Things the Army Has Taught Me

#1: The Mary Poppins bag.

I have no idea what it's really called but to me, this has magic powers. Unbelievable amounts of stuff will fit in here. For example, this bag has 3 uniforms, summer and winter pt's, 10 pairs of socks, boots, two sleeping bags, a parka, and about a hundred other things. Seriously, it's a magic Army bag.

#2: The Army has their own lingo. If you don't use it, you will be an outcast.

Ah, the Commissary, aka the grocery store. However, if you say, "Hey, I'm going to the grocery store," people will look at you like you're crazy. Also, gas stations are called Shopettes and you don't go to Wal-mart, you shop at the PX. Learn fast my friends, or you will be shunned.

#3: Don't speed or the MP's will get you.

Driving on post will give you anxiety. It's a fact. The speed limit is 25mph unless its pt time, then it's 10mph. If you speed, the MP's will get you. Then you'll get a ticket and your soldier will have to write a 3-page essay and work on Saturday.

(MP's are Military Police, btw)

The Army has taught me many other things as well. Like there is such thing as mandatory fun. Seriously, who knew? Along with that, familiar words take on totally new meanings. For example, PTA is not at your child's school, it's where your soldier gets to go away for two weeks to practice blowing things up. So all in all, I feel like I've caught on to this Army life pretty quickly. Chris however, might disagree.