#33 - The countdown begins...

This is the last entry of the DEP section of my journal, and the last entry for 2005. I wish a Happy New Year to those who might be checking out this blog! Moving into the New Year means that my ship date is coming very soon! Seventeen more days, and I'm sure they are going to fly by...

I have been exercising today, but not as much as I should. It is New Year's Eve, after all, and I have a glass of asti in hand as I write this. I did give up chocolate and coffee, but I haven't put the kibosh on alcohol just yet. ;>

Most of what I'll need for basic training is packed up here and ready to go, save for the purchase of a phone calling card or two. My initial PT test is scheduled for sometime next week with my recruiter. I don't anticipate having trouble with the pushups or situps, but the run is a concern. Running has always been my weakest area. I haven't been running outdoors since the weather has been uncooperative (winter in Pennsylvania - go figure), and the track I've wanted to use at a local university has been locked up while school is out. My only running has been indoors as described in a previous post. I tried to run outside yesterday, and it was a failed experiment. I was having a very difficult time breathing in the cold air, and found myself running on a slate sidewalk (shin splints, here I come!), so I thought it best not to continue for very long.

The weather at Fort Jackson is warmer, so hopefully the cold temperatures won't be much of an issue there. I'm just worried that I haven't been able to time myself outside on a track for the 1 mile run. I'm not sure what will happen if I fail the PT assessment with my recruiter. Some folks who have completed basic have said they were able to ship anyway, and I've also heard that not being able to pass the initial PT assessment is grounds for being disqualified and not shipping out to basic. This is the fun of being in the DEP... There are so many rumors and opinions floating around, and it's often difficult to discern what is accurate information and what is not.

#32 - More BCT journals

I will add links to other basic training journals as I find them. A few were already listed in journal entry #9. Here are additions to the list:

http://blog.myspace.com/26611803

http://www.livejournal.com/users/armygurrl/

http://meta474.blogspot.com/

http://dogtags.risawn.com/

#31 - MOS Resolved

I decided to stick with the MOS in my contract after all. I think I might have lost my husband's support for my decision to enlist if I had gone with any of my alternative choices. I will "suck it up" and make the best of the situation.

I met with the recruiter and First Sgt. today. They had a lot of positive things to say about my choice of MOS. I will be going to my future Reserve unit next week to check it out, and meet some of the people there.

#30 - GI, er DEPer Blues

I didn't really have a good day, though I'm not sure why..just one of those crappy days when you feel a bit down. It was hard to get motivated to do anything.

I think I'm feeling a little bit of buyer's remorse about my selection of an MOS. I keep telling myself that I should be lucky to have gotten it, that some folks who really wanted this MOS weren't able to get it. I am excited to be going to basic training, even looking forward to it. But I feel no such excitement about attending AIT afterwards. I'm already thinking that if I choose to reenlist in the future, that I would reclass into another MOS. I found myself even secretly hoping I would not pass the security clearance so I might be offered something else... probably not a good sign.

Maybe the way I'm feeling is because I had my heart set on 21T and 21U for so long. Well, I'm sure that's part of it. There's also a part of me that gravitates toward doing something a little more physical rather than relying on my brain (at least for work... my brain gets enough of a workout during my downtime!). I suppose this is why I enjoy my civilian job as an Archaeologist. I get to hike through the woods all day, dig lots of holes, feel the wind in my hair and mosquitos biting me... that sort of thing. I was thinking about doing something more physical for an MOS - who knows, maybe being an MP, or a mechanic?

It's not uncommon for people to want to reconsider after they've chosen an MOS. Apparently there is an option to renegotiate your contract, though it's not the easiest path to take. I don't know if this is something I should pursue. I'll have to give it some thought... Maybe working with computers wouldn't be a bad thing. God knows I sure spend enough time on them now!

#29 - Odds and ends

 

Ahh...caffeine in its many forms. Soda, chocolate, coffee. I finally got rid of the caffeine withdrawal headaches. I could have waited until closer to my ship date to have given up all things caffeine-laden, but it's probably best that it's out of the way.

There are a million little tasks that have to be taken care of before I leave. Things like leaving my husband account names and passwords for my website and multiple e-mail accounts, the number for checking voicemail on my cell phone, putting away personal things of mine he won't need for the next 6 months... I put plastic drycleaning bags over my clothes in the closet lest they be covered in dust, for example. Wow. I'm going to be gone for awhile. I suppose this isn't bad, though, compared to what the military personnel who must deploy overseas for 12 months or longer must go through. It would be really strange to know you weren't going to see your home for that long.

