 for Basic.
Fort Huachuca for AIT.
Made it back to Leonardwood after I commissioned for OBC. Walking down in BCT land still gave me the willies.
Haven't made it to back to Huachuca.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Aug 31 at 2014 11:12 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:12:51 -0400

I was at Fort Jackson, and NO, I don't miss it. Spent a couple of weeks with the FTC before I got assigned to a regular training unit. Some of the drill sergeants were funny to me, though...

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Aug 31 at 2014 11:20 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:20:48 -0400

I would go back to Newport, RI (as a commissioned officer... not as a candidate) in a heartbeat. Even though I was there in the dead of winter, I loved it.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 31 at 2014 11:24 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:24:34 -0400

Fort Benning, GA 1990. Echo Co. "Gladiators" 2/54 INF. I never got a chance to go back. As a grunt, it is like our Graceland.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Aug 31 at 2014 11:29 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:29:32 -0400

I went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego California. I would like to say I loved it, but I do thank God I went through it, it changed my life forever. I would like to go back to visit.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 12:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:03:59 -0400

I went to the Fort Benning School for Wayward Boys. I was C co, 2-54. Charlie Rock. I have drove by there a while back. they have changed a lot of things there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 12:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:07:38 -0400

Ft Leonard Wood, 2001. Heck no.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Sep 1 at 2014 12:34 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:34:01 -0400

January 2009.
No I most certainly do not miss it or ever plan on going back.
They said it was relaxin'...they lied :'(

Response by SSG John Bacon made Sep 1 at 2014 1:51 AM

SSG John Bacon — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 01:51:36 -0400

I have the Honor to have attended two Basic Trainings 1st in 1992 was Lackland AFB TX, 3711 BMTS FLT 287, 2nd 2003 was Fort Jackson SC, C Co. 1st BN, 61st Infantry Regiment. If I could do it all again just for fun, I really think I would.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 2:02 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 02:02:44 -0400

2008 Co. F 2/54 Sand Hill, Ft. Benning GA. I love the chance to go to Benning whenever I get it. For basic, Airborne, Jumpmaster and soon to be Pathfinder, it is like home.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 3:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 03:53:00 -0400

A Trp, 5-15 CAV, Aug-Dec 1998, Ft. Knox, KY

Hump those hills and then come talk about being a man, Benning Boys.

I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Response by TSgt William Lounsbery made Sep 1 at 2014 8:16 AM

TSgt William Lounsbery — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 08:16:34 -0400

I did Army Basic Training at E Co., 3rd Bn, 3 Bde, Fort Dix, NJ, June 1983 - August 1983. I had great memories and with the knowledge I gained, I would definitely do it again. I live in upstate NY, now and have been to McGuire AFB a few times since but never to Fort Dix.

Response by SrA Cecil Brown made Sep 1 at 2014 11:21 AM

SrA Cecil Brown — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:21:17 -0400

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE...THOUGHT I WAS LEAVING LACKLAND FOR TECH SCHOOL ONLY TO FIND OUT SF TECH SCHOOL IS IN LACKLAND. TO MY SURPRISE, IT WAS AN AWESOME ADVENTURE. I WOULD LOVE TO RELIVE THE FUN.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 12:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 12:29:01 -0400

I went to Hard Knox in 2000. I had a chance to return to Fort Knox in July 2001 for a CALFX and it was good seeing the place from a non-IET perspective. I also went back in 2011 to visit HRC, that was interesting!

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 1:02 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:02:54 -0400

In 2010 I attended Basic and AIT for 12B: Combat Engineer at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Now I am currently here again for Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course, the light at the end of the tunnel is that I'm assigned to 3rd Stryker BCT at Ft. Lewis, WA.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 1:26 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:26:57 -0400

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego June 1979 PLT 3064 Lima CO 3rd BN. And yes a true Hollywood Marine. Did a commercial for the Corps while I was home on leave from boot.

How could anyone miss the colorful names we where called by the DI's or those yellow footprints.

Once A Marine, Always A Marine

Author Unknown

_________________________

I was that which others did not want to be.

I went where others failed to go.

And did what others failed to do.

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing

And reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should I fail.

I have seen the Face of Terror,

Felt the stinging Cold of Fear,

And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love.

I have cried, pained and hoped ... but most of all,

I have lived times others would say were best forgotten.

At least today I am able to say that I was proud of what I was.....

A UNITED STATES MARINE

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Sep 1 at 2014 2:45 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:45:04 -0400

Ft. Dix, NJ (2/1966) when it was an active Army post. Old WW2 barracks across the runway from McGuire AFB (Co G, 3rd BCT Brigade) . Coal heat that required cheesecloth over the vents to catch the coal dust. After Basic I got to go over to the New Cinder Block barracks on main post for AIT (Co. I, 1st AIT Brigade). Then back to the WW2 guys when I was assigned as Cadre to the Infantry Leadership School. Needless to say, I was happy to get my orders to OCS........ Of course I still ran into the WW2 types on occasion ........LOL

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 3:57 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:57:53 -0400

As an Army medic I did BT at Fort Benning, GA. E Co 258, "Hells Kitchen" on sand hill. I am glad I did it as it was a huge accomplishment at the age of 25. Do I miss it, hell no! GA is the last thing on my mind. LOL

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 4:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:00:52 -0400

There was nothin relaxin in the middle of the summer where you'd cut the humidity with your hand!!! I miss all the friends I made there but that's all I miss!!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 4:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:29:08 -0400

I was at Lackland in '92. I've been back twice, for various schools. The return trips never compared to the first one, although it was damn nice not being in Basic.

