As you all know, I've been absent from the blogging world (not to mention Facebook and Instagram...) for several months now.
Thank you United States Army.
It's official.
I am a United States Soldier.
Honestly, saying it out loud still seems so unreal. I say it, and I hear myself say it, but it doesn't sound like it could even be possible.
Yes, I went through Basic Combat Training (BCT).
But it still doesn't quite seem real.
Let's talk a little bit about BCT...
During BCT, there was a schedule for everything. From wake-up at 0500 (sometimes earlier) to lights-out at 2100 (sometimes later). We even had a schedule for when we were allowed to do our laundry. If you ran out of socks on Wednesday, you were out of luck because your laundry day wasn't until Thursday. Turn them inside out and call it "good". And then, if you were lucky, you might have been back to the battery in time to wash and dry your clothes.
Now that's not to say BCT wasn't any fun... I had a blast!
I learned how to shoot. I participated in some seriously awesome, massive bruise producing obstacle courses. I learned how to move as a member of a firing team in a combat situation. I made it through a 4K, 8K and 16K road march carrying a 30lb pack. And I made some amazing friends along the way. BCT was an amazing experience and I honestly wish everyone who is physically able was required to go through it once in their lifetime.
Not only did I learn new things, I learned a lot about myself.
I learned that I can be confident in myself.
I completed BCT. Me. I did it all.
I shot 34/40 targets on the range. I passed all three of my PT tests with flying colors. I wore the uniform every day, even when I didn't want to get out of bed. I earned my position as squad leader.
I did those things.
Was it hard? Absolutely.
Did I miss my family each and every day? Hell yes.
But am I proud of what I accomplished? Am I proud of what I am still doing?
More than anything.
People have told me I am selfish for joining the military, especially with my daughter and my husband both needing extra medical care. They have told me I was wrong for leaving them to pursue my dream. They have told me I should have just stayed where I was and lived with the choices I had made.
Let me tell you something.
This isn't just my dream.
This is my husband's dream. My husband fully supports me and tells me how proud he is of me on a daily basis. He is excited for our future and can't wait to live the Army life again, even if he is on the other side of the fence this time.
This is my daughter's dream. It is important for children to grow up knowing their parents have become everything they've ever wanted to be. My daughter is witnessing me becoming the woman and Soldier I have wanted to be since before she is born. She is watching me push myself and succeed. She has seen me earn the right to call myself a Soldier.
This is my family's dream. Joining the Army is going to provide for us, keep us healthy and safe. Becoming an Army family is making us stronger, even when we are apart.
We are an Army family.
I am an American Soldier.