#28 - Johnny B. Goode

I jogged for 40 minutes today. I was feeling tired during the last 10 or 15 minutes, and my legs were again getting heavy, but I felt that I could have gone longer. Unfortunately I still haven't been able to access the local university's track to time myself; seems like everything's locked up for the holidays. However, I'm beginning to feel more confident about my ability to run in basic.

Each time I add to my running, I hear cadences that are further down the playlist on my Ipod. I'm starting to learn the cadences, and develop some favorites. Here is one based off the song "Johnny B. Goode":

(During the chorus, everyone sings the BOLD)

Down in Louisiana, down in New Orleans,
Back up in the woods among the evergreens.
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood,
Where lived a country boy named of Johnny B. Goode.
He never ever learned to read or write so well,
But he could play a guitar just like he's ringin' a bell.

Go, go,
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go, Johnny go go, go
Go, go Johnny go go go go
Johnny B. Goode!

He used to carry his guitar in a burlap sack,
Sit beneath the trees by the railroad track.
Engineers could see him sittin' in the shade,
Strummin' to the rhythm that the driver made.
People passing by you know they'd stop and say,
“Oh my but that little country boy sure can play!”

Go, go,
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go, Johnny go go, go
Go, go Johnny go go go go
Johnny B. Goode!

His mama told him, “One day you will be a man,
And You will be the leader of a big old band!
People gonna come from miles around,
To listen to you play it till the sun goes down.
One day maybe your name gonna be in lights,
Sayin' Johnny B. Goode tonight!”

Go, go,
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go Johnny go go go, go
Go, Johnny go go, go
Go, go Johnny go go go go
Johnny B. Goode!

#27 - Christmas

I decided to take a day off from exercising, since today was Christmas. I hope everyone had a great holiday.

#26 - Coffee

 

It's been a few days since I gave up coffee. I was going to do it closer to my ship date, but my husband talked me into giving it up much earlier. The caffeine withdrawal headaches are a bear.

Amazingly I'm still getting up relatively early in the morning (4:30-6:00am) even without my beloved mug of joe waiting. The difficult part is that I still go through the motions of making coffee for my husband even though I can't have any. The sounds of the coffee pot brewing and aroma wafting through the kitchen... I didn't realize how much I would miss it! I've been told that instant coffee comes with some MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). Some folks will just chew on the grounds like tobacco. I think I'll pass on that..lol. I am hoping that I will be able to have coffee again in AIT. Otherwise it may be difficult to stay alert through all those classes...

In other news, I'm slowly improving with my running. I jogged for 30 minutes today, my longest time yet. I was starting to tire and my legs were feeling a little heavy towards the end... But it still felt pretty good.

#25 - Fitness update

I need to be able to run longer than 12 minutes at basic, so I'm upping my run at each session. This morning I jogged 20 minutes, walked for a minute, than jogged another 10. I've been jogging to the pace established by the military running cadences on my Ipod. Unfortunately right now I've been stuck at home, since one of our vehicles is in the shop, limiting my transportation options. We actually have other vehicles too, but they are currently blocked in the garage by another non-running truck...oh well. I can't make it to the track, and I don't want to run on the street (besides, our road is narrow, and the piled up snow and ice on the shoulders has made any pedestrian traffic more treacherous than usual). So, I run around the inside of my house like a dork. Sometimes the cat thinks I am playing and chases me. ;> I do use our treadmill as well, but I find I'm getting a better workout with my feet actually hitting the ground.

I would like to get to the track soon and see how fast I am doing on the 1 mile run at my current pace.

#24 - The rumor mill

Recruits who are waiting in the DEP (Delayed Entry or Enlistment Program) to ship to basic are generally desperate for any scrap of information on what they can expect. In the time I have been in the DEP, I've haunted several internet forums, listed as links on this page. On these forums it's possible to hear opinions and solicit advice from recent graduates of basic all the way to Drill Sergeants. In general, reading messages on these forums has been a tremendous help.

Some folks have recently returned home for Exodus. This is a break in training for the holidays. A few trainees have made comments about basic not being as difficult as they expected, and even being "low stress". According to some people, Drill Sergeants are a lot nicer, there is a lot less yelling, no cursing allowed, etc.

I'm not sure what this means... Are these the words of folks setting up those in the DEP for a big, unpleasant surprise (oh that would be a cruel joke), or could all of this be true? I am curious. It will nevertheless be an interesting experience for me to see how today's basic training compares to the BCT I went through in 1997.

