12 Days Til Boot Camp!

[Chazz of Blades]

That's right, after finally getting through MEPS I'm officially in the Army after working at it for quite some time. After working my ass off I got a great score on the ASVAB, but they told me right at the end of the line that the job I'd put in for, and that I'd been wanting/working toward for months was unavailable in the known future. Crap. I ask if I can wait to select a job, and I'm denied that, saying I'd have to go through MEPS all over again! No. Freaking. Way.


So, a decently nice job pops up, 25F, and I have to take that. What I didn't find out until after accepting it(before signing), was that I was getting it because a slot opened up in a booked year, and that I'm to return to the station in 2 weeks to ship out for training. WHAT?! So yours truly is packing four months worth of stuff into two weeks hoping he can get his ducks in a row before time to leave. 22 week AIT, 9 weeks of Basic, and eight years of being in a job that I don't see myself enjoying as much as the one I wanted. Fun.


Long story short, after a week or two I'm going to be a commodity around here for quite some time, don't expect to see me around for at LEAST ten weeks, maybe more, and even then it'd just be a quick checking in.

[dmotoxrider]

Good luck!!! It's not that bad once you get some rank and the time goes by pretty fast.

[atc007]

I have NO clue what all those abbreviations mean! But,,are you ok with this? Or you were sorta coerced into it? I'm not sure?

[Chazz of Blades]

No, I want to join, I want to do everything, but all at once I'm told the job I'd been vying for(after spending two days in Nashville testing and doing paperwork/physical/med) that there were no slots open, and was given a short list of possibilities. The only good job on there was 25F, which is a communication tech job, so I took that rather than build bridges. Unknown to me until later, that 25F slot is open because someone couldn't go to training, and I have to leave in less than two weeks. I just don't think I can be ready to leave, fully, in just 12 days. And I'm not looking forward to this job that I'm stuck in for at least three years, that I'd never even heard of until today. I was so sure of the plan that I had, and every single major point in it was through away today. I was expected an Intel job, which I qualify for if it was available, and a couple months before training.

[just ben]

Good luck to you. be sure to let us all know how it goes. Keep in mind the guy behind the desk kissing your ass and telling you what you want to hear,he gets paid to do that.I truly do wish you the best of luck though.

[fabiodriven]

@ Bill, they're actually called acronyms. The military is chock full of em!

Chazz, you're a good man and the only thing you can expect in the army is the unexpected. This introduction of yours to the army is exactly how the army works so you might as well get used to it now. Don't be overly concerned with packing tons of crap, they'll provide you with everything you need. First thing's first, you can and will go in two weeks. Any opening you leave yourself as to why you couldn't be ready in two weeks will be merely an excuse. Lace up your boots and get ready to be a man! You're about to start pouring a foundation that will hold the building that is your life. You'll learn, see, and do things that your buddies who think they're hard would never have the balls to attempt. You won't think twice after a while though. You'll just do what you're ordered to and then have your choice of the women when you come home with your chest sticking out while all your buddies are all drunk and balding. Get some Chazz! HOOOAHHH!!!!

[Chazz of Blades]

Until all the women find out I played with radios and dated switchboards. That's got to be a mood kill.

[fabiodriven]

Oh stop it Chazz. You can always re-class.

[just ben]

Until all the women find out I played with radios and dated switchboards. That's got to be a mood kill.yeah but in a uniform,women love uniforms!

[kb0nly]

Playing with radios... Hot damn... I mean really thats what i do for a living and a hobby. I am an Amateur Radio Operator, we aren't just geeks anymore, we help in times of need, serve the public in emergencies and natural disasters, and are generally there to make stuff work when the brown stuff hits the fan...

Don't look at it like that, so its not that job you wanted, it could still be a lot more then your seeing. I know guys that did com duty in the military and went on to have careers with Motorola, Vertex, Harris, and a few others. Its still a good career ahead if you choose.

Take it with an attitude and grasp it fully, learn what you can and move on. And thank you for choosing to serve!

[Bryan Raffa]

Get some Chazz! HOOOAHHH!!!!


and when you get in that position , that you did something that you though you couldn't do.... you trailpro yell...YAMAHONDAMAN ;)

[Escanabajosh]

I would have picked bridges but the job ya picked wont be that bad.

My dad was 22+ years as a combat engineer, bet he built as many bridges as he blew up.

