"Civilian to Soldier: Enlistment - Chapter 1" Short Film

This is a short film on my first 12 months since I enlisted on February 5th, 2010.  While I have been enlisted for just little bit over a year, I've only been a soldier for two months of that time.  A lot has happened--more than I was able nor wanting to share in Chapter 1 of this film.  Chapter 2 may cover more of what I left out.  For now this is the first part of my story and the goal is to continue this film project until the end of my enlistment in 2018.  The vlogs and episodes that I make time to create will provide supplemental insight into what being a soldier has brought me.  

So far this process of sharing my experiences online has been extremely rewarding in terms of the community that has begun to surround it and the feedback.  All of you who have followed my journey and have even chosen to take up a similar journey, be it in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corp are amazing.  I am inspired and I hope to inspire more to take up the cause for a country--although not perfect-- that remains a great light in a very dark world.  America is my home and it is my country.  Who will defend it, it's people and it's Constitution if no one volunteers to do the hard work?  Many are called but few will answer.

7 New Episodes, one each week starting January 24th

So look for an episode to be up starting next week on Monday January 24th, and six more Mondays thereafter.  As for what will come on the eighth week, I really don't know.  If you have suggestions or pressing topics you'd like for me to cover, just shoot me an email to godavidstrong@gmail.com or leave your suggestion/idea/recommendation in the comments on this post.

I really and truly appreciate all of you guys and hope that your Army careers are off to a good start--mine definitely is!  I really want to be of help to you all so that others aren't as in the dark as I sorta felt when I first started toying with the idea of enlisting.  It truly is scary in the beginning and sometimes hard to float the idea of joining the military to your parents, no matter how old you are!  

Before I end this post I have some things that have been on my heart for a while.  These are matters that have begun to bother me and I feel strongly about.  I want to take some time to address various comments, and archaic ideologies, beliefs and/or perspectives that have been thrown at me since I joined the military from civilians--even my friends (no offense to them).  

Let's start with when people learn of your plans to enlist or that have enlisted.  This is directed at people who are informed about a close friend or relative's choice to join the military.  Personally, the response has been, "that's crazy" or "you're crazy"--even "they're all crazy"--"they" being the military service members.  When you get someone who reacts that way--excluding parents, as their reaction is understandable--but anyone else it is insensitive, to say the least, and a slap in the face to any person who has served America since the military became all voluntary.  The statement, "that's crazy" to a person who heard the call and felt conviction to become a soldier, marine, airmen or seaman smacks of ignorance, somewhat selfish and highly ungrateful.  It is ignorant and ungrateful because the American way of life is, believe it or not, sustained by a large degree of military might even in peacetime.  Our freedom to have chill lives with our Caramel Machiattos, tapping our iPads isn't held together by "Kumbaya" circles and free hugs.  That's just reality.   It's somewhat selfish because in the guise of concern, their is a failure to see the decision from the military volunteer's point of view--not what you would do, or wouldn't do in this case.  Stop projecting.  Listen to him or her explain why going the route of the military has become important.  Don't give opinions where it wasn't asked.  This has happened to me on many occasions before and after I enlisted.  I was very offended, but I said nothing in return.  I probably should have spoken up.  

The Army (don't know about the other branches) has really changed, and the civilian perspective or view of the Army is both sorely outdated and quite morbidly wrong in a lot of ways, excluding families of service members.  I mean no offense but there are civilians who will try give you unsolicited "insight" (doing the quoty fingers lol) into what they know, or think they know about how horrific and deranged the military can make you.  And they say it as if you actually asked and want to know.  And despite their best intent, it can sometimes become offensive (but personally in keeping with my temperament, I swallow it and let it slide).

They will, if you let them, scare the hell out of you and further sensationalize what truths do exist in their ignorant misguided and half-truthful "advice" or "info"--no matter how well-intentioned they may be.  Sometimes this will be your friends who will do this.  The conversation usually starts with "My *insert family member/friend here* was/is in the military...." blah blah blah psycho mind-freaking (euphemism).  Don't listen to them!  Find someone who is currently in the Army and has been in for at least 8 to 10 years to see the change that has happened up to now.  Yes, the dangers of war are very real for each and every soldier, but NO ONE joins ignorant of this fact.  So when conversations like this start among your civilians friends or family, it's probably worth tuning out for your own sake or be up front (I should do this myself) and say, "Hey, I appreciate (thinking: not really) what you're trying to say, but I honestly prefer we not talk about that."   Something to that affect.  Or cut them off and change the subject to subtly, but emphatically convey your discomfort.   ...or maybe that's just me. lol idk

Let me dispel any belief, if it still exists, that the Army is anything like "Full Metal Jacket".  For one, the film follows civilians who become marines (let's state the obvious up front LOL).  Secondly, drill sergeants are NOT to speak nor hit a private as depicted in that film...well some bend the rules to the breaking point but not like the film referred to here.  OH and that is all Hollywood too.  This is not the 1960s, 70s or earlier.  We are in a time of modern warfare and abuse and degradation are not the methods espoused in Army training.  Tracking?  My drill sergeants broke me down and built me back up without all of that abusive nonsense.

Finally, No matter who you are, in the Army we are all green and called by our rank and last name.  In other words, regardless of your race, color, creed, or who you love, you will be surprisingly shocked at how close-knit the Army can be.  We are Army Strong. Yes, you will inevitably run into the bigots and hypocrites  in uniform, but the Army's core values and regulations have changed and improved such that many and varying people can serve their country without fear of malicious reprisal--both from peers, superior ranking officers and non-commissioned officers.  More to the point, you'll find the the majority of today's soldiers live by the Army values and regulations with a strong sense of moral character and pride.  Again lot has changed and I, for one, am very proud to be an American Soldier in today's Army.

