A lot of people are very surprised to hear that I am in the Army. Probably because I can be incredibly lazy. Nonetheless, I joined the Army Reserves before I went to college as a combat medic. It was an incredible experience, with its ups and downs (just the way I like it).
Me and my little brother on the day of Basic training Graduation.
Why I Joined
I actually do not have any good reason for joining the army. I was about to graduate high school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was signed up to start school but I didn’t know what I wanted study nor did I feel mature enough to succeed in college. I walked by a recruiting office and I thought to myself “I could do that.” I have always had an impulsive personality but I am also been a very determined person. I had never ever thought about joining the military before I actually did. But once I decided I could do it I became fixated on the idea. And so on my 18th birthday, May 1st, 2013 I joined the military.
Some of the lovely women I shared a bay with on our Basic Training Graduation Day.
Basic Training
I attended basic training in Fort Jackson, NC. I was there for about 3 months. It’s not as bad as everyone thinks, but it wasn’t great. I had no phone, no TV, no magazines, and the only book I was allowed to read was the bible. I slept on a top bunk in a bay with 20 other girls. We shared a bathroom, we shared stories, laughter, and tears. We were all we had. At times it was very lonely, very hard, but other times it was fun. It was strange to be isolated from the world. We had zero freedom, it felt like we were trapped in this small military world. The world around me could have crumbled and I wouldn’t even know. We were allowed to get letters and that was honestly the best part. I was so lucky to have friends and family that sent me letters with warm thoughts, funny jokes and pictures that kept my hopes up. The physical stuff was never much of challenge, in my opinion, the seclusion was by far the worst part. Nonetheless, I made it through.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
After basic training, I got sent to AIT where I took my specific classes to become an Army Combat Medic. This took place at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. I was there for a little over a year and a half. It was honestly an amazing experience. It was a lot better than basic training because I was able to have my laptop and phone. It was amazing to be in touch with the outside world. I was still under pretty strict rules and had to get up every day at 5 am to do PT (personal training). I did get to do really fun things as well, my favorite was touring downtown San Antonio. The riverwalk was gorgeous, and I got to see the Alamo which was interesting. However, the very best part was the friends that I made. When you think of military people (at least when I do), you tend to jump to conservative douchebags, and don’t worry there are plenty of those! But there is also amazing, wonderful people. People from all over the country, the world, each with such different, unique stories. The people I met honestly made all of it worth it. I did also get to learn really cool skills. I got my EMT certification. I know how to give IV’s, do a tracheotomy, use a tourniquet, and a bunch of other scary but great skills. I do miss AIT, it was like a much more strict college. A ton of people hooked up, which I get things can get pretty lonely (especially down there). I have never been attracted to army men, not sure why, but they have never been my cup of tea. Two of my really good friends from AIT got married and now have a beautiful child. Overall, it has been my favorite part of my army experience. I have the best memories from that year and a half.
Graduation Day for AIT
Now What?
After graduating AIT, I came by to Erie. I enrolled in college and started shortly thereafter. I am in the reserves so I do my army thing one weekend a month and about 2 weeks out of the summer. I am in the army until 2021. I have loved my experiences in the military but I do not think it is my thing and won’t continue with it after my contract ends. I do not regret a single day and I do strongly admire anyone who is able to do it. It has helped me in so many ways. I felt so much more prepared for college, much more independent. I am sure I will have a lot more interesting experiences in the next couple of years I have left.