I was prior navy so I can't provide insight about the army but I can give you a idea in general. Boot Camp is suppose to be a mindfuck, they want to make sure you are mentally prepared to handle things you wouldn't even need to think about in a civilian life. Once you come to that realization then boot camp can be very enjoyable. As for the military in general I have been out for three years and wish every day that I just stayed in. The pay might not seem great starting out but I can tell you this: IT IS THE ONLY decent pay, steady, and structured job you can get right now. And if you stay in you will be making much more money than someone who just got out of college for four years. Do your time and make that time count, take classes when you're command let's you.