The gas chamber at Ft Dix in New Jersey in the ’60’s was much smaller and fewer of us went through it at one time. I remember removing my mask and stating my name and then heading for the exit. I made it outside with no apparent effects when it hit me and I ended up on the ground. Basic ended in early June, 1967 and I was heading off to Morse code school when the Israel-Arab Six Day war started. They put all of us on hold for the duration. I asked my Sergeant what was going on and he said “if they need you for infantry you’re infantry”. I have always been thankful to the Israeli military for ending it in six days. I went on to become a Sergeant myself in a military intelligence unit.
Hooah! Signed up for armor branch as a new 2LT in 1988 and went to the last M-60A3 tank battalion in Europe, 5-77 AR. Did 28 years and had a hell of a good time.
Eric, what an excellent story. I was in the Air Force for 22 years, so my experience was somewhat different from yours, but similar in all the important aspects. I had a blast the whole time.
Know exactly how you feel. I should have joined at 18 out of high school instead of 30 (2004, GWoT). Life is split into 2 phases: before the Army, after the Army. Before the Army, I was immature, irresponsible and basically a douche... even at 30. The Army matured me. Ain't nothing like being responsible for the Government's equipment, other men's lives and facing the consequences for not paying attention to details. Best 7 years of my life (1 year IRR), even though it wasn't all gravy. Spent 3 years in Vilseck, Germany (with12 months in the middle spent in RC South, Afghanistan) on a European vacation at Government expense. Weekends all over Europe, even beyond the 200 miles limit. :-) Developed an addiction to hefeweizen, wurst and curry ketchup.
Lol. That’s funny. There is a difference. You’re not a slimy politician and are genuine. .mil dudes know when we encounter who has the stink. You’re good amigo.
Like you, I graduated HS in the Bay Area and almost enrolled at Feather River College. I joined the Navy at 17 and processed out from MEPs Oakland. Was a Cold War warrior hunting Soviet submarines and also deployed to Desert Shield / Storm and every war up until I retired in 2010. I was blessed to have been able to live in Europe as a Cold War kid and teenager and then again twice more with wife and then with kid. It was a fantastic education and I hate communism. I’ve seen what it does.
we used to come over on buses while our tanks came by train. we would be deployed in the Firing Center for 2 months, with a 4 day break in the middle where wives and girlfriends could come and meet us in Yakima for a couple days.
The gas chamber at Ft Dix in New Jersey in the ’60’s was much smaller and fewer of us went through it at one time. I remember removing my mask and stating my name and then heading for the exit. I made it outside with no apparent effects when it hit me and I ended up on the ground. Basic ended in early June, 1967 and I was heading off to Morse code school when the Israel-Arab Six Day war started. They put all of us on hold for the duration. I asked my Sergeant what was going on and he said “if they need you for infantry you’re infantry”. I have always been thankful to the Israeli military for ending it in six days. I went on to become a Sergeant myself in a military intelligence unit.
Went on active duty the 2nd of Feb 1982 as a Cavalry Scout. I started my 20 year career at Ft. Knox and finished it there as well.
I would do it all over again.
Outstanding! Glad to meet you brother!
My pleasure
Hooah! Signed up for armor branch as a new 2LT in 1988 and went to the last M-60A3 tank battalion in Europe, 5-77 AR. Did 28 years and had a hell of a good time.
Eric, what an excellent story. I was in the Air Force for 22 years, so my experience was somewhat different from yours, but similar in all the important aspects. I had a blast the whole time.
Thanks Mike! Nice to hear from you brother. We are all green, regardless of the branch
I didn't register any cursing. The article is excellent. Thank you for your service!
There were two places where I used cuss words. I try not to write that way, but it was needed for this particular post
Know exactly how you feel. I should have joined at 18 out of high school instead of 30 (2004, GWoT). Life is split into 2 phases: before the Army, after the Army. Before the Army, I was immature, irresponsible and basically a douche... even at 30. The Army matured me. Ain't nothing like being responsible for the Government's equipment, other men's lives and facing the consequences for not paying attention to details. Best 7 years of my life (1 year IRR), even though it wasn't all gravy. Spent 3 years in Vilseck, Germany (with12 months in the middle spent in RC South, Afghanistan) on a European vacation at Government expense. Weekends all over Europe, even beyond the 200 miles limit. :-) Developed an addiction to hefeweizen, wurst and curry ketchup.
Interesting article!
Love the pirate flag!
My crew was totally jazzed to fly it. And grumpy at the officer that made me take it down
What rank did you retire out of the Army?
E-8. E-9 was within reach, but had to balance that out with more deployments.
I get it.
good thing I've got patches and ribbons to say otherwise, cause even writing that made me feel somewhat Tim Walz'y
Hahahahaahaaha!
Lol. That’s funny. There is a difference. You’re not a slimy politician and are genuine. .mil dudes know when we encounter who has the stink. You’re good amigo.
Like you, I graduated HS in the Bay Area and almost enrolled at Feather River College. I joined the Navy at 17 and processed out from MEPs Oakland. Was a Cold War warrior hunting Soviet submarines and also deployed to Desert Shield / Storm and every war up until I retired in 2010. I was blessed to have been able to live in Europe as a Cold War kid and teenager and then again twice more with wife and then with kid. It was a fantastic education and I hate communism. I’ve seen what it does.
MEPS Oakland. And the hotel was in Richmond. There I was, country kid from the Sierra Nevada foothills, in the seediest possible hotel in the 'Hood!
Oh I know. I did it. I lived in Vallejo. On Mare Island.
Vallejo … my grandfather used to take us all to Marineworld back in the day
It’s a third world shit hole now.
That's too bad, it was a nice town on the edge of the Bay Area back then
Yep. Fun place to finish my last year of high school. Close ish to Big Bear and pine flat dam.
The guy I roomed with that night is a lifelong friend
Where I joined.
I’m from Yakima, always fun to see military exercises while driving to Ellensburg in the summer 👍
we used to come over on buses while our tanks came by train. we would be deployed in the Firing Center for 2 months, with a 4 day break in the middle where wives and girlfriends could come and meet us in Yakima for a couple days.
Infantry, HOOAHHH! Good stuff man, I'm subbing.
Carry on.
I walked border patrol in the 1980's in Germany and that absolutely convinced me that you infantry guys could keep it ;-)
Fulda Gap was a real thing
Civilians have no idea.
I spent 3 years there .... it was the real deal.
80’s? That’s about when I was in Mainz-Weisbaden, ~ 88-90. Saw that wall come down, still have a few pieces of it. Good times.
Eric, this was not rambling. Thank you for sharing your story.
you're welcome.