Basic Training II

To Continue: The same procedures that you followed for breakfast, of course apply to lunch and dinner as well. You will start training on the obstacle course at the appropriate time. If the drill sergeant speaks directly to you, you will answer in a very loud voice, "Yes, Drill Sergeant!". He better hear you. The one thing you will NEVER do is look right at him. You do NOT make eye contact! You will look directly straight ahead of you at all times. Even if he is right in your face, you stare straight ahead. Don't look at him. If you do, you just opened a can of worms that you wished you had left alone. This is also done for a reason. It is all part of instilling discipline in you. Some people have fairly good discipline to start with. Others have none. If he "pisses you off", and they will, and you ball up your fist, thinking that you might be ready to fight.  Think again! They will see it, they are looking for it, and they will deal with it. You have just told them that you are a hothead, that you can be pushed out of control, that you don't like being told what to do. I really don't know anyone, including me, that likes to be told what to do. This is different. This is about learning to follow orders, the way to keep your fellow military people safe, as well as yourself.
After going thru basic training, you will not come out the same as when you went in. You will be more in control, more disciplined, more professional. You will look cleaner, feel stronger, and make better decisions than before. Your pride will show through. People will look at you differently. It will change your life.  It's exactly why most people join the military! 
When you graduate basic training, the drill instructors will shake your hand, smile at you, and treat you just like anyone else in the military, because then you will BE a member of the military! When you are in basic, you are on a "probation" of sorts. You can be released to go home if you can't cut it. Once you graduate, then you are into the terms of the contract you signed. Those of you who have gone through basic are sitting there smiling that knowing smile. If you are a young man or woman who is thinking about joining, please do! Don't run away from a challenge! But beware!  If I haven't convinced you in this short two pages that basic is tough, you're going to have a rude awakening. It is no joke, and you better get your head ready for it right now!