I hear they're making new dorms, with things called canteen refilling stations. I thought they were water fountains.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2014 7:01 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:01:05 -0400

haha...what is liberty?

D CO 1-34 Fort Jackson AUG-OCT 2011

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Sep 1 at 2014 8:30 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 20:30:57 -0400

RTC Great Lakes, IL 10 Nov 1966, Veterans Day and the weekend. Never missed RTC and have been stationed back at Great Lakes for "A" School (Basic Electronics and Communications), "C" School (HF Transmitters), "B" School (Advanced Electronics), and Instructor Duty for a total of over 7 years at Service Schools Command,Great Lakes, IL!!!

Response by MSG John Wirts made Sep 1 at 2014 11:34 PM

MSG John Wirts — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 23:34:05 -0400

I went through Basic Training at Fort Ord Ca in 1962, I ETS'd in 1965 and joined the Air and then the Army Guard. These units did not go to fort ord, nor did the engineer reserve unit I joined next. In 1976 I joined a test supervisor unit in the 91st Div (trng) and returned to Fort Ord to oversee reserve and national guard BT. A lot had changed it was no longer a training post, it was home to the 7th Inf Div(light), The WWII hospital had been torn down and a modern hospital built to replace it. Over the next few years I performed duty at the fort, saw my basic training unit barracks torn down, WAC Hill abandoned. and just before The division opened the Fort for another Basic training I transferred to the 6237th USAR School. I married a lady with friends in Monterey Ca so I would visit the PX when we went down to visit friends. Then under Bill Clinton the Fort was closed, a shopping center was built on the former fort, and a California university took over a large portion of the fort. The enlisted housing areas were abandoned, then torn down and torn down to build low income housing. Guess military housing was too low income for use as civilian low income housing. The officer housing was sold to who ever wanted it. Some of the old warehouses, ammo bunkers, and ranges are still there but not functional. Very sad, The PX and Commissary and some reserve and national guard units occupy parts of the fort.

Response by SFC(P) Tobias M. made Sep 2 at 2014 12:16 PM

SFC(P) Tobias M. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:16:50 -0400

Fort Knox KN in 1996. I have never been back and do not think that I will ever go back. Did OSUT there as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 12:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:51:50 -0400

Fort Benning, Georgia SEP-NOV 2007, A Co 2-47 IN.

Went back in September 2011 for CRC when I deployed with the 47th CSH, it wasn't Sand Hill for sure but it was a unique experience as well.

During our train-up at CRC I met a familiar looking person...then I saw his name: Mr. Challenger, unique enough that I knew he was the same SFC Challenger in 2007 at 30th AG marching us around before getting our DS's.

Small world, small army, one fight!

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 3 at 2014 3:27 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:27:23 -0400

Cape May, NJ - Charlie 128. Spring 1988. I was one of only 3 reservists going through boot camp in my company and I caught all manner of crap for having a pink ID card. (Most reservists back then went to a short indoc program and not real boot camp.) I've never been back to Cape May, but it would be interesting to see now. I watched a new video about CG boot camp the other day, and it looked a lot different. Some things the recruits were doing looked harder, and other stuff like ship simulator training didn't exist in the 80's.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Sep 3 at 2014 3:41 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:41:50 -0400

SFC James Baber My brother was in AIT at Fort McClellan in 1983. He was in the Maine National Guard. Not sure what his MOS was, but he was learning to weld. He was only 18 and he used tell this story of walking into the barracks for the first time and seeing a huge guy take an empty beer can, put it on a round callous on his forehead and then smash his head into the wall and crush the can flat. He immediately walked over and stuck his hand out and said "My name's Chris. Want to be friends?" (Always make friends with the biggest, toughest people you meet so you don't have to fight them later.)

Response by Sgt Richard Brown made Sep 4 at 2014 12:40 AM

Sgt Richard Brown — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 00:40:06 -0400

I went to bootcamp at MCRD San Diego. Even though i spent most of thr next year at Camp Pendlton I hsve never returned to MCRD San Diego

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 1:01 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 01:01:32 -0400

MCRD San Diego, PLT 2023 1990, I drive by everyday on my way to work.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 11:48 AM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:48:13 -0400

Basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ in 1985. Didn't go back until last year when one of my companies demobed through there from OEF. Hadn't changed a bit!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 4:50 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 16:50:44 -0400

Lackland AFB circa 2002. By far, the hardest thing I've ever done, mentally. I visited the base several times after that, but that's about it.

Response by SSG David Lambert made Sep 5 at 2014 3:09 PM

SSG David Lambert — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:09:01 -0400

Ft. Sill, OK for Basic and AIT (82C) in 1981 and then reassigned there 5 years later after returning from Germany 1986. It was the only place I really didn't want to return to stateside and it still sucked. We made the most of it with the guys and gals we served with but never really liked OK at all other than Tulsa area. There was a saying back in the day... You know why Texas doesn't fall into the Gulf? Because Oklahoma sucks! Still believe it to this day... :-)

Response by MSgt Robert Whitehead made Sep 6 at 2014 11:25 PM

MSgt Robert Whitehead — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 23:25:33 -0400

Lackland AFB, TX, April to June 1980. I've never been back, but my son wants to join the Air Guard; if he does, I will certainly attend his graduation parade.

