Adaptation is key to survival
The surreal feeling has not left me yet. I'm still in Ft. Benning, still on Sand Hill, and still in PTRP. Today I went for the first Physical Therapy at Winder, and it wasn't that bad. A nice work out, indeed. My original soreness is dying down. I am actually starting to look forward too and enjoy the burning sensation that a good workout gives you.
Adaptability is key to survival. I'm realizing this, as others in my platoon and company are getting dragged down by depression and negativity. They are losing their discipline, their motivation, and their will to drive on. But for me, I don't see what all the bitching is about. We get paid, we get a lot of free time, we get to work out in a gym two to three times twice a week. I get to do yoga, and swim in a pool on wednsdays (I love swimming). We get fed three times a day, we get to watch movies and television most of the week for our freetime. I have access to an entire series of books. I have a job to take up freetime if I don't want to waste it lounging around. I have two good battlebuddies and a good number of other decent guys to talk with or hang out with. And that's not considering the special days.
Last friday we got to see a movie, Anneapolis, at the main post theatre. They opened it just for us. And they're planning on doing it again. I've learned to operate - drive, man the guns, and command - a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and we even engaged mock enemy forces with them. Next trip to the sims we're going to be playing in M1-A1 Main Battle Tanks. There are trips to the main post mall, to get "supplies" where the Drill Sergeants turn blind eyes to the Privates getting lickeychews in Burgerking and other pogeybait.
I've started to adapt, I don't notice the days going by so much. The routine is setting in. I didn't realize I could exist in such an enviroment so easily. There are the bad days, but its not much different then real life. The structure is actually probably one of the few things keeping me going. Always something to do. Another formation, or chow, or appointment, keeping me busy.
And adaptability is key to survival. I can do this, and I'll drive on and push through. The only heartstring I feel tugging presistently is that I never see my new daughter (she's still practically brand new) and my new wife (I shoulda leased one if I knew I was gonna be away this long). I miss them both terribly. And my small collection of very, very good friends that I've been lucky enough to aquire in Michigan.
But if wisdom is born of sacrifice, then I'll just count myself a bit wiser when its done. My grandmother says it builds character. I never understood the value of character, or even what true character was until I came here. Now I know, and I'm glad I'm gaining a small portion of it. Its the ability to be longsuffering and steadfast in the face of hard times or less than enjoyable circumstances.
Take care my friends and family who have been patient for me to finish healing and get done with this. Thank you for all your support, and know that I'm okay and I'll be home... right after I graduate.
~Jera
Adaptability is key to survival. I'm realizing this, as others in my platoon and company are getting dragged down by depression and negativity. They are losing their discipline, their motivation, and their will to drive on. But for me, I don't see what all the bitching is about. We get paid, we get a lot of free time, we get to work out in a gym two to three times twice a week. I get to do yoga, and swim in a pool on wednsdays (I love swimming). We get fed three times a day, we get to watch movies and television most of the week for our freetime. I have access to an entire series of books. I have a job to take up freetime if I don't want to waste it lounging around. I have two good battlebuddies and a good number of other decent guys to talk with or hang out with. And that's not considering the special days.
Last friday we got to see a movie, Anneapolis, at the main post theatre. They opened it just for us. And they're planning on doing it again. I've learned to operate - drive, man the guns, and command - a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and we even engaged mock enemy forces with them. Next trip to the sims we're going to be playing in M1-A1 Main Battle Tanks. There are trips to the main post mall, to get "supplies" where the Drill Sergeants turn blind eyes to the Privates getting lickeychews in Burgerking and other pogeybait.
I've started to adapt, I don't notice the days going by so much. The routine is setting in. I didn't realize I could exist in such an enviroment so easily. There are the bad days, but its not much different then real life. The structure is actually probably one of the few things keeping me going. Always something to do. Another formation, or chow, or appointment, keeping me busy.
And adaptability is key to survival. I can do this, and I'll drive on and push through. The only heartstring I feel tugging presistently is that I never see my new daughter (she's still practically brand new) and my new wife (I shoulda leased one if I knew I was gonna be away this long). I miss them both terribly. And my small collection of very, very good friends that I've been lucky enough to aquire in Michigan.
But if wisdom is born of sacrifice, then I'll just count myself a bit wiser when its done. My grandmother says it builds character. I never understood the value of character, or even what true character was until I came here. Now I know, and I'm glad I'm gaining a small portion of it. Its the ability to be longsuffering and steadfast in the face of hard times or less than enjoyable circumstances.
Take care my friends and family who have been patient for me to finish healing and get done with this. Thank you for all your support, and know that I'm okay and I'll be home... right after I graduate.
~Jera