Basic Training

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Recommended: Consequences of Stress in Military Settings

There we all were, standing in formation, waiting for the buses to take us to Sand Hill. Designated Alpha Company 330th Infantry Regiment, 4th Platoon. Sweat pouring off our faces, muscles twitching, and hearts pounding. Ruck sacks on our backs and our “A” bags front loaded. The Drill Sergeants pacing back and forth, picking out who they think will be the first wash out. “This one here, he’s the one who will Blue Falcon everyone” They would yell to each other. I had to ask myself would I be that first wash out. Never having really failed anything in my life, that fear quickly crept upon me. That thought came and went hastily as our buses pulled up. Welcome to the longest day of your life, Fort Benning, Georgia. The home of the Infantry. The buses pulled up next to a desolate field covered in dirt and rocks. My seat was the very last seat on the bus, so I’m safe from the initial “Shark Attack”. The back door of the bus flies open and my bags, along with myself are being thrown. Last I knew I had the comfort of a seat at the back, and now I’m face down in the dirt. All th...

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