My wife took her oath of enlistment today in the military

[JoBri 552]

Wow... God bless you... What a remarkable story!

WOW CONGRATULATIONS!

Its so nice that she has you as a mentor in joining the military. I came to US when I was 17 and joined the Army when I was 18. I used to work as a nursing assistant. I did not have my own bedroom when I was living with my dad and his new family so I was sleeping in the kitchen. One day after work I dropped by the mall and there was job fair. I looked around and the army kiosk caught my eye. The Army recruiter was Filipino and we speak the same dialect. I was inspired by everything he said and at that time I was already sold that I want to join the army because I could have my own bedroom etc. I took the ASVAB test and luckily I passed (knowing that I was only a high school graduate from PI). I planned on getting my driver's license before going to basic training so I did not have time to attend the drill. After 2 weeks of passing ASVAB my recruiter told me to go to basic training. He didn't even teach me the basic command such as "attention, right face, left face etc. " He also didn't tell me about running, sit-up, and push up. Not only that I quit my job and I did not know that I was only in Army Reserve. I did not know the difference between active duty and reserve. I didn't also know the Soldier's Creed. Zero knowledge. All I did was signed the contract, took the oath, and left for basic training and AIT.

I attended basic training in Fort Jackson SC and AIT (job training) in Ft Lee VA (MOS was 92Y). On basic training: I was shocked and in tears when I was just stepping down the bus, the Drill Sgt yelling in my face "Run! Run! Run! the duffle bag was very heavy and then another Drill Sgt on my face "hurry up soldier! hurry up soldier! hurry soldier! . After 1 week in training I wanted to quit so I told my Drill Sgt that I dont understand English. He said that instead of sending me home they will send me to language school. I just realized that there is no way out. I remember my recruiter said that I will have my own bed room but LOL it was a bunk bed and a big shower room for 20 people. It was hard but I survived. On sundays I attended the service to have donuts Thankfully I made it to the graduation.

Days passed by I came back in CA after AIT ... I was jobless so from army reserve I was successfully transfered to active duty and my first duty station was in Germany. In my unit I was the only female asian and it was hard because I did not have someone to relate to. But I was only in Germany for few months because I was deployed in Baghdad, Iraq for 14 months (2005-2006) My experience in Iraq was unforgettable the rocket attacks, IED attacks, ambush, etc. no shower for weeks, no hot meal ....luckily I came back home with complete body parts. And then 2007-2008 I was deployed in Afghanistan for 12 moths unfortunately I was injured and was medically discharged on 2009. Overall my military experience was somewhat amazing.I had the opportunity to see the different places.

GOOD LUCK TO YOUR WIFE!

[Hank_ 9,174]

Thanks you for your SERVICE!!

WOW CONGRATULATIONS!

Its so nice that she has you as a mentor in joining the military. I came to US when I was 17 and joined the Army when I was 18. I used to work as a nursing assistant. I did not have my own bedroom when I was living with my dad and his new family so I was sleeping in the kitchen. One day after work I dropped by the mall and there was job fair. I looked around and the army kiosk caught my eye. The Army recruiter was Filipino and we speak the same dialect. I was inspired by everything he said and at that time I was already sold that I want to join the army because I could have my own bedroom etc. I took the ASVAB test and luckily I passed (knowing that I was only a high school graduate from PI). I planned on getting my driver's license before going to basic training so I did not have time to attend the drill. After 2 weeks of passing ASVAB my recruiter told me to go to basic training. He didn't even teach me the basic command such as "attention, right face, left face etc. " He also didn't tell me about running, sit-up, and push up. Not only that I quit my job and I did not know that I was only in Army Reserve. I did not know the difference between active duty and reserve. I didn't also know the Soldier's Creed. Zero knowledge. All I did was signed the contract, took the oath, and left for basic training and AIT.

I attended basic training in Fort Jackson SC and AIT (job training) in Ft Lee VA (MOS was 92Y). On basic training: I was shocked and in tears when I was just stepping down the bus, the Drill Sgt yelling in my face "Run! Run! Run! the duffle bag was very heavy and then another Drill Sgt on my face "hurry up soldier! hurry up soldier! hurry soldier! . After 1 week in training I wanted to quit so I told my Drill Sgt that I dont understand English. He said that instead of sending me home they will send me to language school. I just realized that there is no way out. I remember my recruiter said that I will have my own bed room but LOL it was a bunk bed and a big shower room for 20 people. It was hard but I survived. On sundays I attended the service to have donuts Thankfully I made it to the graduation.

Days passed by I came back in CA after AIT ... I was jobless so from army reserve I was successfully transfered to active duty and my first duty station was in Germany. In my unit I was the only female asian and it was hard because I did not have someone to relate to. But I was only in Germany for few months because I was deployed in Baghdad, Iraq for 14 months (2005-2006) My experience in Iraq was unforgettable the rocket attacks, IED attacks, ambush, etc. no shower for weeks, no hot meal ....luckily I came back home with complete body parts. And then 2007-2008 I was deployed in Afghanistan for 12 moths unfortunately I was injured and was medically discharged on 2009. Overall my military experience was somewhat amazing.I had the opportunity to see the different places.

GOOD LUCK TO YOUR WIFE!

[JoBri 552]

Well, my wife did 27 of 28 perfect push-ups at the Air National Guard today. In the afternoons they have this guy who was a former drill sergeant work with those who will be going to Basic Training, doing drill and ceremonies and PT with them. My wife said he had praise for her perfect push-ups (which I taught her to do ).

And she said he yelled "very loud and angry" at some of the other people, but she never got yelled at. So at least, hopefully, she is on the right track. She said that the women were told to bring "a lot" of birth control pills with them to Basic Training. Is that to stop menstruation while they are there?

Edited August 5, 2012 by Brijo

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Never heard that before. Though back when I went, there were several cases of "dumpster diving", and nothing ruins basic more than getting pregnant. But no one would make me take pills I didn't want to take, nor more of them than prescribed, wouldn't make any sense.

[JoBri 552]

I made a poster for in the window of our door at our apartment to show how proud I am of my wife. I figured that would cut down on gossip of people wondering why she no longer is around too. Just didnt want people we dont talk with thinking we seperated or something. Now they will see she is in the military.

[Darnell 8,480]

Mondo Cool !

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Awww, heck, Brijo, just tell the nosy neighbors you got tired of her, sold her, and are now looking for your next "victim" from the PI. Imagine the shocked looks on their faces. LOL Especially when she returns home...

[actob99 156]

Well, my wife did 27 of 28 perfect push-ups at the Air National Guard today. In the afternoons they have this guy who was a former drill sergeant work with those who will be going to Basic Training, doing drill and ceremonies and PT with them. My wife said he had praise for her perfect push-ups (which I taught her to do ).

And she said he yelled "very loud and angry" at some of the other people, but she never got yelled at. So at least, hopefully, she is on the right track. She said that the women were told to bring "a lot" of birth control pills with them to Basic Training. Is that to stop menstruation while they are there?

AWESOME!! And tell her thanks for serving our country. I won't comment on what was told to the women....

[Iraqvet 68]

Congradulations! I am glad she is going to be participating in the defense of our country! Wish you guys the best!

[JoBri 552]

Awww, heck, Brijo, just tell the nosy neighbors you got tired of her, sold her, and are now looking for your next "victim" from the PI. Imagine the shocked looks on their faces. LOL Especially when she returns home...

Hehe... yeh, should do that... I dont seem to have the patience though for the surprise impact

[JoBri 552]

Thanks Iraqvet and Actob69

Congradulations! I am glad she is going to be participating in the defense of our country! Wish you guys the best!