Stories

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 finally 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, knowing that 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 one of the proudest moments in my career so far. Many people, including some of my family, doubted I could cut it. I wore my parachute wings and jump boots 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 with 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.