#23 - Cadences

I thought it may improve my running if I loaded up the Ipod Shuffle with mp3s and began listening to military running cadences. They have proved to be very motivational, and it has made a huge difference (the only thing I'm missing is a Drill Sergeant ready to chew me out if I drop out of formation).

I would recommmend cadences for any potential military recruit trying to improve upon their run. I have been listening to selections from the following albums:

Run To Cadence With The U.S. Army Infantry
Run To Cadence With The U.S. Army Rangers
Run To Cadence With The U.S. Army Airborne
Run To Cadence With The U.S. Marines, Vols. 1 & 2
Run To Cadence With The Recon Marines
Run The Cadence With The U.S. Navy
Run To Cadence With The U.S. Air Force
Running Cadences Of The U.S. Armed Forces

Emusic.com is currently offering a promotion. You can join their online music service and get 50 free mp3 downloads. After that, I believe it's $9.99 for 40 additional mp3s (and you can cancel membership anytime). Of course I won't have any need for music in a few short weeks, so I'll need to terminate my membership. Still, getting something like 90 songs for $9.99 isn't a bad deal. That covers a lot of cadences, plus some other music to walk to while I'm getting ready for basic.

Recordings of military cadences are also available online in traditional formats and at some Army-Navy surplus stores too, if anyone is interested.

#22 - Physical preparations

I've been continuing my physical preparations for basic training, and am beginning to rachet it up a notch in intensity. I don't believe pushups and situps will be a problem with me, but I'm still working on the run. Now I've been jogging for at least 12 minutes straight, and trying to increase my endurance. Sure, that isn't much, but considering that a few weeks ago I felt like dying after 30 seconds, it is an improvement. I need to be able to comfortably pass my initial PT assessment, but obviously I'd like to prepare as much as I can. Guess I just have to do the best possible in the limited time left to prepare.

#21 - Lifestyle changes

My husband and I did go to the expensive restaurant last night. I had some of the best filet mignon I've ever had. The restaurant reminded me of somewhere nice in NYC, not what you'd normally find around here. They were supposed to have a tiramisu dessert to die for. I didn't have any, though. I've been slowly instituting some general lifestyle changes that will get me ready for basic training.

Banished from my diet is the chocolate, ice cream (especially Ben and Jerry's - so good but so fattening), and all the stuff I love from the bakery down the road. If I am craving something sweet, I will opt for a yogurt or low-fat chocolate soy milk. My caffeine intake has decreased to one cup of coffee per day. Boy do I miss the coffee already. I'll quit altogether at least a week before I leave.

#20 - One month to go

The clock is ticking... one month to go before I leave for Fort Jackson.

Thankfully I am home right now, and have time to take care of things, even little stuff like cleaning the house before I go. I am making a concerted effort to spend more quality time with my husband. For example, I made a reservation for dinner this evening at a somewhat swanky/expensive restaurant. We've been talking about going there for months but somehow never got around to it. Now seemed like a good time. There are probably a lot of activities I can squeeze into the next month. It's amazing how much you suddenly cherish the time you do have once you know it is finite.

One of my concerns about leaving for basic training is the realization that I will not have internet access for at least 9 weeks (yikes!). I was terrified at letting my website go for that long and worried about what I would find there when I logged on again. I posted a message asking for volunteer moderators and received replies from three people who are willing to look after the site (all great people, too). This is such a relief, and one less thing I'll have to worry about.

#19 - More preparations

Just doing what I can to prepare for what's coming in another month... My recruiter is supposed to set me up with an AKO account so I can access content on futuresoldiers.com. We were supposed to have a DEP (Delayed Entry Program) meeting tonight but it was cancelled. There is to be another one next week, so I get to do PT for the first time with all the young 'uns. This should be interesting.

I'm still assembling items on the packing list for basic. I am troubled by the fact that I may have many of my items taken away during shakedown in Reception, even items that are on the list. I've read that some basic training locations require women to purchase specific types of sports bras, underwear and socks at their PX (Post Exchange) or Shoppette (kind of a small store for recruits). I will be pissed if I've already spent a lot of money buying all this stuff and any of it is locked away for BCT.

Yesterday I purchased several pair of underwear from Victoria's Secret. I'm hoping that no one is going to make a fuss over the subdued logo on the waistband. They are, after all, white/neutral color "granny" type panties, nothing fancy or frilly... just happen to come from Victoria's Secret, which makes some quality underwear. We'll see if they are taken away from me.