My friends dad was also in for 20+ as a com. specialist and he liked it

I tried and tried to get it (17-26) but I got in trouble as a kid so they said no due to "my morals are not what the army is looking for"! I was going to go infantry and request ranger school,then when the army wasn't going to work I tried for the guards and was going to go combat engineer w/sapper school. Anyways....keep your head up you'll get thru it,and have fun.

Thanks for serving :)

[Escanabajosh]

If any of your buddys are thinking about doing it also a word of advice is never talk to the recruiter alone, try and have someone come with that was in for a while and knows the ropes.....my little brother went in as a mechanic and the whole time they were trying to sign him up for something else that THEY needed filled.

The recruiter was a jackwagon,my dad went in and told him whats up and the guy called the state cops,lol

my brother ended up going for what he wanted in the end and not what THEY wanted

they might sound like your bestfriend when signing up but there just doing there job....I wouldn't trust them as far as I can throw them

[atc007]

Lol,,I know what acronyms are ,, an how often they love to use them! My Brother in law Retired Airborne Ranger/ Special Forces.,and a few friends were in. One in Desert Storm. I just had no clue what those acronyms stood for. Bottom line ,Chazz,We're very proud of you!! 3WW is behind you,be safe,be amazed at the stuff you're doing ,you never dreamed you could,and don't forget us,check back in. You'll have your ducks in order when you leave! Good luck !

[Big Mike]

Thank you and Good Luck.

[350XJEDI]

GOOD LUCK , enjoy , when I was in ,I had a pretty good time , NO REGRETS, dont sweat the job its a lot more then you think and you can switch mos in a couple yrs , learn all you can ,your on the right path ,GO ARMY, I salute you chaz ,:D stay safe god bless the military man !!

[coolpool]

Don't get too beat up about not getting your first choice job, lots of us didn't and in hindsight I'm actually happy for it. Wanted to be a Vehicle Technician and ended up in Transport; now I'm licenced to drive tractor trailers ;-). It's great that you have chosen to serve (regardless of the country you're from) and you'll find the rewards aren't always apparent until you look back and see that they were there all the time. You'll make friends and generate memories that will stand the test of time. Salute from Canada!

[hublake]

Being in the military will be what you make it. I was drafted just before the big build up for Vietnam in 1965. (For those of you are old enough to know what Vietman was.) I was tired of going to school, so I lost my student deferment. I was engaged, planning to get married the following summer. Shortly after I got to Germany I got the dreaded Dear John letter. She was getting married to someone else. Being drafted I had no choice of MOS and after basic training I was assigned to AIT in M-60 tanks and was sent to Germany. Big demand for tank drivers when you get out. I spent my 18 months in Germany and had the best time of my life. I got to visit most of the major cities in Europe. You will mature and be grateful of it when you get older. Also the GI bill helped pay for my getting my college degrees in education. I am sure the military is alot different now than when I was in. When I got out in 1967 as a SP/5 class I made aroung $175.00 a month. Enjoy you time and thank you for serving our country.;

[philgipson]

hang in there and thank you.you never know about the army,i trained in como and got put on a howitzer crew.

[Scootertrash]

Good Luck Chazz and thanks for your service!

[remsandpets]

BE PROUD! From one VET to a Current member of our armed forces, THANK YOU!!!! You are the FEW AND the PROUD who serve!!! THANK YOU!!!

[Dirtcrasher]

That's right, after finally getting through MEPS I'm officially in the Army after working at it for quite some time. After working my ass off I got a great score on the ASVAB, but they told me right at the end of the line that the job I'd put in for, and that I'd been wanting/working toward for months was unavailable in the known future. Crap. I ask if I can wait to select a job, and I'm denied that, saying I'd have to go through MEPS all over again! No. Freaking. Way.

So, a decently nice job pops up, 25F, and I have to take that. What I didn't find out until after accepting it(before signing), was that I was getting it because a slot opened up in a booked year, and that I'm to return to the station in 2 weeks to ship out for training. WHAT?! So yours truly is packing four months worth of stuff into two weeks hoping he can get his ducks in a row before time to leave. 22 week AIT, 9 weeks of Basic, and eight years of being in a job that I don't see myself enjoying as much as the one I wanted. Fun.


Long story short, after a week or two I'm going to be a commodity around here for quite some time, don't expect to see me around for at LEAST ten weeks, maybe more, and even then it'd just be a quick checking in.

