Don't tell anyone in the Navy that I'm not as chipper and revved up to be here as I seem.

The training command known as Training Service Command Great Lakes and the training command Combat Systems Core School are both my chains of command. The former runs the barracks and my life when I'm not sitting in the schoolhouse. The latter teaches me the skills I will need when I get out in the fleet. Because of the current system, I'm a night student, going to school from 1600 to 2330 most nights. And because of my rate, this will not change. FCs use the same schoolhouse for their students during the day.

I'm constantly exhausted because the barracks has us waking at 1245 for PT, and then I'll find I can't settle down after school (in part because of all the caffeine I use to get through school, see) until 5am or so.

The barracks treats us like children half the time and robots the other half. Night students are put on the watches between the hours of 0130 and 1130--the 0730-1130 in particular is frustrating as hell. It means one must somehow sleep from the moment we're let out of school until the moment they report for their watch in the proper uniform, just to get 8 hours. It doesn't work. Humans need time to wind down.

Meanwhile, our hold students, those between schools or awaiting transfer only stand the 1130-1530 watch. And days never stand watch after 0130, because they're supposed to be asleep.

I suppose this might seem like a pure rant, but I do have a point, a question: how does one keep motivated under these circumstances? I'm especially hoping to entertain answers from other servicemembers, but anything'll help!

I hope this doesn't seem like a stupid answer, but some people are just born ready. Some people just have a natural ability to plop down and fall asleep in seconds. Some people just wake up ready to go. And some people do whatever it takes to make themselves that way. Most people, however, do have trouble tying to sleep right after doing a lot of work or while their minds are on other things. Some people respond better to certain schedules and what not. Some people can't stand to sleep and wake on a set timer. It's all very personal and unique from one to the next. If things aren't working out for you, maybe you need to consider alternatives. I'm not sure how your system works, but there are always other options. If there isn't anything else you could possibly do or no way to get out, well...all I can offer you is to do what you can. You won't die, but you'll be rather uncomfortable. It won't last forever, though, so if you're completely stuck with no way out, just keep your eyes trained on the light at the end of the tunnel and never look back. :\