Basic Training (also known as boot camp) is the first instruction given to those newly enlisted in all branches of the United States military. For current Wiscasset High School senior Andrew Corson, basic training was his summer.

Last April, Corson enlisted in the United States Army. On June 23, he traveled to Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma where he successfully completed boot camp over 65 days.

“My dad was in the military, and I heard it was a good path,”  Corson said. “A good career.”

According to Corson, a typical day started early. The barracks would wake at 5 a.m., and be required to have their bunks made within the first five minutes of the day. After personal hygiene time, the recruits had to get dressed in proper attire and march to the physical training area. There they did stability drills, calisthenics, movement and marching drills.

“We all had to do everything at the same time,” Corson said. “And it didn't matter if it was raining, we still were out there.”

Once finished, they would march back to the barracks to shower and change into uniform before marching to the “chow hall” located about one mile away. The recruits lined up, and had 10 minutes to eat. When moving around the hall they were required to move in military fashion (straight lines and turns) and talking was forbidden.

“One of the hardest parts was learning to use different words,” Corson said. “Chow, barracks, battery. We got used to it, but at first it was hard.”

After breakfast they had training, which varied from day to day.

“Sometimes we ran obstacle courses, or had training with M16's or M4's (military-issue guns),” Corson said. “We learned how to travel and move with our squads properly in a tactical environment and how to properly use and maintain our weapons. We learned about U.S. weapon systems and sometimes went on long marches where we had to keep in perfect formation.”

“My drill sergeant wanted everything perfect,” Corson said. “And if you messed up, the whole platoon got in trouble.”

Respect for officers was stressed as well. When spoken to, the recruits could only reply yes or no, with either “sir” or “drill sergeant” at the end depending on who was speaking to them. They learned to stand correctly without having to be told.

At the end of each day, the battery (group) cleaned the barracks.

“There were bunk and locker checks, and everything had to be set up a certain way,” Corson said. Lights out was at 10 p.m. Two recruits who were “battle buddies” stayed on patrol at night.

“It was hard, but worth it,” Corson said. “They drove home the Army values we needed to learn.”

Next summer, Corson will move on to AIT, or Advanced Individual Training. During this training he will receive more specific training in his chosen field, that of an Allied Trade Specialist.

“I've been told I will learn welding and metal fabrication, and how to use drill presses and other equipment,” Corson said. “Also combat training for when we get deployed.”

“It was definitely worth it,” Corson said. “And with a history of my family serving in the military, I felt I should carry that on.”