Army Basic Training 1 – Ft. Jackson – 2001

We arrived at midnight, the 19 of us. From Charlotte to Columbia, SC, more people heading the same places were clearly visible. There is a military reporting in place for Ft. Jackson there. Soon, more flights arrived, at first 20 [more?], then 10, another 6, then 3. We got on a blue bus around 0130 hours. The 60 of us, so crowded people were standing in the aisles. The huge airport was dead, no one was to be seen. Arrival at Fort Jackson reception station in 30 minutes. Next 2 hours was a joke. We did almost absolutely nothing and waited for our issue of PT uniforms (a long sleeve shirt, 2 short sleeves, 3 black shorts, 2 sweatshirts and 2 sweatpants). We turned in our orders, and waited outside the bunkers. The girls were gone now, we were divided, and even before we were, they told us to stay, 5 ft away from the last girl marching. 5AM, and we waited. The barracks were alive now, and soon the quiet reception station turned to a rush hour. Thousands poured out from huge barracks, and stood in formation, all facing towards the same person, drill sgt. After they were told what to do, we were given our bunkers. Finally… after house of delay, waiting and having done almost nothing, we were given equipment to sleep with. We quickly made our bed and I was asleep as soon as I hit the pillow, having been told to wait up at 0800 hours for formation. It was 0815 last time I checked before the lights out.

0830 hours, formation. The males from Charlotte last night were grouped, we’re now 17th platoon. We got issued smart cards, worth 250 dollars, money they take away from your own paycheck. Everyone except the bald had to receive haircut, full shave, half a cm left on top. We shaved our mustaches and beards, paid 5 bucks for the barber with our smart cards (they have chips that records how much you spend), and headed to chow. This guy had a huge afro, and the barber let out a sigh before he let him have it. I think he tried to show it, but the afro guy seemed sad to see it go. 3 barbers, and I got the worst one. He drilled the razor into my head, it felt like my skull was breaking, not just once either. And he would grab it and toss it around with his other hand like a tetherball. The chow was great. Lots of people were nervous, the food was great, though. Some have been here doing the same thing for 2 weeks, when it’s supposed to take 4 days to get your uniforms (PT and BDU [basic dress uniform (camouflaged marine green)]), take a pre-basic PT test, 13 push-ups and 17 sit-ups for males, 3 for females, 9 minute mile run, then get shots to your arms, buy necessary stuff like stamps, shoes (running shoes for PT) and the stuff at Px with our smart cards, and head onto Ft. Jackson where the fun really begins and my address will be. Everyone’s still laid back, a little bit tense, but nothing too bad. It’s 1300 hours now, break till 1600 hours. Just waiting for further instructions. I’m gonna try and catch some sleep while the drill sgt. is busy with the other 20 or so platoons each with 100 guys at least here. 2 hours later, 1800 hours. The drill sergeant is pissed. The door that is supposed to be closed is open. We did one pushup… for three minutes. Chow time, same dinner as always. The thing with chow is there are just as many girls as guys, maybe even more. The line gets longer and longer. Early sleep tonight @ 2100 hours, finally everyone shut up around 2200 hours. A sergeant walked in, asking which platoon each person’s at. He left after we settled down. We figured we’ll get jacked the next day. Lights out.