Author Topic: Boot camp during the Vietnam War (Read 903 times)

davidpt40 · « **on:** March 03, 2003, 04:58:03 AM »

What was boot camp for the U.S. military like during the Vietnam War? I've heard second hand that it was very brutal, with the DS/DI striking recruits very frequently, and very abusive language.

AKWeav · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2003, 06:13:23 AM »

Physically demanding. Only time I got "struck" was as we were marching to the company area, I responded to a "to the rear harch" from another DI. This earned me a wack with our DI's campaign hat.

AKIron · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2003, 10:21:41 AM »

I got in just after the US had pretty much disengaged, Aug '73. AF boot camp was a breeze.

john9001 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2003, 10:40:47 AM »

in peace time boot camps (12weeks ) are much longer than in war time , they need to get people trained fast in war time.

DS/DI can not strike recruits, not saying it never happened but not suposed to, abusive language is just part of the training.

compared to marine corp boot camp the AF "boot camp" is more like a few weeks orientation period

AKIron · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2003, 11:00:48 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by john9001
compared to marine corp boot camp the AF "boot camp" is more like a few weeks orientation period

No argument from me, like 6 weeks at the country club.

gofaster · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2003, 11:27:13 AM »

Its still a lot easier than law school.

AKIron · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2003, 12:34:32 PM »

I'm sure everyone is dying to see this.

Siaf__csf · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2003, 01:52:53 PM »

Why are they covering that one guys private parts with the flag? Is he having a woody?

AKIron · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2003, 01:56:58 PM »

Though some TIs were known for "having a hard-on" he wasn't one of them. Very easy going guy.

Maverick · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2003, 04:57:35 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by gofaster
Its still a lot easier than law school.

A hell of alot more productive too.

Mark Luper · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2003, 05:06:53 PM »

I went through basic training at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Tx in the summer of '66. The language was of course quite colorful and the Drill Seargeants quite "pushy". The DS's in our platoon were fair though and tried to teach us reservist survival in a 6 week period of time.

My whole company consisted of National Guardsmen and Army Reservist so they may not have been quite as hard on us for that reason but when I got off the bus that first day in the company area it was probably the scariest moment of my life up till that time.

P.S. That's right Hang, it is 8 weeks...forgot, been a while...

Silat · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2003, 05:33:14 PM »

Basically Full Metal Jacket. And yes the Di's at that time could get away with murder.................

Ft Campbell Ky for Basic
Ft Sill OK for FDC training

Hangtime · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2003, 09:08:18 PM »

R. Lee was outstanding in Full Metal Jacket. I doubt if our young puppy with the questions has ever seen it.

My 8 weeks of Basic was not that bad.. It was ruff at Ft. Ord.. but not as bad as things were down at Pendleton. AIT was a breeze in comparison.

USMC!

davidpt40 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2003, 09:36:05 PM »

I've seen it Hangtime.

Hangtime · « **Reply #14 on:** March 03, 2003, 09:58:41 PM »

then yer question is answered.