Good for you bud :beer !! I have a few friends that got into it; Some of which were the 1st people to get in there; No AC, camps to build, unprotected Humvees'
They had it the worst and I have the utmost respect for them. Just watch your back as well as your friends, please be careful!!!!!! Do the best you can, I have soooooooooooooo much respect for you guys!!

[badass350x]

Thanks Chazz for standing up for our country, Hats off to you..

Dean

[Chazz of Blades]

Thanks guys, I know that no matter where I am I'll have a second family that believes in me, and all across the world, wherever I am, the sound of GIT IT RAAAG! will ring out! It's just so sudden though, I'm running my ass off getting stuff done to go.

[Bryan Raffa]

Good Luck Kid! the first really big thing you see blow up....yell..YAMAHONDAMAN

[Cave Rider]

I am a lurker for the most part,but I read alot on here. You sound like a bright kid. You seem to maintain a positive outlook, as well as a mature attitude and good morals for your age. Those are good qualities to have...Best of luck to you, and stay safe!!! -Pat

[whyzee]

Good luck Chazz!

[Slingblade]

My how time does fly. It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating your 16th, now we're sending you off to boot camp.

You'll do great, Chazz. You've got a good head on your shoulders and a wonderful attitude.

You've got my respect, my sincere thanks, and my prayers as you embark on this new chapter of life.

Stay safe, Brother.

[Chazz of Blades]

My how time does fly. It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating your 16th, now we're sending you off to boot camp.

You'll do great, Chazz. You've got a good head on your shoulders and a wonderful attitude.

You've got my respect, my sincere thanks, and my prayers as you embark on this new chapter of life.

Stay safe, Brother.



Always careful, and expect to go on a ride when I get back! I'm planning on sending home funds each month to go into my 250R............. Mwuahahahahaha.

[devilman]

Make the best of everything man. Be prepared to do things you don't want to do. Remember boot camp is a mind game. I am not sure how Army boot camp is, but i do know US Marine Corps boot camp. I have 12.5 years in the Corps with 7.5 to go. The service will make you a better person even if you are already a "better person" Don't get hung up with the wrong crowd. Follow orders and regulations and you will be outstanding. Never stop learning. Look into doing college classes while you are in. Its FREE. Show outstanding leadership and be confident in everything you do. Someone will notice and hopefully get you promoted faster. Be safe brother!

[atc007]

AWESOME advice Devilman. And Thank you for serving. 5 days Chazz,,how we looking?

[Chazz of Blades]

SKEERED.

I did my initial PT test yesterday, and failed. I did the sit ups/push ups fine, but couldn't run an 8 minute mile. I ran it in 10:08 and felt like I was gonna die. I don't know how I'm gonna get built up more in time, but I have to.

[atc007]

Morning noon and night. Hearts an AMAZING muscle! just jog,,don't push it real hard,,it will come all by itself as you get more wind.

[Chazz of Blades]

I have to be able to shave off 2 minutes by.........tomorrow......actually...... I think I may be in trouble here.

[fabiodriven]

You better make that run Chazz... Push it boy!

[JayBone]

Chazz,

25F is good. I'll give you some advice it may help you later if you pursue it. Communications is a huge field. Many opportunities in it.
ANYTHING SECURITY BASED..there you go. And you will have a job for life. Take cert classes & pass tests proior if you choose to leave and come back a civillian. If you stay in it will go quick. I would have had 20 yrs & retired Jan 2012. ha!

Don't get into the partying all the time. It's no good! It's no good!! It's no good!!! Stay focused and think about things you may be interested in in that field or another. You never know.

One other thing. Send money home 200.00 maybe 300.00 a month. It sounds a lot, but if you get out you have a nice bank roll. I know you can invest money now so look into it. Some may say thats not smart because of the economy, but you have time on your side.

Good luck! It's not all that bad.

[atc007]

If you've heard anything Chazz,,listen to this guy!!! ^^^^ Don't hang with the wrong croud,,politely say no to their insecurities. SAVE<SAVE<SAVE !

[Dirtcrasher]

A few years back I started jogging. Made it 2 telephone poles and walked back.....

Next time, about the same. After that I shot for the stop sign at the top of the hill; I made it and home.

