Meaning of Being a Soldier
To Be a Professional Soldier
When I enlisted in December of 2012, I had no idea that I would feel the way I do today about myself. I was at another dead end job and could barely support my new family. I never felt like much of a father or a husband. I left on a plane from Atlanta completely oblivious as to what I would encounter when I arrived at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Little did I know that within a matter of hours, my world would be abruptly, not subtly, flipped upside down. I also had no idea that it would be virtually impossible for me to live my life the way I had been. To my surprise however, Basic Combat Training changed my life in more than just a physical aspect. In fact, I got much more of a mental gain than I did physically. I was mentally stronger, more capable of making confident decisions for myself, and others, on a moment's notice, but above all else, a great sense of pride for My Country and My Army. But amongst the new found love for Duty and Country, I also felt a sense of respect for myself that I had never felt before. I felt like I had finally become the father I had always hoped to become for my children, and the husband I needed to be for my wife. I knew I was now capable of being the father who's son was so excited to bring him in on family career day at school. I was able to provide the security and protection for my daughter that every father hopes to ensure. I knew that I now had the strength to make decisions for my family and to value the opinions of my wife and to be able to work with her as a team. I am honored to be a part of the greatest fighting force on Earth. The history of the United States Army speaks for itself; there is not a stronger military power than our own. The training I've been put into up to this point is so miniscule in comparison to the amount of training I have to look forward to in my career. However, if the future classes and training can instill in me half as much as BCT did, there is no
When I enlisted in December of 2012, I had no idea that I would feel the way I do today about myself. I was at another dead end job and could barely support my new family. I never felt like much of a father or a husband. I left on a plane from Atlanta completely oblivious as to what I would encounter when I arrived at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Little did I know that within a matter of hours, my world would be abruptly, not subtly, flipped upside down. I also had no idea that it would be virtually impossible for me to live my life the way I had been. To my surprise however, Basic Combat Training changed my life in more than just a physical aspect. In fact, I got much more of a mental gain than I did physically. I was mentally stronger, more capable of making confident decisions for myself, and others, on a moment's notice, but above all else, a great sense of pride for My Country and My Army. But amongst the new found love for Duty and Country, I also felt a sense of respect for myself that I had never felt before. I felt like I had finally become the father I had always hoped to become for my children, and the husband I needed to be for my wife. I knew I was now capable of being the father who's son was so excited to bring him in on family career day at school. I was able to provide the security and protection for my daughter that every father hopes to ensure. I knew that I now had the strength to make decisions for my family and to value the opinions of my wife and to be able to work with her as a team. I am honored to be a part of the greatest fighting force on Earth. The history of the United States Army speaks for itself; there is not a stronger military power than our own. The training I've been put into up to this point is so miniscule in comparison to the amount of training I have to look forward to in my career. However, if the future classes and training can instill in me half as much as BCT did, there is no