When I went into the army and reported to the Reception Station before going to basic training, we all had our heads shaved and got some of our shots. After the haircut, there was mass confusion when nobody recognized their new buddies because everybody looked the same.
Do they still do that? In the military, not the sheep farms.
ReplyDeleteYep, I remember that. Great Lakes Naval Training Center Day One, late November '64. Shit can reveille at 04:30. 10 minutes to be in formation for roll call with bed made and dressed. March a mile to the chow hall, 20 minutes to be back in formation, 17 min. of which was standing in line waiting to get to the chow line, to have hot food thrown onto your freezing cold metal tray, then march back to the barracks.
ReplyDeleteNext was company sized marching drill on the grinder until about 08:00. Then march to the barber shop for a skinhead cut which took about ten seconds and you had to pay for that indignity. Then march to the infirmary for the first round of shots. I think it was two in each shoulder front and back or maybe it was one in each shoulder and one in each butt cheek. Memory's a little fuzzy there. Then march a mile to the commissary for uniforms, skivvies, socks, shoes, boondockers, pea coat and sea bag to hold it all. Then march back to the barracks with the full sea bag on your right shoulder, mark all of your issue with name and serial number, pack up your civvies and mail them home. Then more company marching drill. Then back to the barracks to learn how to properly roll, fold and stow all of your newly issued gear in your locker. Then locker inspection. My locker was perfect, just as pictured in the handbook. Everything tight. The whole thing ended up on the deck, along with most everyone else's. Such was the first day of learning you're no longer you and subject to military discipline. Still wouldn't trade the experience for anything else.
Nemo
Very similar experience to what you wrote. 1989 Great Lakes RTC.
DeleteBlue Tile Spook
And the best part was the ones who had already been shorn screaming - You’ll be Sorry!
ReplyDeleteFort Ord, baby, 1970!
ReplyDeleteLeft: Democrats in line to vote.
ReplyDeleteRight: Democrats AFTER their vote.
Yup. I remember that too. Nobody recognized anyone else. And it was January and we froze our tails off. Yes, they still do it (but not to the womenfolk)
ReplyDeletePic on the right looks like America 2022
ReplyDeleteOnly if you identify as a male hetero, otherwise if you just have a pecker and prance instead of march, you can have a man-bun.
ReplyDeleteFort Leonard Wood - Dec 70 to Feb 71. Lovely, lovely weather - NOT!
ReplyDeleteClose it up,close it UP! Make your buddy smile! Fort Jackson, 1964.
ReplyDeleteSame thing in Orlando May 1975. You line up with guys you recognize. You come out rubbing your head to see a bunch of bald strangers.
ReplyDeleteFort Polk Louisiana 1975
ReplyDeleteI had a brother, I'm being nice, ahead of me getting in the chair. The barber lopped his hair off and his entire skull was completely covered with some off white shit looked like paste. DI said, Don't you wash your hair hog? Yes sir he said. He left the chair they put me in and never changed the clippers. Nasty filthy bastard. Never will I forget that.
ReplyDeleteSame here. Fort Polk 1971
ReplyDelete