Once you are in the DEP call- that's Delayed Entry Program- it's pretty much a waiting game. Your job is to stay qualified- no trouble! "Be safe" is the quote my recruiter uses- take it to heart! You are now government property. Well, maybe not officially, as you can back out with good reason, but whatever service you are in will not appreciate it. Your recruiter has spent a lot of time working with you to complete your paperwork and get you to MEPS and the military spent money on your stay at MEPS- hotel, food, medical test, and all the staff members that worked with you there.
Anyway, I'm moving on a little bit more to the emotional ride I've been on so far, as DEP gives you time to reflect. Going to MEPS, I was nervous- I'm always anxious before a test (more like excited, I suppose- I REALLY like taking tests and preparing for them, but no matter what I worry how I will do). The whole two days, though, were not as bad as I had anticipated. The highlight was coming home- I had planned to meet my stepsister for dinner when I got home. She surprised me by arranging to have my parents and another sister with her family come to dinner. Earlier, I had found out that family members can come to the swearing in ceremony if they want to sit around at MEPS and wait- I didn't know that ahead of time but I was OK with no one being there. Other recruits parents were there and in tears (of pride, joy, those kind of tears) and I know I couldn't hold it in if my family was present. That was a huge rush in and of itself listening to the commander speak and then actually taking the oath. It sunk in a little then, but now that some time has passed I can reflect more on the words and the meaning.
Anyone going into the military- be it guard, reserves, Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard... we are laying down our lives to put the lives of those around us and our nation first. I used to think that I could never do that- never hold a gun, never take orders, never step in front of an innocent life to protect them. Now I am looking forward to the opportunities- I will bear arms to protect those I love (family, friends, countrymen, fellow wingmen and other military brethren), I will follow the command of true leaders who are also looking out for me, and if I have to lay down my life for those I'm protecting, if there was no other way, I would. Now, some jobs in the military are administrative. Many will never see battle- but we all have the same basic training that prepares us if the need arises. I'm actually waiting for a job that will put me in more danger than a desk job, but no- I will probably never be at the front. I will, however, be supporting those that are putting their lives at a greater risk and I think that is damn well worth it.
I've been critiqued. I've heard the negative things people say about the military. I've had people say to me, "Oh, I can never do that. I would never hurt another man or woman. It's cruel/horrible/awful to think you could be ordered to do that." Well, have someone point a gun at your child and see what happens. The way I see it, when I took my oath I swore to protect the nation and it's people as if they were my children (no, this is not a god complex). I will also no longer be a civilian- I will be trained to take orders until I am ready to be the one giving them. I have a feeling that the military mindset is completely different from that of a civilian. There are higher stakes- everyone does things in life they don't like- day-to-day, in a job, etc. This is my job and I will perform it to the best of my ability. Now, I'm not saying I'll be ordered to kill-it's not likely I'll be in that situation and yet that's where the critic's mind goes. I feel like I sound rather high and mighty- maybe I am, I'm not sure. It hurts when my brother says that I'll have less support from him if I do certain jobs (and yes, it did affect a few of my decisions), but, and this is cliche, I look forward to being able to say I defend your right to your opinion and the right to voice them. In another post I'll delve a little more in the philosophical background of my thinking.
Granted, I have experienced mostly overwhelming and wonderful support from people. Family and friends I have told were mostly surprised at first, then very encouraging. The shock value was entertaining for a while, I must say. My father is supremely proud of me- I don't think I could have taken this leap without his unhindered support and encouragement. My step-mom and family have been phenomenal as well. She's the one that first initiated these thoughts in my head. My stepsister has been there to help me prepare physically and mentally every step of the way so far- I know she and my sister would go to BMT with me if they could! My nephew (well, we call him a nephew) has recently shipped for his basic training with the USMC. His story is definitely one to inspire, as well.
Even strangers, when they hear about my decision to join (my family really likes to share), will both congratulate me and thank me for my service. It's amazing to feel that support from people I don't really know- I've connected with people online- current military members, parents, and DEP-pers just like me- instant friendship- like joining a club. If I could get students to feel a connection like this with student life groups on campus- those clubs would be booming. I think it's pretty unique though- we've all had similar experiences, fears, worries, impatience, questions, and feelings. We know what the next person will be going through and are ready to help guide the way. Of course, there is that surge of jealousy when someone gets booked the job you want, but that is out of our control and we are always happy for them. It will add to our own excitement when the time comes!
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