Emotions Running High

[ckw]

Hello,

I was sworn in Jan 10th 2008.  Since then I have had many emotions, I am excited most of all, but at the same time nervous and scared.  I am a 46 year old woman, so I guess my biggest fear is the physical aspect.  I know that older people going through basic and they are making it through okay.  I also know that there are others that are in the same boat, so I would like to hear from them to get some idea of what they are feeling and how they are dealing with the emotion overload.  I am lucky in that,  I have a great number of people who are supportive and believe in me.  I only have 9 days till I fly out and start my new experiences, so I would like to have myself together.  I don't know if any of these emotions will be put at ease until I have completed that first leg of my journey.  I am not going to look back, only push forward, just hoping that some of what I am feeling gets easier.

I am so looking forward to all that I am going to learn, do and all the people I will meet.

 

[PMedMoe]

ckw, good luck and I'm sure you will do great.  Don't be surprised if the members in your platoon start calling you Mom!!
There's a Pte who just got posted into my unit last year who is 50 years old!!
Keep a positive outlook!!

 

[Roy Harding]

Fear and trepidation are normal responses - don't worry about feeling them.  Age has very little to do with it - ask any young Pte who has had his ass run into the ground by an "old" Sr NCO.

For what it's worth - my wife was "old" (33) when she joined in 1990 - and she ran the young pups into the ground - repeatedly.

As you get further into the training your self-confidence will come back - amplified.  Your current trepidation is a normal reaction for EVERYONE, no matter their age.  If you're in decent shape you'll be fine.

Good luck to you,

Roy

 

[GUNS]

ckw, you are one lucky person. You get to wear the uniform of your country.

I would sell my soul just to get the chance to wear the uniform again.

You will do fine and not to worry. If its something you really want to do, you will do it.

Best of luck

 

[ckw]

Thank you for your responses.  I am in good condition, but think that doing a workout in a gym is, a lot different than say the obstacle course, repelling or a fireman's carry.  Those types of physical activities are what I am afraid of. 

 

[Springroll]

Thank you for your responses.  I am in good condition, but think that doing a workout in a gym is, a lot different than say the obstacle course, repelling or a fireman's carry.  Those types of physical activities are what I am afraid of. 

If it helps you feel any better, I saw many an "older" recruit easily tackle those very activities that you are concerned about.
Top female athlete in my platoon was 34. She beat out most of the guys just by giving her all. Your instructors will guide you as much as they can, but in the end, only you have control over your abilities. I am sure you will do great. Just remember that there have been many people before you with the same fears, and they overcame just like I am sure you will.

Best of luck and I hope you love the experience!!

 

[boxseats]

so I guess my biggest fear is the physical aspect. 

At about your age, I joined a volunteer fire department in a rural area.  There was plenty of hands-on training that was very physically demanding.  When I went to training, it was with men and women who were often far younger.  I discovered that it is not age that matters, rather it is the personal affinity one has, or does not, for physical activity.  Sometimes, strenuous physical activity.  Gym aside, do you love the feeling after working hard with equipment?   When you wake up in the morning and your body aches all over, do you enjoy the reminder of its source, savor the healing, and eagerly anticipate the next time out? 

Do not worry if your body can do it.  It can.  Judge if your mind is determined, your emotions willing, and if part of your soul is that of soldier.