From what some buddies who are still serving have told me, Basic Training in “today’s Army” is unrecognizable to those of us who went through it 10 or 15+ years ago. All of this “politically correct” bullshit has DS’s more worried about hurting somebody’s feelings or damaging their self-esteem than quickly and efficiently training soldiers in all of the necessary tactics and elements to build a strong soldier.
Granted, I can remember my Senior DS saying the same kind of things when I was at Ft Benning…the whole “When I went through basic I got my ass kicked if I didn’t make perfect hospital corners when making my bunk…You pussies don’t realize how easy you have it!” etc…
When my nephew went through a couple of years ago I couldn’t believe it when he told me about the food CHOICES they had…and in a fully functioning DFAC like only the Air Force & Navy used to have to top it all off! Plus they let them have their cell phones regularly too, which is crazy. I guess the notecard message pinned to a pay phone to read to your “mom & dad” (while the DS is pacing behind you screaming at you to hurry up and get off his mother-fucking phone) stating that you won’t be calling them for the next 10 weeks doesn’t exist any more, haha!
Probably a little truth to all of it. I hope you are prepared for a lot of “Grandpa” jokes at your expense. You will probably be made responsible for your platoon from day 1, and even if you aren’t they will blame you for every little thing that gets fucked up because you “should be the most responsible.”
Hell, you will probably even be older than quite a few of your drill sergeants and company Command. Best of luck though bro. The Army is a part of a great brotherhood, and a very small % of the US population will ever experience or accomplish what you are about to do. I look forward to hearing about it once you graduate.