This went on for about 3 weeks at which point I could run 5 miles without blinking an eye. And man oh man does it make you feel good!

I'm fat again and out of shape and hope to begin the process again soon :D

Good luck bud!!

[devilman]

You have to push yourself to do it man. Especially if this is what you want. Open your stride, control your breathing, and keep your head up. Not to boast, just trying to MOTIVATE but I am 32 and can run our 3 mile test in 20 minutes. YOU CAN DO YOUR 1 in 8. Not much advise i can give you this way. Dig deep and get it!

Wish you the best man.

[Chazz of Blades]

HOLY CRAP I LEAVE TOMORROW!


So far I've not been able to pass the mile, but I'm getting closer, and I think tomorrow is the day I MAKE IT MY trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro.


Anyone who'd want to write and receive letters while I'm gone, PM me your address and I'll add it to my book.

I'm scared, honestly. I don't feel that I'm prepared for this in any way.

[Name Brand]

You'll be meeting a lot of people who feel the same in a few days. That's going to last for the first two or three weeks at BCT. Don't worry, the Drill Sergeants will take care of you. Just do what they tell you; it's that simple.

I've got six years in as a guardsmen. I work full time for the Guard as a Blackhawk Helicopter mechanic and as a Crew Chief. This has given me a great career doing something that is a blast. Time has flown by and I've already experienced many incredible things. It's a real trip; enjoy it.

Keep in mind that the PT test is still a 2-mile run. Running two miles is a breeze compared to ten mile ruck marches at speed. I shattered my left fibula into six pieces and broke my right collarbone when I flipped my 250SX onto myself five months before going into basic . I was still the fastest guy in the company and was under twelve minutes for the two mile at the end of cycle PT test. Don't give up and keep pushing yourself.

[atc007]

Go get em Chazz!! Good luck my friend!

[Popeye]

Man, I just saw this thread and I guess he is gone already. Hope he made the right choice. I joined the Navy in 2002 and it was the worst mistake of my life. They screwed me every chance they got. I like what the military has to offer and I think they are good for some people, but the contract you sign is completely one-sided. They have no obligation to fulfill any aspect of it. My ASVAB score qualified me for any job in the military, but they need undesignated airman (the worst job in the military) so they fed me a whole bunch of crap about how great that classification was. I served in a combat zone for 10 months and got zero combat pay. I worked on the flight deck for those same 10 months and got zero flight deck pay. They use all those slots on the higher ups that never set foot up there. I was only allowed to eat one meal a day- breakfast. I worked 18-36 hours at a time and they said I was too dirty to eat. We got 10 minute breaks for chow and I basically would had to have taken a shower to be allowed in the mess hall. Lived off snickers bars, honey buns, and water. I typically weigh 160 lbs soaking wet and I got down into the 120's. When I got back from war, my mom didn't even hardly recognize me.

Now for the good- I got round trip tickets all over the world. I partied in countries I didn't know existed. And the women- well I won't go there. But the women were almost worth all the crap. That's it, that is the only good thing I can say. And to revisit that contract thing- they let you out when they want you out. If your enlistment is up and they still "need" you then you ain't going nowhere. But, if you get hurt defending your country and they can't use you anymore, they send you packing. They will give you medical coverage, but not a paycheck.

Overall, if you are a screw up kid then go for it. It will help you in more ways than you can count. But if you have your stuff together, go to college and get a good job working for people that you can trust. I just hope the OP don't have any kids. It's a shame what the military does to families.

Either way, good luck my friend. Keep your head up, mouth shut, and find you a buddy to do the time with. You look out for him and he looks out for you.

[fabiodriven]

^^^Good god man...^^^

The military is what you make of it. You obviously didn't make anything of it.

Don't try to tell me about hardship and suffering. I was "boots on the ground" one week after the initial invasion. I watched the "shock and awe" on TV in Fort Drum NY, the coldest fort the United States Army has to offer. That's where they train their Mountain Rangers, the guys who specialize in cold weather operations. It was -40 degrees Fahrenheit when we boarded the plane. We had been issued cold weather uniforms because that's all they had left. When we got off the plane in Kuwait it was 120 degrees.

We were there so early in the operation that there was no armor for our unit. We were issued Vietnam-era flak jackets that won't stop a bullet. Our trucks were Vietnam-era also. The oldest fleet in theater, and trust me, I know. We delivered fuel all over Iraq and Kuwait. No armor on the trucks either.

