Boot Camp Pt. 2
I went to RTC San Diego (Club Diego, to some) in September of 1988. We had so many recruits that day come in, that we formed eight companies. I had about 1/2 hour of sleep that night, it seemed like I had just finished my shower when all of a sudden someone came in the room banging on a trash can, telling us to 'Drop your c*cks and grab your socks!'
We spent two weeks in receiving and outfitting waiting for a Barracks to open up, so we could start our training. So a eight week Boot Camp turned into ten weeks of fun.
To this very day I remember the first time I met both of our Company Commanders (Drill Instructors). MMC (SS) Hendriksen I met the day after we were issued our Dungarees. We were awakened really early in the morning to go to eat breakfast. I couldn't find my dungaree shirt anywhere. I was told to stay behind and FIND it, and then catch up to the Company at the Chow Hall. I looked all over the place. I looked under the racks, the head, in corners, and even outside. Because the rest of our shirts were sent off to be embroidered with our names, we should each only have one shirt. So, with no other choice I started going through everyone's Sea Bag. I finally found a shirt in the Sea Bag of some Latino guy from Honduras. Apparently he took my shirt, and put his in his Sea Bag. I'm sure it was an honest mistake. I put his shirt on, and hot-footed it to the Chow hall, only to find my company had finished with chow, and was forming up on the Grinder. SHIT!
Remembering the hints my Dad gave me for Boot Camp survival, I ran up to Chief Hendriksen and said, "Seaman Recruit Molly, Reporting as ordered!"
The Chief not knowing me from Adam said, "Who gave you orders to report to me?" I then explained to him what had occurred back at the barracks.
Chief: "Did you eat?"
Me: "No Sir, but I don't need to."
Chief: "dammit, everyone needs to eat" He then gave me a chit, to go eat in the straggler line, and told me to catch back up to the company at the R&O Barracks. (So goes Dad's rule to remain anonymous)
I met MS1 (SS) Orris a few days later when we were in the stencil room. This is where all the rest of our clothing that was not embroidered with our names, was stenciled by us, by hand. My real last name has nine freaking letters to it. To say the least I was having problems keeping up with everyone else. Petty Officer Orris was standing on this little stage in the center of the room. His eyes were shooting daggers into me as I tried like hell to keep up. His face had pure hatred in it as he watched me stencil my clothing. Eventually he had some others help me to keep up. This was not looking good. Nobody wants to be PVT Pyle, everyone wants to stay under the radar. Being on the CC's Shit list is never a good thing.
I soon dropped off the radar scope, only to surface later on in the training. I did however witness several men become targets, and it wasn't pretty. One poor soul forgot to lock his 'B' Drawer during an inspection. A 'B' Drawer is where ALL personal items are kept. I mean every letter, paychecks, whatever is personal it goes in that drawer. We lived on the 3rd deck of our barracks, which translates to the 3rd floor to the rest of you. Petty Officer Orris found the unlocked 'B' Drawer and proceeded to empty all of it's contents onto the the patio three stories down. The poor guy was then ordered to run down there pick up one item, then shout 'I will lock my 'B' Drawer next time Sir!' He was Sooo tired by the time he was done, it hurt to even look at him.
Another poor guy never should have been there in the first place. He must have been there to meet some Recruiter's quota. He was slow in the head, and couldn't comprehend even the most simple of tasks. One day Petty Officer Orris told him he better get out of his sight by the time he turned around. It was during a Barracks Inspection, I was directly across from this guy. It was so pitiful and amusing to watch this guy run back and forth trying to find somewhere to hide. He finally found a corner to bury his face in. That guy didn't last another week.
I have more that I will write in another post.
We spent two weeks in receiving and outfitting waiting for a Barracks to open up, so we could start our training. So a eight week Boot Camp turned into ten weeks of fun.
To this very day I remember the first time I met both of our Company Commanders (Drill Instructors). MMC (SS) Hendriksen I met the day after we were issued our Dungarees. We were awakened really early in the morning to go to eat breakfast. I couldn't find my dungaree shirt anywhere. I was told to stay behind and FIND it, and then catch up to the Company at the Chow Hall. I looked all over the place. I looked under the racks, the head, in corners, and even outside. Because the rest of our shirts were sent off to be embroidered with our names, we should each only have one shirt. So, with no other choice I started going through everyone's Sea Bag. I finally found a shirt in the Sea Bag of some Latino guy from Honduras. Apparently he took my shirt, and put his in his Sea Bag. I'm sure it was an honest mistake. I put his shirt on, and hot-footed it to the Chow hall, only to find my company had finished with chow, and was forming up on the Grinder. SHIT!
Remembering the hints my Dad gave me for Boot Camp survival, I ran up to Chief Hendriksen and said, "Seaman Recruit Molly, Reporting as ordered!"
The Chief not knowing me from Adam said, "Who gave you orders to report to me?" I then explained to him what had occurred back at the barracks.
Chief: "Did you eat?"
Me: "No Sir, but I don't need to."
Chief: "dammit, everyone needs to eat" He then gave me a chit, to go eat in the straggler line, and told me to catch back up to the company at the R&O Barracks. (So goes Dad's rule to remain anonymous)
I met MS1 (SS) Orris a few days later when we were in the stencil room. This is where all the rest of our clothing that was not embroidered with our names, was stenciled by us, by hand. My real last name has nine freaking letters to it. To say the least I was having problems keeping up with everyone else. Petty Officer Orris was standing on this little stage in the center of the room. His eyes were shooting daggers into me as I tried like hell to keep up. His face had pure hatred in it as he watched me stencil my clothing. Eventually he had some others help me to keep up. This was not looking good. Nobody wants to be PVT Pyle, everyone wants to stay under the radar. Being on the CC's Shit list is never a good thing.
I soon dropped off the radar scope, only to surface later on in the training. I did however witness several men become targets, and it wasn't pretty. One poor soul forgot to lock his 'B' Drawer during an inspection. A 'B' Drawer is where ALL personal items are kept. I mean every letter, paychecks, whatever is personal it goes in that drawer. We lived on the 3rd deck of our barracks, which translates to the 3rd floor to the rest of you. Petty Officer Orris found the unlocked 'B' Drawer and proceeded to empty all of it's contents onto the the patio three stories down. The poor guy was then ordered to run down there pick up one item, then shout 'I will lock my 'B' Drawer next time Sir!' He was Sooo tired by the time he was done, it hurt to even look at him.
Another poor guy never should have been there in the first place. He must have been there to meet some Recruiter's quota. He was slow in the head, and couldn't comprehend even the most simple of tasks. One day Petty Officer Orris told him he better get out of his sight by the time he turned around. It was during a Barracks Inspection, I was directly across from this guy. It was so pitiful and amusing to watch this guy run back and forth trying to find somewhere to hide. He finally found a corner to bury his face in. That guy didn't last another week.
I have more that I will write in another post.
posted by Tall Molly Man at 3:03 AM
2 Comments:
I love these stories. But the mom in me wants to hug all those poor verbally abused boys!
Guess thats the point though. Teaching them to function with out their Mamas. :)
I'm with Angel. I love reading stories like this. Its amazing how it helps shape men in their lives.
You did well.
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