***My eldest son, Yosef, left for Army Basic Training in October. This series documents my parenting experience through his nearly three months away from home. Please note: this series is not affiliated with the U.S. Army National Guard in any way, all observations and opinions are my own. ***
For the last few weeks, when Yosef calls on Sundays we are spending far less time talking about missing him and far more time chatting about what he is learning. For a non-military dad like me, the things Yosef is doing at Army Basic Training is impressive. Much of what Yosef is doing are things that probably would serve each of us well.
First, Yosef recently talked to me about repelling from a 100-foot tower. Not only did each SIT have to complete this descent independently, they created their own harness to do so with limited supervision. I was surprised that hear Yosef tell me that he was really scared to go down the wall at first – he’s one that never shies away from a roller coaster or heights of any kind.
Next, we learned that soldiers receive medic training – both in a classroom and in simulated field sessions. This conversation with Yosef was interesting as he mentioned, “Man, knowing that people could get shot around makes all of this so much more real. It really brings home that you’re a soldier and better listen up.”
During this training, they are shown video footage of field medic works that, in Yosef’s words, was “tough to watch” because of the gore.
Until these comments, it did feel like Yosef’s BTC experience had been spent simply trying to get through. Now, it felt, he was starting to realize how serious he needs to take his drills, formations, and the skills the drill sergeants are attempting to instill in each soldier.
Next, Yosef began talking about looking forward to the next “things”, like: going into a gas chamber without a mask, a 5-mile ruck hike, an overnight navigation situation, and beginning infantry training by shooting semi-automatic weapons. For the first time, he was genuinely excited for what was to come.
These last two weeks have seemed like a tipping point for my son. Yosef is moving from a dude trying to survive a very difficult three months to a future soldier that is trying to learn and uphold a high standard. The transformation has been impressive.
I am also seeing Yosef mature quickly from the kid we said goodbye to six weeks ago. He has written notes to each sibling, each letter was very reflective, encouraging, and sweet. He has continued to communicate via letters – we are receiving up to three per week. Somedays he doesn’t say much, but I’m impressed that we’re on his mind.
Things are changing like we’d hope, it seems.
I still am worried about him.
We still miss him on a daily basis.
I look forward to the thirty minutes on Sundays where we can hear each other’s voices. But, it is clear that Basic Training is serving Yosef well. And, likewise, Yosef is serving the process with the fortitude I had hoped he would.
Forty days (or so) to go…
