Civilian to Soldier: Michael Mulder

I recently got the smart idea to feature other soldiers that I have spoken to and befriended on godavidstrong.com and hopefully on video on the Go David Strong YouTube channel as well (video interviews coming soon).  So to kick things off I started simple by doing a written interview with soldiers that recently completed Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).  I ask all of the soldiers the same set of questions to start because I have a feeling that the answers will be unique and yet informative.  As time goes on I'll most likely begin to add more personalized questions in addition to these below.  

My goal here is to share the experiences of other new soldiers, so that Future Soldiers can get greater insight about the Army's Initial Entry Training process than I can actually manage to deliver based solely on my one-time experience in basic training back in Fall 2010.  The Army is constantly changing, and yet some things do stay the same, but I wouldn't know becase I am too far removed from the process now.  I've moved on to greater things in my personal career, and yet I still feel a desire to help Future Soldiers because literally hundreds have asked me countless questions.  So...

If you are a recent graduate from BCT and AIT and are interested in being interviewed to further this effort, please email me with you interest at godavidstrong@gmail.com. Enjoy!

PFC Mulder, 92Y - Unit Supply Specialist from Aberdeen, South Dakota

Why did you join the US Army (Active Duty; US Army Reserve; Army National Guard)?

I chose to join the National Guard because it gives me the opportunity to serve and go to college at the same time. I am able to go to drills and be in the Army without it affecting my normal college schedule. I also joined because I thought everything about the Army was just awesome. I am able to fight for the country I love and I get paid to do it so it doesn’t get much better than that. I am proud to wear the uniform and love being a part of this huge team. 

What are your goals or what do you hope to get out of your time in the Army?

I have a few primary goals that come to mind right now when I think about my whole career in the service. First off I want to learn to become a great leader/NCO (noncommissioned officer) that young privates such as me can look up to. I want to go to as many Army schools as I can such as Airborne, Air Assault, and maybe eventually someday even R.A.S.P. I want to be the best 92 Yankee that I can be while always maintaining the seven army values. I want to deploy at least once so I can see what it actually means to fight for my country. 

What was Basic Combat Training like for you?

Basic Combat Training for me was a lot harder mentally than it was physically. As long as you are consistently working out before basic training you should be just fine physically but there wasn’t much to prepare me for the mental aspect of how a drill sergeant is towards you. For example the first few days they would give us one minute shower drills and wake us up unexpectedly which would completely throw me off. After a while though you get used to the treatment and it becomes the normal behavior. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the field exercises that we did at BCT. Hand grenades, us weapons, land navigation, the gas chamber, and Treadwell Tower were all amazing experiences and are things you can’t necessarily do in the civilian world. I definitely look back on it as a positive experience and now that I’m finished it seems like it was nothing at all. 

If it were up to you, what would you add or take away from your basic combat training to make it better?

I definitely wouldn’t have taken anything away from basic training. I am unsure of what they actually would add but I think any extra training would be good training. A new soldier can never get to be too good at field exercises and things of that nature. They say repetition is the father of learning, so if I were to add something it would be more repetition of field exercises to instill muscle memory. 

Now that you're a full soldier with BCT and AIT well behind you, is the Army what you thought it would be or totally different from the picture you had in your mind before you became a soldier?

The Army is definitely different than what I thought it would be. You have to remember that you're not always going to get along with everybody in the Army, but you will still have to work with them to achieve a goal. I didn’t realize that there were people in the that joined for selfish reasons and selfish reasons alone. I also had to open my mind to a whole new spectrum of prerogatives, being that there were soldiers from all over the nation. I could never have prepared my mind for exactly how it was going to be, its just something you have to experience for yourself to know. 

Do you have any regrets or positives about your decision? If so, what would you do differently or keep the same?

I have no regrets on my decision to join the Army. If I had to I would do it all over again because in the end you know in your heart that it’s worth it. All the struggle and things you go through are definitely for a worthy cause. You just can’t forget what you are struggling for and stay on the right path.

What is your best advice for others that are waiting and preparing to ship to basic training?

