For months, young troops train, perfecting the skills they need to fulfill the MOS for which they signed up.
During training, troops imagine what life will be like once they’ve gotten their orders and arrive at their first unit.
Chances are, they’ve set their expectations way too high and are in for a huge letdown.
Related: 6 crazy things some troops get away with living in the barracks
1. Everyone is going to be a complete badass
Although the military is full of outstanding service members, most of them are just your “average Joe” trying to make a living. We blame this expectation on all those motivational posters and videos we saw in the recruiter’s office.
2. That the equipment would be brand new
We train with gear that isn’t brand new; don’t expect any of the equipment you get issued at supply to be any different.
3. Troops making decisions based on logic
Believe it or not, most of the decisions made aren’t the result of hours of intense discussion and proper planning. Typically, decisions are made based on time, money, and, most importantly, someone’s schedule.
4. You’ll be treated like an adult
Being legally an adult doesn’t mean you’re going to be treated like one once you arrive at your first unit. The fact is, many newbies aren’t mature enough to follow orders — and that screws it up for everybody else.
5. You assume you won’t work as a janitor anymore
False. Every lower enlisted troop has to keep their barracks room and workspace super clean. That means you’ll spend plenty of time scrubbing the floors.
6. You’ll have tons of freedom
You’re still going to pull duty and you’ll work seven days a week while you’re deployed.
Also Read: 7 ways ‘Starship Troopers’ is the most outstanding moto film ever
7. You think you’re special for some reason
Troops get chosen for a variety of projects — it’s not because you scored high on a test or because of your out-of-this-world personality. It’s because the military has a job that needs to get done and you just happened to be standing around.