When 2010 came around I had finally officially finished college (with one semester more than intended) and, with a failed attempt at moving to LA and not able to find work in Chicago after school, I found myself moving back home. It was the dreaded fear of college students, having to move back in with your parents. No one really wants to do it and I certainly didn't. At this point I had left home and gotten to the point I was living in apartments instead of dorm rooms. Granted, my parent's house was still nicer than either but I had to start somewhere living on my own. But now I was back home with only a part time job at the movie theater I had worked at off and on at since the end of high school and feeling pretty aimless (especially considering I was still wanting to do film with pretty much no film industry in sight). Had I been in a much better financial situation (and been more determined and disciplined) I would have toughed it out in LA. But alas, I was back in Lawrence, KS.
But as I floundered (and really for not terribly long) a friend of mine was planning on joining the Army. Now, he already had more of an idea than me what he wanted to do (although that even changed a bit due to varying circumstances) and I was talking to him one day and he started talking about the ASVAB. I found myself curious and asked him about it and he explained to me about what is in a sense the Army standardized test for entry into the service. And then he said to me, "You know, you seem interested in what I'm talking about. I have to talk to the recruiter on (such and such day). You should come with me and check it out." So I of course walked into the office that day.
And who have thought, that by walking into that office, I wouldn't be turning back. I was after all, the guy that at the end of high school was determined never to be in the Army even if that meant I move to Canada. I took a practice ASVAB, and pretty quickly I was on my way to trying to get into the Army. Of course, with a degree, I attempted to go the OCS (Officer Candidate School) route first. Being a civilian, this included taking a PT test (no problems there), taking the ASVAB (which I barely met the ASVAB requirements for OCS), and submitting a packet of stuff. At that point, I had an interview with a bunch of Captains. For some reason, I was more nervous than I've ever been in my life. Somehow I passed. But they had to send the packet up to some other board where they don't even see me and I didn't get in.
But I felt this was what I was supposed to do. So I still enlisted. In Intelligence. Having no idea what the job entailed. I knew this. I would go to basic training at Fort Jackson in November. I would go to Advanced Training in February. After that ... spoilers. And even after I enlisted, I nearly got a job as an appliance delivery guy, except I had just joined the Army.
But with a 3 1/2 year contract and almost 3 years in, I can honestly say, I would never recommend this life .... to anyone. Not only is it quite miserable but I have never talked to so many people who's despised a job so much. And really, most of it comes down to dealing with what seem to be a majority of rather incompetent leaders. And of course a ridiculous list of Army mandated regulations that come down that end up making everyone's life miserable.
Even Hawaii can be miserable. Just be in the Army and it becomes worse. The one plus: Hawaii has a film industry. Other stories later.
So in November 2010 I joined the Army. In June 2014 I'm out. Period. The stress has not been worth it and I'd prefer to spend my life actually treated like an adult as an adult.
Next post ... some reasons why I (and certainly others too) hate being in the Army.
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