Response by SSG Robert Poorman made Sep 9 at 2014 7:06 PM

SSG Robert Poorman — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 19:06:26 -0400

Sand Hill, Fort Benning Ga. 1978
One Station Unit Training. A co for Basic and B co for AIT.
A 7 1 Best By Test

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 12:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:39:38 -0400

I went to OSUT at Fort Leonard Wood in 2012 and have not had the chance to get back there. I plan on a trip to see a buddy of mine who is a Drill there when I get back from Afghanistan, and then again next fall when my nephew finishes OSUT there.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Oct 26 at 2014 3:29 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 15:29:10 -0400

1982 OSUT (Basic/AIT) A-6C-1, FT Knox, KY............ Last time there was 87 for school. Been down to Louisville couple of times, but never a chance to get to Knox! Will be down at FT Campbell tomorrow if that counts! :-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 5:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 17:03:22 -0400

B CO, 1-38, Fort Benning, GA.
Have not been back since, I'll be putting it on the to-do list.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Oct 26 at 2014 11:34 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 23:34:18 -0400

USCG base Cape May, NJ in 1982 (Whiskey 113). I haven't been back even though I've lived in NJ for the past 26 years. Lol

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Oct 29 at 2014 5:25 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 05:25:28 -0400

Fort Dix,NJ is where I got my military training,
I've been back several times for pre-deployment training to go to Iraq.
I can remember the misery in going out to bivouac in the middle of
April in 1985.I was a bit of a distraction with my humor during training until
my drill Sgt punched me in the stomach and made me do twenty push-ups to prove
his point not to fuck with him/lmfao

That was real soldier training with no fucking stress cards or time-outs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Oct 29 at 2014 12:03 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:03:30 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO back in '92, 12B OSUT. I've not been back, I'm afraid I'd have to plant more grass or clean more latrines if I did.

I was a bit of a knucklehead and saw most of the base in the front leaning rest position.

Response by CN Lorena Welch made Jan 30 at 2015 11:05 AM

CN Lorena Welch — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 11:05:12 -0500

I just joined RP and just saw this question. Great one, I was thinking how neat it would be to return to Orlando and see what has become of the base I trained for Basic at. I joined in July of 84 left for bootcamp in April of 85. Went to A school in Millington, TN. Was there when the schools were shutdown and transferred to Pensacola, Fl.
When I went back in 95 to TN. I was amazed that a couple of the old wooden white buildings had been demolished. Walking around and showing my children where I lived in the barracks and went to school. Then as we came back to the barracks I said to the children, " Right around this corner is a long white building where we first checked in and your mama lifted her sea bag one handed from over the backseat." We rounded the corner and there was nothing but grass.

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Feb 20 at 2015 7:06 AM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 07:06:39 -0500

As a TSgt, I returned to Lackland for the NCO Academy and a TI classmate arranged a "tour" of the BMT facilities for a few of us. I enjoyed the tour, but the scent of the place pierced my soul and evoked unpleasant memories. Funny how the mind encodes experiences--my mind will forever associate the smell of that place with misery despite my support for their mission. Interesting experience!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 20 at 2015 1:30 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:30:00 -0500

MCRD San Diego (Aug-Nov 1975). I've thought about going back many times but never have . . . maybe someday.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 20 at 2015 5:25 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:25:30 -0500

The closest I could come is USNA in 1981. I haven't been back, but I did fly my airplane over in 1998, which was fun.

Response by PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher made Feb 21 at 2015 5:04 AM

PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 05:04:02 -0500

I went to boot camp in Orlando Florida August 1986 K123. went back in 2002 but all was closed due to BRAC. The Navy consolidated boot camp to Great Lakes, IL where I went to Naval Hospital Corps School 1986-1987.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 21 at 2015 9:58 AM

SGT Francis Wright — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 09:58:15 -0500

1981; Ft McClellan, AL Alfa Co 11th MP Bn

1992; BNCOC Ft McClellan, AL

I have an album on facebook, look me up and check it out.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 1:30 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 13:30:38 -0500

Fort Ord from July through August '59. D-3-1 as part of the short lived "pentomic" organization concept. Went back to Ord on PCS with 56th SigCo (FSM) in late 60. Quite a difference as part of a permanent assignment- even if we did spend about 9 months a year TDY to interesting places like Ft Irwin and Hunter-Liggett.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Feb 21 at 2015 7:46 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 19:46:43 -0500

Ft Jackson, SC The Old Tank Hill, May of 1987 to July 1987 , Never returned back to the scene of the crime. Tank Hill was demolished several years after I left. The WW1 Barracks were falling apart.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Feb 24 at 2015 5:36 AM

SSG Everett Wilson — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 05:36:46 -0500

I was with 3rd Platoon, Echo Company 9/2 at Fort Jackson, January 1978. I was with the first co-ed BCT units.
At AIT I was in Romeo Company, Fort Lee and attended the 76D Material Supply Course, March 1978.
I haven't been back to Ft Jackson. I did go back to Ft Lee to attend the 76Y Unit Supply BNCOC at the US Army NCO Academy, in 1988.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 25 at 2015 6:07 AM

SPC Lukas Jones — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 06:07:17 -0500

Ft. Leonard Wood, Missery.
Haven't been back, hope never to lol

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Feb 25 at 2015 12:35 PM

LTC Martin Metz — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:35:00 -0500

Ft Knox in 1971.....never been back. It was awesome seeing an old gas fueled M88 around dusk pulling a broken tank along a distant ridgeline belching fire out the back.....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 9:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 21:28:15 -0500

I went to basic at Fort Jackson, SC on May 16th 2006. I have not been back since.

