Rolling with the Caissons

I guess I'll have to find a new name for this blog now. I went to a scheduled meeting I had with the Navy recruiter at the beginning of the week (Monday) and he wasn't there...so I walked next door and joined the Army. We went through the potential jobs I could have in the Army and I found a couple that I would really like, first and foremost being 68W - Health Care Specialist...which is really just a liberal way of saying combat medic. The next day (Tuesday) Sergeant Anderson (my recruiter) called me and told me that a spot was open for 68W and that he could put a hold on it so I could get it guaranteed in my contract, so that's what we did. I went in yesterday (Wednesday) and finished up all the paperwork for my background check so I could get my Secret security clearance. Why I need a security clearance to walk around in the desert patching up wounded soldiers I will never know. I'm scheduled to go to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) on Monday the 22nd and spend the night at a hotel and get a physical and some other stuff done on Tuesday. I also got my ship date: 20110906. It seems forever far away, but hopefully it will come quick.

The Beginning of an end

Today, after much running around, mail requests, mail denials, bitter frustration, requisition forms, and general disappointment, I have finally gotten all the medical records and personal documents together that I needed to enlist in the United States Navy. My recruiter has submitted all of my information and said that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I should be able to leave for basic training in May or June. I've never been quite so excited for anything in my life. I've grown tired of living a mediocre life and can't wait to start a journey full of responsibility, honor, and dedication. I will try my best to keep this blog updated as I go through my various trainings and duty stations for a long time to come. I hope that this blog can be a tool for aspiring corpsman to use and better inform themselves and their families about what they can expect. I'll be going through MEPS this upcoming Wednesday and Friday. I'll be taking the ASVAB on Wednesday, followed by my physical on Friday. At least that's how we're planning it thus far.