whats infantry really like?

armyman2164 · 04-12-2006, 08:41 AM

I am planing as enlisting as a airborn infantryman and I would like to know what to expect on a day to day basis. Feel free to tell me what your typical day is like at home and in iraq or any other place your stationed. Also if you have any combat experience or war stories to tell I would love to hear about it.

On a side note any advice on how to calm down my mom. When told her I was going for infantry she was so upset I was surpised she didnt throw anything at me.

**Covertness** · 04-12-2006, 02:21 PM

What to expect???? OK, something like this on a day to day basis.......

Show some fucking respect and capitalize the words Airborne and Infantry. I would most certainly hope you might understand that those who've earned such titles deserve at least that much out of your cake hole. Unless you think you're something special. Armyman huh? As if you've already earned the right to be called such.

....for the first year or so. Maybe less if you show some intestinal fortitude. I can't say that there is any such thing as a typical day in the Infantry. CONUS, you'll PT your ass off every morning, eat chow, shit, shower, and shave then train our pull some mickey mouse detail that you'll hate. You might routinely get off duty around 1800 when you'll go to the barracks and drink, jerk off, and get ready for the next day.

Mom's are suppossed to be upset when their babies don their country's uniform. Most especially when there is a war going on. Get used to it.

Hope that helps, have a nice day.

armyman2164 · 04-12-2006, 04:16 PM

I'm sorry if I offened anyone. I didn't know that Infantry or Airborn were supposed to be capitalized. Punctuation and spelling are not my strongest area of education. I am normally very carefull to not make a mistake, but like any person I do slip up. About my screen name when I met with my Recruiters and chose to enlist, I changed my email from my old slightly vulgar account to something I didn't think would offend anyone.

I am truly sorry my errors upset anyone. I have only the upmost respect for anyone who serves in anybranch of our military.

**Covertness** · 04-12-2006, 04:50 PM

Apology accepted. However, you asked what it will be like. You will be fucked with physically and mentally. Since I can't bitch slap you, I exercised the latter. Nothing personal. Thus endeth your next lesson: Grow thicker skin. Embrace the suck or it will overpower you.

Internet lesson; Capitalizing titles is a show of respect. Soldier, Airman, Marine, Infantry, etc.

Your screen name would have earned you the wrath of God from me in the past but I'm growing more and more tolerant in my old age. Don't worry 'bout it. EARN IT.

Hasbeen · 04-12-2006, 05:03 PM

I enjoyed that....lol

armyman2164 · 04-12-2006, 06:01 PM

Thanks Covertness and I will earn my screen name in 3 months.

CadetFredendall · 04-12-2006, 06:24 PM

You will stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

**Vulture6** · 04-12-2006, 07:42 PM

I'll tell you what you should be doing on a typical day in the infantry...

Train for combat, or be deployed for combat. Anything else is a waste of time.

USMC Chuter · 04-13-2006, 04:28 AM

Expect to be bored a lot, whether deployed or at your home base. Expect to get fucked with a lot by anyone who outranks you or has been there longer-especially at first. Get used to PT, shit details that having nothing to do with infantry work, and a general lack of privacy.

As for the training, it will be long and repetative. You'll do the same things until you're sick of it, then some, but that's how you get good at the basics. You'll hump long distances with heavy packs. You'll be cold sometimes, hot others, and tired usually. Teamwork is everything. Suffering has a weird way of fostering comeraderie, and once you prove yourself in the grunts you'll find yourself a part of a tight knit group. If you don't prove yourself...Well, just make sure you do.

SSGMike.Ivy · 04-13-2006, 02:11 PM

armyman2164, remember one saying that you hear in your sleep

"This is my weapon, this is my gun"
"This is for killing, this is for fun"

Keep them both clean and you will be able to live and fight another day

**Vulture6** · 04-13-2006, 02:30 PM

Quote:

You'll be cold sometimes, hot others, and tired usually.

Don’t forget hungry, oh, and thirsty… and you’ll sweat a lot, whether it’s hot out or not

Quote:

shit details that having nothing to do with infantry work

Yeah, unfortunately that’s true… either due to budgetary constraints, dictates of HHQ, or a lack of imagination on part of your leadership (enlisted or officer). (Here’s a hint for those who hope to be in leadership some day, if you don’t have something constructive & mission related for your troops to do, sound liberty call for the sergeants and below. Then do a PME with the SNCOs and officers to come up with a better training plan. Oh yeah, then take any related heat from the boss yourself.)

Spitfire101 · 04-13-2006, 08:05 PM

Very important: Practice bending over and grabbing your ankles! (My husbands favorite saying whenever he gets his butt chewed out!)

But seriously, teamwork is one of the most important things they are trying to pound into your head. Pay attention to your drills very well as they are the ones that will be teaching you the basics you need to know.