However, I went to AIT in Fort Gordon, GA August 2006, and I've been back every year since 2010 as an instructor. In fact, I'm there now, and I'm next door to my old barracks.

Response by SFC Ron Chelsy made Feb 26 at 2015 12:24 AM

SFC Ron Chelsy — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:24:23 -0500

1988 Fort Sill Oklahoma went back several times since than to attend BNCOC ANCOC and new equipment training for the AFATDS

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 26 at 2015 5:41 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:41:59 -0500

SFC James Baber, I reported to the reception station at Fort Jackson, SC on 28OCT69. BCT began 11NOV69 and ended 16JAN70. I was in the 3rd squad of 1st platoon of Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Training Brigade on infamous Tank Hill. Here's a postcard photo from that time. The barracks of 1st platoon appears at the base of the black ink line on Tank Hill. The long one story buildings to the left of and parallel to the barracks were company sized mess halls. I also attended AIT (Infantry) at Fort Jackson. I was in B-12-3, and it began on 17JAN70 and ended on 20MAR70. I have never returned.

This is an old discussion thread, I know, Maj Chris Nelson, but here's a photo of Tank Hill in 1970!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 26 at 2015 7:54 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:54:58 -0500

SFC James Baber, you mentioned your desire to see Fort McClellan again. I spent a great deal of time there off and on from JUN72 through NOV77. It was a beautiful post, because of the architecture and the topography. Of course, the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission approved the closure of Fort McClellan, and it ultimately was closed in 1999.
The post thereafter was essentially split in half. The northern half (and Pelham Range) was turned over to the Alabama National Guard, and is use today. It is in spectacular condition with continuous ongoing building projects to include a recent first rate renovation of the WAC Chapel.
The southern half (which begins approximately at the golf course) was turned over to civilian use. Many of the homes on Buckner Circle were sold and are beautifully maintained. Much of the rest of the southern half has not fared so well, including the Officers' Club, which includes 17 murals painted by WWII POWs.
I visit Fort McClellan once a year each August. Here are a few photos:

1. Remington Hall (Officers' Club) in its current state of decline.
2. Mural painted by WWII POWs in Remington Hall.
3. Well maintained Silver Chapel on Buckner Circle.
4. WAC Chapel (on the ALARNG section).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 7:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:58:51 -0500

Fort Knox Ky in 2002 and i hope to never again step foot there...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 12:02 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:02:34 -0500

Had the pleasure of attending boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois in the dead of winter – can you say lake effect snow! I would jump at the chance to see how the Naval Station has transitioned over the years, but it would only be a nostalgia visit if it took place. I make the leap to the Army after a few years of service, don’t imagine I would end up there now days.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 1:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 13:30:39 -0500

I did did OSUT at Ft. Knox as M60 series Tanker (19E) Aug-Nov 1983.

I then re-classed into Fixed Station Crypto Repair at Ft. Gordon (29F) with Full Maintenance identifier (G-8) from Oct 1987 to Sep 1988.

Went back to Ft. Gordon many times, never made it back to Ft. Knox.

Response by SSG Floyd Morris made Feb 28 at 2015 2:04 PM

SSG Floyd Morris — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 14:04:27 -0500

SSG. Floyd Morris, I enlisted in JAN. 66 an went to Ft. Leonard Wood for basic. Then to Frankfort, Germany for AIT!!! Went to NAM, Jan 1967to Aug. 1969.
an back to Ft. Leonard Wood till Sept. 1970 the sadest ,an the scaryest day of my life was that day the last time I went by that flag!!!!!!!!!!! No I have not been back there. But I think I will next year!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Feb 28 at 2015 2:46 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 14:46:27 -0500

Fort Knox for BCT summer of 2000, Fort Lee for 92Y AIT in 2001. Never had any real desire to go back and visit either.

Had some good times at Ft Leonard Wood for OBC and Ft Lewis (now JBLM) and Camp Murray leading up to MOB, and wouldn't mind visiting those posts again someday...but I'm pretty sure they won't let me in the gate anymore.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 4:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 16:18:44 -0500

Iwent to ft sill ,ok it was a one unit station back in march,77 have not been back since 1990, like to go back soon

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 9:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:08:49 -0500

A TRP, 6th CAV, Ft Knox KY Jan-Apr 1986

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 9:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 21:56:32 -0500

OSUT Ft. Lost in the Woods. Stayed in the same barracks my dad did in '78. Haven't been back, and probably never will.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 10:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 22:25:41 -0500

Fort Lost In The Woods. Aug 00 - Dec 00. OSUT. Was supposed to go back for SRT school, and didn't get the chance.

