Basic Combat Training Experience Essay

I was truly blessed when I received my letter of acceptance into University High School, a school known for its diverse student population. I am fortunate to have made friendships with those of different genders, races, sexual orientations, and religions, from myself. If not for them I would not have acquired the forward-thinking worldview that I have today and equally important, would have never brought my platoon together at Basic Combat Training.

At University High School I lead a club called Amnesty International where we discussed global issues such as violations of human rights. I have found that, through having diversity in the club, I have gained a perspective on life that has granted me to be more tolerant of others that are different from me. Hearing about another’s experience can shed light on a life different than your own and provide you a new perspective. When you compare your struggles, priorities, and values, you realize that people are not so different from one another.
I was delighted to hear our drill sergeants explain the Army’s equal opportunity policy. The Non-Commissioned Officers at Fort Sill taught the trainees about fairness, justice, and equity, and when I was the Platoon Guide, I took those three principles to heart. I noticed that many trainees usually hesitate to get to know one another at first, and people sometimes unintentionally offend each other. Because of this, our drill sergeants spent time promoting cohesion by defining core values: respect, integrity, selfless service, and sense of duty. I would strive to replicate what they did as a future US Army Commissioned