Last night I was up until midnight working on all things Go David Strong because I just haven't put in enough time or anything (sarcasm).  But really, I actually hadn't put any dedicated thought into how I'd continue with the episodes, let alone what I'd present, since July 2010.  While BWC is not behind me and very much still an ongoing affair that requires a lot of my time at night, I will sacrifice the time each evening along with studying to record a new episode each week.  There!  I said it, which makes it an official promise to put out an episode for the next seven weeks.  Why seven?  Because I actually brainstormed and came up with seven topics to research and share based exclusively upon my personal experience in Army Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.  So rest assured, all of the forthcoming episodes are dedicated to helping future soldiers to gain as much inside information as possible before shipping, from a recent graduate like myself while the info is still relevant (the Army is forever evolving to no end).

So look for an episode to be up starting next week on Monday January 24th, and six more Mondays thereafter.  As for what will come on the eighth week, I really don't know.  If you have suggestions or pressing topics you'd like for me to cover, just shoot me an email to godavidstrong@gmail.com or leave your suggestion/idea/recommendation in the comments on this post.

I really and truly appreciate all of you guys and hope that your Army careers are off to a good start--mine definitely is!  I really want to be of help to you all so that others aren't as in the dark as I sorta felt when I first started toying with the idea of enlisting.  It truly is scary in the beginning and sometimes hard to float the idea of joining the military to your parents, no matter how old you are!  

Before I end this post I have some things that have been on my heart for a while.  These are matters that have begun to bother me and I feel strongly about.  I want to take some time to address various comments, and archaic ideologies, beliefs and/or perspectives that have been thrown at me since I joined the military from civilians--even my friends (no offense to them).  

Let's start with when people learn of your plans to enlist or that have enlisted.  This is directed at people who are informed about a close friend or relative's choice to join the military.  Personally, the response has been, "that's crazy" or "you're crazy"--even "they're all crazy"--"they" being the military service members.  When you get someone who reacts that way--excluding parents, as their reaction is understandable--but anyone else it is insensitive, to say the least, and a slap in the face to any person who has served America since the military became all voluntary.  The statement, "that's crazy" to a person who heard the call and felt conviction to become a soldier, marine, airmen or seaman smacks of ignorance, somewhat selfish and highly ungrateful.  It is ignorant and ungrateful because the American way of life is, believe it or not, sustained by a large degree of military might even in peacetime.  Our freedom to have chill lives with our Caramel Machiattos, tapping our iPads isn't held together by "Kumbaya" circles and free hugs.  That's just reality.   It's somewhat selfish because in the guise of concern, their is a failure to see the decision from the military volunteer's point of view--not what you would do, or wouldn't do in this case.  Stop projecting.  Listen to him or her explain why going the route of the military has become important.  Don't give opinions where it wasn't asked.  This has happened to me on many occasions before and after I enlisted.  I was very offended, but I said nothing in return.  I probably should have spoken up.  

The Army (don't know about the other branches) has really changed, and the civilian perspective or view of the Army is both sorely outdated and quite morbidly wrong in a lot of ways, excluding families of service members.  I mean no offense but there are civilians who will try give you unsolicited "insight" (doing the quoty fingers lol) into what they know, or think they know about how horrific and deranged the military can make you.  And they say it as if you actually asked and want to know.  And despite their best intent, it can sometimes become offensive (but personally in keeping with my temperament, I swallow it and let it slide).

They will, if you let them, scare the hell out of you and further sensationalize what truths do exist in their ignorant misguided and half-truthful "advice" or "info"--no matter how well-intentioned they may be.  Sometimes this will be your friends who will do this.  The conversation usually starts with "My *insert family member/friend here* was/is in the military...." blah blah blah psycho mind-freaking (euphemism).  Don't listen to them!  Find someone who is currently in the Army and has been in for at least 8 to 10 years to see the change that has happened up to now.  Yes, the dangers of war are very real for each and every soldier, but NO ONE joins ignorant of this fact.  So when conversations like this start among your civilians friends or family, it's probably worth tuning out for your own sake or be up front (I should do this myself) and say, "Hey, I appreciate (thinking: not really) what you're trying to say, but I honestly prefer we not talk about that."   Something to that affect.  Or cut them off and change the subject to subtly, but emphatically convey your discomfort.   ...or maybe that's just me. lol idk

Let me dispel any belief, if it still exists, that the Army is anything like "Full Metal Jacket".  For one, the film follows civilians who become marines (let's state the obvious up front LOL).  Secondly, drill sergeants are NOT to speak nor hit a private as depicted in that film...well some bend the rules to the breaking point but not like the film referred to here.  OH and that is all Hollywood too.  This is not the 1960s, 70s or earlier.  We are in a time of modern warfare and abuse and degradation are not the methods espoused in Army training.  Tracking?  My drill sergeants broke me down and built me back up without all of that abusive nonsense.

Finally, No matter who you are, in the Army we are all green and called by our rank and last name.  In other words, regardless of your race, color, creed, or who you love, you will be surprisingly shocked at how close-knit the Army can be.  We are Army Strong. Yes, you will inevitably run into the bigots and hypocrites  in uniform, but the Army's core values and regulations have changed and improved such that many and varying people can serve their country without fear of malicious reprisal--both from peers, superior ranking officers and non-commissioned officers.  More to the point, you'll find the the majority of today's soldiers live by the Army values and regulations with a strong sense of moral character and pride.  Again lot has changed and I, for one, am very proud to be an American Soldier in today's Army.

Anyway, enough rambling!  See you guys on YouTube January 24th!

Hooah!!