Anyway, enough rambling!  See you guys on YouTube January 24th!

Hooah!!

BWC and Editing Photos

Today we did the following:

• Board Appearance
• Land Navigation
• First Aid
• Rifle Marksmanship using the LMTS (Laser Management Training System)
• Weapon disassemble and reassembly of the M16/A2 rifle (with and without light--in the dark)
• Essay writing (my topic was based on two questions:  "Which Warrior Ethos and Army Value is most meaningful to you and why?")

Overall, I enjoyed my experience thus far.  Tomorrow morning we have an APFT test.  ...speaking of I need to go to bed.  It's 2335 and I have to report to the field at 0650.

Good night!

Studying for BWC

I've been sitting up late like this in my bed for the past four days studying for the board of the Best Warrior Competition happening this weekend (January 8-9).  I am soooooo tired right now it's not funny.  It's 2:04am...  Tomorrow morning I have to report to my unit to do mock sessions of going before the board in terms of the procedures and then the oral questioning on various subjects of Army knowledge.  The latter is the part that has had me stressed out.  The good part is that SSG Amaya, one of my detachment squad leaders, assured me that the board is aware of me having just graduated as a new soldier and will be asking basic questions.  Phew!  But still in the back of my mind, I know to plan for the worst, hope for the best. *fingers crossed, saying lots of prayers* It's just how I'm wired. lol  

Stay tuned!

On being "voluntold" for the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) - GDS Vlog -013

Army Value:  Personal Courage

Disclaimer:  This is not a knock against my superior in any way, just an honest statement of how I feel as a result of the matter.  My superior and I have an awesome professional relationship and I couldn't be happier to have her as my Unit Administrator.  For the record she said, in so many words, that she believes that I am capable and believes I can rise to the challenge.  My answer to her was that I will do my best, and she agreed.

Last week I learned that I am doing the Best Warrior Competition in Tampa, Florida on January 8-9th.  I actually already blogged about this, but felt the need to express this in video because it has somewhat consumed me and I need to vent--ya know just let it out once and for all.  This is my outlet and I hope viewers don't see me as complaining, but quite the opposite.  My goal is to be myself on here and as honest as possible without violating Operation Security (OPSEC).

Finally, I recorded this video twice and debated for three days whether or not I even wanted to share my feelings on this matter at all.

P.S.  Pardon my junky room.  I'm still half-way unpacked since I got back from AIT. lol

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. :)

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.

Going away meetup with friends, best wishes - GDS Vlog 011

Yesterday I went out to dinner with some of my close friends at Cheddars for dinner.  It was nice to have them there as well as my mom and brother.  I was not in charge of the camera.  My friend Lisette took over and made it happen.  I just edited the footage together when I got home is all.  Anyway, we had a lot of fun hanging out and those of you that are preparing to ship off to basic training, no matter what branch of the military, should share your time with your friends and family too.

Changes to Basic Combat Training

Some of the changes to Basic Combat Training were recently reported on army.mil on July 19, 2010.  It's not entirely new news, but I think it's worth mentioning here.

Here is a quick outline of what was said in the article:

1. Contrary to what some believe, BCT is allegedly tougher rather than softer.  
2. Training has been extended from nine weeks to ten weeks.
3. Rifle marksmanship is more extensive.  Soldiers fire 500 rounds during basic combat training and certify as part of the Combat Field Fire phase.
4. New instruction has been added to teach soldiers to fight from their feet, rather than wrestle and grip on the ground.  The time spent in combatives is now 22 hours.
5. There is no longer an IV "stick" any more.  Soldier's used to learn to literally insert an IV into a human being (personally I had issues with the thought of this.  I'm glad to see it go.  I'm NOT afraid of blood nor needles, I'm afraid of the amateur sticking me with the needle and vice versa.  Hello!).  In general, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Combat Lifesaver (CLS) have been updated.
6. Physical training has been updated and standardized.  It has been suggested by soldiers in the combat that long runs, repetitive sets of pushups and sit-ups, and volleyball games aren't' really releven to "training the right muscles and energy systems needed in a fight."  So the FM 21-20 is being replaced by the TC 3.22-20 and will be available as an app (I'm assuming iPhone and Android app) in August of this year.  Sweet, but too bad I won't be able to utilize the app, as I'll be in BCT receiving this this very new training.
7. No more bayonet assault courses against rubber tires, but lots more pugil and combatives against a thinking opponent. Bayonets haven't been put to use was 1951.  If I recall correctly that was shortly after the start of the Korean war.  Wowza!  I didn't even EXIST. lol
8. Expanded values and culture training.  What that means is more time and instruction will be devoted to the seven Army Values in combat, garrison and off-duty time.  The Army has really been pro-active about keeping up with tech and social media trends and has created a "Soldier Blue Book" iPhone and Android app for soldiers before and after BCT.  Every soldier, however, gets a physical copy of the book at BCT of course.  But the great thing about the app is that you can download it now for free and begin learning.  You can download the iPhone app here or the Android app here. 
9. Training soldiers as "tactical athletes" where training will be supplemented with physical therapists and athletic trainers to prevent injuries and ensure better conditioning.  Also a new program called "Soldier Refueling" will be initiated to teach soldiers to develop good nutritional habits.
10. Drill Sergeants have been training in Resiliency Training and new soldiers will be taking the  Global Assessment Tool to help build a support base for promoting soldier's mental health. 
11. And as mentioned before, the Army has jumped head-long into the social media area and has already begun utilizing it to connect and get feedback from soldiers and soldier's families.

via www.army.mil