After he called tonight, I wrote him a letter and tried to encourage him to hang in there. I've read post about basic training and the Army's family book, etc, to keep informed.
2007-02-07 17:19:42 · 15 answers · asked by Grandma Jean 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes, its normal. He's doing something different and he could be homesick. As you know he has no choice to stick with it, but over time it will get better for him. Keep being there encouraging and motivating him.
2007-02-07 17:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by mypassions4life 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is very normal. I have been in the Army for 5 yrs and Basic Training was the worst part. The first couple of weeks is the transformation from civilian world to military world and it's like a culture shock. He will really need his friends and family's encouragement right now, let him know you are proud of him and that you are there for him. He'll be fine with encouragement and love.
2007-02-08 04:46:06 · answer #2 · answered by Cocoa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been in the Army for 9 years now and I would say that the first 3-4 weeks of basic are the worst. He is being transformed from a civilian to a soldier. He is being torn down and then built back up. In the end he will most likely have a great sense of pride about his choice in the military. The younger he is the easier it will be to accept the changes. Good luck and congratulations!
2007-02-08 01:29:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sure it's normal. Basic is very difficult for a young guy. Especially if he is not used to being yelled at. They do that with them to make sure they are able to follow orders and not fall apart. This is where the boy becomes a man and the rubber meets the road. My guys went though that as well. They hated their drill Sargent's, but they made it...and they were very proud, as we were for them. (Army Special Forces already to Iraq and back, then back to Iraq and back again.) They expect more deployments. We also do a whole lot of praying for them because we love them very, very much.
Let him know that by the time he finishes basic, he'll be a new person and know many things he can take pride in. Let him know how proud you are as well. Just keep building him up and don't let him down...okay?
2007-02-08 01:27:24 · answer #4 · answered by chole_24 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He may graduate Basic and have a sense of accomplishment. That will only last for a while though. It will fade away once he realizes the Military is a joke. They thrive on using scare tactics to get things done. How can anyone say they are fighting for our country? What a crock.
2007-02-08 07:57:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal. I went through USMC boot camp, and I know what he's going through. In another week or so, he'll be more into the routine and start to figure out what exactly is expected of him and his fellow recruits. It takes time; it's a very big change from civilian life to military life via boot camp. Tell him again to hang in there, it will get better.
2007-02-08 01:24:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes, right now they are trying to wear him done, and make him think ARMY nothing but yeah it will get better but its like brainwashing trying to rootout all the bad cilivian habits and putting in new things. He will be fine. They do it to test his endurance and strength its just a mind game. Was he in sports?
Just tell him its like starting the season and the coach is yelling at him because he didn't stay in shape off season. Hang in there Mom, he be fine. Tekk him they put their boots on the same way that he puts on his. One at a time
2007-02-08 01:31:36 · answer #7 · answered by path2631 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly how he feels. I went through the same thing at advanced basic in the Air Force.
Just tell him to keep going and not quit. It sounds simple but that's really what it takes. Just tell him to do his best and not worry about how others are doing, just on himself. From my experience, the first 2 weeks and the last week are the toughest.
2007-02-08 01:26:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Basic is stressful and it only lasts 8 weeks. I lost 60 pounds because I couldn't tollerate the food. The best advice is to blend in and hunker down.
2007-02-08 21:16:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recall a number of men in basic training during Vietnam. I don't know one that was not discouraged but they all changed by the time it was over.
Tell you son that America is grateful that he is willing to protect us. I wish him strength and peace of mind.
2007-02-08 01:27:28 · answer #10 · answered by howdigethere 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