Posted by Michael A. Dorosh from Canada on February 17, 2021 at 21:54:25:
In Reply to: Re: How EASY is basic, anyway? posted by just a soldier on February 16, 2021 at 20:57:48:
The instructors were mostly from the Calgary Highlanders, and my Platoon WO was a giant of a man who spent time in Ireland with our affiliated Regiment in the British Army. But the comments on this thread about having the right attitude apply, and to their credit, these tough infantry guys treated everyone fairly. Even if you're doing poorly at something - don't give up. Stick to it and you'll find it pays large dividends in the end.
I do have to agree with Just a Soldier, though - I was surprised how, even in 1988, the Army just didn't seem like the whole mystique that had been built up in my mind (from too many trashy American TV shows, books and movies, I guess). Even then we didn't get yelled at or abused. Not that I'm complaining - I just don't think new recruits should really spend a lot of time worrying about that, since I've never seen or heard of it happening in my little corner of the Reserve world. And I'm not so sure it should be any other way. Personally, I think if you treat troops like men instead of kids, you'll get more out of them. That's not soft, it's just smart. My two cents, anyway.
Anyway, I hope you'll find the experience rewarding enough to stay around once you've finished basic. I'm the only one from my basic platoon who will be getting the CD. It's the same situation with most of my friends. The Reserves aren't for everyone, but it is very discouraging to start each training year with 150 troops on exercise and then seeing the unit scratch to put together 30 men for the final test ex of the year. The Reserve as a whole can only be as good as the effort we all as individuals put forth.
Have fun!