Subject: Basic Training June 1984-August 1984
From: ET1 Cole
Purpose: Summarize the actions involved in Basic Training June 1984-August 1984
Graduation was quickly approaching. That meant that every Friday we, the Drill Company were performing in graduations. It was getting closer and we could hardly wait.Until then our lives were still being filled with classes, close order drill and personnel inspections.
Me and the spats
Why were they so difficult?
Because guys would hide stuff in them. One of the uniform regulations was that there was to be nothing in our dungaree pants pockets. No change, notes or nothing. Some guys would hide change in those spats. We'd be marching along and this change would fall out, clanking on the deck. You can imagine how many push ups and calisthetics we did over the few guys who decided to buck this rule. Parker hated it.
We also had to learn the chain of command for personnel inspections. The CO of RTC/NTC at the time was Capt. Marsha Evans. Later Rear Admiral Marsha Evans would command the Navy's Recruiting Command and pay a visit to my recruiting office. She was also the first woman to command a naval station. In her post military career she would head the Girls Scouts, Red Cross and LPGA.
Another unique figure was one of the chaplains. Chaplain Black had a distinguished career.
Barry C. Black is the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. He was elected to this position on June 27, 2003, becoming the first African-American, the first Seventh-day Adventist, and the first military chaplain to hold the office of chaplain to the United States Senate. The Senate elected its first chaplain in 1789.
I mention these two figures because I had the privilege of meeting many people who would later become part of American Naval History.
Graduation finally came on August 17. I was 15 pounds heavier (145) and in the best shape of my life. I had learned to place my trust in my shipmates, pay attention to detail, the meaning of hard work and of team work. I remember a sense of accomplishment and excitement both at the same time. I did it and I was excited. We all talked about getting out to the 'real Navy' and all of us looked forward to it
April and my parents came out from Arizona for graduation. We went to Sea World and went on a ship visit. We had a good weekend together before they left and I reported to Naval Training Center San Diego to begin Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE). NTC was just on the other side of the base.
August 17 became an important date for April and I. We were married exactly a year later.
Lessons Learned: The Navy has some of the most extraordinary people. Some didn't quite cut the mustard. Others are more than memorable and it was a privilege to serve with them. Never underestimate being a part of something bigger than yourself.Action Items: Starting BEE, home for Christmas
Appendix: Personnel Involved: Co. 84-926, EN1 Parker, April, my parents, Adm. Marsha Evans and Chaplain Black
4 comments:
Nothin' beats a graduation and the chance to mark another phase of growth and life.
absolutely fj
Wow, just discovering this material so late and going to bed now - but this is definitely book material. Seriously consider collecting these writings and getting published as it is very interesting reading so far.
FJ - Same for you, shipmate. I never knew you were in the merchant marines.
thanks John but this is therapy. I miss the Navy to the point of sadness and this helps me cope. It's for my kids too.
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