Why yes, yes I have. It just so happens that I took a beat down when I was 26 years old. The beater was my husband at the time. It pissed me off so damn bad, that I drove into our little town the next day and marched straight into the marine recruiter's office.
There were three huge marines standing there and when I said I wanted to enlist, they all started talking loud and fast and it scared the shit outta me lol. I told them I changed my mind and left. Two doors down was the Army recruiter's office and in I went.
One army sergeant, not scary at all. What possessed me to go to that extreme? One thing, and one thing only. I was going to learn to fight. Not cat scratching, hair pulling, teeth biting fighting. I wanted to learn how to think while I was fighting, to fight smart and in multiple ways. To be able to stand up for myself.
Being married at the time, papers had to be signed that it was agreed to by both parties. The husband signed, I packed a bag and left to take a room in town until the day came to hit the MEPS station. From there it was a short wait before heading off to basic training.
My initial induction photo
Eight weeks of intense physical training interspersed with weapons and ordinance training and hand to hand combat left me feeling more in control of my body and more capable of defending myself.
We were issued M16s and trained with them religiously. We had one night only of low crawling under live fire so I'm not sure that qualifies as getting fired at, but I did a shit ton of firing myself.
Toward the end of basic, we trained with the pugil stick and I really loved that lol. I was older than all of the other girls and when I put my war face on and started yelling, they would scatter like flies.
Waiting on inspection - shitty photograph and shitty hair lol
Being classified as combat medics we were to be attached to the First Infantry Division and so were also instructed in using LAW rockets, grenades and claymore mines.
At the end of those eight weeks, my body and my mind were fundamentally changed and that training has served me well all of these years since. I have not had to fight, and I'm glad because that was so long ago, I'd make a pretty poor showing lol.
Dressed and heading out to basic training graduation ceremonies. Yep, my name then was McSparin, thanks to the aforementioned husband. We were divorced by the time I got to my permanent duty station.
Thanks to @galenkp for the opportunity to post in his community and thanks to @krazzytrukker for the topic prompt
Way to take the bull by the horns! I can't say anymore than what's already been said by @galenkp
Thanks Joe! It's always good to see ya!
YOu are welcome. Same here. Appreciate you sharing something so personal. I know that is not easy for some of us to do.
Go Navy beat Army!
Ooooh..the age old rivalry is always exciting! I really enjoy reading about the lives of others, and travelling the world through the photos they share here, but it seems almost painful to put myself out there.
Hope you have a great Sunday, Joe!
You too
Great post indeed. It started with a beat down and ended with great personal triumph and left me (the reader) with a solid understanding of what makes you tick and the fact that you have a backbone, gumption, grit, ownership and discipline among other excellent qualities. Thank you for your service and for that amazing hair, the world is a better place because of both.
Thank you! 😂 'That Amazing Hair' brought to you by @galenkp's #weekend-engagement! I wouldn't put myself out there except you're easy to talk to. Been here almost 8 years and just now breaking the ice. I don't like to jump into things ya know😉😂
It took 8 bloody years for my mojo to take hold but now it has...well, it's pretty fucken hard to resist right?
Also, don't think I didn't notice that legit M16 poster behind you either, or dem eyes of yours. 😶
Yep, that mojo is some powerful stuff...super hard to resist! I wanted to take that poster home 😆
I'd pay for that poster, I wonder if it's available somewhere although I'd imagine not. I have a few (kinda) similar ones actually, sort of mementos.
It's about as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls so probably not available unless through a collector😆 Maybe from a military surplus store? I would imagine you have a decent collection of weapon and military memorabilia?
Yeah, I have some of that for sure and am always on the hunt for things that I find relevant when I'm out and about; I'd not say I'm a collector but I value history and military stuff (in a world full of people who don't seem to care) so if I see something and it's affordable I'm into it.
Honestly
❤️
Wowsers, that is an awesome thing. You totally turned that round and came out better! I am amazed they let you leave with that hair tho, they would surely have wanted to keep that as a weapon!
😂 I know right? That hair slayed many a foe in close combat 😂. I was thinking of reinstituting that style to keep the weirdos away, but thought better of that idea as it may well draw them in! It's good ta see you again!
You certainly believe in going all in. No dilly-dallying or shilly-shallying. When I wanted to learn self-defence I joined a martial arts club!:)
hahaha...You're not wrong there. My dad tried to get me to call it off by telling me that my mom wouldn't be able to get me out of it, which only fueled my desire to go. In the end, I'm glad I went and still wouldn't mind the martial arts training. For me though, it was as much about the mental training as it was about the physical and the separation from all I had previously known allowed me to fully immerse myself.
Greetings Dear @tamaralovelace ,
What can I say....What a story, What an experience....your desire to be able to fight and think at the same time is impressive...and makes for a worthy goal. Words are very powerful...thinking is very powerful...the fight is the learned follow through mechanics accompanied by thought. Energy harnessed is the most useful energy.
Your service is to be commended.
Through your words on Hive....I already had a good idea of your tenacity and courage...however this chapter....leaves no doubt.
Kind Regards,
Bleujay
Thank you so much @bleujay...your words mean a lot to me as you are the epitome of grace, charm and wisdom, as well as your skill in watercolors! I also don't want to leave out your commanding sailing skills😆, which are legendary! It is truly a pleasure!
Some investigations says u can have a full change in only 3 weeks, it's amazing how u handle it. I been on the both sides of the gun in the pass, and now that just was life lessions. Cheers señorita 🌹
Thank you so much! I appreciate your visit :)
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