What I remember most about boot camp was the "quarter deck." As any Marine knows, that is the last place you want to end up. However, you would think in most platoons, an accomplishment would be warranted with a "get-out-of-jail-free card"—meaning hopefully no quarter deck today.

Yet, in my boot camp platoon it was the exact opposite. If we made a high enough score to merit a "first-class physical fitness test" or had any accomplishment of a positive sort, we celebrated on the quarter deck. If you didn't live on the quarter deck, then our drill instructors apparently didn't like you much. I remember thinking at the time, "What the hell did I do to deserve this?" I was not a picture-perfect Marine by any means, but I did what I was told and without hesitation to the best of my ability. But I got smoked on the quarter deck every time.

It used to drive me insane, but after two-and-a-half months of this it became easy. I actually remember getting in trouble for enjoying the quarter deck. My physical fitness score became a perfect 300 numerous times, and my stamina and endurance levels increased immensely. It was then I realized all this "torture" really was a reward, and I was benefiting greatly from it all.

I never understood why anyone would say he missed basic. It sounded insane to me for the longest time, but now I can honestly say I miss basic. I miss the way they pushed me mentally and physically far beyond the limits I set for or thought capable of myself. I miss having someone who cared about me enough to want to see me better myself in such a vast and incredible way. I miss my brothers and the secret conversations about home at 0200. I miss the camaraderie. What I miss most about boot camp though is the the pride of knowing I was doing something incredible, the way of life and sense of belonging. In truth, I miss it all.