We made our own camps in the desert. We showed up to war with brand-new, in the package "modular" tents. The first thing battalion did when they saw those was take them from us and give us Vietnam-era GP tents AND made us set up the modulars for them! I personally saw temperatures approaching 150 degrees and the sandstorms were so bad they'd blow our tents over every day. If you spent a day in my camp Popeye, you would be begging to go back to your ship regardless of getting combat pay or not. BTW, how many times did your ship get attacked anyways? There were no showers for weeks and our uniforms were destroyed. We were vagabonds, roaming the deserts on our missions, day in and day out. We looked like bloody hell. Our boots had holes in them and so did our pants. When we would occasionally go back to Kuwait other soldiers would stop and stare at us walking around with mohawks and tattered uniforms, but nobody dared confront us about it.

We ate MRE's for about 4 months, nothing else. I would go to bed every night (on the top of my tanker trailer) with a SPLITTING migraine headache from the 8-12 hours we had just driven in a truck that's so loud you can't hear the person next to you talking. You could literally fry an egg on the floor of our trucks.

I saw a truck 2 trucks in front of me get hit with an IED on a road I traveled multiple times weekly. One time my passenger took a huge rock to her eye and I still don't know to this day if it blinded her. She left the war and I never saw her again.

People would "fall out" on a daily basis from dehydration. It happened to me once, and it's not fun at all.

I had two panic attacks while there and couldn't do anything about it. The closest field hospital was miles away and we were required to move in groups of at least 2 vehicles with 2 soldiers per vehicle. It was getting late and if I wanted to go to the hospital I would have been putting 4 other lives at risk in a combat zone over my problem. I went off in the desert by myself and I dealt with it. I still deal with it now, but we're all alive.

You wanna complain any more Popeye? Because I can go on allll day. The military doesn't need semen like you anyways. It's a good thing you got out and I'm fairly certain you got treated the way you did for a reason. My guess is the "basic training" in the navy isn't hard enough and they didn't break you down enough to build you up the way you should have been.

I wanted to go to war and it was hell on earth. I saw indescribable things and experienced times that aren't worth trying to tell stories about because they don't do it justice. 2003 was by far the worst year of my life, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I would have given anything to leave that war and go home, but I was there to do a job and take orders. That's what you sign on the line for. It's not a frigging vacation, it's war! Go heavy or go home!

HOOOAHHHH CHAZZ!!!!

Watch what Chazz does and take notes, he's a real man.

[atc007]

Good God Jon.. I've thanked you for your service before,,but I guess a cpl words don't cover it. Thank you again for your service. I think Popeye had a completely different experience which doesn't make him a bad guy.

[fabiodriven]

It doesn't make him a bad guy Bill, but this guy is talking about dipping his wick and candy bars in one breath and combat pay in the next. I've got articles of clothing that have served our country more than this guy.

[bkm]

Good luck Chazz. We're all proud and pulling for you.

[atc007]

I here ya. Your service is undeniable. I just think he signed up with a WAY different expectation than you did! I Respect all that have served,just some more than others..

[aldochina]

I here ya. Your service is undeniable. I just think he signed up with a WAY different expectation than you did! I Respect all that have served,just some more than others..
ya the expectation of entitlement!! seems to be the way it is now!! I think its ironic his expierience was so horrible, but uses Popeye as a forum name!! You the man Fabs!! Good luck Chazz!!

[Popeye]

