Anonymous
12-12-1999, 04:07 PM
I was fortunate to attend a Poolee Meeting this Saturday where they brought in 2 very intimidating Drill Instructors from Parris Island. The event was 8 hours long. 8 hours of yelling and screaming in your face but it felt great! We were advised to not take it personally and if you keep that mind set you will be fine. I learned to just stare ahead and take it and just do what you're told to do. One thing they stress is whatever you're doing you better do it fast and as a team. They also frown upon "I'm sorry's" and "thank you's." Their explanation - they're not there to be your friends.
The day was eventful. We started with Initial Strength Tests and learned some basic drills. I saw how difficult it was to move as a team and there was only 21 of us! Chow time was also done in boot camp fashion. Absolutely no talking, back straight, left hand on left knee because we were only allowed to eat with our right hand. Head calls were also done as a unit and they were timed, 30 sec. in and out with no talking. We made the mistake of talking and was punished for it. That's when I realized this was for real. The most exciting event was our brief introduction to the M16 rifle. We were given the chance to take them apart and put it all back together again. Than we got to fire them using a computer simulator. I turned out to be a pretty good shot! But the rifle was so damn heavy. I got carpet burns on my elbow from shooting while lying in a prone postition. Guess I need to work on that upper body strength.
When the day was over I realized how intense boot camp was actually going to be. A lot of orders being given and all at the same time it seems. Made my head spin. I found myself yelling "Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am" all day and sometimes as much as 8-9 times a minute. And you have to really concentrate to hear the orders because they're given so fast. It was a awesome experience. I now know what's expected at boot camp which probably will make it a little less nerve racking when the day comes.
Keywe25@aol.com
The day was eventful. We started with Initial Strength Tests and learned some basic drills. I saw how difficult it was to move as a team and there was only 21 of us! Chow time was also done in boot camp fashion. Absolutely no talking, back straight, left hand on left knee because we were only allowed to eat with our right hand. Head calls were also done as a unit and they were timed, 30 sec. in and out with no talking. We made the mistake of talking and was punished for it. That's when I realized this was for real. The most exciting event was our brief introduction to the M16 rifle. We were given the chance to take them apart and put it all back together again. Than we got to fire them using a computer simulator. I turned out to be a pretty good shot! But the rifle was so damn heavy. I got carpet burns on my elbow from shooting while lying in a prone postition. Guess I need to work on that upper body strength.
When the day was over I realized how intense boot camp was actually going to be. A lot of orders being given and all at the same time it seems. Made my head spin. I found myself yelling "Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am" all day and sometimes as much as 8-9 times a minute. And you have to really concentrate to hear the orders because they're given so fast. It was a awesome experience. I now know what's expected at boot camp which probably will make it a little less nerve racking when the day comes.
Keywe25@aol.com