RabidAlien
1st Lieutenant
Listen to your Drill Sergeants. Most of them are actually doing what they do for your own good.
The Tradition Continues......
- Thread starter Njaco
- Start date
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evangilder
"Shooter"
The first couple of weeks of Basic are never easy for young men. It was tough on me and everyone else. But as the group starts to gel as a team and things progress, pride will start to come in and things transform. I doubt you'll be able to send him anything other than a letter (we weren't allowed anything other than letters) so encouraging words are good, and let him know you are proud of him for choosing his path.
As someone who has gone through Basic, I can tell you it is tough at first. It was not as hard for me because I grew up in a military family (it helped that my dad was a former Drill SGT as well).
If you want to right to him, the best thing you can do is tell him how much you love him and support him. Tell him he is doing a good thing and that you support his decision. Let him know that it is tough but the DS's will set him up for success and the basics of a life in the military. And most of all, let him know not to give up. No matter how tough or stupid something seems, there is a reason for it. Keep his eyes and ears open and he will do fine, just never give up.
Edit: Also let him know that after Basic, military life gets much better.
mikewint
Captain
Fly LOW, under the radar. Do EXACTLY what you are told. Don't be early - Don't be late - NEVER volunteer. Know the difference between a RIFLE and a GUN.
My most vivid memory is of the 50 gang toilets with no partitions between and 400 push-ups 'cause I DIDN'T do the first 20 correctly (I showed-off by clapping between each one of the first 20). 'course it's a kinder gentler Army now.
My most vivid memory is of the 50 gang toilets with no partitions between and 400 push-ups 'cause I DIDN'T do the first 20 correctly (I showed-off by clapping between each one of the first 20). 'course it's a kinder gentler Army now.
Thorlifter
Captain
Tell him there is a whole forum of people that are proud of him and wish him lots of luck and success!
- Thread starter
- #26
Njaco
The Pop-Tart Whisperer
Just got some more pics of my son from the Company website.
pic 1: second from right
pic 2: first from right with glasses
pic 3: last line on the right 3rd from the end.
pic 4: 3rd from left reaching for his bag
pic 1: second from right
pic 2: first from right with glasses
pic 3: last line on the right 3rd from the end.
pic 4: 3rd from left reaching for his bag
Attachments
RabidAlien
1st Lieutenant
Great pics there, NJ!
evangilder
"Shooter"
Wow, have things changed. My folks got a phone call or 2. Now you can see them on Facebook when they are in boot camp. Technology rocks!
Yeah we were allowed to call home on Sundays for a few minutes.
Be proud of him and make sure you go and visit him on graduation!
Be proud of him and make sure you go and visit him on graduation!
wheelsup_cavu
1st Sergeant
Cool picture Njaco. I am hoping it works out between you and your son.
Wheels
Wheels
A4K
Brigadier General
With all in every respect, and be there for his grad ('passing out' as we call it in the Airforce). He may not show his appreciation if you do, but he will not forget if you don't.
As for the recruit course, remember this: the drill instructors are just there for 2 reasons - to teach you the necessary drills and routines, and to try and 'break you' ie, test your physical and mental tolerances in prep for miltary service - that's all.
Though there may be some who have personal gripes with various individuals (I made 2 enemies amongst the Corporals), the majority are just doing their job and nothing personal is intended.
When attacked with an injustice, whether humorous or serious, we learnt to just say 'No excuse, Corporal!' and let it go - taking something personally just ended up in trouble and/ or embarassment for the recruit. And as someone said, over eagerness and volunteering is also just plain asking for trouble.
Best is to just try and keep your head, do the BS without question, and wait for that passing out parade...
(Just my 20 hungarian forint)
Really hope things work out between yas in any case Chris.
As for the recruit course, remember this: the drill instructors are just there for 2 reasons - to teach you the necessary drills and routines, and to try and 'break you' ie, test your physical and mental tolerances in prep for miltary service - that's all.
Though there may be some who have personal gripes with various individuals (I made 2 enemies amongst the Corporals), the majority are just doing their job and nothing personal is intended.
When attacked with an injustice, whether humorous or serious, we learnt to just say 'No excuse, Corporal!' and let it go - taking something personally just ended up in trouble and/ or embarassment for the recruit. And as someone said, over eagerness and volunteering is also just plain asking for trouble.
Best is to just try and keep your head, do the BS without question, and wait for that passing out parade...
(Just my 20 hungarian forint)
Really hope things work out between yas in any case Chris.
- Thread starter
- #32
Njaco
The Pop-Tart Whisperer
My son is being released because of asthma. I am not in a good mood.
Damn, really feel for him Njaco, such a tough break !
Messy1
Master Sergeant
That's too bad! Be proud of him that he tried and gave it his best. I often regret never going into the military. Your son will never have that to live with that regret.
Sorry to hear that my friend!
Use this time to support him and let him know you are proud of him. As Messy put it, he has nothing to regret. Just by signing up he did more than most people do.
Use this time to support him and let him know you are proud of him. As Messy put it, he has nothing to regret. Just by signing up he did more than most people do.
vikingBerserker
Lieutenant General
That really stinks, but kuddus to him for stepping up to it!
A4K
Brigadier General
With all. Very sorry to hear he's being released Chris...but he can be very proud of himself for what he has achieved.
Btw, try and support him and let him know how proud you are of him - my release thru defence cuts was one of the saddest times of my life. In some ways I've still never gotten over it, 20 years later.
Btw, try and support him and let him know how proud you are of him - my release thru defence cuts was one of the saddest times of my life. In some ways I've still never gotten over it, 20 years later.
RabidAlien
1st Lieutenant
Man, that sux. Echo all the above, he made the effort, and it was through no fault of his own that he was cut loose. Shame they couldnt' find a desk job or something for him.
pbfoot
1st Lieutenant
I hope this will not impede your reconnection to your son
B-17engineer
Colonel
Sorry I missed this Chris, he gave it a go
