I was in the Navy from November 29, 1982, to November 30, 1992… 10 and a wake up… Went to boot camp in San Diego when that location was still up and running. We used to call the boot camp in Michigan, "Great Mistakes"… This is when there were three Boot Camps for the Navy, San Diego, Great Lakes, and Orlando…
I'll admit there are times over the years since getting out of the Navy, that I wish I had stayed in for 20, or even 30 years, and then retired. But because I was in and out even before DADT was implemented, even the merest whisper of homosexuality, without even a thorough investigation, you were discharged dishonorably…
I wish you all the best, just remember that Boot Camp is nothing more than trying to make you in the Navy's image, everybody thinking and acting along the same path. It actually helped me in that I lost about 30 pounds before heading into the fleet. It was also very easy for me, because I am a history buff, rabid about anything maritime or nautical, including the Navy… So in studying the history and traditions of the service, prior to my entry into the Navy, I had no problems in that respect. In fact many of my fellow recruits were amazed that I knew so much about everything from why the uniforms look the way they do, too many of the words and phrases that we use in our lexicon that are actually nautical in nature…
Remember, also, that although gays can now serve openly in the services, we are all still subject to the UCMJ, regardless of gender and orientation… so even after getting out to the fleet, if you do meet a fellow sailor, keep it in your pants until you're on the liberty, or leave…
In closing my note, I will quote an old Navy axiom… "May you have fair winds and following seas, and may the wind be always at your back…"
Cordially, Todd (formerly, Illustrator/Draftsman, Second Class, USN)