The Vietnam-era Army’s ‘Shake n’ Bake’ school bumped basic trainees to NCOs
The war in Vietnam was fought very differently from World War II in many ways. The most troubling way for U.S. Army manpower was that it wasn’t being fought with…
This recruit lost over 100 pounds to join the Marine Corps
In September 2022, a DoD study revealed that just 23% of Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 qualified for military service. The biggest disqualifying factor is weight, with…
The complete base guide to Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is one of the largest Marine installations in the United States. On fact, the installation spans more than 125,000 acres at the northern tip of…
5 terribly hilarious gifts to scuff up a basic trainee
One of the great mysteries of the civilian world is the need for people to send care packages to new troops going through Basic Training or Boot Camp.
It’s not only counter-productive (the idea of isolated training is to transition a civ…
Thinking about joining the Navy? Here’s what boot camp is like
It’s fun to make fun of the Navy. All those uniforms. Using bells to tell times. But the truth is that Navy boot camp is no joke. Here’s what a…
The complete guide to Fort Leonard Wood
Are you a fan of the Ozarks or maybe you’ve just seen the show and you’re itching to get to the Show Me State. Well, Fort Leonard Wood isn’t going…
The complete Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island base guide
Marines, sound off! The Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island is a straight-up institution as far as the USMC is concerned. No, seriously. It’s truly one of the most…
5 hilarious drill instructor episodes
Marine Drill Instructors are the most disciplined and intimidating individuals to ever wear a uniform. Their reputation is legendary and include attributes such as tireless energy, superior attention to detail…
The 7 universally important things to know before any boot camp
Everyone who enters the US military these days will go through basic training. Although each branch of the military (including the Coast Guard) has a markedly different experience in their initial training days, there are things a young would-be tro…
11 Things new soldiers complain about during basic training
Through the use of insults, strict discipline, sleep deprivation, and controlled explosions, Army drill sergeants turn recent high school grads and civilians looking for a new job into trained soldiers ready to serve in America’s wars. This transit…