Introduction

AspiringSoldier · Post by **AspiringSoldier** » April 16th, 2006, 9:57 am

I enlisted on 20051022, as an 11X with an Option 40. I am 18 years old. As far as I can remember I always wanted to be a soldier. I told myself when I got older I would join, and I did. Now all I do is worry; about everything. Sometimes it's about not graduating highschool (considering I have a 70% average, I also need every credit this year to graduate). I know I can physically make through OSUT, with a little work. Reason being is during my junior year I wrestled for my school, seeing as how I never wrestled before, I pushed myself as hard as I could and took three varsity spots, the 171, 160, and the 152 varsity spots. Off topic, we ran about 7-10 miles a day, did aleast 3-400 PU's and countless situps. But thats not what i'm worried about; injury is my biggest concern. I have nothing else except the army, I didn't plan for anything else. My uncle whom I live with, is a Airforce Vietnam Veteran, and my other uncle is a US Army Gulf War Veteran. My family isnt succsessfull at anything. All I want to do is bring pride to myself and my family, I cannot fail myself or my family. I do not want to end up like the rest of my family. I am willing to push myself as much as it takes. I go see my SGT's every wednesday, and do some sort of activity that teaches me usefull skills I will need in basic. Most of my SGT's are either OIF or OEF veterans, we also have a Sapper (he is trying to help me physically get better) and the other guys are helping me drill and such, I am trying to seek out as much information as I can, i'm not sure what to expect in OSUT, except a shitload of yelling alot of PU's and valuable lifelong training. Myself and three others from my school do this every week, we are all enlisted ( I am the only active duty soldier though, they are all reservist, I am also the only one at my recruting center with an Opt. 40 contract). Anyway, went off topic again, my main concern is injury. I can't fall out of the army, an i'm willing do do anything just to make it. This contract I have I want this more than I have ever wanted naything, more then winning a state wrestling match, I mean anything, I know I sound a little naive but again this is all I have. I PT everyday except for rest days. Anyway sorry for the long intro, I just have alot on my mind. I leave three months eight days (20060726). I am really excited to start my military carrer.

AspiringSoldier · Post by **AspiringSoldier** » April 16th, 2006, 10:02 am

I'm sorry I realize I misspelled a few words, and didn't use the right grammer.

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » April 16th, 2006, 10:26 am

Welcome. You're going to hyperventilate, if you don't take a breath and slow down.

You can't worry about injuries. They happen. Just don't be an accident magnet. Stay in shape, stay clean, and use common sense.

If you're worried about bringing pride to yourself and your family, then go out there and be the best. Give 110% in everything you do. If you make it to a Ranger Battalion....great. If you don't, be the best in whatever unit you end up in.

You are all over the place with your post, which makes me think that you're all over the place in thoughts, too. Narrow your focus. Put all of your energy and direction into fulfilling your Ranger contract.

This site has enough useful information to keep you busy for five years. Use the Search button. Sort through the crap and get to the useful stuff. Absorb it. Use it. Good luck to you.

RLTW
EP

PS: Get with the other Option 40 DEPs in the Minor Mayhem....they'll help square you away.

Barnett · Post by **Barnett** » April 16th, 2006, 10:27 am

Welcome PM inbound, what is your shipdate?

RTO · Post by **RTO** » April 16th, 2006, 10:30 am

Welcome. An Army Ranger is one of the greatest gifts you can give your country and I believe one of the greatest legasies you can pass on in your own family for generations. I hope you make it. Good Luck!

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » April 16th, 2006, 10:42 am

Aspiring,
You need to select an avatar from the DEPs Gallery.
Also, check out this link: http://www.armyranger.com/creed.php If you start living by that Creed each day, you will be successful in whatever you do. You will also make your family proud by living it. Just a tip....

RLTW
EP

AbnRgr289 · Post by **AbnRgr289** » April 16th, 2006, 11:51 am

Welcome.

Ranger Bill · Post by **Ranger Bill** » April 16th, 2006, 12:06 pm

Welcome and good luck. You've been given good advice. Follow it.

kageryu311 · Post by **kageryu311** » April 16th, 2006, 1:51 pm

Welcome bro. I think I met you in person on thursday. PM inbound.

msg_dman · Post by **msg_dman** » April 16th, 2006, 3:25 pm

Welcome

Chiron · Post by **Chiron** » April 17th, 2006, 4:18 am

Welcome. Relax take a deep breath!

One day at a time is how youâ€™re going to get through it till you overcome these apprehensions. Get through high school first. Concentrate on school graduate first!

In the mean time you may work out run and all that you think you require getting through the physical aspect of becoming a soldier and subsequently a Ranger.

You have to learn that if it is going to happen, it will. In the sense that you are doing what is required of you to first get through school then OSUT, Airborne, RIP then battalion.

So RELAX! Take it one step at a time. Walk before you run. Everyone that is physically able to runs eventually.

Fishboy · Post by **Fishboy** » April 17th, 2006, 7:02 am

Welcome

Everett Ruess · Post by **Everett Ruess** » April 17th, 2006, 4:00 pm

Hmmmm....

Look, I love being a soldier - it's just what I am. And being a Ranger is an experience you can't top - ever. But your statement

AspiringSoldier wrote:I have nothing else except the army,

seems a little fatalistic. It's a big world out there - there are too many options available to say something like that. I'm not suggesting you find something else or that you won't make it (that's strictly up to you), but you need to relax and gain some perspective. Success will be hard to come by with angst like that. Good luck.