On Mondays we go to a place where the new soldiers (fresh from 8 weeks of Basic Training) attend "In-Processing". They are given briefs on medical, dental, legal, financial, and spiritual information (to name a few). These soldiers are weary from travel, less sleep, army food, listening to too many presenters and army life in general. They are told not to fall asleep, but that is impossible for some. When they do, the sergeant in charge yells at them to go in the back and do push ups. They can choose to do a few push ups on their own, or just stand, to keep themselves awake or they can be yelled at and told how many push ups to do when they nod off.
I used to think this was kind of mean and that they were being punished for going to sleep when they are SOOO tired.
I've changed my mind.
We have watched boys and men turn into "lean mean machines" in the few months they are here. Some of them love the challenges presented and do what they are told because they know it is for their own good. (Even if some of it does seem ridiculous and extra picky). Some fight the system, constantly trying to outwit the system, break the rules, and see how much they can get away with. Either way, they become stronger, leaner, and smarter. Some appreciate what they have become, some are unaware of the growth. They are being taught to fight for their country, for freedom, to save lives, and to save their own lives. We have learned that the sergeants really do care about their soldiers. They aren't just being mean. They know how important it is for them to have the discipline and strength to be ready for what will be required of them in their future assignments.
Some of our "boys" will be deployed to Afghanistan soon. How would it be if they fell asleep when they were weary because they hadn't learned to stay awake when it is important? How would it be if they couldn't pass their physical training tests here and when they are in a tougher situation couldn't get where they needed to be (or away from where they didn't want to be!)?
Yes, this is tough. Yes, they chose it. No, they probably didn't know how tough it would be. Yes, they become real soldiers as they pass the tests.
Didn't we do the same when we chose to come to this earth? Did we know how tough it would be? Don't we need to be awake and ready to meet the challenges? Don't we grow stronger as we accept assignments and follow the rules? Our Father in Heaven does care about us and that's why gives us the challenges we need to grow. It is for our own safety and happiness. Do we realize and appreciate the strong soldiers that we have become?
I wasn't sure if it was OK to take pictures of the soldiers when they were being "disciplined". I asked Elder Elkins to snap a few quick pictures when he got the chance and hope we weren't kicked out of the room. We always have a camera because we take individual pictures of the new LDS soldiers. This one was funny because this sergeant saw us take a picture, then said, "Wait I wasn't ready!" So he posed for better picture. Ha ha. So we printed this one and gave him a copy. He looked at it and said, "Oh, I look mean, don't I?" He seems like a really good man.
Sometimes the whole group gets in trouble, like this group. They had to do a few "exercises" before they were allowed to sit down and finish the presentations.
The reflectors they are wearing over their shoulders are worn by all AIT (Advanced Individual Training) students. They hate that thing. (Kind of like the "dork dot" that a new missionary wears in the MTC) They are required to wear it all times they are outside. When they are in a PT outfit doing exercises they wear it as a belt.
I guess too many soldiers were getting hit by cars since they are in camouflage clothing! Admittedly, it does make them easier to see.
This soldier turned around and gave us a dirty look when this picture was snapped.
This is the warm weather PT outfit.
Here is the cold weather PT outfit.
Those soldiers who choose to have a balanced army life remember how important it is to have spiritual growth along with the physical activity. The battalion commander is on the left with a hand on his son's shoulder. The rest of his family is at the far end of the table. He is the boss over our soldiers and a faithful Latter-day Saint. He comes to our church services occasionally to speak in Sacrament Meeting. When I told them he was coming on this day, our biggest soldier said, "Oh great! He scares me!" But when he listened to the testimony of this faithful man and visited with him over lunch, he got the true picture. A soldier CAN be a strong man, have a strong testimony, and have a faithful family at the same time.
That which makes us stronger could be that which makes us happier.
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