US Army's new recruit

[xenophobe]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

The US Army Infantry is the backbone of the US Armed Forces. I hear that infantry training isn't limited to Ft Benning anymore, where I trained. Regardless, anywhere he goes in his class A uniform, he'll command the respect of at least anyone in the army and anyone who recognizes the uniform.

Basic training consists of several things, understanding how the Amry works, the chain of command, UCMJ, how to maintain your personal gear, marching in formation, basic vehicle recognition, nuclear/chemical/biological warefare training, getting you into shape and general maintenance and use of the M16.

Advanced Individual Training focuses on the primary Military Occupation Specialty that the solder has assigned. For the combat soldiers they is: Infantry, Mechanzied, Airborne, Dragon, TOW, Combat Medic, Scout, etc... and are necessary before a trainee is acutally considered a soldier.

Any specialized training agreed apon, Jump Wings, Sniper school, Special Forces are done after AIT and before a soldier goes of to his particular unit assignment.

See if he qualifies for Ranger School, Jump school or Sniper school before he signs papers. Those classes can be nearly impossible for a recruit to get after he's already joined, unless it's a requirement for his particular unit assignment.

I think Lou described the other stuff pretty well. I just wanted to add to it a little.

I'm 11b (infantry) and served in a mechanized unit in Bn S3 operations.

[horns666]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

I never been in the miltary...but have been in many ghetto ground wars...just about every freakin' day [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

too much too list...it was fun though! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

unfortunarely in this way too PC world we live in today...they take alot of "authority" out of the hands of authority....and that is why this place is turning to poop...the inner cities anyway..

be careful , big brother is always watching and you don't want to get caught with a mop on your head dancing with a insurgent on camera...that would be ..."wrong"..back 30 years ago that's how you entertained yourself.. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

it's actually a shame to do your job under that kind of pressure..so just do the "job" at hand & CYA...always CYA!!!

this is worst case scenarios of course but a reality...I really feel for our guys and gals over there...I wish they can just take care of "biz" and be done with it already...and just get the fuck outta there..but that's just my pipe dream....sigh.. [img]/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
Don

I know excactly how you feel. My younger brother is a US Marine that has been to the sandbox once (Iraq,specifically) and is going back for a second tour in Sept. He had the opportunity to go to sniper school the first time around but, decided that if his buddy's were going than so was he. I have never had so much respect and admiration for someone in my life and I'm not just talking about my bro but, everbody that has served with the selflessness that has allowed us (as well as others) to live in the freedom we enjoy. So thank your son for me and God bless him.



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I will pass that along. Thanks.

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
Well, give your boy a big Hoo'ah for me. Yes, the basic training in the Army is much different that the basic in the Navy or Air Force. It is physically harder and requires more mental discipline. If he wants to run around with a rifle, infantry will love him.

I was in the infantry/Airborne. Basic was in Fort Benning, Georgia. Training is about what you would expect it to be. It tears you down and builds you up and turns you into a man. He will arrive at reception batallion where he could spend a few days or a couple weeks depending on his MO and when they are ready to move them down range ( basic training ). While at reception batallion, he will do a PT test. If he fails this test, they will put him in physical rehab until they feel he is ready. That means hardcore PT from wake to sleep.

The first 2-3 weeks is the toughest. Homesickness, unusual surroundings, mental and physical fatigue, and 6 sawed off little sumbitches screaming and spitting in your face.

By the 4-8 week stretch, things are starting to click with the new recruits. Everyone is starting to function as a unit. This is where all the fun shit happens. Firing range, granade range, hand-to-hand combat training, BIVOAC, and my personal favorite: the tear gas chamber.

Then you will have your graduation "march". This is advertised as 12 miles. Notice, I said advertised.

After basic, he will then go to AIT. This can be as soon as a day or two after basic or a couple of weeks..again, depending on his MO and when that session is ready.

Now, I was never active during war time ,but, our of war time, Army life is easy, usually. I got up at 0500......went to PT at 0530...that lasted 30-45 minutes and then showered. Went to chow at 0630. Reported to post. Sit in a climate controlled environment. Went to chow at 1100. Back to post. Was done usually around 1400-1430 and the rest of the day was mine. Of course he will have to do his overseas duty. He will bid for what country. Germany is popular. Getting the Australia bid is nearly impossible. Sameway with the Hawaii bid.

However, since we are in a war time. There will probably be some major differences after basic and AIT for him.-Lou

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Thanks Lou. A good insight on what goes on.
Today is his deadline, so he'll be picked up at noon today and taken to Ft. Dix. I should know if he signs today, by the time I get home from work.

I took him out to a bar last night and gave him some pointers as well as giving him some advice on what I think.

If he wants Infantry, so be it. If you're infantry, do you still have an opportunity to acquire a trade that can be used later on when he gets out? (eg- electrician, construction)

I told him to ask a lot of questions himself.

Also, take advantage of the college benefit.

My son has a very short-range life plan view and doesn't look into the future, but I guess most of us were like that when we were younger.

Still an outside chance Military Sealift Command will call him before he signs. There, he would be working for the military, but as civilian on board ships.

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
Advanced Individual Training focuses on the primary Military Occupation Specialty that the solder has assigned. For the combat soldiers they is: Infantry, Mechanzied, Airborne, Dragon, TOW, Combat Medic, Scout, etc... and are necessary before a trainee is acutally considered a soldier

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks xenophobe also.
A lot of good info to enable me to understand.

Your quote, I highlighted, mentions AIT. Is this a requirement for a new boot? So one way or another, he has to attend some sort of AIT?

