REFLECTION ESSAY

How to be Army Strong

I was 18 years old when I saw my favorite uncle in his uniform. I could see how much respect he got and how strong of a man he was and I wanted that for myself. I asked him how could I become strong like he was. He said to me, it’s not going to be an easy job. I would have to leave my family, friends and everything behind to fight for my country Saudi Arabia.

The first thing I needed was talk with a recruiter. He tried to make me see how difficult this walk was going to be. I believed the hard work would make me strong just like my uncle. We started off with a whole lot of questions. I filled out many different types of paperwork. The paper work included: criminal background checks, medical history, family history, and job history. I had to take a test to see if I was smart enough for the army. I think it was similar to the test soldiers take in America. It asked questions from basic mechanics, computers, cooking, and all general studies. Its purpose was to find out what job I could choose. I passed the test and then I was able to pick a job. I had my pick of a lot of different jobs but I chose to be a machine gunner. Then, after I chose my job, I signed my contract. After that, I was told to come back in two weeks for a drug test and medical test to see if I was fit for the Army. I had to do psychological testing and the doctor checked everything on my body I received my stamp and it was on to basic training.

The second step in becoming Army strong is going to basic training. There are three phases to go through. I arrived to the training camp called Reception. At Reception I received all of my equipment and clothing. I was assigned to the company where I would learn all about being a soldier. The first day I received a haircut and was taught how to properly exercise and gain strength of my body by doing Physical Training. I started learning how to run long distances and how to breathe the right way so I would not get too tired. I did not enjoy ring but I had to do it. After that I issued a M16 Assault Rifle. I took training classes on how to clean, fix and shoot. The next step was learning about the history of the Army and all the things it takes to make up a true soldier. I went through many field exercises where I learned about teamwork. The men were like brothers; we helped each other like a family I participated in rappelling, nuclear biological defense and weapons training. The next step was learning drill, which is how I am supposed to present my self in parades, when we march and at funerals. After that we learned tactics and techniques to stay alive. Then I learned medical training. I had to learn CPR, Heimlich maneuver, wound care and many other forms of medical procedures. The next stage I learned was radio communication. Radio communication is how I can communicate with other soldiers on a mission in the field. Then I learned combat fighting. I used bayonets, padded sticks and hand and hand combat incase my weapon jams. The next step is grenade throwing and mine detonation. The final step in basic training graduation is three different field exercises. The ruck march, which is a 10mile hike, the Night infiltration course and the final test of all I learned. After I completed the course and graduated I was headed to Army Advanced Individual Training (A.I.T.). What I liked most was the first time to pickup the weapon and how to assemble my weapon.

The final step in being Army Strong is making it through A.I.T. In AIT, first I was issued a room and a new weapon. I was told what I had to go through to graduate. I was then told the squad I would be in. After that I was given a schedule, supplies and books to go to school. The first day of class involves all the instruction I will receive. I learned all about my weapons and the history of the weapons. I studied different types of weapons that I may have to learn to use when in combat. I learned about the wind speed and the proper way to breathe when firing and how to load the ammunition. I then learned how to work the scope to be able to get a good shot. After that I trained on the laser beam. The laser beam helps make a good shot easy. The next step in the process I learned how to protect my weapon from the weather and also how to fire it in bad conditions. Then I learned how to hide from people who wanted to shoot at me. I then learned how to properly use the features on the weapons like full round bursts. The full round burst let’s me shoot three bullets at a time. I learned when the proper time would be to use it.

After all the classes, I had to be tested on all I learned. I was put in the field to see if I learned what I had been taught by my teachers. When I showed them how I knew what I was doing, I graduated AIT. I was proud and nervous at sometime. I will never forget that moment when I swore my oath to my country. After my ceremony I was sent to my first real unit to work as a real solider it was a good start for me. I was very honored to be one of the Army.

To become Army strong I had to go through a lot of things .My training included basic training and time at AIT, I was able to put in action all I learned. I was a step closer to being like my uncle and becoming Army Strong. Finally, I got what I’m looking for: how to use the guns, how to help people, and protect them. I spent more then ten years of my life becoming Army strong. It is was a hard time to explain, but I learned a lot of things... more then what my uncle told me.