My best advice for those waiting to ship would first off to be making sure your putting in your PT time. Pushups and sit ups till failure with multiple repetitions at least 4 times a week. Also, I noticed from personal experience that running could really make or break a person. Usually you will run about 2 miles for your workouts and the best way to get better at your 2 mile is by running 3 or 4 miles at a time. I can’t stress being physically ready enough, if you are in shape basic will be tremendously easier for you and you will notice it as well. As far as the mental aspect is concerned, know your basic Army knowledge. The soldier’s creed, Army values, phonetic alphabet, military time, and General Orders are all great things to know before even arriving. Also once you get there be studying and know the information that they give you because it will all help out in the long run. One thing you can’t forget is that it is the drill sergeants job to treat you the way they do. Remember that and realize that it isn’t anything personal towards you. Also remember that its only basic training, thousands have done it before you and thousands will continue to do it after you. 

Is there anything else you'd like to say or share?

The last thing I'd like to say is just stay motivated at all times. Basic training and AIT is as long as you make it. If you are unmotivated and unhappy to be there, your time will drag on and on. Keep a positive attitude and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the time actually goes. You're doing a great service to your country and yourself, so be proud of that. Take pride in what you do and always give it one-hundred percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are mostly frequently asked questions with a few additional lesser questions I feel should be answered and shared.  If you don't see a question that you think should have been added here please comment on this post and I will review your request.  Thanks!

UPDATE!  I just added a FAQ page above where more questions have been added.

What is your MOS?  

I am an 88N (spoken "eighty-eight november") -Transportation Management Coordinator.

Where did you go for AIT (Advanced Individual Training)?  

I went to Fort Lee, Virginia for AIT where my MOS required 6 weeks of training.

Is basic training hard?

Hell to the yeah!  ...with one caveat however.  Basic training used to be much harder in a number of aspects, but has since been changed (some would argue this by saying it was "watered down").  What should be realized is that the vast majority of new soldiers in the Army are very young and are apart of the generation that grew up with cell phones, internet, personal computers and video games (at present I had none of these conveniences for half my life and I'm only 29 years of age).  What does this mean?  This means that the many new soldiers are viewed as weak, lazy, fat, crazy, and hyper-sexually active couch potatoes COMPARED to all of the generations of soldiers before them.  And when it comes down to Modern Army Combatives Instruction, a lot of young Americans have hardly been punched in the face, let along slapped. And yet when future soldiers arrive to basic training they experience culture shock.  I know I did.

Why didn't you join the Navy or the Air Force?

The other military branches didn't have an appeal to me.  I don't really get a kick out of heights and flying, nor do I like nor want to swim (obviously this rules out being a Marine).  I have nothing against the other branches, but like all preferential things in life it's a prerogative.

Are you afraid you'll be deployed to Afghanistan?

Yes and no.  Yes, because safety is always a concern no matter what your job is overseas in a combat zone.  No.  I feel somewhat indifferent right now.  I am however, looking forward to saving a lot of money during my deployment. ;)

What is basic training like?

I get this question all the time and frankly, it's so broad and open-ended a question that it would literally fill a book if I even attempted to answer it.  The short and simpler answer is, it was one of the most exciting, scary, shocking and physically grueling experiences of my life.  And as a person who came from a poor physical lifestyle as a public school teacher to running several miles and firing weapons meant to kill other human beings (albeit the enemy), it goes without saying that basic training was life changing for me.

Are you happy that you joined the Army?

Absolutely!  The one major setback I am faced with, however, is the demanding time requirement, and as an Army Reserve soldier, this is saying a lot!  I couldn't have imagined the amount of additional time and travel that would be required beyond one drill per month and two weeks active duty out of the year.

What kind of camera do you use?

When I first started making videos for my YouTube channel, I was using my Canon Vixia HF10.  Lately, I've been shooting my videos using my Canon 5D Mark II (DSLR camera).

When are you going to make another video?

Simply put, when my job, the Army and family permit me to make another.  There is not set schedule.  I make one when I have the time and energy.  That's the honest truth.

Inside Tips for Surviving BCT and AIT

Before I begin, I plan on addressing all of these tips in a more organized fashion in a video very soon, so look forward to it. :)  The reason I'm addressing this here first and not in a video is to provide an immediate answer to a question that was asked of me on my Go David Strong Facebook page.

Christopher  Rodriguez is shipping to basic on January 5, 2011 and this is what he asked:

Your page really helped me, just dropping by to say that I leave for Fort Jackson in 8 (1-5-11) days and after I'm going to Fort Lee for AIT, any tips for BCT and any tips for Fort Lee?

