Today I caught an article about recruits and the impact that media has on the potential recruit. It was on a top notch blog by Bob McCarty called Bob McCarty Writes. Bob shows several examples of news reports and opinion that most certainly would have a negative impact on the potential recruits decision to join the military.

 Even more important is that Bob McCarty lists a plethora of links and reports from more "military credible" sources that can show a potential recruit the positive impact he/she may have for their spirit and for America.


 I can only write this entry based on my own personal experience with Army enlistment and what it did for me and my family. Its not "story book" but it is real. The United States Army made me a man and impacted me for the rest of my life......... 

Enlisting........  
                                       
                                                 
       I was barely 19yrs old when I decided to enlist. It was a decision that was made after a couple years out of High School and a couple of dead end jobs. I went through a "tough love" period with my parents and lived with a few friends and too many nights to mention in the local park. I met a girl (somehow by the Grace of God) that I knew was "the one".  With this and the timely pressure of my parents to get my life in order, I went to see the recruiter..... 

 I was scared to death of what lay before me. I went to the MEPS Station in St Louis to sign up three times and refused to twice. I was scared like hell of the commitment, a word in which I would learn very much about in the four years to come. On my second refusal to sign, a Colonel came up to me and said " Look son, I know your leary, but you're not buying a car here. We need you. Now shit or get off the pot" On the third visit...I signed. I raised my right hand and I was in!  On the way out the door the Colonel stopped me and said "Well, did you buy the car??" "YES SIR!" I said... He replied " Don't expect a ride in a Cadillac, but it will get you where you need to go" I will never forget that, and he could not have been more right.....

 Basic Training.......

 Just as one might see in the movies, from the time you arrive to Basic till the time you leave. Your "new parents" are your Drill Sergeants. They yell at you for everything and no one is exempt.  The Drill Sergeant, through the first half of basic seems to be a living breathing version of your worst nightmare. But as basic moves along one sees that they are one of the best things to ever happened to you.  The Drill Sergeant pushes a recruit to limits they thought they could never achieve, it is eye opening the mental and physical capabilities of the drive of the human spirit.

 The Drill Sergeant will drive a recruit to run farther and faster than he/she ever thought capable. Through what they call "muscle failure training" a recruit will do more sit ups and push-ups ( Army calls them the "Front Lean and Rest) in these two months than in their entire lifetime. Through this you get stronger, mentally and physically. Eventually you crave the challenge and push your self more and more. Although excruciating at times, in retro-spect, it is one of the most rewarding experiences to go through.

 Once a recruit begins achieving and passing goals..the Drill Sergeants gives you more well earned respect and you realize how incredible they are to go through this with so many cycles of recruits.   These Drill Sergeants are working and running right along side of you each day.  

  Basic towards the end becomes more fun.... I will never forget the time when we were lined up for chow outside the Mess Hall and the Drill Sergeant made us sing John Denver's "Sunshine On My Shoulder" until it met his standards, before we could go in an eat..... There are plenty of moments like this... ( I hate that song to this day)

  
 
Graduation from Basic Training is one of the best feelings in the world to experience. You are at the top of your game physically and mentally. Your parents and friends are there to share one of your most proud moments.
This is where you say goodbye to your Drill Sergeant. But you will never forget them or their names. They teach commitment, team work, pride, patriotism, loyalty. All those things we all have and it just took a Drill Sergeant to put them to use. This day you go from a recruit to a soldier.

 I left Basic and AIT and went on to 2 1/2 years in Korea, which was some of the best times of my life. Camp Essayons was home to the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System). The loudest and most devastating weapon on the ground. It was an honor to serve with these professionals and serving there gives me a great sense of pride to this day in the awesome power of the United States military. 

          Turn your sound up and witness the incredible power of the MLRS HERE!!!!!!  1500 HP of mechanical Godzilla!

   After Korea it was off to The 10th Mountain Division and a few months in Somalia, and an unfortunate turn of events with a people that needed help, but didn't know how to handle it.  Operation Restore Hope 


  I have left out many life memories and friends and moments that I was blessed enough to experience in the Army. I could write for days on these people and memories........

 As Bob McCarty wrote in the link above, the media and the politicians of today make it difficult on a potential recruit to make a decision to join. I would suggest talking to several friends and family members, who served or who are currently serving. This is where you get the true view of military life from true military experience.

 There are plenty of sources for reading that show the accomplishments of the military and the beauty of comradre, loyalty, and a patriotic caring that only the military can provide.  Politicians and media over the course of the war in Iraq, have cast a light that the military is a last resort. An only choice for those that don't go to college.....

 My experience is that the military provides an education that you can't get anywhere else. This is a "human experience". You witness honor and achievement. You make life long friends that never leave your memory. You learn that there is nothing you can't do. You get this life education and the opportunity through the GI Bill to achieve college education when you get out.  How blessed we are to have the finest organization on the planet, than in the United States Armed Forces. 

  God Bless those that are serving, have served, or will serve in the future. You matter.

 I encourage those who have served to comment on their own, their friend's or loved one's experience in serving our country. It may help in a young person's decision making process.

 Thanks LT