- Joined
- Apr 9, 2019
- Messages
- 4,494
- Points
- 384
Good day all,
So, I know that a number of you have been or even still are in the military, which prompts me a question or instead, asking how those basic days went for you?
Jake84 enlisted back in 2002, being only a 18 year old recruit, endured the « three days selection » and medical exams. All went smoothly and no doctor or NCO found me a medical problem or a physical deficiency anyway.
I’m wondering how things in basic have evolved or even for the older of you, how things were before?
Without (too much) personal details, I was headed to a barrack (now closed) in a suburb of Paris then for a bit over two months of training.
We were first quickly introduced to the NCO and the NGO, four drill sergeants and two NGO, the LT and Captain.
We were also briefly introduced to the Colonel of this little regiment and barrack where we were spending two months. He mentioned some basic stuff without saying too much. Warned us against alcohol abuse and other possible addictions.
Fast forward, lots of “class”. Learning about the ranks and every pieces of your rifle (Famas), along with other fairly basic and general lesson on history, bit of politics and the military of course.
Looking back, these two months passed quickly, I liked the “Camaraderie” and learning. Shooting a powerful rifle when being merely a teen was also exciting, throwing a few grenades and even using plastic explosive, too. Unfortunately and it’s my only regret about it all, we seriously spent far too much time cleaning the barracks than doing these typical soldier thing. I’m thinking it might have been a lack of “budget”, as one NCO mentioned that spending only four days in the woods and going to the range cost the army then over 10,000€ for only a 40 soldiers in this Platoon. Understood, everything has a price.
I have little to no regrets about this little military experience although I had later chosen not to make a whole career as a soldier. I have to say that beside the physical, mental training, you learn or at least try to acquire some good traits, like being reliable, clean, among other qualities.
Truth be told, I’m too stubborn to have been a soldier which is not the ideal trait to start off as a terminal lance, I tried, and did the thing. I didn’t do worse than others.
How was your basic training experience, in your own country? Only asking if possible at least the year you enlisted and country so to have a discussion and maybe discuss or compare our experience?
So, I know that a number of you have been or even still are in the military, which prompts me a question or instead, asking how those basic days went for you?
Jake84 enlisted back in 2002, being only a 18 year old recruit, endured the « three days selection » and medical exams. All went smoothly and no doctor or NCO found me a medical problem or a physical deficiency anyway.
I’m wondering how things in basic have evolved or even for the older of you, how things were before?
Without (too much) personal details, I was headed to a barrack (now closed) in a suburb of Paris then for a bit over two months of training.
We were first quickly introduced to the NCO and the NGO, four drill sergeants and two NGO, the LT and Captain.
We were also briefly introduced to the Colonel of this little regiment and barrack where we were spending two months. He mentioned some basic stuff without saying too much. Warned us against alcohol abuse and other possible addictions.
Fast forward, lots of “class”. Learning about the ranks and every pieces of your rifle (Famas), along with other fairly basic and general lesson on history, bit of politics and the military of course.
Looking back, these two months passed quickly, I liked the “Camaraderie” and learning. Shooting a powerful rifle when being merely a teen was also exciting, throwing a few grenades and even using plastic explosive, too. Unfortunately and it’s my only regret about it all, we seriously spent far too much time cleaning the barracks than doing these typical soldier thing. I’m thinking it might have been a lack of “budget”, as one NCO mentioned that spending only four days in the woods and going to the range cost the army then over 10,000€ for only a 40 soldiers in this Platoon. Understood, everything has a price.
I have little to no regrets about this little military experience although I had later chosen not to make a whole career as a soldier. I have to say that beside the physical, mental training, you learn or at least try to acquire some good traits, like being reliable, clean, among other qualities.
Truth be told, I’m too stubborn to have been a soldier which is not the ideal trait to start off as a terminal lance, I tried, and did the thing. I didn’t do worse than others.
How was your basic training experience, in your own country? Only asking if possible at least the year you enlisted and country so to have a discussion and maybe discuss or compare our experience?
