The Greatest Punishment: Army Basic Training

The farthest back I can recall of my worst punishment would have to be Army basic training in January 2006. For 6 weeks I endured some of the fiercest physical and mental challenges. From hand-to-hand combat to mental anguish, this I would inevitably face in the Army's rushed war tactics and training. Thinking I was prepared for it all, I soon would find out I knew nothing at all. I encountered more medical appointments than ever in my life. That not being the end, I would eventually go through some of the hardest emotional distresses a mother could face. Not having communications with the rest of the world would eventually bring up some fierce back home issues to life that I have ever faced. I don't remember a time where I continually did fall without an ounce of light, as it did that February 2006.

The challenges on the physical level were both expected and unexpected tests. Exercising, in their opinion, was 3 mile runs at 5:00 a.m. There were also the never ending repetitions of sit ups and pushups. I encountered many trips to the beach; which was war tactics and games in the sand. These usually began around 2:00 a.m. I am pretty sure; I swore to myself I would never actually go to the beach ever again. Sweating in the new stylish, yet heavy uniforms, the sand would get in your clothes and cut your skin painfully. This pain was the worst in your boots, and the blisters many encountered; I couldn't imagine. The worst physical challenge I ever faced was a 3 mile run in which, proudly, I stayed with the formation the entire 3 miles, on a broken right fibula (unknown then). However, I completed those 3 miles, running with all the will a person could ever give. I would not quit! I was strong, and no matter what, I was going to finish it. I did finish all the miles in formation that day. Now when this was all over, kind of comical now; I cursed the Drill Sergeant's unspeakable words. They were to blame for making my life hell.

Catching attention from the unit commander, I was immediately taken to the Troop Medical Center once again. The same "Troop Medical Center" that kept telling me my ankle was sprained. Only later would it be proven, the "so-called" doctors were wrong all along. I had never felt excruciating pain like this before. It felt as if gravity was holding my ankle and leg to the ground. A sword was inside my bones and grinding them away. My ankle was swollen at least three inches from my leg. This is when it was discovered that besides having a broken right fibula, I had broken more along my right side. I had cracked my pelvis in half and fractured my hip. The doctors said I had been too long on a broken outer leg and carried too much weight on it during that time. This was the reason my pelvis and hip were broken. The "long time" they talked about was the three weeks I continued to do as I was told, and they kept sending me away with an ankle "sprain." This was by far, the hardest physical challenge I had ever faced.

Besides the physical pain and challenges, I had to mentally keep alive and keep from breaking down. The mental aspects behind basic training, I only thought I knew were some of the hardest challenges for a person to face. I had combat tactic exercises for an hour in which we would literally beat each other with hand to hand combat. Sometimes I would luck out; this would be done with jousting type sticks that looked like huge cotton swabs. However don't be mistaken, they were not all that soft. These were followed by classroom knowledge training sessions. If I happened to nod off just for a second, I would quickly be awakened with instructions of physical exercises to keep me awake. The pain of tired muscles and now the brain, I couldn't help but to feel defeat overcoming me. I don't think anyone left without getting caught sleeping at least one time. This training would usually last an hour, and I would be instructed to the next combat tactical exercise or a fun new war game. I was however fortunate. I knew this was all a mind game from the beginning. I knew they wanted to break you down and rebuild you. They played God and made you in their creation. I never had a clue of the mental anguish that was to be involved and to come my way.

Shortly after finding out that I had nothing but a broken body; I began to feel a loneliness I had never felt before. I became completely isolated from my company and battle buddies. They didn't want the "broken body" or "dead man walking" with them anymore. To add to this anguish and feelings of self guilt, I got the news that I dreaded the most. Any mother would lose their mind at this point, as I believe I did as well. Now understand that we did not have outside communication with the world other than the postal mail. Every couple of weeks, we would be allowed to call home, but not to our own liking. The time was usually limited to three minutes on these calls. During one of my phone calls, I found out my son was left in an unhealthy and abusive environment with his step mother while his father was in Iraq. During this same week, I was informed me of the news back home. I was hit with lawsuits for child support. Legal papers drawn against me stated that I abandoned my son, along with a house my ex-husband and I were closing on together. I was being sued for abandonment, this taking place when everyone knew where I was. This was the first time in my life I actually was infuriated so much that it scared everyone around me, including the Drill Sergeants. My ex and his wife knew where I was. The whole reason I signed over custody was to go to basic training. I couldn't believe she was mistreating my son, and I couldn't do anything about it right then and there like a mother should. I felt completely helpless. The pain I felt during these six weeks; both physically and mentally tremendous. These six weeks were the equality of a year in purgatory.

Throughout all of this punishment, I am still able to say that after 3 years of serving our United States and the Arkansas state governments; I walk with pride and patriotism in my veins. All the events I did encounter, I know I must take with me to survive. Even though my military career was short-lived, I was able to do something that most people today still only dream about. I accomplished my childhood dream! I was taught discipline, wisdom, and pride. I endured and overcame physical and mental weaknesses, resulting in unmentionable strengths. I am trained to do combat medical procedures that many doctors even today cannot do. I am also trained to defend our country under any circumstance, and even though broken, I will gladly do so in a heartbeat, still. In these wretched memories, I came to realize one simple thing. No matter what I encountered, I had actually earned my own personal reward in life. The pride and strength that no one can take from me, forever just mine; I will survive. The six long weeks combined with three and a half years, I still feel the physical pain on a daily basis. Still, I would do it all over again. This was the greatest accomplishment and gift I have yet to receive.