Well, I had to think a little, but then I just started typing and before I knew, a lot of memories started coming back to me and I found I had a lot to say--in no particular order mind you. 

Here is my answer to Christopher

BCT

Be prepared to possibly stay awake for several hours beyond your normal wake hours at Reception.  And yet, don't get too comfortable there either because you can.  When you ship to where you will be training everything will change drastically.

Don't EVER, NEVER, EVER go anywhere without a battle buddy!  I'm being nice when I say this.  Don't be that guy...at BCT nor AIT.  Don't do it.  Some sergeants are eagerly foaming at the mouth to slap you with an Article 15 for not having a battle buddy.  Also when you address an NCO or Officer, have a battle buddy.  No exceptions!!!

Stand at Parade Rest when addressing your drill sergeant [at attention for an officer] or any NCO for that matter and end all your sentences with "drill sergeant". LEARN YOUR RANKS AND INSIGNIAS!  This will affect how you are to address any given soldier (namely soldiers of higher rank than you) that passes you by in the hall or elsewhere.  You can easily find you and your battle buddy/platoon/company pushing or low crawling because you failed to address the presence of an NCO or Officer. Call at ease when you see a drill sergeant enter a room or company area only when there is no drill sergeant present, or if a higher ranking NCO enters the room. (ie.  Your Line Supervising Drill Sergeant usually outranks the rest of your drill sergeants.  So hypothetically, if Staff Sergeant Bickler is present with your platoon, and then Sergeant First Class Marks enters, you call "at ease" and get at the position of at ease PRONTO!  The latter also applies to when your First Sergeant shows up).  Remain at the position of at ease until the command to "carry on" is given.  When your company commander shows up and you're the first to see him or her, call your plantoon or company (depends on who all are present) to attention and salute (only outdoors--salute indoors and you will push), "Good morning/afternoon/evening Ma'am/Sir".  Do NOT drop your salute until he/she returns the salute and then drops his/her salute.  Then remain at attention until he/she gives you the command to "carry on".

Study your butt off with your "Smart Book".  You can never learn enough.  It will seem like it is totally pointless, monotonous and boring, but the information within it will be revisited again and again throughout your Army career, especially when you want to move up rank.  Learn it NOW!  And besides, the information will help you improve and grow in Army knowledge.

NEVER fall asleep on fireguard duty, and know your general orders like you know your date of birth as well as the Soldier's Creed.  Do your special duties while on fireguard duty and do not slack off.  Your bay/barracks will be inspected each morning by your drill sergeant.  If your sleep bay is jacked up, you and/or your platoon, or the fireguards (that were supposed to cover whatever is lacking) will be smoked.  Count on it!  Aaaand there will be times where your drill sergeant will do some "character building" corrective disciplining, just to set an example even when everything is done correctly--even perfectly.  Just accept it and move on.

Don't be a sickcall ranger.  Sickcall Ranger - (noun)  a private that attempts to avoide PT or unpleasant training during BCT or AIT by going to sickcall and/or the TMC (Troop Medical Center) almost daily.  Yes these pitiful excuses for a private exist, and they suck!  They ruin it for those that are truly in need of medical attention.  Don't hang around Sickcall Rangers or they will drag you down.

AIT

As for AIT, the same customs and courtesies for NCOs and Officers apply, so no need to belabor the point again.  At Fort Lee, you will be living in what we call "TRADOC Land" aka strictly by the book.  Army Regulation reign supreme at  Fort Lee and you need to be in compliance at all times, in terms of proper uniform and where you are to be, AT THE RIGHT TIME.  Remember this and never for get it:  Fifteen minutes prior is considered "on time".  Arriving at or just before the time you are to report is considered late and you will be declared FTR (failure to report).  When you are FTR you may find that you have additional duty to do at your company for being late, and/or you may lose your weekend pass.  Don't be that guy!

PT is a bit more your responsibility during your down time.  You may find that PT won't be as consistent as you'd like and it will be up to you to remain fit enough to pass your PT tests.  

If the number of people carrying STDs could be illustrated on a map at Fort Lee, you'd see a the post lit up in red for people that are burning.  Don't be that guy that got it on with the loose female [or male] while away on pass at the hotel.  It happens and it's embarrassing.  

