Basic mark (CG 2)

I can't even say that I know what to write. There is so much material; so much content from the past two months that a true beginning, middle and ending seems almost unattainable. Sure chronologically those points in time existed, but I'm not sure that following them will accurately depict the experience. I suppose I'll just write and see what comes out. Read on....

Basic training in the Coast Guard is about stress in all forms - physically, mentally, emotionally. More importantly, it's about how you react to stress. Do you crumble? Do you struggle but perservere? Because in some microcosmic form, the stress in boot camp is like the stress in the field. Law enforcement, vessel boardings, search and rescue and all the other Coast Guard missions involve serious levels of stress. And if you can't hack it in the artificial basic training environment then you certainly won't make it in a real life scenario.

That being said, basic training brought me to some of the lowest points I've ever experienced. The first two weeks leveled me; I constantly questioned my decision to join. This is something I've wanted to do for 12 years, but maybe at 30 I should've just let it pass. A missed opportunity. Something to look back and say 'well, maybe in my next life.' But I've never really been satisfied with being potentially regretful. So join I did; but in those first two weeks, negative, self-defeating thoughts ruled my cortex. I have a great life, a great job, solid education. By all accounts I'm very happy. What exactly, then, was I doing here - out of my comfort zone, following orders like some drone, doing 'push-ups forever?'

Those first two weeks were the toughest. I tell people that if someone had offered me a get-out-of-jail-free card I would've seriously considered it. Looking back, though, I realize that's the whole point. You must come through that low period - or periods - and rise above them to truly tackle this basic training monster. And I did. I would even go so far to say that the last two weeks of boot camp were fun, enjoyable and filled with personal pride. Graduating on July 4th was one of the most amazing moments of my life. Standing in uniform, in front of family and friends; saluting my uncle who presented me with my certificate. It was a true sense of accomplishment and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was a crazy time - but it was a good time, in an odd back-handed sort of way.

Probably the best part of basic training were the excellent people that made up my company (Golf company, that is). They were solid young men and women. No war mongers; nobody who was in it to kill. They broke the military stereotypes. These were just good people who wanted good jobs (or a career), a chance to serve their country, an opportunity to support their family in some cases. I can honestly say that I would be proud to serve with any of them. They are all fine sailors and will make great contributions to the USCG. Golf company began as a group of 50 or so individuals; for a while we each did our own thing. Little to no teamwork. As we advanced in weeks we realized that there was no room for individuality. That to survive we'd need to work as a team. Once we figured this out, training became more like 'fair winds and following seas.' Sure we still had a few bumps after that - resulting in many push ups amongst other things - but teamwork was the key.

I could tell you lots of crazy stories about basic training -
:: like the time someone spit on the regiment and a very pissed-off chief made the recruit scoop it up in his hand and show it to his company commander
:: or how we had to carry a pen in our left sock at all times
:: or how we couldn't be out of uniform except when in the head (bathroom)
:: having as little as one button undone means you're out of uniform
:: or how I ironed about 25 shirts every night
:: or how someone would always fart in formation which is of course dramatically funny which is of course unacceptable while in formation
:: or how we basically were not allowed to talk

But that doesn't really translate well in words. It's just something you have to experience. Ever have someone tell you a story and then follow it with 'I guess you had to be there..?' Same concept. So just believe me when I say it was crazy 8 weeks, filled with both wild and funny times, great people and lots of memories. I'm proud that I did this. I'm proud that I followed through with this after 12 years of consideration.

Most importantly, though, I'm proud to serve my country.