Geez Fabio, from what I read I understand that you gave almost everything to your country and that is commendable to say the least. Nothing you said bothers me. I served my country just as you. In a different way and albeit safer, but I served nonetheless. I understand that to the Army and Marines, the Navy ain't trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro. But I am a man of my word. When I say I am gonna do something I do- our military is not that way and people need to know that before they sign up. I was an 18 year old kid, had never left my state, and the military duped me along with thousands of others. I don't have to be happy about that regardless of what you or anybody says. I made the best of my time, but the Navy didn't reciprocate. You ought not give money to people that didn't earn it when there are hundreds of others up there earning it. You ought not deny a man food that has been up for two days and not ate a single bite, especially when he can smell it and his serving is there waiting on him. I would have taken an MRE at the drop of a hat. They wouldn't give them to us. We went hungry-plain and simple. I didn't get attacked, but I risked my life on the flight deck every single day for the same pay that some worm got sweeping floors. I was an Aviation Boatswain's Mate- the hardest job in the Navy other than a SEAL hands down. I ain't mad at them, I just tell it like it is. Something the military refuses to do. If you are going into the service you deserve to know that 99.9% of what they are telling you is bull trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro. All I did was state my experience. If yours was different or you choose to relate it in a different way, then so be it. Again, I commend you for what you did. There was a reason I didn't sign up for your branch. Not because I couldn't cut it, but because there was a limit to how far I was willing to go for a paycheck. That's what it was to me- a paycheck. I'm proud to be an American, but I am not proud to have worked for our shitty ass government that lies, cheats, and steals from everybody they can including their own members. If you don't believe that then you need to take a history class (p.s. I'm a history teacher). I can't count on one hand how many times I didn't even get a paycheck. They always had some excuse that something happened with the system. Sometimes they came back and fixed it and sometimes they didn't. No matter how you look at it, it ain't right. Regardless of how gung-ho you are, a part of you does it for the money. If there was no pay, how many people you think would still join up? If you got a family to support it is automatically out the question. Has to be.

Anyways, how I was treated had nothing to do with who I was. It was the situation I was in. I'm not semen or some punk that couldn't cut it. I am just a guy that got screwed more ways than I can count. That was my experience and I choose not to sugar coat it. I apologize if it offended you, but all you had to do was not read the post.

As far as my screen name- it is my 10 year old dog's name. My brother named him and it had nothing to do with the service. He was born before I ever thought of signing up. I do see the irony in it however, so I don't blame whoever said what they said.

Again, I commend you fabio. You did your time and came out of it okay. It takes a man to do that- a very big man. If I would have been in your situation, I don't know how I would have done. Bigger men than me have been affected far worse. Just don't jump to conclusions all the time. I didn't completely discount the military. It has its advantages. But a civilian job suits me better and supports my family better- I spend every day with them and I make more than twice the money. If that offends you than so be it.

Thanks,
Brian

[fabiodriven]

There are a couple of things I share your views on Popeye. I have the feeling that we have a very similar mindset on the government and how it works, but that's a thread for another day. We've hijacked this one enough already.

What bothered me the most about your original post was how you were deterring a young soldier from moving forward with what will be the biggest step of his adult life. If I had never joined the army I wouldn't be the man I am now. It made me pretty angry to see you attempting to derail this young man's future because of your experiences in the navy, a completely different branch of the military.

And on that note, what are they teaching you people in the navy? Take that exact same circumstance and change it to army instead of navy. Picture me on guard duty. I'm really hungry and I can smell the chow hall (If we had one at the time). Now this is what would have happened to me (and what should have happened to you). My squad leader would come find me (that's his job) and ask me if I have had chow. I would tell him no, I have not had chow. He would find another soldier to come relieve me so I could get chow. It would continue on like that, because that's what we're taught and that's how we operate. A hungry soldier is not a productive, aware, or alert soldier. A dehydrated soldier is a useless soldier, and you can dehydrate from not eating enough.

In the army we are taught to look out for our fellow soldiers, not harm them physically and financially. What I'm getting at here is this- I can only see three ways you got the treatment you did. One- The navy is just a huge, floating mess. I kinda doubt that one, but I don't know. I wasn't in the navy. Two- Your particular ship/brass were a bunch of arse holes. Seems pretty feasible to me. Three- You were not well liked. I don't know you so I can only go by what you post, but if your attitude on the ship was anything like how you came off on your original post I could see why you may have been the black sheep. It's attitudes like that which will make you an outcast. You're either with the team, or you're against it. Now again, I don't know you. I could be totally off with that, but it is an option.

As far as thanking me for my service, I honestly appreciate it every time somebody thanks me for my service. It doesn't bother me one bit, so thank you all for saying thank you to me. What I want everybody to know is this- I do not say/write things like this to get thank you's from people. I appreciate the thanks, it doesn't bother me one bit, but I'm not asking for thanks.

Chazz has made the right choice and we'll all see that soon when he gives us an update. It's very obvious he is a smart kid and somebody will recognize that along his way. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Smart people are hard to come by in the army so he is somewhat of a commodity. Definite officer material.

Again, HOOOAHHH CHAZZ!!!!