Response by SGT Joseph W. made Mar 3 at 2015 6:17 PM

SGT Joseph W. — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:17:51 -0500

Fort Dix, NJ in 1986 and never had a desire to return. I did ride by my last duty station on the way to DC: USALMC at Fort Lee, VA.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Mar 3 at 2015 11:20 PM

GySgt Joe Strong — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:20:42 -0500

MCRD San Diego, went back for a walk thru about 3 years later.
It was a lot less intimidating on the visit. Funny how those Confidence Course obstacles seemed smaller too.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 3 at 2015 11:38 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:38:49 -0500

Fort Jackson in 1986, and amazingly I've never had the inclination to return.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 4 at 2015 12:36 AM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:36:14 -0500

Fort Benning, Ga is where I attended Basic and AIT. I have never been back but plan on stopping next month when i'm vacationing in Savannah, Ga.

Response by SSG Jeffery Aldridge made Mar 12 at 2015 2:20 PM

SSG Jeffery Aldridge — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:20:16 -0400

I went to MCRD San Diego in '86 went back 20 yrs later when my son graduated in '06

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 6 at 2015 9:52 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 21:52:26 -0400

1975, Ft. McClellan, Alabama.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Sep 6 at 2015 10:02 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 22:02:03 -0400

I did basic at Fort Leonardwood and would love to go back and see what has changed. I did my first AIT at fort lee and I have been back there and it has really changed. I did my second AIT at fort sill n when I went back there it's wasn't that much of a difference but it was nice to visit

Response by LCpl Terry Ryan made Sep 10 at 2015 11:49 PM

LCpl Terry Ryan — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:49:38 -0400

Attended MCRD 6/57 to9/57.looking forward to going back to boot camp & see the changes What is the best way to do this?

Response by SSG Al Vadnais made Sep 11 at 2015 8:30 PM

SSG Al Vadnais — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 20:30:29 -0400

Ft Sill is where I started and somehow where I retired.

Response by Col Richard Roessler made Sep 20 at 2015 8:24 PM

Col Richard Roessler — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 20:24:42 -0400

I went to Boot Camp at Grave Mistakes ('er Great Lakes), Michigan back in 1984. I did have a chance to go back there sometime around 2005 or so as a commissioned officer, as I needed to go to a medical appointment. It felt really weird walking in the same area that I needed to salute everything that moved and having folks salute me as silly as it sounds, I really did NOT like that feeling very much. The area seemed like 'such hallowed ground' and to walk it as an officer was just plain bizarre!

Response by COL George Antochy made Oct 1 at 2015 11:40 PM

COL George Antochy — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:40:35 -0400

Being an Officer I attended ROTC Advanced Camp at Fort Bragg in July 1978. I then served at Fort Bragg immediately upon being commissioned as an ROTC Advanced Camp Instructor in 1979 and then reported to my Officer Basic Course at Fort Bliss. I visited Fort Bragg a few times in 2009 and 2010 while my son was assigned there, and the WWII barracks that I stayed in back in 1978 were all but demolished. Obviously as an Air Defense Officer I had returned to Fort Bliss many times during my Active and Reserve career, but it was very different during my last few visits as the 1st Armored Div was now based there and the Air Defense School had relocated to Fort Sill.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 12:59 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 00:59:43 -0400

I went through Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego in June 1968. I went back there for Field Radio Operator training. Over the years, I have been back to visit the base several times. It is one of the best Marine Corps bases as far as I am concerned. I went through AIT at MCB Camp Pendleton. I was also briefly stationed there with the 4th Marine Division HQ. I went there fairly often on training exercises when I was stationed at MCB 29 Palms. Last year, I went to Oceanside for my Uncles funeral. I spent several hours driving around Camp Pendleton. I did not recognize the base after all the years that have passed.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 2 at 2015 6:06 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 06:06:49 -0400

Parris Island Plt 22 6th Recruit Btl... entered 12/27/1953 & graduated 03/20/1954..No I have not been back but did talk to a Marine Public Relations Officer who explained how the Marines like to see us old vets come back for a tour of the island, visit the museum & attend graduation..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 2:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:32:42 -0400

I attended Basic/AIT "OSUT" in 1995, and thankfully never been back there besides driving by it on I35. I am from Oklahoma so don't feel like Im missing much. Currently still serving and living the Air Assault life at Ft Campbell....

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Oct 8 at 2015 2:37 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:37:52 -0400

Parris Island SC in 2001, never went back.

Response by TSgt John Marshall made Oct 8 at 2015 4:59 PM

TSgt John Marshall — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 16:59:36 -0400

Going Back to Ft Knox in 2012 was an experience. I went to Knox for what used to be called Basic Camp (for cadets- if I wanted to continue to be an Army officer, I would have attended Advanced Camp the next summer). So much had changed from my days there in 1983. I've been back to Lackland a couple times. Did not recognize a thing while there. I missed my brief Army time more than my Air Force time...

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Oct 22 at 2015 12:05 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 12:05:51 -0400

Basic was at Ft. Dix, N.J. (Never been back, never will either).
AIT, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN. (It's gone, so.....)
First assignment, Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Been back there TWICE! It's a great place and area to visit.

Response by SSG Phil Mullins made Mar 7 at 2016 11:48 AM

SSG Phil Mullins — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 11:48:49 -0500

1973 Ft Polk, La.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:21:06 -0500

Apr-Jun 1997 - Fort Leonard Wood and have never made it back there

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Mar 10 at 2016 11:38 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:38:36 -0500

Ft. Sill OK for Basic and AIT during the summer or 1995. I haven't been back on post, but I have driven through Lawton since. I have no desire to go back there at all. Just thinking about it makes me feel like I should be at parade rest or doing push-ups. And I was last there over 20 years ago. I can't imagine what I would do if I were actually there.

