Experiences of Gaining and Losing Weight During Basic Training
Basic training (BT) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) can be grueling, and one's physical condition can significantly impact the experience. From getting into shape before enlisting to the challenges of maintaining that shape during rigorous military training, these experiences shape not just physical fitness but also character and resilience.
Changing Scenarios: Basic Training vs. OCS
Some individuals have different experiences with basic training and OCS. For instance, I had the unique experience of attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) instead of the traditional Basic Training (BT). OCS focuses more on leadership skills and military knowledge, whereas BT is centered on physical and mental toughness. My physical condition was neither extreme, but rather a middle ground, which made the journey through training quite interesting.
A Unique Case: Me and Dan Ratliff
Two of my fellow candidates, myself and Dan Ratliff, were a bit overweight before beginning our training. We dedicated ourselves immensely to controlling our caloric intake and exercising consistently, even on weekends and during breaks. Our efforts paid off, as we achieved significant weight loss and gained excellent physical conditioning. Today, despite my current age and weight, I continue to maintain an active lifestyle, joining in long-distance bike rides and regular exercise. My cardiologist even jokingly accuses me of trying to put him out of business, a testament to my ongoing fitness regimen.
My Journey: From Being Overweight to Being in Better Shape
Standing at almost 30 years old when signing up for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in 1986, I was initially classified as overweight. Starting my physical preparation with renewed vigor in November 1985, I aimed to get as fit as possible. By the time I shipped out for training, I had lost a significant portion of my weight, eventually settling around 210 pounds.
Standing Out Among Peers
Enlisted around the same time as men who were fresh out of high school, nearly all in the 17-19 age range, I was by far the oldest in my company. Despite being overweight, I felt that I was in better physical condition than many others due to my consistent efforts. Unfortunately, this perception often led to unfavorable remarks from drill instructors (DIs). One particular DI nicknamed me "Grandpa," and another went so far as to make me do extra sit-ups for being overweight. Despite these challenges, I continued to push myself, often taking the lead during company runs and PT tests.
Outperforming Younger Peers
During the final APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test), I managed to score 272 out of 300 points, placing me in the top half of my company, despite facing some of the youngest soldiers around. This performance was a testament to my hard work and dedication. Upon finishing basic training, I would guess that my weight was around 175–180 pounds. My wife and I even had to stop at a Goodwill store on our way home to buy new clothes, as I had shrunk from a 40 waist to a 34.
Challenges and Adapting to Change
After my initial period of service, I faced similar challenges in maintaining my weight, particularly in the Army Reserve and National Guard. Despite my efforts, I often had to be "taped" to ensure I met the required body fat percentage. I've always had an 18.5-inch neck, and this helped me meet standard body fat requirements. As of my current age, I am 67, and I have since lost about 30 pounds, cycling up to 100 miles in a single ride just this past morning, and my weight has returned to the initial baseline from 38 years ago at 224.2 pounds.