By SGT Volkin Every now and then I get the question "SGT Volkin, I am a vegetarian and I'm about to go to basic training, will I be forced to eat meat?" The short answer is no. The chow hall has a few vegetable options to choose from for each meal. These most often served vegetables include broccoli, peas and corn. Even if you're in the field, and a chow hall is not … [Read more...]
Stay Under the Radar of Drill Sergeants
January 20, 2011 Stacey Abler When my husband was in training, he often told me that he felt like he was a success if his drill sergeants didn't know his name. The reason being that the drill sergeants tended to know the names of those who caused some sort of trouble or didn't follow standards. He did his best to remain under the radar screen of his drill sergeants and … [Read more...]
Punishment for Mail in Basic Training
January 19 Stacey Abler When a soldier is in basic training, the main form of communication with family and friends is through sending and receiving letters. While some phone calls can be made, they tend to be very short and only occur at maximum of once a week. For this reason, letters tend to be referred to as gold during basic training as it is the main form of support from … [Read more...]
Special Pay for Veterinarians
Eligibility Requirements: A commissioned officer on active duty as a result of a call or order to active duty for a period of at least 1 year: Who is an officer of the Regular or a Reserve Component of the Army who is in the Veterinary Corps. Who is an officer of the Regular Air Force in the Biomedical Sciences Corps and holds a degree in veterinary medicine. Who is a … [Read more...]
Special Pay for Pharmacy Officers
Eligibility for a commissioned officer serving in a pay grade below 0-7 who fulfills the following: Is a pharmacy officer in the Medical Service Corps of the Army or Navy, Biomedical Sciences Corps of the Air Force, or is designated as a pharmacy officer in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, and Is on active duty under a call or order to active duty for … [Read more...]