Veterans

Last edited Thu Dec 28, 2017, 02:13 PM - Edit history (1)

Some advice I've given youngin's about to swan dive into the shark pool:

1. Millions have done this and done it well. So will you. The odds are in your favor.

2. Those monsters want you to succeed. It's their job and it's enlighten self interest. Someday you may be steering the ship they're on, repairing that aircraft they're flying on, covering their back in some hell hole or taking care of their pay record. They want you to be very good at it.

3. The first couple of weeks are the toughest. You'll be convinced you can't make it. Then, it checks, falls into place and it all makes sense. Believe it or not, you'll probably look back and think it was kinda fun in a bizarre sort of way.

4. You will make mistakes. You will have a monster standing on your belt buckle, informing you s/he is quite disappointed in your performance. Stare at the point where their eyebrows are growing together and go to your happy place. The trick is to learn from it and don't keep repeating it. Whatever you do, do not smile. You can not win "You think I'm funny, troop?!" contest.

5. Cooperate and graduate. You can not succeed in basic or in "real world" by yourself. You're part of a unit now and when it succeeds, so will you. Sometimes that unit will be all you have.

6. Speaking of graduating. Sooner than you think you and your unit will be passing in review, taking the salute of Them What Be In Charge, and you all will come about a foot off the ground. You are now soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines or coast guardmen. Strut it. Ya done good.

7. Get all the education you can and put aside some money every month. Both will come in handy down the road.