Stories

A Soldier's Names

I joined the Army to become a SOLDIER. On my way to achieving that distinction, I had to endure fun and derisive names. Every Soldier does.

At MEPS, where I raised my hand and gave my oath to "support and defend the constitution," I thought, "NOW, I am a "Soldier."

Wrong.

For the rest of the day, until I left the reception station at Ft. Jackson,  they called me a "Recruit."

During Basic Training, we endured the official name "Trainee." Our Drill Sergeants mostly referred to us as "Yard Birds." After Basic Training, I figured that I was a Soldier.

Nope.

As soon as I reported to Infantry School (AIT) at Ft. Polk, the cadre told us we were "POGs" (people other than Grunts), pronounced Pogue.

At graduation, I earned my Crossed Rifles and light blue Infantry Cord. I reported to Ft. Benning for Basic Airborne Training, called "Jump School," knowing that now I was a Soldier, an Infantry Soldier.

No.

At Ft. Benning, we were "Legs," short for Straight Leg Infantry, or "NAPs," Non-airborne Personnel.

Graduating from Jump School was probably the proudest moment in my career so far. Many people, including some of my family, doubted I could cut it. I wore my wings with pride, knowing I was now one of America's elite Soldiers, Airborne Infantry.

No, I was a "Cherry."

Arriving at Charlie Company 2-505, the Troopers advised me, "You Ain't Shit."  I was a "5-Jump Commando," a "5-Jump Chump," or a "Cherry."  I had to jump in The Division and take my "Cherry Blast."  The Cherry Blast was a short series of physical tests. We did a PT test, a road march, and sprints in LCE, boots, and fatigues, professionally conducted by my Platoon Sergeant, unbeknownst to the Officer Corps.

Then, I was "Private" and "FNG" until I made SP-4. I was one of the lucky ones who made SP-4 quickly.

This coming-of-age process in the Army is necessary; once you arrive at each step, you know you have earned it.