I also had to order a pair of black flip-flops/shower shoes from oldnavy.com. Couldn't find them anywhere else! The flip-flops were 99 cents, and shipping $5, so I asked my husband to buy something else to justify the cost. Two pair of pants later, we probably ended up with at least a $45-50 order for those damn shower shoes. They have an Old Navy logo inside that I will have to black out with a Sharpie, lest my shower shoes stand out from everyone elses (Note: I later had to ditch these at Reception. The DSs forced us to buy everything new there, even if we already possessed the requisite items).

#18 - When should I tell?

The fact that I haven't told everyone that I joined the Army Reserve is starting to wear upon me. I'm really nervous about being to hack it physically, and didn't want to tell anyone until I had graduated basic training, just in case there was a problem! I haven't decided yet what I am going to do. Maybe I will write to everyone at some point during basic to tell them, after I see that things are going well. Maybe I'll just send a postcard with a link to this blog...lol! At least then everyone would get a chance to read through everything I've went through leading up to basic.

To be honest, part of the reason I haven't told everyone about my plans is that I know some folks will try to talk me out of it. I'm nervous enough about having to deal with basic, and can't deal with any negativity right now. There are a number of reasons (some listed in an earlier post on this blog) that I enlisted... but there's also another factor that I can't quite explain. I don't know why, but I feel that this is just something I have to do.

#17 - Packing list

There are several versions of the BCT "packing list" (what recruits should bring to basic training) floating around in print and on the internet. Traditional wisdom maintains that the less you bring, the better off you will be. Drill sergeants have a tendency to take things away from recruits during a process called "shakedown". Some folks try to sneak in items like cell phones, electronics, tobacco, etc. - I wouldn't recommend it! Recruits are also made to do exercises carrying around their heavy bags, running up and down the stairs and whatnot, so it's best not to show up with a huge suitcase.

This is what I will use as my base packing list. It's from the Fort Jackson website at http://www.jackson.army.mil/BCT/What_to_Expect.htm. I will only take a few other additional items not listed. Before I ship for basic, I will post a photo and list of my items, as well as give info after BCT on just what I was allowed to keep after the infamous shakedown. Hopefully this will help others heading for basic in the future to know what to expect...

What to Bring

Clothing
One set of casual, comfortable clothing *No halter tops or ragged shorts
Three sets of underwear (White)
One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks *No color bands, designs or logos
One pair of comfortable athletic shoes
Eyeglasses *No faddish/stylish eyewear
Athletic supporter (males only)
Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym bag
Two locks (combination or padlock with 2 keys)
Toiletries
Disposable / safety razor with blades
Shaving cream (optional for women)
Toothbrush with clear carrying case
Hairbrush or 6" black comb
Shampoo
Two washcloths and one brown towel
Non-aerosol antiperspirant
Black shower shoes
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Soap with clear carrying case
Nail clippers
Money*
A minimum $10.00 - but No More Than $50.00 in Cash
Traveler's Checks or Money Orders
ATM Card or Personal Checks
*You will be given an advance pay for any required purchases.

For Women Only
Undergarments:
8 underwear (cotton recommended, White or Neutral)
6 sports bras
flesh tone nylons
Hairstyles not appropriate in uniform: ponytail, extreme bouffant styles, exotic upsweeps, and corkscrew or "corn-row" styles.
You may wear quarter-inch or smaller pearl, gold, silver, or diamond spherical earrings, only with Army "dress" uniforms.

Documents You Need To Bring with You
Social Security Card, Driver's License, Direct Deposit Form - 1199 signed by a bank official, or the name, address and account number and routing number of your financial institution. If applicable, notarized copies of your Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Separation Order; notarized copies of Birth Certificates for all children under 18; Affidavit of Support for Parents; court documents, and direct deposit forms if ordered to pay spousal and/or child support. Ask your recruiter for full details. Proof of Citizenship (aliens only). The name, Social Security Number, and Military Address of your spouse if you are married to another service member. Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for any dependents residing outside of government quarters. Documentation of any ROTC experience, and college transcripts.

Your Orders
Be sure to have all copies of your orders and documents issued by your unit recruiter or the Military Entrance Processing Station. These orders must be hand-delivered by you. Travel and meal tickets will be provided.

What NOT to Bring
Prohibited Items, Do not bring these items with you to Fort Jackson:
Weapons
Drugs or narcotics
Alcoholic beverages and empty containers
Counterfeit money
Tobacco products
Pornographic items
Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic communication devices
CD players and walkman-type devices
Body jewelry
Contact lenses

Retained Items, These items should not be brought with you, but may be turned in for safe keeping at the OWNER'S RISK
Knives
Gambling devices
Suggestive items and pictures
Un-opened over-the-counter drugs
These items should be retained by individual
Prescription drugs with a written prescription

#16 - Fears

I think the full reality of my enlistment hit me like a truck last night.

