Hut!!!!!!
To all who shall see these presents greeting...!
Well I'm getting settled in at The Basic School now. I'm not entire sure where to begin to describe this place. It's a bit like a college atmosphere... but not really. ODT (on deck time- i.e. be dressed and in the passageway ready to go) probably averages between 6-6:30am. Which really isn't that bad- I'm getting to sleep later here than I did during college! So far we've just been having classroom instruction all day- and that's the way it will stay for a while, until we begin field work.
Everyone here is very nice and it's good to finally be around Marines and the Marine Corps. We all tend to think the same and act the same (relative to the rest of the general population, that is...). It's the ultimate peer group! Most things that Marines "get," others would probably just shake their heads. A few examples: anytime an instructor asks the class how we are doing, the perfectly acceptable an usual response it a loud, lively grunt ("errr!"), or perhaps "KILL!!" Or maybe that at anytime during the day, I can usually hear someone calling some form of marching cadence as they march down the passageway by themselves (not actually calling candence on themselves, but in a joking manner). Those two are only the tip of the iceburg. Sometimes I wish I could be videotaping all of this so my family could see what it's like. I think they'd be amused... But then again, telling stories is fun, too. Until next time, YUT*!
*definition: Another typical Marine response. As I type, I realize how futile it is to explain these things. It's just what we do.
Well I'm getting settled in at The Basic School now. I'm not entire sure where to begin to describe this place. It's a bit like a college atmosphere... but not really. ODT (on deck time- i.e. be dressed and in the passageway ready to go) probably averages between 6-6:30am. Which really isn't that bad- I'm getting to sleep later here than I did during college! So far we've just been having classroom instruction all day- and that's the way it will stay for a while, until we begin field work.
Everyone here is very nice and it's good to finally be around Marines and the Marine Corps. We all tend to think the same and act the same (relative to the rest of the general population, that is...). It's the ultimate peer group! Most things that Marines "get," others would probably just shake their heads. A few examples: anytime an instructor asks the class how we are doing, the perfectly acceptable an usual response it a loud, lively grunt ("errr!"), or perhaps "KILL!!" Or maybe that at anytime during the day, I can usually hear someone calling some form of marching cadence as they march down the passageway by themselves (not actually calling candence on themselves, but in a joking manner). Those two are only the tip of the iceburg. Sometimes I wish I could be videotaping all of this so my family could see what it's like. I think they'd be amused... But then again, telling stories is fun, too. Until next time, YUT*!
*definition: Another typical Marine response. As I type, I realize how futile it is to explain these things. It's just what we do.
posted by Stephen at 8:00 PM
9 Comments:
The Marines: "It's just what we do."
Great line.
I hope you'll continue updating us on your life at The Basic School. As someone who could not be further from the Marine mind-set (you know what I'm talking about, bro) I find hearing about and learning about what you do fascinating.
Sending lots of big sister love down your way.
See you in October?
oooooohhhhhhh how your sister wishes you would update more...
One day,after reading another writers witty and perceptive essay, I thought ,to myself, let's check Stephen's blog just for fun even though he hasn't written for months. Gadzooks, ... a new posting. After carefully checking the date, I settled in and read a amusing and insightful essay. The Corps truly is a closed world knowable only to those on the inside. The essence of the Corps can never be truly communicated to those on the outside but you are supplying authentic glimpses.
Good luck. Enjoy the days at TBS.
I think you should know i STILL check daily. That's how much I love you.
I know. You're a lucky brother.
Yup, still checking in even though it's now 5/29 and you haven't posted since September.
Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results??
Wait, don't answer that.
Um, yup. 8/26. Almost a year since your last update.
Geesh, did you move across the country or something?
Just wanted you to know I'm such a devoted sister that I've checking in here in 2009!!!!
I am SO INTERESTED in hearing about all of your USMC experiences. It is something I will obviously never experience on my own, so I am fascinated by the most minute details of your Marine Corps experience. PLEASE tell me more!! I feel like I've lived this experience with you from ROTC orientation, ROTC, PT, numerous billets, awards, OCS, commissioning, graduations from TBS, CES,moving to CA, deployment...Always with you in spirit. So very proud of you for making the Marine Corps part of your life's experience. OORAH!!
OK...it's 2009...almost 2010. WHERE ARE YOUR POST UPDATES??? You're excused until your deployment ends, but then we WANT MORE POSTS!!!
Post a Comment
<< Home