It was the early 2010s, and like every young man, I had to go through the mandatory military medical examination. The process was infamous, and we had all heard the stories. But hearing about it and experiencing it firsthand were two very different things.
It was a hot summer day, and the recruitment office was packed with young men carrying their documents, sweating under the weight of the heat and nervous anticipation. We were herded into a waiting hall, where we sat in rows of metal chairs, clutching our paperwork. Some whispered jokes to lighten the mood, while others just stared at the floor, lost in thought.
After what felt like hours, they called a group of us forward. We moved into a long corridor, where we were told to remove our shirts. The atmosphere was tense. The officers barely spoke as they handed out forms and directed us from one room to another.
Then, we entered a larger examination room. The moment we stepped inside, I realized this was the part everyone dreaded. There were several young men already standing in their underwear, waiting. The military doctor, an older man with glasses and a white coat, was moving quickly through each person, giving brief instructions in a firm voice.
The first man was called forward. He had short black hair and a nervous expression. He walked up to the doctor, who motioned for him to turn around and pull down his underwear. The man hesitated for a second, then did as he was told. He bent slightly forward, hands resting on his thighs. The doctor put on a glove, applied some lubricant, and performed a quick rectal exam. The man tensed up, his face turning red. It lasted only a few seconds, but he quickly pulled his underwear back up and walked away without looking at anyone.
The next recruit, taller and muscular, stepped forward. He seemed more confident but still uneasy. When he lowered his underwear and bent over, the doctor didn’t waste any time. The recruit flinched slightly, his hands gripping his knees. The doctor finished, gave a short nod, and the recruit stood up straight, adjusting his waistband as he hurried away.
A thinner guy with glasses was next. He looked terrified. As he pulled down his underwear, he kept his eyes shut. When the doctor did the examination, he let out a quiet gasp but stayed still. It was over in moments, and he rushed to the side, wiping his forehead as he dressed.
The fourth guy, a little older than the rest of us, tried to act casual. He smirked as he walked up, but when the moment came, his expression changed. He bent forward, his muscles tensed. The doctor did the check quickly, and the recruit let out a slow breath as he pulled his underwear back up.
I stood there, watching it all, knowing my turn was coming. The entire room was filled with young men, all experiencing the same uncomfortable reality.