Journal of a Warbound Soldier

After two weeks at home with family in relaxation, the time came to move into the "enlisted barracks", which were simply dormitories for soldiers. Beds had been provided ahead of moving in, as well as a couple of appliances for getting by, as well as a dresser and a basic wooden desk.

Yesterday was spent transporting much of my belongings in a few tidy boxes across my back. I'd made the decision to leave my old box-shaped television and game console at home for the sake of carrying everything in with one trip. I could probably buy all of that back with my signing bonus as soon as it hit my bank account. Oh, and a phone. Definitely a phone.

Thankfully, for what ever I had no room left for in my dorm, I managed to discover more dresser drawers built into the frame of my bed below the mattress. Helpful, though only the smallest of the four I had use for as the last box was unpacked.

I even took a moment to stand up in center of the little room and take everything in. Part of my heart did not quite set right when the entire atmosphere seemed... off, as if something were missing. It could have been the near-constant noise of home, the shouting of father trying to grab my attention in dead sleep, the crashing of pots and pans in the early morning, and the occasional arguments between my parents.

Yet, when the realization eventually hit me that this is my new home for the next few years, I felt as if a weight had eased off of my shoulders. I know very well just how stressful the military can be after a taste of the worst of it, but it left a new feeling in my heart. From experience, work stress has never once topped family-inducing stress. I am not willing to let that change, not now.

The bed wasn't all that. In fact, I regretted not swapping it out for my own at home. Evidently it was common belief that everypony who joined the Army could actually sleep on rocks. Not this earth pony, no way!

Although, what support and comfort the bed did not have, the peace and quiet made up for altogether. Last night had to have been my greatest night of sleep in at least a decade, or more. Or, I have never slept so well in my life. I could not know for sure, unless I found some way to venture back in time to decide for myself.

On-base amenities such as the gym and a bowling alley that seemingly nopony cared all too much for served as my entertainment for the weekend. So many regrets for voting against bringing along my console!

One other thing I've yet to figure out is make a friend. In boot camp, I knew some nice stallions, and a couple of mares. Though, to my knowledge, they have been shipped elsewhere, likely to the base near Manehattan, or the air base near Los Pegasus.

That's my goal for the rest of today and tomorrow, make a friend. Or, die trying.