To be or not to be...???

[analog]

congratulations!

In a couple weeks you'll be mad at us for not talking you out of it.

But,

"That which does not kill us strengthens us"

I have a feeling you'll accomplish something great.

Best wishes -

[OperaTenor]

Congratulations!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


<go air force!>

<small>[ 09-16-2003, 04:29 PM: Message edited by: operatenor ]</small>

[1st_oboe]

I first saw this in the Gunner's office when I was there last week. Enjoy! (I certainly did!)
The New Military Oaths of Enlistment

[OperaTenor]

Uh, 1st, he's actually referred to as a "Gunny", slang for Gunnery Sargent. They'll tear you a new one if you don't address 'em right. You're really in the USMC now.

Just remember, now matter how loud they scream(and they will), it's all a silly game.

[OperaTenor]

USMC: "DOWN AND GIVE ME FIFTY, MAGGOT!!!!!!!!!!"


USAF: "Uh, I don't suppose I could get you to do a couple of push-ups, could I?"


Just so you know the difference.

<small>[ 09-16-2003, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: operatenor ]</small>

[Serenity]

Don't confuse him OT. Since he'll be at the bottom of the ranking system (aka maggot), the only rank he'll actually have to use is SIR! (capital letters, exclamation point).

[1st_oboe]

From what I gathered (spending 2 days in the office waiting on paperwork), it is more common to refer to a Gunnery Sargeant as "the Gunner" when talking about him, and "Gunny" when speaking to him. But in any case, for the next three months, everyone will be SIR! (I'm actually starting at E-02, so I'm sure I'll be SIR to a few maggots as well...)

<small>[ 09-17-2003, 03:03 AM: Message edited by: 1st_oboe ]</small>

[OperaTenor]

Hi 1st, another pointer: Do NOT call an enlisted DI "sir". He will usually respond that his parents were married at about 97db as he has you on the ground doing push-ups for an interminable period of time. It's: "Yes, Drill Sargent!"

I'm pretty sure you'll be an E-2 once you complete boot camp, but not while you're in there, unless things have changed. When I got out of boot camp I was "push-buttoned" to E-3, and then three months later, upon completion of my first vocational school, was pb'ed again to E-4. I actually didn't have to earn it the usual way until E-6. While you're in boot camp, you're nothing, maggot!


Not having second thoughts yet?

<small>[ 09-17-2003, 04:00 AM: Message edited by: operatenor ]</small>

[barfle]

As I understand it (which doesn't mean much), Marine boots address everyone except other boots as SIR!

In Army basic, calling an NCO "sir" got you a little extra PT.

Starting as an E2 is something other than my experience. I also went through basic as an E1, made E2 on graduation, E3 in six months, E4 on graduation from Radio Teletype AIT, and E5 for being "Soldier of the Quarter" about six months after I arrived at my duty station (Prüm, Germany).

But that was 35 years ago, when warfare was done with rapid-fire bows and arrows.

[1st_oboe]

Hello to all for one last time!
It's time for me to say a temporary goodbye.
I've had an interesting week. I've played in my last symphony rehearsal, said goodbye to all my college teachers from last year, turned in the awesome Pete Fountain clarinet I've been playing on for the last 3 years. Oh yes, and the English horn that the college bought for me to play. But I'm on to bigger and better tings. I'm really excited about being able to go to one of the best music schools in the country. I think that 13 weeks of hell is a fair price to pay for one of the best musical experiences one could ever have.

I want to thank all of you again for everything. I have made what I hope to be some long-lasting connections to some of you on this board. You are a wonderful community, I am so happy I can be a part of.

I have obtained the address of a fellow BBBer, so I will write to the board through her. I can't make any promises at this point, but you can plan on heraring from me at least once while I'm at boot.

Thank you all again!
I'm off to become a MARINE! I'll be back on the board in late December.

Cheers!
Your friendly neighborhood English horn, erm, clarinet player...
Aaron

[Serenity]

I wish you the best! We'll all be here waiting for you when you come back recruit.

[OperaTenor]

Good luck, Aaron!

(no more air force jibes since you're at the point of no return)

[Selma in Sandy Eggo]

So long for now, Aaron, and good luck.

This is going to be a whole new thing. Try to enjoy it.

Blessings,

Selma