Now because Fort Lee is so by the book, do all that you are told as much as possible because for whatever reason they love issuing Article 15s to privates who just can't get right. lol

At AIT you will have an NCO assigned to you as your Platoon Sergeant, however, you will have fellow student leadership over you as well who literally carry--to a degree--the same authority as your NCOs.  Listen to them, even when you want to beat them, kill them, shoot them down range, etc.  Yes, student leadership can take their power to their heads and abuse it.  That's okay, get them fired. If you think you can do better, speak up.  Every company has a comments box [or at least they should] where you can anonymously address an issue.  I'm not kidding.  If you don't like something, speak up!

Do all of these basics and you'll be golden.  But let me leave you with the best advice of above all.  Grow a HUUUUUUUUGE amount of patience and humility.  AVOID taking things personally.  When you're punished by smoking, consider it the most merciful thing to have happened, because there are worse forms of punishment that are hard to recover from let alone reverse.  

That's all I can think of right now.  ...actually there's more, but I don't want to overwhelm you nor ruin the surprises IET has to offer you. LOL! I pray the best for you and If you have any questions, feel free to email me at godavidstrong@gmail.com.

Take care!

-David

Plotting and planning + new look and approach

I promise you that I am working hard for you guys to bring some much needed content with useful Army information both about Basic Combat Training, AIT and more. I for one know the immense cluelessness or mystery there is to what Initial Entry Training is like prior to getting there. So I'm working hard to bring you high quality work. Please be patient with me as I work out my technical setbacks with my cameras and will do my best not to disappoint, especially in light of a new year.

Additionally, Go David Strong is getting a slight overhaul in look and direction, so hang with me if you like what I've done so far. Hang in there, namely you future soldiers! Tracking?

Hooah!

Post IET (Initial Entry Training) Update - GDS Vlog 012

I got back from training on December 1st, but this is not a video about any of that yet. This is just a quick "Hey! I'm fine" and I'm working my way back to normalcy as a civilian. Very basic. :)

Off Post Overnight Pass

Checkin' out what's up on dannychoo.com and then will step out to grab brunch. This is my last weekend in Virginia and I'm enjoying it. Next weekend I have my first drill weekend after I will have graduated next week. Can't wait!

Saved from CQ Duty

I am really happy to have been relieved from CQ duty for a second time. But allow me to briefly explain the first relief. My post about the mass punishment has a happy ending. I reported for duty and was relieved after arriving because I stepped up to volunteer to stay for duty after the CQ sergeant relieved the gaggle of males she put on one shift. Integrity goes a long way.

As for this evening I was relieved because one of my battles were caught by the "courtesy police"...I think that's what it's called... doing the wrong thing while on pass today. And another decided to do what he wanted and not show for CQ duty. So when I reported for CQ duty at 2145 for my 2200-2400 shift I was relieved after about 40 minutes into the shift because the two screw ups were assigned in my place for the rest of the night.

Future and current soldiers in training, do not forsake integrity and do not hesitate to volunteer when an NCO or officer calls for volunteers. Don't cut corners. Do every job to the best of your ability even when a drill sergeant or sergeant isn't around. Be a leader because your peers are always watching. Even the staunchest screw ups will at least acknowledge your level of integrity.

Thomas and Tack stunnas

Mass Punishment

Tonight something went down that has me upset and concerned.

Two males allegedly slacked by not checking the duty roster for this evening and were extremely late. As a result the sergeant on duty decided to punish all of the males in the company instead of the two males that were FTR (failure to report). So now the males were broken into groups that must serve duty every two hours from 2000 to 0800.

Now the part I am taking issue with is the lateness of when the duty roster was posted, and the fact that we all must "pay for the sins" of two males.

Yeah, yeah I get that it's the Army blah blah blah, and it builds character. Whatever! But I fail to understand the double standard that is plainly seen here: The duty roster was posted late, and formation for bedcheck was announced allegedly on a whim. So all the males should pay for...??? I'm not tracking.

Maybe my information on this matter is off, but from what I gathered from the situation as it unfolded in front of me is what I've stated above.

Somewhere, somehow, some way, someone didn't exercise one of the 7 Army Values: Integrity.

Anybody tracking this?

Waiting