Response by SFC Herman Rawls made Mar 10 at 2016 9:03 PM

SFC Herman Rawls — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 21:03:00 -0500

July 1984, Parris Island, SC, Plt 2093, 2d Recruit Training Battalion.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 17 at 2016 9:54 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:54:50 -0400

Ft Knox, 1983. B/13/4. Haven't been back since.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Mar 17 at 2016 10:20 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:20:23 -0400

Fort McClellan Ala. 3 June 1981; A-11 MP Bn (OSUT).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2016 10:59 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:59:10 -0400

1992 Great Mistakes i mean Lakes
Eight long weeks

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2016 6:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:28:15 -0400

Fort Jackson BCT, 8/08-2/09. C/3-34, Charlie Rock. I haven't been back, but I'm sure it's exactly the same except for the camo.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2016 6:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:47:03 -0400

Basic, AIT, & first and only duty station: Fort Sill, OK. I always hated when, in the years after basic, my battery would do something on the training side of post.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Mar 21 at 2016 2:34 AM

SSG Richard Hackwith — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 02:34:00 -0400

Did BCT at Fort Ord in 1964. Was back there in '67 for a short TDY. Then after active duty, was there for a USAR annual training in '74 and a bunch of times in the early 80s for national guard overnighters.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 7:30 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 07:30:52 -0400

Fort McCllelan, 1996. Never been back, never want to. Thank goodness it's closed now. Too much racism in that area. Even from waitresses. I mean, really?

Response by SFC Thomas Van Valkenburg made Mar 21 at 2016 10:34 AM

SFC Thomas Van Valkenburg — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 10:34:59 -0400

I received Basic and AIT at Fort Benning, GA in 1978 and in 1990-1992 I was a Drill Sgt. at Fort Benning, GA right down the street from where I took Basic and AIT. It really hadn't changed much other than getting bigger. In 2015 I went back to Fort Benning, GA to see my grandson graduate Basic. It had really changed a lot not just in the way it was laid out but also the standards of training. I guess it is all part of the New and Kinder Military!

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Mar 21 at 2016 2:41 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:41:57 -0400

1980 Orlando Naval Base. I went back for Nuke School but not since. I hear it's closed now. The Boot Camp part, that is.

Response by SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds made Mar 21 at 2016 7:42 PM

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 19:42:22 -0400

Fort Lost In the Woods, Missouri for both Basic and AIT. No, I would not go back there.

Response by TSgt Stephen Potter made Mar 24 at 2016 12:23 PM

TSgt Stephen Potter — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:23:58 -0400

I attended Navy Boot Camp in San Diego, CA in 89. I took my wife and daughter to San Diego for spring break in 07. Where I got screamed at a lot and it wasn't there anymore. Lol! A stripe mall surrounded the USS Recruit. I have shocked.

Response by SrA Don Silver made Mar 24 at 2016 12:43 PM

SrA Don Silver — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:43:53 -0400

December of 1969 at Lackland AFB and have not been back since.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 3:27 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 15:27:12 -0400

I went through US Air Force Basic training from May 1993- June 1993, however I stayed at Lackland to attend The Security Police Academy and finished at Lackland in July, 1993. Next I went through Air Base Defense school at Ft. Dix and finally finishing in September 1993. I then headed to my home base at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota where I served their my entire enlistment and separating after four years honorably in May 1997. I did revisit Lackland in 1999 to watch my wife go through Basic but realized we wanted to go our separate ways. Still till this day I wish I had stayed, I would have been eligible for retirement in 2013. I had some of the best times of my life while serving in the Air Force and I did get to see the world TDY and I loved my job.. Coulda, shoulda and woulda is what I say now....

Response by CPL Deanna Green (Parkinson) made Mar 24 at 2016 9:57 PM

CPL Deanna Green (Parkinson) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 21:57:42 -0400

I was at Ft. McClellan, AL 10/95-3/96 (A-787) OSUT. I never made it back before it closed. It was a beautiful base on the surface.

Response by PFC Eric Brown made Mar 25 at 2016 11:01 AM

PFC Eric Brown — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 11:01:23 -0400

I went to OSUT, 95B, at Fort McClellan in late 1990 thru early 1991.

In March of 2013, I was driving out to Atlanta from Dallas for work and stayed at a hotel in Oxford. The next morning, I drove up to the old fort. It closed in 1999 and since then, the city has taken over a lot of the base...enough to confuse me for a bit. But then, I found the building where the PX had been and knew I was almost home.

The classrooms that we had used during training are only a couple hundred yards from the PX. Another 50 yards past that is where the 795th MP Battalion once called home. Going straight back from the classrooms, the first company area that you come to is my old company area, Delta Co.

I have never in my life, before or since, had a place give me the creeps more than that place did that day 3 years ago. It looked like a scene out of an end of the world movie. There were weeds growing out of the cracks of the buildings, all of the ground floor doors that used to have glass windows were boarded up. The doors to the laundry rooms and the stairwells were locked up with chains. I walked through the entire battalion area, fully expecting to find a skeleton around every corner.

