Jar Wrench Letter home

[captorquewrench]

She sent it on training day 5.

She seems to be adjusting fine despite a heavy load of homesickness. The irony is that she has been assigned laundry duty. This to the girl who thinks dryer is synonymous with clean clothing storage device.

"Marching is a lot like band, except with more rifles than music." "My DI doesn't really know my name. This is good." (I checked out the DI...on Facebook, where else?.. And this is indeed very good. She's the scariest of the scary.)

She also says she is in a unit of mostly good recruits with a lot of snap and they meet for devotions, and she is growing spiritually. She has NEVER met for devotions anywhere anywhen. I am glad she is bonding with her brothers.

This was THE BEST line in the whole letter.
"If you consider me Joker my bunkmate is Pyle."

A Full Metal Jacket reference made mom's heart melt. I love that girl.

And to twist a Garrison Keillor statement...That's the news from Parris Island.

 

[sipowicz]

"Marching is a lot like band, except with more rifles than music."

Thank God it's not like band camp.....

 

[HERMAN.40]

Sure sounds like good news. Glad she is adjusting to military life. A little devotion can help a lot in that situation. Best wishes for her.

 

[A10]

OORAH!!!!!!!!

 

[Bugkiller99]

"Watching" them through boot camp is both difficult and enjoyable. Worrying about them while you watch them grow and amaze you in a just a short period of time.
Then the hard part really begins......

 

[yaktamer]

"My DI doesn't really know my name. This is good."

I knew I was a success in basic when, about six weeks in, one of the drill sergeants assigned to my platoon wanted to send me on some errand and just kept pointing at me saying, "Uh....uh....uh...."

 

[Mydogmax]

Keep us informed. Brings back memories. Although somehow (now) I just can't picture a 20 something DI as being scary. Guess it's all a matter of perspective.

 

[Jessie]

Yeah, sounds like she's doing fine. That's good news.

 

[captorquewrench]

Keep us informed. Brings back memories. Although somehow (now) I just can't picture a 20 something DI as being scary. Guess it's all a matter of perspective.

Oh honey, the women are the scariest.

Think about it.

A unit of recruits that it's your job to put pressure on.

Combine that with PMS, tactical training, and boyfriend drama.

Instant hell for everyone within a 50 mile radius.

 

[shouldazagged]

As I've said before, Cap, you and Mr. Wrench do nice work.

Sounds as if she's kept her sense of humor.

 

[Mydogmax]

How long is boot camp these days? Is there ITR (infantry training) afterwards?

 

[A10]

Mine went 0313 after boot and was in training for a long time learning to blow stuff up and not run over anyone....just shipped last Sunday to Okinawa.

 

[Frank46]

Yeah and you well know were some of the instruments at band camp ended up. Funny thing about boot camp. You really put in a long day and what with the schools, drilling and such you really are wiped out when they blow taps. Frank

 

[captorquewrench]

How long is boot camp these days? Is there ITR (infantry training) afterwards?

Boot camp is 13 weeks, about 5 weeks longer than the other branches. After her 10 days leave there is something, I think she called it infantry training for a few weeks. Then she starts MOS training--for hers that means an additional year of active duty.

 

[vigil617]

She also says she is in a unit of mostly good recruits with a lot of snap and they meet for devotions, and she is growing spiritually. She has NEVER met for devotions anywhere anywhen.

"There are no atheists in foxholes." Anonymous

 

[jimmyj]

"There are no atheists in foxholes." Anonymous

This quote was from the Marine Corporal Heniza in the 1942 movie "Wake Island" at the end of the film just before the Japanese landed on the beach.
The Corporal said this to his young Marine machine gunner who was praying.

 

[rwsmith]

Wow....to me....

To me it sounds iike she's adjusting very well and satisfied that she is doing what she wants to. You go girl!

 

[mg357]

captorquewrench: Thanks for the update please keep them coming.

 

[gm272gs]

This is recruit <name>
I have arrived safely at Parris Island.
Please do not send any food or bulky items.
I will contact you in 3 to 5 days via postcard with my new mailing address.
Thank you for your support.
Goodbye for now.

 

[BigBill]

Sounds like she's doing well. She has the heart of a lion. Keep us informed.

I have no family in full-service yet. My 4yo grandson maybe he will be a navy seal someday or a airborne ranger. He is training already he tried to use the clothes line for a zip line yesterday. My son caught him as he tried to launch.