I thought about how much I was going to miss being away from my husband, and had a moment of "What the hell have I done?!" I sobbed like a little girl.

After I had myself a good cry, I was able to calm down. Of course I will be able to get through this. No matter how I justify it, not seeing my husband for 9 weeks is going to suck. But, I will see him at graduation. And he is going to visit me several times at AIT (he'll probably blow through most of his vacation time doing so).

I've already started assembling the items I'm bringing to basic. This will include at least 30 prestamped envelopes (I'll have my husband send me more as needed). He will certainly have a letter to read every single day, even if I have to write under the bed covers with a flashlight (or sitting on the throne in the latrine, like I did before).

I know that I will certainly be kept very busy there, and probably in a perpetual state of sleep deprivation. Perhaps that will make being away from my husband easier to take...

#14 - Tchotchkes

When I enlisted in the Army, I was given a bunch of tchotchkes, depicted in these photos. The freebies included a black "Army DEP" backpack/shoulder bag, a "Guide for Future Soldiers and Their Families", a mini poster of "The Soldier's Creed", a pamphlet entitled "Welcome to the Army Community", several stickers, two "Welcome to the Army of One" DVDs, a book on physical fitness (not pictured), a luggage tag, and "America's Army" video game (quickly appropriated by my husband).

#15 - Tchotchkes continued...

More stuff - a "Soldiers Almanac" magazine with a bookmark and two posters

#13 - Finally in!

After a grueling 13+ hour day at the MEPS, I am finally in! I took my oath of enlistment with a few other people last night.

I initially played hardball and told the job counselor I only wanted one of those two jobs or I would be willing to punt and walk out the door (yeah, I actually said those words). Unfortunately one of the two was not available anywhere ('tis true, I checked the AIT schedules). There was a technicality that I did not qualify for the other because of a specific math class I never had. The job counselor actually convinced the Reserves unit to overlook this since I had 9 years of college and could probably handle it. After hours and hours spent on this with faxes and phone calls going back and forth and seemingly being approved, just as my AIT reservation was about to be made, it was discovered that I could not have this MOS after all because of my eyesight. That would have been nice to know earlier in the process before going through the emotional rollercoaster, but what can you do...

I was offered my choice of just about everything else under the sun, and decided on 25B, Information Technology Specialist. I didn't realize it before, but apparently this is very difficult to get into as IT positions are very much sought after. Ironically this is the Army equivalent of what my husband did in the Air Force. He used it as a stepping stone to a pretty nice civilian career. I still want to remain an Archaeologist, but I guess I can handle being a computer nerd for one weekend a month in the Army Reserve. The best part of this is that I will be drilling with a unit that is 10 miles from home.

This is the description for this MOS from goarmy.com:

Information Technology Specialist (25B)

Computers are essential to every division of the military. Information
Technology Specialists have the great responsibility of maintaining, processing and troubleshooting military computer systems and operations. Information Technology Specialists may perform some of the following duties:

- Identifying computer-user problems and coordinating to resolve them

- Installing, configuring and monitoring local and wide-area networks, hardware and software

- Compiling, entering and processing information

- Providing customer and network administration services such as passwords, electronic mail accounts, security and troubleshooting

- Constructing, editing and testing computer system programs

- Conducting data system studies and preparing documentation and specifications for proposals

- Assisting in the design, preparation, editing and testing of computer programs


Job training for an Information Technology Specialist consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and approximately 15 weeks of Advanced Individual training with classroom instruction. During the course of your training, you'll become experienced in:
Use of computer consoles and peripheral equipment
Computer systems concepts
Planning, designing and testing computer systems

Helpful attributes include:
Interest in typing and computer science
Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to communicate effectively
Interest in working with computer equipment
Experience in installing software and setting up computers

Advanced level Information Technology Specialists perform the same tasks as other Information Technology Specialists, but are also responsible for:
Configuring information-processing equipment
Performing senior operator and systems administrator duties on assigned computer systems
Assisting less experienced soldiers in the installation and maintenance of
information-processing equipment
Writing, analyzing, editing, testing and modifying computer programs.

The skills learned as an Information Technology Specialist can easily be transferred to the civilian workforce. You'll be able to work as a network support technician, data processing technician or computer programmer in just about any company that uses computers.