I walked back to where the classrooms were. There is an open area in the middle of that building where we used to take breaks. At night, it was always pitch black in there but during the day it was well lit. The vegetation in that area now was so overgrown that it looked like a cave. I started to walk through that just to look around, took about 4 steps and stopped. Every warning instinct in me started going off so I backed out of there.

I have to say that it was very heartbreaking to see this place in this state. That was a place that I called home during what turned out to be a very turbulent period of my life. In many ways, for me, it was the place where the person I am today was born. And to see that birthplace in such an abandoned state....it looked like the people who were once there had just one day vanished into thin air. It would have been easier to see that those buildings had been demolished rather than just abandoned.

I took quite a few pics but they are on my laptop at home, so I will have to try to remember to share those later when I can.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Mar 25 at 2016 11:08 AM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 11:08:45 -0400

Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. Been back twice after cross training to a new career field. Went past my old training area and it brought back a lot of memories. Some good, some not so. But I would do it all over again if I had to! GO AIR FORCE!!

Response by SSG Rhett Harris made Apr 1 at 2016 9:26 AM

SSG Rhett Harris — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:26:36 -0400

Ft. Benning, GA. End of 1987 into 1988. Had to take the Christmas Exodus. Sand Hill to be exact. have not been back but would love to walk the Hill, especially with my kids.

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Sep 1 at 2016 12:54 PM

MSgt Raymond Hickey — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 12:54:27 -0400

Lackland AFB, 1968... Back in Dec. 1969 for AZR training prior to being deployed to Nam...back in 1975 for ABGD ...back in 1981 for AF Recruiter training...back in 1983 for Command NCO Academy...place always looked the same...

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Oct 7 at 2016 10:16 PM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 22:16:30 -0400

In 1982 I had the grand pleasure of attending Boot camp at Fort Dix in November.Bivouac in the winter was very interesting.In the morning you used your helmet as a sink to shave.Then the hot breakfast chow would be delivered by Jeep not Humvee/lol

I was back at Dix in 2009 to train to go to Iraq with the 747MP's.The place had changed so much.The use inmates to work in the chow hall/lol

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 2:08 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 May 2017 14:08:30 -0400

August 1990 at ft Bragg

Response by SSgt Allen Sorochiello made May 18 at 2017 12:10 PM

SSgt Allen Sorochiello — Thu, 18 May 2017 12:10:35 -0400

Plt 1085 1st Bn Alpha Co. Parris Island 1986

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 1:22 PM

SSgt John Carter — Thu, 18 May 2017 13:22:19 -0400

Great Lakes the First time, Lackland the Second time and I have been back to both several times.

Response by LT Chuck Schneider made May 18 at 2017 1:26 PM

LT Chuck Schneider — Thu, 18 May 2017 13:26:47 -0400

Great Lakes, IL summer/fall 1963. Not really.

Response by MSG Michael Jackson made Jul 26 at 2017 2:55 PM

MSG Michael Jackson — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 14:55:39 -0400

Fort Benning GA, Charlie 7-1. November 1982-March 1983

Response by SSG Bobby Elliott made Aug 12 at 2017 1:12 PM

SSG Bobby Elliott — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 13:12:43 -0400

Fort Leonard Wood in 1983. Have not been back.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 12 at 2017 9:54 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 21:54:50 -0400

I went through OSUT at Ft Leonard Wood in '02. My grandfather also went through Basic there when he was drafted during Korea and, from what I gathered, he did *not* have pleasant memories of the place. After he was there during my graduation, though, we all felt he was in a better state having seen all that had changed and that conditions had improved since his time there.

Never planned on going back, but a couple years ago I was there for my brother's graduation from Basic. He was even in the same Battalion I had been in, although my Company had since been deactivated. In fact, the barracks I was in were no longer there and I had trouble recognizing the area for all that had changed.

Driving around by POV, it also surprised me how small the Post actually was compared to what I remembered from marching to & fro or being packed in cattle trucks.

Response by CW4 Robert Augur made Aug 12 at 2017 11:04 PM

CW4 Robert Augur — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 23:04:42 -0400

Ft Jackson SC 1974. 1st time back in 2014. Nothing looked the same?????

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made Aug 12 at 2017 11:20 PM

CPO Mark Robinson — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 23:20:02 -0400

RTC San Diego. They closed the base in 93 and since then it has been turned into a residential area with restaurants, hotels, sports complexes etc. at the same time keeping the historical landmarks intact. It is now known as Liberty Station and it is a perfect example of how to turn a base over to civilians yet still maintain its historical value. I was sad to see the base go but I'm happy to see it turn out the way it did.

Response by PFC Heather Hanson made Oct 27 at 2017 1:29 PM

PFC Heather Hanson — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:29:28 -0400

B co 2-39 Fort Jackson August 2011-November 2011

Response by Cpl Jesse Eagle Deer made Oct 31 at 2017 11:43 AM

Cpl Jesse Eagle Deer — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 11:43:12 -0400

I went to Boot Camp in Camp Pendleton Ca September to December 1978 19 years old and yes I have been back to camp several times for I had 2 son in laws in the Corps and there is a lot of changes but I enjoyed it every time I went to my old base camps

Response by SFC Sigmund Bauriedl made Feb 19 at 2018 9:15 PM

SFC Sigmund Bauriedl — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 21:15:39 -0500

86 Ft McClellan Jan-May OSUT D12, 89PSD 90 SRT, 92 BNOC, then drove through in 96. I have not been back since. Saw a log on the MP Corps page that when they moved basic that they gave the base the the state and locals for housing.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made May 14 at 2018 4:06 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Mon, 14 May 2018 16:06:31 -0400

I did both Basic and AIT at Ft Leonard Wood in 72, 73. I have never been back, but would like to

Response by SPC Gary Welch made May 14 at 2018 4:34 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Mon, 14 May 2018 16:34:03 -0400

Man I feel old went basic fort benning 11m osut in 88

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made May 15 at 2018 12:43 PM

SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted — Tue, 15 May 2018 12:43:55 -0400

FT Knox, Ky Basic/AIT. One stop shopping. A5C1 for 19D training. Never been back never will. Was there from Mar 78 thru June 78.