[LesPaulCustom]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
If you're infantry, do you still have an opportunity to acquire a trade that can be used later on when he gets out? (eg- electrician, construction)

[/ QUOTE ]

<font color="yellow">I don't know about the Army, but as for the Marines, no, once you're assigned a PMOS, that's pretty much it until you either get out or when it comes time to reenlist, LATERAL MOVE into another MOS which you desire and are qualified for.

But, as a Infantryman, you get a lot of colatteral training, ie weapons, NBC, communications, medical, all that kinda stuff which goes along with it. </font>

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
But, as a Infantryman, you get a lot of colatteral training, ie weapons, NBC, communications, medical, all that kinda stuff which goes along with it.



[/ QUOTE ]

That all would look good on a resume later on. Then again, he has more leadership qualities than a follower type, so, after his tour is up, he may choose to stay with it.

Time for dad to cut the umbilical cord. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[StukaJU87]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

Another thread that I am late to. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Don, your son has my total respect. My hat is off to him AND you. Many parents today might try to forbid or discourage their children from joining. Not that it would work anyway.

I don't know much about the Army, I am ex USMC. Boot camp is tough, but mostly in the mind. Tell him to stay focused on the prize, graduation day.

Tell him thank you from an aging ex jar-head. [img]/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know much about the Army, I am ex USMC. Boot camp is tough, but mostly in the mind. Tell him to stay focused on the prize, graduation day.

Tell him thank you from an aging ex jar-head.

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Physically he'll do it, but he doesn't have much tolerance for someone yelling in his face...............guess he'll learn...........the easy way.........or the hard way. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

There are days I'm sure he'll hate, but day he'll love. You and I both know, cause we have hindsight at our military days. I still have many buddies around the country that I talk to regularly.

When I joined back in the 70's, I was fresh out of NYC, accent included, my first roommate was a guy named Ron from Alabama. Talk about mis-communication. Every other sentence from both of us were, "What did you say?". 28 years later we're still best of friends.

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

Holy Sh*t.................................... [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]


Recruiter came over to the house today to talk to my son. My other son happened to be home at the time. Got a call at work while I was online with JCF, from my other son saying he was also interested. I talk to both of them when I got home. I'm still a little dazed that they both want to leave home.........and it'll be soon.

Thursday my second son is taking the ASVAB. He took the practice ASVAB, administered by the recruiter today at my home and passed with flying colors.

It looks like both will be raising their hands on Friday.

I'm numb [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[horns666]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

ohhh wow man...that's heavy man

I would be stressed too bro....

my son is going on eleven and the way this world / war is going he'll be 18 very soon...that worries me already..

but if he wanted to go....well I would have to cross that bridge with him at that time..

Good luck man , take care , and bless your kids..

keep us posted ...

[lerxstcat]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

Don, are they both over 18? I can see why you're numb right now. I also hope they realize it won't be a big happy brother trip, but serious business.

Personally, if my son were underage I would forbid him joining until he is of age. It won't hurt to have more time to decide. If they're both of age, well it's their choices then.

Sounds sorta like the recruiter came over to get to your other son; I'm not sure I like that. If the first son has already decided, why did the recruiter need to come to him? I know they are hard up to make quotas right now.

Anyway, bless them and keep them safe, and I hope your nerves hold up.

[donf]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

[ QUOTE ]
Don, are they both over 18? I can see why you're numb right now. I also hope they realize it won't be a big happy brother trip, but serious business.

Personally, if my son were underage I would forbid him joining until he is of age. It won't hurt to have more time to decide. If they're both of age, well it's their choices then.

Sounds sorta like the recruiter came over to get to your other son; I'm not sure I like that. If the first son has already decided, why did the recruiter need to come to him? I know they are hard up to make quotas right now.

Anyway, bless them and keep them safe, and I hope your nerves hold up.

[/ QUOTE ]

My one son is 22, the other one I hadn't expected to do anything, is 20, but a young 20.....still like a kid.

I understand they're old enough, but I'm not sure the 20 yo knows what he's getting into. He's passive, yet athletic, but as I said, still too young. I'm a little angry the recruiter was sneaky.

Unfortunately, you know how pretty a recruiter can paint a picture. I was hoping my kid would also listen to me, since I have many years of experience, but I don't know if he is. I don't wear a uniform anymore, so I don't look quite as impressive...........to them,....I'm only Dad.

My problem now is coming into work and researching things like casualties. How many from the different branches and it looks like the US Army leads. So, I'm a little unsettled right now.

[LesPaulCustom]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

<font color="yellow">All of the uniformed services are very hard pressed for recruits now.

For the first time in like 10 years, the Marine Corps did not meet its mission of raw applicants and shippers to Boot Camp.

Recruiters have a tough life, and can be ruined easily if numbers are not produced. It's not a nice world to live in.

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum, I try to keep them in the Marine Corps, again, not an easy task and my numbers are way down from several years ago. Fortunately, my Career isn't in jeopardy YET with our numbers.

IMO, and former Army members, don't take this the wrong way and I'm by no means slamming you or your service, but the Army isn't trained for this kind of warfare. The Army is huge, slow, and lumbering until it gets in place, then it's devastating with its power. Until that happens, the soldiers take the brunt of the blows. The Army is designed, equipped, and manned for large scale sustained land combat, not street-to-street urban warfare, convoy ops, or insurgency.

Collectively, as a whole, the DOD is having to totally re-write our doctrines and warfare procedures in this conflict. To make matters worse, it's on 2 different fronts, Iraq and Afghanistan, totally different situations and geography.



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[lerxstcat]

Re: US Army\'s new recruit

No offense, but do you think the recruiter gave your older son some kind of bonus for lining up his little brother? If the younger one's passive, his brother and the recruiter may have bum rushed him a little bit. I can see why you're more upset now, but if they're both of age I don't know what you can do besides persuade.