The AIT (job school) is actually 20 weeks long, not 15. I will be shipping to Fort Jackson, SC for basic training on January 17, 2006 with a start date of January 27th. BCT is 9 weeks long. Barring any complications (like failing PT standards or injury!), I will graduate BCT and then begin AIT at Fort Gordon, GA on April 3, 2006. If all goes well, I will finish AIT and return home again sometime around August 19th.

Here are a few details of the enlistment. Since I have a B.A. in hand, I will be going in at the rank of Specialist (E-4). I will receive a $4,000 "hi-grad" bonus because of my college education, and a $3,000 bonus for my MOS. Additionally, my MOS will give me $10,000 in student loan repayment (I think it's broken down something like 1/6 of that amount per year... my loans are a lot more than that, but every bit helps). I will also have the full (Reserves) GI Bill, which is up to $20,000 for grad school, and be eligible for a GI Bill kicker (an extra $100 a month for 36 months while I'm attending school).

Obviously I will not be able to keep up this blog when I go to BCT. Perhaps I will have some free time in AIT to work on it. If not, it will have to wait until August.

More to come...

#12 - Monday

My waiver was finally approved. I think the process took about a month and a half.

I will be going to the MEPS on Monday. Hopefully my next post will have a ship date!

#11 - Shopping for BCT

I still don't have a ship date for BCT, but I figure it's not too early to prepare. The Army has a list of items that they would like recruits to bring to basic training. It's a good thing that I already started on this. Some of the items are difficult to procure - it reminds me a little of a scavenger hunt!

- Clear plastic soap case and toothbrush holder: This seems pretty easy, but in reality hard to find. You can find these in every obnoxious 1980s neon color imaginable, but clear ones? I had to visit at least 6 or 7 stores before I hit paydirt.

- Sports bras, socks and underwear with no logo. No logo? In this consumer society where people pay extra to have corporate identities emblazoned across their chest (think of any sweatshirt from American Eagle Outfitters, the Gap, or Eddie Bauer)? I'm not sure if this is required because the Army desires uniformity within the ranks, or if they are worried other females may steal my underwear since it came from Victoria's Secret and not K-Mart. Guess I'll have to take a Sharpie to my stock of Hanes sports bras to black out the logos, lest I upset anyone.

- Plain black shower shoes (flip-flops). OK, this might not seem that difficult to procure... except that I live in Pennsylvania, and it's the middle of the winter. I've made several stops at local Wal-Marts, K-Marts, etc. and every time I ask for this I am given a look like I must be out of my mind. "Flip-flops? Why do you want flip-flops? There's a foot of freakin' snow on the ground!" Maybe I can buy a pair on e-bay...

#10 - Moving in the right direction

My paperwork is finally complete. If all goes well, I should be going down to the MEPS on Monday.

#9 - BCT journals

When I go to basic, I plan on keeping a journal and posting it here afterwards as a blog (probably not until I'm back from AIT). I will take down some thoughts in a notebook, but much of it will be based upon letters I send home to my husband.

This isn't an original idea; there are a number of basic training journals on the web. Of course some things are universal, but every experience is unique. I haven't seen any BCT journals written from the perspective of an older female, so I may have something to add to the existing body of literature. Here are a few to browse through if you'd like to get a flavor for the BCT experience:

http://armybct.blogspot.com/

http://bctjournal.blogspot.com/

http://www.us-army-info.com/pages/journal/bct.html

http://www.basictrainingblog.com/

http://www.livejournal.com/users/danapaynter/

http://www.anjviola.com/travelogues/reception.html

http://www.geocities.com/savor1982/bct.html

http://www.rozellewebs.com/terry/chris/

http://www.geocities.com/armybasictraining/diary.htm

#8 - Now that's motivation!

Michigan Dad Loses 230 Pounds to Enlist in Army

http://www.nyjtimes.com/cover/11-11-05/DadLoses230PoundsToEnlist.htm

#7 - KP duty

Here's another pic from basic, the first time around. A group us were doing KP duty, which was (sometimes) actually fun. I got smoked pretty bad later that day for having my eyeglasses strap hanging down!

#6 - Still waiting, and preparing

I spoke with the recruiter yesterday. Still waiting for the paperwork to process, and it looks like I won't make it to the MEPS until next week. I'd love to know what's going on, but in the meantime, I have plenty of time to prepare.

Some people don' t do much to get in shape for basic training. I think those are usually the people who are already in shape. I'd like to think I'm a reasonably active person (as my job has required of me), but I still have a long way to go.

