The Eight Week Mark

Even though my basic is currently set for September, my goal is to be ready in the next 8 weeks so I can leave sooner if a spot opens up. I am following the workout plan outlined in The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook by Michael Volkin. Since I have difficulty adjusting to new sleeping patterns I'm also waking up at 0500 to get used to the change. I'll bump it up to 0430 in a few weeks once the daily PT takes more time.

Swearing In

Well it's official- I am now a proud member of the Texas Army National Guard. Fortunately, I was able to pick up where I left off the last time I was at MEPS. The only thing I was really worried about not passing was the infamous "duck walk" where you squat down and have to walk about 2 yards and turn around without falling over. My recruiter told me it's been a problem for some of his taller applicants and if you can't do it properly you can't join. Well I'm up towards 80 inches and had no problem. After the medical portion I went through processing to finalize my contract (non-OCS applicants also pick their MOS- military occupational specialty in this step), NG applicants get assigned to a unit, have fingerprints taken and submit data for a FBI background check. I was also given my boot camp ship date and location (Fort Jackson in early September). This is tentative as I will be applying to leave sooner than the 120 days you're automatically scheduled for.

Once you've properly signed your life away, you take the oath of enlistment:
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

If you're joining the Guard you'll also take an oath to obey the orders of the governor of your particular state. 

Family is allowed to attend and take pictures, so I was glad to have my wife there cheering me on. It feels good to finally be a part of the US military and I'm excited about everything ahead. 

MEPS Dallas- Round 1

All of the paperwork is finally in order, and I'm ready to sign the dotted line. One thing remains between me and enlistment and that's MEPS or the Military Entrance Processing Station. Regardless of which branch of service you're headed off to, this is where you're checked out physically to make sure you're fit for duty and you have a clear background. My recruiter drove me to a hotel in downtown Dallas where I was to spend the night. I was told as an officer candidate that I would have my own room, but within 5 minutes of me settling into my space, another guy joined me. He was naval applicant in his 30's and could have been Dwight Schrute's cousin. I have a feeling the attitude of "roll with it" is going to be a big part of my military career.

The morning started early. Wake-up calls came at 0330, about 100 applicants had breakfast, then we were loaded on to buses around 0500. MEPS was a short drive down the road and we were sorted into lines based on what we were there for. From there it was pretty much as advertised- biometric data capture, vision screening, blood and urine tests, medical history paperwork- and that's when the wrench was thrown in. The doctor was looking over the paperwork I submitted when he noticed I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection (thank you, Texas allergy season...) and apparently that was grounds for a temporary disqualification. Meaning- I'll be good to come back once I'm off the medicine. Hooah. Fortunately, I'll get to start where I left off. Talking with the other applicants it became apparent that most people were there on their 2nd or 3rd attempt to pass through MEPS.

I came ready to enlist, so to be sent home with nothing to show for a long day was a bit discouraging, but it comes with the territory. Hopefully Take 2 goes as planned without any hiccups- I'm ready to get started.

For more on MEPS visit: http://www.mepcom.army.mil/enlistment.html