There’s no shortage of heroic war stories — truth or fiction — with heavy amounts of glory and honor in them, which can cause young adults to crave certain adventures. Although serving in the infantry does bring a level of individual satisfaction, many facts tend to get left out regarding what it’s really like to be a ground pounder.
So before you run to your local recruiting office to sign on the dotted line and become a hero or whatever, here are a few things you might need to know:
1. It’s a dangerous job
Movies do a great job depicting how dangerous war can be as directors add in cinematic kills and awesome camera work.
In real life, there’s no pulse-pounding theme music or slow motion effects — the sh*t is real.
Yes, we’re serious. (Image via Giphy)
2. You will make unbreakable relationships
Once you make a friend in the infantry, you always have that special bond no matter what.
Hopefully, you’re the “Maverick” in the relationship. (Image via Giphy)
3. It can be really, really boring
You’ve probably heard the phrase “hurry up and wait.” In a grunt unit, everything takes more time than it should and you’re going to have plenty of down time. So make sure you have games downloaded on your smartphone to play and help you stay awake while you wait for the higher-ups to “pass the word.”
Stay awake brain. (Image via Giphy)
4. You will get to blow sh*t up
This is the best part. That is all.
3/5 Get Some! (Image via Giphy)
5. You will be made to do stupid tasks
It’s called a “working party.” This sounds way more fun than it actually is. Instead of plenty of beer and drunken coeds, you’ll be outside in the heat “police calling” cigarette butts or mopping your boss’s office.
If this looks fun, being a boot in the infantry may be your calling(Image via Giphy)
Also Read: 5 differences between Army and Marine Corps infantry
6. You will go on a lot of mandatory hikes
Whether it’s 5 miles or 25 miles, an infantryman will put on all his gear and equipment and walk the base to help get him in shape for deployment — it’s called a conditioning hike and it’s the worst.
Here’s a fun little trick, wear pantyhose under your socks to keep from ripping up your heels up. You’re welcome.
It might look weird, but it can save your feet and maybe even your life. (Image via Giphy)
7. You’ll earn yourself lifelong pride, you smug bastard.
If you manage to get through all the training, deploy to combat, and make it home safe — you will have unspoken bragging rights forever.
Smile! You’re not serving behind a desk for the next four years. (Image via Giphy)