This has been the workout routine thus far: running/walking on days alternating with a cardio/weightlifting routine. I've been augmenting this with pushups and pullups done throughout the day. My progress is thus far slow, but I've been trying to do this properly. My muscles are already pretty sore, so I must be doing something right...

#5 - The waiting game

Right now I'm in a bit of a holding pattern. I'm waiting for my waiver to be approved (I need a waiver since I chaptered out of basic training the last time). It has been approved at the company (?) level but I have to wait for the paperwork to pass through the proper channels.

Upon the final approval, I will be visiting the MEPS (Military Entrance Processsing Station) again. Another height & weight test, then meeting with an Army counselor to talk about jobs. I'd like to leave for basic in January or February. If I can't do that, then I may try to wait to go until the fall because of civilian obligations.

I'd like to know what's going on... the anticipation and not knowing is torture!

I previously visited the MEPS in October to undergo an initial evaluation for enlistment. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard all process potential recruits through the MEPS. This entailed enduring a day filled with taking the ASVAB test (the military's way of evaluating your ability to do various jobs) as well as a physical. Luckily I did pretty well on the ASVAB, and was told that I should (in theory) qualify for any job I wanted. The first time I took the ASVAB years ago, I scored an AFQT of 96 out of 99 possible points. Not bad! This time around I scored an AFQT of 87. Perhaps my brain has atrophied somewhat over the years...? Or maybe I should have taken more than 20 minutes to finish the entire test!

The physical included taking height and weight, the infamous "duck walk" in your underwear, hearing and eye testing (including depth perception), a blood, urine and breathalyzer test, a 5 second ob-gyn exam, filling out a number of forms, and an interview with a very crotchety doctor. The MEPS is where recruits are given their first glimpse of "hurry up and wait"... not a lot of fun.

#4 - Spillin' the beans

I let two more people in on the secret yesterday - my supervisors at work. I figure they needed to know, since my absence will affect them directly. I didn't know how they would take the news, but it seemed to go over well. One of my bosses even said he was proud of me. I guess I had half-expected people to tell me I was crazy for joining, but so far, so good.

Telling other folks has somehow made the decision more real - like it may have only been an idea before, but now I have to act upon it. Of course, that's not really the case, as I was going to follow through with it... but it has a different feel now.

The dreams I have at night about the military are not in short supply. I've been having periodic dreams about being in BCT for a 2nd time ever since I chaptered out of basic the first time. Sometimes the dreams were waking up in the barracks and thinking, "Oh no! I'm here again!". Othertimes they were along the lines of "Ah, I'm here a second time and this should be easy now!". I'm hoping reality is more like the latter type of dream. I've been dreaming about basic for so long, though, that I fear I'm going to wake up there and not know if it's real or not. Kind of like the dreams some kids have where they think they're walking to the bathroom and using the toilet, until they wake up feeling warm and quite wet... ;>

#3 - Reasons

I suppose keeping secrets from friends and family has taken its toll. I've been having dreams lately about it. I still don't know if I will break down and tell anyone else before I leave for BCT. How will I explain away a 9-week+ absence? I still haven't figured out all the details.

It's likely that the first thing folks will do when they find out what I've done is to ask why. So... I've come up with a list of answers:

- Being a vet may help me someday in my career and goal of getting a permanent job with the state or federal government. If (more likely, when) I get deployed someday, I might have vet's pref to show for it. I am a seasonal employee of a federal agency now. I love my present employer, though my position is not permanent. When such a slot opens up down the road, I might be in a better standing to compete for that slot as a veteran.

- The job training I will receive in my MOS (military occupational specialty, or job) may be helpful in my civilian career, or will give me something else to fall back on if I decided someday I no longer want to be an Archaeologist. I'm hoping to get an MOS of either Technical Engineer (21T) or Topographic Analyst (21U).

- Getting money for grad school would be great. Being able to come up with that money without asking my husband for help is even better. He does enough for me already, and it would be nice to get this on my own.

- If all goes well during the first enlistment, who knows, maybe I'll reup... perhaps even do 20 years and get a nice pension out of it. Or at the very least, I have some years to combine with other time earned for retirement once I (hopefully) can land a permanent federal job.

- There is a chance I might get some kind of signing bonus. I already told my husband that any extra $ would go right towards bills & paying down debt. I think we're ok financially, but it makes sense to use that money for practical purposes rather than being selfish with it and spending it all on myself.

