Back in '65 when I enlisted, D.I.'s were mean SOB's that I both respected and were in fear of.
I didn't realize at the time what political macjinations were in operation, I only knew I wanted to kill commies ... THAT was my post WW2 upbringing.
I accepted the abuse because I was a skinny little runt of a 17 yo and I SO badly wanted to be a man ... and I was pretty sure if I could get through this, I'd be a man.
That's how THIS skinny little kid thought anyway.
I was glad when my three years was up.
Fast forward and I understand the D.I.' s are not allowed to call you a faggot anymore, nor make you squirm with threats of a blanket party because of some alleged infraction ... I guess the platoon leader is not allowed to take you into the latrine and dry shave you, eh?
Probably can't call you a pussy neither ... cause one is standing next to you nor can he accuse you of having never been laid and THAT'S your problem
Y'see ... back in '65 ... even draftee's, though they had a rightly deserved attitude, still obeyed the figure of authority and were fine warriors ... pissed of sunsabitches, every one !
i'm not in touch with the military of today except for what I read here and I'm pretty sure anyone receiving a draft notice would probably bomb the recruiting office or some other radical response.
Especially an 18 year old that is making ton's of money selling dope.
It's not our father's Buick any more
That seems counterintuitive because of news articles regarding the PC nonsense which prevails our culture but I contend that the physical and mental demands are more taxing.
Of course this does not apply to the women's version where they allow bent knee push ups and shorter distance running as well as other concessions because of the upper body strength differences, (and others.)
Perhaps the system was more rigorous in the 40s and 50s in some ways. Of course the humiliations and other forms of abuse have been diminished which I do not necessarily agree with entirely, but the actual physical challenges these days are tougher and more difficult.
I watched videos of my son's Basic and I was astonished at how much more difficult if looked than what things were during my time,