Strange Responses in the Military: From Inspectors to Clean Shoes

/navy basic/training is more than just physical conditioning and discipline—it's a unique environment where human creativity and resourcefulness are often put to the test. Here are a few stories that stand out as both memorable and amusing.

Unleashing Big Men's Potential in Navy Boot Camp

During my time in Navy Basic, one story stands out as particularly entertaining. There was a recruit, let's call him John, who had played semi-professional football. Standing just as tall as Shaq O’Neal, he was a sight to behold. During one inspection by a Division Instructor (DI), a surprisingly petite DI, standing on tiptoes, demanded to see the collar of a recruit in particular.

At that moment, without the slightest change to his stance, John picked up the DI, lifted him by the waist, and carried him high enough so that the DI could personally inspect if there was any dirt beneath his large military collar. The platoon, along with other DIs and even the inspector himself, couldn't keep the laughter contained. It was a moment that highlighted both the recruits' strength and the humorous side of military discipline.

A Harbinger of Clean Shoes: A Mindset Shift in the Army

While the previous story was more about physical strength, this one is about the discipline of staying clean. Before my son entered the Army, he was a bit like Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas. If he didn't come home visibly dirty or scraped from play, he was unhappy. His room had to be messy or disorganized, or he would feel something wasn't right. This mindset only increased as he got ready to join the ranks at Fort Benning. On Family Day, visiting him, he looked handsome, clean-cut, and proud in his uniform.

Just then, he turned and looked at me with a look of utter distress. He said, "Mom, there's DUST on my shoes! I can't have dust on my SHOES!" His pride was on the line. I simply couldn't help but laugh at such a meticulous approach. Indeed, those shiny black shoes were dust-covered. He handed me his scarf and proceeded to clean his shoes. As he finished, he smiled and said, "Thanks Mom! I love you!" Such strict discipline is not strange but truly commendable. The Army has instilled in him a sense of pride in maintaining the highest standards.

Lessons in Discipline and Resourcefulness

The stories of these recruits show the depth of military training and its impact on personal habits. They demonstrate that the lessons learned in the military extend far beyond just physical fitness. The story of the dust on the shoes highlights the importance of adhering to strict standards, and the use of a scarf to clean the shoes teaches resourcefulness. These are valuable lessons that go beyond the walls of the camp and into the real world, instilling pride and discipline in both the recruits and their families.

Whether it's the sheer physical strength of one recruit or the meticulous discipline of another, these stories illustrate the unique experiences and lessons learned in the military. They also show that the lessons of the military extend far beyond the expertise they impart, instilling a sense of pride, discipline, and resourcefulness in those who serve.