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Post by stevil on Jun 21, 2021 6:42:30 GMT -5
My cousin is a Marine, and when our grandfather died we all wore our dress uniforms to the interment ceremony. It was in Florida in the summer time. It was painful watching my cousin melt like a popsicle on a hot sidewalk. They are thick wool, and they cannot be taken off. My air force class A bus driver uniform top, however, could be removed because it has a shirt and tie under it. My other cousin was a sailor, and was just fine in his dress whites. (As an aside - it was hilarious to watch my enlisted cousins' faces as they had to salute this air force officer!). Looks aren't everything, especially depending on the weather!
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Post by Pixie on Jun 21, 2021 12:00:40 GMT -5
Air Force mess dress is much more subdued. There is nothing subdued about the Army dress green uniform either. There are more doodads and nick nacks strewn about than I can count. Below is a comparison between the Navy officers uniform and the ticky tacky Army uniform. The Commander appears to be a submariner. That badge, and his ribbons are the only adornment to his uniform. Contrast the Army General's uniform.   |
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Post by FrogEsq on Jun 21, 2021 12:05:30 GMT -5
Army Rangers. Always about the bling.
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Post by christina on Jun 21, 2021 13:11:34 GMT -5
Thanks all for the suggestions. We were specifically instructed “no care packages” during boot camp - so I guess the homemade chocolate chip cookies will have to wait until her first assignment. 🍪. I really like the suggestion to remind her that once she makes it through she is a Marine for life and no one can ever take that away from her. I am absolutely stealing that and putting it in the next letter. If you made them and need to offload them, feel free to send them to me.  Hey u took my line!!!! |
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Post by superalj on Jun 21, 2021 22:28:17 GMT -5
Army Rangers. Always about the bling. Bling? There’s an old saying in the USMC that the Army gives medals for going to the head. Lol |
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Post by privateatty on Jun 26, 2021 12:00:12 GMT -5
I went to Boot Camp during the Vietnam War. I was infantry and not a draftee, which made me doubly stupid, in the eyes of my fellow horse-droppings. Boot Camp is a solid foundation for adult life, but you don't really learn the lesson until many years later.
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Post by Ace Midnight on Jun 26, 2021 12:49:19 GMT -5
I went to Boot Camp during the Vietnam War. An opportunity to break out the stubby pencil and Big Chief tablet again: So, assume an 18-year old going to boot camp in 1972 or 1973, then the youngest you can be is -> WOW! Thank you for your service. |
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Post by FrogEsq on Jun 26, 2021 13:53:08 GMT -5
I did my Basic at Lackland in the 70s and I agree with the life lessons sentiment. When I stepped off that bus my life changed. In those few weeks, I learned the importance of self discipline. I learned my actions affect and reflect, not only myself, but my Squadron. I became a part of something larger AND more important than myself. I was taught basic self-care and manners. I learned to recognize and respect my superiors. I learned what my responsibilities were and how to comport myself in this new community. I learned the importance of responding to instruction without question. I didn't need to know why, I just needed to do it. FYI This lesson was tempered a few years later as I gained experience and knowledge. It was after that I learned judgement.
But it all started just by getting off the bus.
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Post by Teuful Hunden on Jul 1, 2021 15:03:07 GMT -5
I went through Parris Island in the late seventies. ABSOLUTELY no care packages, no candy and no food of any kind was allowed. Letters with perfume were welcomed. Photos of scantily clad (not naked) women were put on a wooden cutout of a hog, affectionally called the hog board viewed by all. Letters lifted the soul. As a recruiter 8411, I wrote letters of encouragement and motivation to my recruits. Ever single recruit stated that the letters made all the difference.
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Post by privateatty on Jul 7, 2021 9:24:09 GMT -5
I went to Boot Camp during the Vietnam War. An opportunity to break out the stubby pencil and Big Chief tablet again: So, assume an 18-year old going to boot camp in 1972 or 1973, then the youngest you can be is -> WOW! Thank you for your service. The movie Tigerland is an excellent description of the despair and cynicism of 1971. The FBI hunted down a large number of my fellow Boot Campers. Watching them get their haircuts was hilarious--and a bit sobering. And thank you for your acknowledgment. Lastly, thank you OPM for not caring about my age when you put me on the Register. |
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Post by Ace Midnight on Jul 7, 2021 10:16:41 GMT -5
Tigerland was probably the first film I saw with Colin Farrell, at least in a prominent role. Also, Cole Hauser plays an NCO in this film set during Vietnam-era Louisiana. Cole's father, Wings, played an officer in A Soldier's Story, a film set during WWII-era Louisiana.
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