[TecateDan]

I didn't serve but I thank all those who did. Espically Fabio since his vetrans plates kept us out of trouble when he got home and we went to Florida to blow off steam!!!!!! I think there may have been some sort of roman candle shooting out the window while consuming beverages and driving fast. So thanks to everyone who goes over seas and puts boot on the ground (or ship ) so we back here in the states can keep on living the dream.

[Popeye]

In the Navy the higher ups (E-6 and above) don't look out for the little guys. None of us ate because there wasn't time. Those 1st Class Petty Officers and Chiefs weren't gonna get off their ass and come relieve us on the flight deck to go take a shower and eat. That's just how it was. We had flight ops dang near 24/7. The lower guys definitely looked out for each other. Had to or we wouldn't have made it. But I used to stand on a flight deck for at least 18 hours every day- 7 days a week for 11 months- in the same Persian Gulf weather ya'll were in. That ocean breeze feels like a heater when mixed with jet exhaust lol. The only thing missing was sand a bullets- albeit those are two major factors. Anyways, your first two assumptions were right- the Navy is a huge floating mess and the brass were assholes. My attitude probably did suck, but not towards the real men in our division- the ones who I looked out for and they looked out for me.

Your right, I did hijack this thread and I apologize. But I had realized Chazz was already gone, when I made the post. It was just me speaking my mind. I think me and you would probably get along pretty well if we met in person, we just have two different views on things and I'm sure it has to do with the branches we served in. Both the Army and Marines are famous for their brotherhoods- the Navy is not. We all know what they are famous for and to an extent it's true.

[fabiodriven]

Well, enough of the horse-shite.

Chazz just updated his Facebook, apparently for the last time for the time being. Poor Chazz is in the thick of it right now. He is not very happy and he is currently regretting the choice he has made. That's exactly how he should feel right now. If anyone had talked to me at the point he is in right now, I would have said the same thing. The process has begun.

[Popeye]

Yea, a lot of people get there and it is a slap in the face. The physical part is relatively easy- it's the mental aspect that can get to you at boot camp (although our boot camp was nothing like he is facing). It's still easy compared to the tricks your mind will play on you. You just got to realize that thousands of men-many of them not worth a crap in the first place- have made it through and you will too. As far as drill sergeants and whatnot you just got to realize that they are doing a job. Although it seems they may hate you, they don't. They are doing what their service has asked of them. I think some of them could be a little less of a dick, but most of them are just doing it the best way they know how. As a teacher and a coach, I always tell my students/players that if I'm getting on you don't worry about it. When I stop getting on you is when you need to worry that something may be wrong. One of the best moments in the military is after you have graduated and those hard ass people start treating you like a person again. You have looked up to them for months and everything you know about the military to that point you owe to them. It's a good feeling and Chaz will get there.

[fabiodriven]

Their job is to be a dick. If they were nice to the recruits, or even just "not bad", it would destroy everything they're trying to do. They can't build you up into the soldier they need to if they don't break down the old you completely. But like you said, some are harder than others. I don't fault any of the drill sergeants for the way I was treated. It made me the man I am today.

[Chazz of Blades]

Well, I'm home. Got back yesterday. Long story short and simple:

During mile 3 of what was supposed to be a 2 mile run they gave up in a burst of pain. Got it checked, turns out somewhere along the lines I'd damaged the cartilage before, and since it was previous damage that wasn't formally treated the military said screw you. I could go ahead and get out with no benefits, or wait until I needed surgery(soon at that pace) or was to the point past surgery, and STILL be out with no benefits. So I went ahead and got out before I became crippled with nothing to show for it.


The only time I've hurt my knees was the summer before last, I wrecked and bummed myself up a good bit, and had trouble walking and putting pressure on them, but never went to the hospital, I just rested and went day by day until things got better.


You know the worst part? I got a 40/40 on BRM, aced land nav, FA, and everything else they threw at me except my run times were always lacking because I'd start running out of legs. My CO, XO, and even my crazy, violent, non-human life caring(literally) DS told me that if my PT scores were high enough I'd be getting offered a ranger contract.

[atc007]

Don't sweat it too much man. Glad you're back home safe and sound. Everything happens for a reason. You now know what they had to offer. Myself,,I would MAybe fight a little through VA to get them to cover future knee problems. But may not even be worth the hassle. Do something you Love and you'll never have to work a day in your life. Good to hear from you again sir!!