- Being a soldier is something I've always been interested in. As I child, I preferred playing "Army" over having dolls. There is a part of me that has always wanted to join the military. Those of you who don't believe in reincarnation might scoff at this, but I believe I've been a soldier in many of my past lives. Call me weird, but this seems "right".

- I've always had a lot of respect for veterans and the sacrafices they've made for our country. I'm no fan of the current administration nor its policies, but I've never held anything against military personnel. I've always thought that serving our country in some way, whether it be military or civil service, should be mandatory. I would take a lot of pride in being able to serve, even if my contribution was small.

- This might sound a little odd, but I feel that at this time in my life, I need some kind of challenge. I'm sure completing basic training as an "old woman" will certainly provide that.

- And one of the biggest reasons I want to do this is the fact that I started it before and was never able to finish. Not being able to complete the experience has haunted me for years. This unfinished business has been one of my biggest regrets. I finally have a chance to make things right. Thankfully my husband is being very supportive, and I can go through with it.

#2 - Basic, round one

In the first post, I stated that I had been in the Army previously.

Somehow I was able to get away with having a disposable camera towards the end of basic training, so I will post a few pics of my prior BCT experience.

In the above photo, I am the grinning idiot on the left wearing the Kevlar. The person on the right is my battle buddy, Pvt. Harris. Some people don't like their battle buddies very much in basic. Imagine being forced to spend nearly 24 hours a day paired with a stranger for 8 or 9 weeks. If you are lucky like me, you will have a good battle buddy. I liked Harris, and we ended up becoming friends. We were a little different than most of the folks in our platoon. Harris and I would often sneak away to meditate if we got any (rare) free time. I believe the other girls in our platoon thought we were New Age freaks. On fireguard duty, sometimes we'd have time to talk, albeit in whispers, while everyone else was sleeping... We'd often wax philosophic and enter into deep discussions on God, religion, existence, reincarnation, and the human condition... just about anything but the Army. On Sundays, rather than staying and cleaning the barracks, we "got religion" and made the rounds, going to a new church service each week... Christian, Spanish-speaking Catholic, Baptist, Fundamentalist, Mormon, Native American, Wiccan services... it was like a great religious sampler that offered a few moments of calm away from the BCT storm. After I got out of the Army, I ended up living in California. Harris also got out on a medical discharge. At one point I even crashed at her house for awhile.

Reception is a period of time about a week long before basic officially starts where you fill out reams of paperwork, receive shots and exams, are issued uniforms, etc. In reception I had a battle buddy who was rather unpleasant to be around. She was a chronic complainer, constantly whined, and was reluctant to follow orders. You are ultimately responsible for your battle buddy, so I was always getting in trouble. The worst, though, was that she had some serious personal hygiene deficiencies. It's tough to get up close and personal 24/7 with someone who absolutely refuses to brush their teeth or shower. It got so bad that finally the Captain had to intervene and order her to take care of business, if not for herself, for us poor saps around her. Thankfully I was paired with Harris through basic and didn't have to stay with the other girl.

I suppose that I'm already thinking ahead to my next shot at completing basic training. How will the drill sergeants be? Who will I have for a battle buddy? Will I make friends in my platoon? Am I going to get a lot of flack for being old (34 or 35) compared to most of the kids in training who are 17 or 18? Last time I was in basic, I was assigned the nickname "the college professor". Maybe this time it will be "Grandma"...?

#1 - Why this blog?

Why this blog?

Well, I guess the internet is perfect for this sort of thing.

See, I have a secret.

I'm joining the Army Reserve and no one knows about it.

Well, almost. My plans have been revealed only to my husband, my mother, and just one friend. That's it.

Who doesn't know? My father, my stepfather, my two brothers, my sister-in-law, my extended family, my co-workers, my neighbors, and most of my friends... even my best friends that I have known for 20+ years.

Why am I keeping this a secret?

I was in the Army many years ago. I received an administrative entry-level separation and was sent home before I finished basic training. That time, everybody knew about my plans. And everybody knew that somehow I screwed up when I was sent home. Some people didn't believe my version of what had happened and mistakenly thought I washed out because somehow it was too tough, or I couldn't make the grade.

This time, they won't know what I'm doing until it's over.

I'm really not that good at keeping secrets... especially from people that I care about.

However, to be honest, I'm terrified at the prospect of failure... and having everyone knowing of my failure.

Hence this web blog. Few (if any) of the people that I know and love will read this... at least not for a very long time. If you've stumbled upon this blog, odds are that you are a stranger.

Welcome to my journal. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my thoughts and ramblings... and to share in the things that I just can't share with those close to me...yet.