I enlisted in the Army on 6/12

JJMGlockTrumpet · 06-15-2009, 11:17

I don't post on here very often. I usually just chime on on music posts. I do read these forums often and Value the opinions of many around here. I just thought I would bring everyone some good news.

I graduated with a master's in Music from Indiana University in may. I have lost 96 pounds since last summer. Last Friday I made it through Meps and enlisted into the Army. I ship out on October 19. My wife and I are very excited that everything went smoothly at meps and I will be making a living as an Army musician. I am very excited that I will be serving my country while doing what I love. As you can see from my user name, I am a trumpet player, and part of my job will be to play taps. I have done this as a civilian am always honored to play for those brave souls. I am looking forward to my new future and I already feel a great since of pride and accomplishment.

Justin

chuckman · 06-15-2009, 11:36

Congratulations. I am not 'Army,' but it's all the same brotherhood. Welcome to the family.

bearshoegun · 06-16-2009, 09:52

That's awesome and congratulations. Being in the Army as a musician is probably the best of both worlds for you since you will travel all over the world if you are in the Army band.

Good work on losing the weight and 96 lbs is no joke. Curiously, how did you lose so much in a year? Extreme discipline for sure! Keep doing the pushup's and situp's and keep your PT going. Learn some cadences before you get there so you can understand what the hell they are saying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xShI7H2Cy80

Remember not to call the Drill Sergeant sir because they work for a living, every knucklehead Joe you meet in Basic is an expert at something in their prior life's and has an uncle who was a Green Beret Sniper Ranger.

Since you will come in as a E4 everyone will expect you to know what the hell you are doing so at least fake it and go with the flow or at least the Drills will expect you to take charge of the lower enlisted. They will know that you came in with a Masters so your nickname will probably be Professor.

You will deal with utter BS at times but remember this mantra: Suck it up and drive on!

It only gets better. eventually.

ps, just wanted to add that Hooah! means just about anything.

JJMGlockTrumpet · 06-16-2009, 10:30

Thanks fellas,

As for losing the weight, it took a lot of hard work to get the weight off. I went on weight watchers last summer when I decided to join the army. I started at 338 pounds. It was a long road but I was determined that I would do what it takes to get the weight off. I worked out everyday, swimming at first, then biking, weights, and then on to running. I weighed in at Meps at 242, made tape and passed the Arms test.

Thanks for the advice. I gladly take all the advice I can get to help prepare for Basic. I am just going to work as hard as I can and keep my mouth shut.

Essayons · 06-16-2009, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearshoegun

That's awesome and congratulations. Being in the Army as a musician is probably the best of both worlds for you since you will travel all over the world if you are in the Army band.

Good work on losing the weight and 96 lbs is no joke. Curiously, how did you lose so much in a year? Extreme discipline for sure! Keep doing the pushup's and situp's and keep your PT going. Learn some cadences before you get there so you can understand what the hell they are saying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xShI7H2Cy80

Remember not to call the Drill Sergeant sir because they work for a living, every knucklehead Joe you meet in Basic is an expert at something in their prior life's and has an uncle who was a Green Beret Sniper Ranger.

Since you will come in as a E4 everyone will expect you to know what the hell you are doing so at least fake it and go with the flow or at least the Drills will expect you to take charge of the lower enlisted. They will know that you came in with a Masters so your nickname will probably be Professor.

You will deal with utter BS at times but remember this mantra: Suck it up and drive on!

It only gets better. eventually.

ps, just wanted to add that Hooah! means just about anything.

Basic sucks for the army. Our chaplin use to tell us to just "embrace the suck."

Dont be one of the ate up specialists with no combat.

You will pt hard, it sucks, but you will like the results.

And the biggest piece of advice i ever got for the army was. "all you need to do is show up on time, in the right uniform, and no matter what just replay with 'roger sgt'"

Nytemare · 06-16-2009, 19:03

Good luck man. I got some friends that are Army. Im Devil Dog but we're brothers no matter how much crap we give ya. Prepare mentally, and the physical will come.

**Javelin** · 06-16-2009, 19:07

Congrats

oifvet0506 · 06-19-2009, 08:41

good luck have make the best of it. its a time you will never forget and you will make friend you will never forget.

***JimBianchi*** · 06-19-2009, 08:43

Thank you for your service!

Army66 · 06-19-2009, 19:12

Good Luck and Gods speed. Alwasy remember, it is an adventure.

***syntaxerrorsix*** · 06-20-2009, 16:41

Congratulations and good luck.

deadday · 06-20-2009, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essayons

Basic sucks for the army. Our chaplin use to tell us to just "embrace the suck."

Dont be one of the ate up specialists with no combat.

You will pt hard, it sucks, but you will like the results.

And the biggest piece of advice i ever got for the army was. "all you need to do is show up on time, in the right uniform, and no matter what just replay with 'roger sgt'"

...and remember, on-time means 15 minutes early....