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Welcome home Chazz!

Don't sweat it. Sounds like you gave it your all and your body failed you. I would wager that sometime in the not too distant future you will look back on this experience and be glad you did it.

[Popeye]

That sucks man. If you were doing that well, it sounds like you were in it for the right reasons. How did they know your knee injury was pre-military? They always told us to say what you got to say at MEPS and then forever hold your peace lol. Either way, just count your blessings and make the most of the rest of your life. There are civilian jobs that can come close to the military if that is what you love. It won't be the same, but some are close. BTW- don't bother with the VA stuff. Atc007's advice wasn't bad, because some people luck up but it probably won't happen especially if they confirmed it was pre-service. I knocked one of my front teeth out working on the ship and the stupid boatswain's mate that fixed it botched the job. Long story short, once I got out it cost over $1,000 to fix. Talked to my VA rep about getting the Navy to pay for it, but they wouldn't. Discussed suing them, but he reminded me about that page in my contract that I signed saying I forfeit all right to sue the Navy. So, just live with it or commit insurance fraud like other civilians (lol/jk on the last point).

[fabiodriven]

I'm very sorry to hear about your knees Chazz. I knew you had "the right stuff" though. I saw your post on FB right when you got to boot camp and I must say I would have written something very similar had there been this sort of "social media" back when I went in. They were doing their job. It sounds like you settled right in though. The same thing happened to me all those years ago. Once I settled in I was right at home.

I wish you were coming on here with better news but that's out of your hands. Physical limitations are beyond your control. Good luck with whatever adventure is next buddy!

[Dirtcrasher]

Chazz, you did your best, just the effort itself is well respected :beer

Thats a load of crap! You were doing so well.......

It is what it is bud. You could/would have been an awesome soldier, who knows?!

I may not agree with everyone, but I agree with anyone who has a good reason. You did all you could chazz!!

Fabio AKA John; One 0f the first things I respected him for was serving, and serving early into it when showers/food and other amenities were deserved but not necessarily provided.

He could have been a dead man I never met; But, I did meet him and he's a great guy. He even puts up with me :D

[doord521]

My question is how did they say it was a pre existing condition? Did you put that you had knee problems on the 2807(medical prescreen) I have been active duty Marine Corps for the last 13 years and I am actually a recruiter at the moment, not by choice I will say.. A big thing with va is doing a lot of research, making sure you have all your i's dotted and t's crossed, and stay with it. They don't have to pay if you give up..

[Popeye]

That's what I was wondering. The only thing I could think of is they did x-rays and saw scar tissue present.

[atc007]

^^^ Men that know 1st hand

[Chazz of Blades]

That's what I was wondering. The only thing I could think of is they did x-rays and saw scar tissue present.


Bingo, after I went down they took me to Winder and did a scan of my knees, said there was evidence of some previous damage. I haven't ever had anything formally treated, and I hadn't had any knee pain in months before this, it hit me out of the blue too. And there's nothing you can do with the VA, part of your 'have to sign' paperwork is the understanding that as an ELS discharge you get no VA, same with EPTS(but that takes a lot longer to process).


Long story short, I had to choose between a very high chance of crippling myself and being stuck there as EPTS for months waiting surgery or discharge, or going ahead and getting out before that happened.

[Popeye]

You made the right choice. Lucky they gave you one. I don't think the military is out to screw every person they can, but they make a pretty hefty investment into each and every soldier they train so they are quick to make a decision that is in their own best interest. Can't blame them. I still say that if you ain't a troubled kid, single with no kids, just in need of a job, or incredibly gung ho about serving your country then there are way better options out there. You should be proud of yourself for signing up and for making a decision that was in your best interest.

[doord521]

I think everyone should have to serve in one way or the other. Most people have no clue about the military, especially the Marine Corps. Go out and do an enlistment and atleast earn your opportunity to go to college. If they had to do that then maybe there wouldn't be a 60% drop out rate in college.. Kids are wanting everything to be handed to them. Parents are to weak to tell there children that they aren't good at something, they would rather take them to the doctor and have them medicated. I get tired of seeing participation trophies. Let these kids go out and figure it out, some will fall on their face, they need to figure out how to pick themselves back up without mommy and daddy being there to wipe their buts. Sorry about the tangent but it is getting pathetic.. Good on you for going out and trying.. More guts than most have...