Army Personal Narrative

Growing up the daughter of an Army Basic Training failure was an embarrassment for quite some time. My father went to Army Basic Training straight out of high school, and came back shortly after leaving. He was discharged for injuries of his knees; he was weak. One would not assume a child of someone who failed Basic Training would be eager to go, however I knew it was my time as soon as I received a call from a recruiter asking me to come in. It was my chance to show my dad the person I am without him, as well as fight for my country. I conquered Basic Training the summer in between the summer of my junior and senior year at the age of seventeen. There are four easy steps to Basic Training: two flights, reception, training,

Everyone knows that a soldier is someone that has made the ultimate sacrifice. By that I mean someone that has gave up being with family and friends to go and help the world. However, being a civilian may be difficult at times, it does not even compare. The responsibilities of a solders can be challenging, rewarding and yet demanding. As a United States Soldier, fighting for our country, both home and abroad, we are considered as a band of brothers, well some may even call it a family whom incorporate the antic of military first, family second and accountability fits into the category as top priority. Within the United States, the importance of keeping our patrons safe and free of any potential threats that can be a risk to safety is also near

The most challenging aspect I have found about being a leader and Soldier in the Army is finding balance between Army life and life outside of my career. As a father and a husband, I have to consciously make time for the other factors in my life. Since I have spent an average of my adult life more at work than at home, whether deployed or in garrison, I have formed lasting bonds with peers, superiors and subordinates alike. It is a delicate balance to ensure that I am creating similar bonds with my 10 and 16 year old boys, who live with their mother, while continuously strengthening my bond with my wife. Although this balance remains a challenge, I have found that by anticipating various reactions to my words and actions that I am choosing to say what I actually mean. That simple process has positive impacts on my continuing effort to build resiliency. I also make it a point to “hunt the good stuff” and focus on the positive aspects of my life rather than the things that cause me to stress. I find that positive communication and exercise are also good releases for me and helps me to feel less overwhelmed.

I went pre-med before getting deployed and as an intern I've seen a lot of horrible things. But when it's your friend... Someone you serve with... It stays with you forever.

I was in the Marine Corps serving under Third battalion Eleventh marines Mike Battery in Twenty-Nine Palms California from 2009-2013. What our unit did was put rounds down range, oorah. We were an artillery battery, think modern day cannons. As far as twenty-nine palms all you have to imagine is sand in a five hundred square foot mile area. My job as Ammo chief was to insure the safe handling and transportation of hundred pound high explosive bombs. On one partially long training exercise I was instructed to take my marines and four ‘7-ton’ trucks and go to the rear to load up with more ammo. No problem, I’ve done this before but on this occasion when I was going to return the battery would have moved positions. So they gave me the grid number

I originally wanted to join the military to defend and protect our country, but realized that it wasn't going to bring the satisfaction I desired. I wanted to fight and defend closer to home, the one that involves Traffic incidents, Drug and DUI enforcement. One Friday afternoon, after getting out of High School, there was a video game tournament being held at a Movie Gallery just a few miles away from where I live. I attended the event and met a cool young man who was 18 years old at the time. I believe I was 16. I talked with him about games and the future tournaments that would be great for the community. It was the beginning of a wonderful new friendship. However, the next day at around 3:00p.m., my dad came into my room and told me he

The day started as another usual on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zangabad. I had woken up to ensure that my men had all of their sensitive items on them and report to my Squad Leader that they did. On that day we were heading out to T.I. 2, a desolate array of Hesco barriers set up as an Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) Checkpoint. It was our Company’s responsibility to partner with the AUP down there to help protect T.I. 2 so that they can conduct their own patrols. It was located roughly a thousand meters south of Fob Zangabad, and about five hundred meters east of the town of Gerandi. Gerandi was the stronghold of the Taliban in that area, so T.I. 2 was key to disrupting their operations in the surrounding area. So it was vital that we helped secure it for the AUP and watch the any activity coming out of the town from our guard towers and RAID camera.

