Boot Camp - First Day

Chief Bledsoe met us right off and you could tell this was a person who wanted things run right, and would tolerate no screw ups. On our free time however it was clear that we were to be able to read, write letters, etc. Chief started out telling us our bunks had to look the military way, i.e. bunks had to be made up perfect with square corners each time we got up for the days routine; things were to be kept clean and orderly; we were expected to shave each a.m. and he emphasized that things were to be described "the Navy way"; the bathroom is a "head" and so on. Then came the matter of knots and how to tie them, especially a square knot on our sea bags. He allowed us to get squared away and then said he would see us at 0600, military time, for tomorrow's activities where he would exercise us, explain our goals as Navy men, etc. The Chief made clear all time was in military time - no a.m. or p.m. and we would be told just once to do something and it had better be right now! It was clear from the start that military discipline was to be adhered to and we were to always answer "Sir!" We all hit the sack by the prescribed time and our thoughts were to not embarrass ourselves tomorrow. It took 2 seconds to get to sleep!