What to expect?

Question

I just finished AIT and was wondering what can I expect when I get into the "big army". What kind of lifestyle is it, how will I be treated as a new private. Some things I should know before I get there? I'll be an MP and going to Ft. Lewis, so was also wondering what chances I'll have as getting with a combat unit or will I be a post cop?

Answer 1

You're not going to be treated like you were in Basic and AIT, that's for sure.

If you get good leaders and stay squared away (which, as a new private, mostly entails staying under the radar), you'll probably love it.

Just remember - shut up, always arrive ten minutes prior, and do all the details without b!tching, and everything will be smooth sailing.

I don't know how many MP units are in Ft. Lewis. When you get there, you'll get your orders that designate which company you'll be in. Either way, you're most likely going to deploy - we all do.

Congratulations on finishing school and making it out of Lost In The Woods.. I'm chemical so I had to be there too - man does that place SUCK. Ft. Lewis is AWESOME!!! Scenery is unbelievable.

Stay out of trouble and you'll be fine. I found it's best to treat your squad leaders and platoon sgts. just like you did in AIT and Basic - that way you can't go wrong. Remember parade rest, speak only when spoken to, and don't whine...

Good luck!

Answer 2

As an MP, you will be in both a combat unit and work as a "cop".
You will work dailies duties that you learned in AIT and at times train for combat.
How you get treated as a new private depends on your unit and you fellow soldiers. You will get made of fun for a while for being the new guy, but thats just the way the Army is, you have to have thick skin. After a while you will settle in with everyone, and you will be the messing with the new troops when they come in.
Best advice I can give you, ask someone in the first couple days where you can get a box of grid squares. This will gain you some respect.
Also, really listen to the people over you, whether it be a PFC or a SFC. They can help you a lot more than you might think. If you have questions, ASK! Its better to ask what you think is a dumb question than to not know the answer and it cost someone their life.

Answer 3

You will prolly be in a combat unit. L&O units are hard to go right into less you are lucky. Although you will help them out when needed. Focus on your training, cause as an MP, there is no doubt you will get deployed. Train and lisson like the guys above me stated. And congrats on finishing ait.

Answer 4

Wow...way to not know a damn thing about the army DBC...

There isnt exactly a hierarchy..
People with degrees are usually referred to as officers.. of course they're in charge.. they're usually morons..

People with longetivity.. those are called NCO's.. usually.. though i have met a few Specialists with a good bit in.

Life isnt that bad, as an MP,youll probably be a post cop,until your unit deploys whereupon youll become convoy security usually.. but it depends on the mission of the unit.

As far as people making your decisions for you.. no they don't.. unless you mess up alot.. they leave you alone usually, your squad leader gives you the info, you show up when you're supposed to be.. life is simple..

and that guy said the DiFac was free.. no its not. if you read your check statements, the army gives you like 180 bucks for meals, and deducts most of it.. so technically you pay whether you go or not...

Answer 5

You can expect to be deployed -- either to Afghanistan or Iraq. As low man on the totem pole, you can expect all of the crap jobs for low pay. The saving grace is, you'll have little personal expenses -- chow hall, barracks, health and dental will be provided. You will find there to be a hiarchy where, those with greater education (degrees) and those with more longevity will be in charge and will make most all of your decisions for you.