Fort Drum

[risingstar0783]

I'm in the army and have recently graduated from AIT at Fort Gordon. I am being stationed at Fort Drum in New York and would like to know if there's anything I should expect or if there's any advice that would be helpful. I'm from South Carolina so I'm used to a warmer climate and I'm apprehensive about being stationed with an infantry unit as well

Comments

[c215]

I was stationed at Drum from Feb 2004 to April 2010. First and foremost - the winters there are ridiculous. They will issue a substantial amount of winter weather gear and units have cold weather training on a cyclical basis. Pay attention and take care of your gear. This also means your car if you have one

[firecracker2180]

*** Making a good first impression with your unit is easy - show up motivated and willing to work, regardless of whether it's mopping floors or inventorying the commo room. Continue this by learning everything you can about your MOS, your unit, and your peers. A good Soldier is squared away professionally and personally. Understand your finances and learn to live within your budget. This may sound easy but I can't tell you how many young Soldiers screw it up.***

This is invaluable advice.

[historicula]

Ditto the winters. It's going to take some time for you to acclimatize, in the meanwhile make sure to take care of your extremities. Invest in some good gloves, wool socks, snow-boots, and a hat that protects your ears. Also, you'll probably want something to protect your face/neck for the really cold days with wind. I'd recommend getting some coldgear underarmour or equivalent for both torso and legs if you can afford it. Also, wear layers. I don't know what they'll issue you exactly, but it never hurts to be prepared, plus you'll want to have something to wear when in civvies. I'd wait to buy stuff until you get up there though and know what you need, besides, unless you're from near the Appalachians stores in SC aren't likely to have what you need.
Oh, and learn how to shovel snow properly or you'll put your back out.

Congrats and good luck!

[plungerdna]

learn to ski and/or snowboard.