Response by Sgt Scott McCleland made May 15 at 2018 2:33 PM

Sgt Scott McCleland — Tue, 15 May 2018 14:33:00 -0400

Fort Mac in 1982, Lackland AFB in 1985.
I am militarily bilingual.

Response by GySgt Daniel Coulter made May 26 at 2018 1:00 AM

GySgt Daniel Coulter — Sat, 26 May 2018 01:00:17 -0400

MCRD San Diego Plt 2018, 1974. Went back in 1999 to attend my son's graduation. Missed the quonset huts we stayed in during mess and maintenance week.

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made May 28 at 2018 9:45 PM

SSgt Robert Prest — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:45:40 -0400

1975 MCRD SD. Never been back. On bucket list.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jun 4 at 2018 8:08 AM

CPT Larry Hudson — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:08:25 -0400

Fort Gordon, GA. Have not been back, but sure, WW2 barracks are gone by now

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2018 12:35 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:35:17 -0400

Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and no, I haven't been back and have no plans of going back.

Response by SPC Sherrie Doggett made Jul 18 at 2018 11:01 AM

SPC Sherrie Doggett — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 11:01:22 -0400

Ft. Jackson S.C 1991

Response by SSgt Chris Loomis made Aug 26 at 2018 8:37 PM

SSgt Chris Loomis — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 20:37:12 -0400

Lackland AFB sept 83. Was there until Feb 84 for both basic and Tech school (security police). Never went back there.

Response by SPC Marianne Shoemaker/Lattea made Aug 28 at 2018 12:52 PM

SPC Marianne Shoemaker/Lattea — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:52:01 -0400

I was Delta 2/39 in Ft. Jackson, twenty years ago and just recently returned to watch our eldest son graduate boot from Delta 1/34.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jan 24 at 2019 7:44 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 07:44:03 -0500

I attended basic at fort Bliss. Back twice. Saw my drill instructor in the PX. I was putting on my SSG stripes and one service stripe on. Made SSG in 3 years and 10 months.I laughed at the drill SSG. Guess you need to go to war to get promoted. He had been in 13 years

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2019 10:43 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:43:11 -0400

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, 1978. I drove past it a couple of times. I never went on the post and probably wouldn't even find my barracks. It really is "Lost In The Woods". I can't believe some guys in my BCT unit went AWOL. They're probably still lost.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Apr 9 at 2019 5:37 PM

SFC Michael W. — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:37:32 -0400

Navy: RTC Orlando, Fla in 1980
Army: Fort Dix (Disneyworld), NJ in 1985

Response by 1SG Tommy Griffin made Apr 17 at 2019 5:42 PM

1SG Tommy Griffin — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:42:26 -0400

Fort Dix 77

Response by SFC Jeff Emry made Apr 24 at 2019 2:20 PM

SFC Jeff Emry — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:20:08 -0400

I went to Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ from August - October 1984. No, I haven't been back. To my understanding, Fort Dix is no longer a basic training facility; part of BRAC closure years ago. Is Fort Dix still operating? I would like to return someday to visit.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 10 at 2019 2:51 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 10 May 2019 14:51:31 -0400

I attended Basic training in 1966 at Lackland AFB, Texas. In 1968 I returned as an A1C just prior to going to Vietnam to attend a Security Police, AZR Combat Training course at the Medina Training annex to Lackland AFB. Much later in 1994 as a SMSgt I attended the Security Police Superintendent Course at Lackland AFB, Texas. The students were Majors, Captains, SMSgts and MSgts. Where my old WWII vintage open bay wooden barracks had been it was gone and a static display SR71 aircraft stood where it had been. The new barracks were all central air conditioned modern buildings. On the last trip San Antonio had been all cleaned up for tourism and family groups instead of the strip joints and porno places.etc. that had been there before. They were all gone.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2019 10:41 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 May 2019 10:41:39 -0400

I went to boot camp at RTC Great Lakes from April-June 2007. Never been back and probably never will, unless one of my kids decides to join the Navy, then I’ll go watch them graduate.

Response by SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth made Jan 29 at 2020 10:19 AM

SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:19:51 -0500

I spent the winter months of December 1972-February 1973 completing my BCT at Ft Dix, NJ.
To date, I haven’t returned to relive those 3:45am “Revelry Calls” & PT runs!
Ugh!
“I’m Good”....

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2021 7:36 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 19:36:12 -0400

Parris Island, and no. I got enough the first time. Often by choice. Fun and games.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2021 11:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 23:58:10 -0400

1973 Fort Lost in the Woods in the state of Misery. I returned in 2003 to help mobilizing Guard/Reserve units for Iraqi Freedom. Much different the second time around.