Since I started the process, I've researched just about every question and aspect you can about Basic. What makes it more scary than any future Army training, is that you don't know what is coming or what to expect until you're there. I have plenty of people to ask, but there's certain aspects that make me nervous regardless of the fact I know it's coming. There's just something about knowing I have to walk into a gas chamber that doesn't sound fun to me!
I go into this as a lifting female, and I know I won't come out looking the same. I'll lose muscle probably, hopefully some fat while I'm at it, I'll become a good runner, excellent at push ups, and if I'm lucky good at pull ups. There's pluses and minuses to being in good shape going in. The potential loss of performance, but a little more ease adapting to the amount of activity. Second, I can't count macros like I always do. I know they have a color-coded system which brings me a lot of ease, but it's a massive routine change. I can say, I look forward to eating 3 times a day like the average American.
There's tons of small unknowns, like do I get to shave my legs, how bad are the issued glasses really, will I be able to hold it together during shots? I expect to have a blast being with people all day, working out in a group, being busy non stop, being active a lot, learning things few get to learn, facing unknowns, and over coming fears. One of the most common human fears is the one of heights. I'm in that category... one of the most infamous obstacles during training is the confidence tower. A rough 60ft tower to rappel down. No choice to not do it. So I look forward to learning how I react when I'm sleep deprived, scared, hungry, and looking down a 60 foot drop.
When I return, maybe I'll make my bed on the daily, or maybe I'll still eat 3x's a day. Perhaps I'll just want to lay in bed for days on end and enjoy the quiet and peace. I won't get long before I do more training, start school, start ROTC, and become quite busy again, but that's who I am. I don't like to stay free, I'd rather be too busy to do anything.
I have a feeling after the initial shock, I'm going to have a blast and be more glad then that I did it than I am now. The service provides opportunities to push yourself, and I love that aspect. If you like being busy, they'll keep you busy, which is right up my alley.
Only a few days left in my favorite state with 5-peak days and random drizzles, but I've never been to Missouri, so I think I'll find it just as great. there's something to say for being cultured. If I could make a career out of travel, you'd never see me again. Which may be what I'm about to do!