My army career was right on track. I had been in the army 3 years at this point, coming up on 4, and already had completed air assault school, been awarded my expert infantry badge, and had one 15 month deployment under my belt. I was assigned to the scout platoon sniper section and was waiting for a sniper school packet to get final approval from the company commander. I had been studying for the sergeant promotion board for months. I knew that study guide like the back of my hand, I knew whatever question I was asked by the command sergeant major I would have an answer for. I went to the promotion board that morning and blew it out of the water. My dress uniform was perfect. No one was able to find a single deficiency. The soldiers creed

Hi, my name is Hannah Lancaster and I am a freshman at the Career and Technical High School and prior to going to the Career and Technical High School I had listed ROTC as one of my electives I would like to join but sadly it never made it onto my schedule. I was wondering if I could start out going to ROTC sophomore of my High School career and if so if I have to take any extra courses for missing my MS1

Four Native Arabic Speakers 09L volunteered for the mission, showing interest to be part of the last unit to leave Iraq after 8 years of operations in the country. At the time, I was freshly promoted Sergeant. Hence, I became the NCO of the native Arabic speakers 09L. The responsibilities were overwhelming. Nevertheless, the superiors never abandoned me to fail as a Noncommissioned Officer. The Noncommissioned Officer Corps is a non-ending cycle of learning, about the welfare and safety of the

Chris and I wake up in the morning in a tangle of sheets, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting into our small bedroom. Chris slides out of bed with his grey and black boxer briefs hugging his rear. I hop out of bed and give Duke a quick snuggle and pat him on his oversized head, he slowly rolls over onto his side looking up at me patiently waiting for his belly rub.

I am not your average kid. I grew up moving around the country a lot due to being an Air Force family. This wasn’t all that bad though. I got to see quite a bit of the great nation I live in today. But there were definitely hardships in this journey. Let me tell you about my adventures around and outside of the country. I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on the coldest recorded day in thirty years. I only lived there for seven months of my life.

I hope this finds you well. As for me, I am doing much better than before. Although my leg has not healed completely, I am able to walk again. Currently, I am on the search for a job. Apparently, USA's industry was booming during the war. Although industry production slowed down as the war ended, there aren't enough jobs for us men. After my leg heals altogether, I plan to reunite with you in France, if that is fine by you. I was hoping that we could play soccer like we did on Christmas Eve 5 years ago. But then I remembered that the doctor said that my leg may not fully recover whatsoever.

On this journey called life, nothing is given and everything is earned; there are so many obstacles that I have overcome and many more that I will face in the future, but all is worth it to achieve the ultimate goal known as success.

I’ve trained with father until I was 20. I’ve matured over the years and stopped caring. Father put his hand on my shoulder and nodded. I was dressed as if I was made out of money. I grabbed my katana and flintlock pistol then put my katana on the sheath thats on my back and put my pistol in its sheath thas on my belt. I stared at the knife that mother gave me before I left and put it in my pocket carefully. I had enough gold for the travel. This boon will serve me well. Father looked at me and grinned. I never saw father smile before but ever since I was in training he did. I never cared, I just looked away and sighed. “ You made me proud, son.. “Now. Lets go to D.C” That was the first time i’ve ever heard those words come out of someones mouth except mothers. I didn’t care. We went to “ Meredith and Jonathan Guidry's carriage and trading post”.. Same place I used to work at before.. Traveling was 20 miles to go over there and it took 12 hours on foot. Jonathan ran to me in surprisement and Meredith hugs me with joy while I keep a straight face. “ What happened to you??? It’s been 4 years!” Jonathan said worriedly, “and who’s this?” He looked at father. I kept silent. Father spoken for me,” Sorry that I we’d come in such horrid circumstances but I shall introduce myself.. I am Valaris Smith.. Father of Thomas Smith…. And husband of-” A little girl, that's possibly 4, ran by giggling with two other boys chasing after her, both being the same age. She and the boys ran to