Going into the Air National Guard Oct 25th ...im 32 and need some advice on how to prepare and what to expect in Basic training ...ive been running every day ..( although running has never been one of my stronger talents ) ...im worried that im not doing enough to prepare for the physical parts ...i can barely run a mile in 10 minutes ...but im in decent shape 5 ' 10" 170 lbs. ...anyone got some answers ?
2006-08-25 08:02:49 · 15 answers · asked by ? 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As a male you are going to have to fun faster than that... I'm not sure how fast for a 32 year old though. I think males have to do 60 or so push ups and sit ups... I would just get in the best shape you can - they will work with you on the rest.
If you can barely run a mile in 10 minutes you have some work to do though. I would keep up the work though because if you don't pass they will recycle you.
2006-08-26 04:16:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physical conditioning is the most important thing you can do to prepare yourself for basic training.
The better shape you are in before going in, the easier that part will be during that time. The demands on your body will be extreme, so if the body is prepared, the less stress your mind will feel.
Everything else that is stressful about basic training will be mental. All the sterotype activities you have seen in films and television are true! The difference is, all this will be happening to you, so, expect the mental stress to be WORSE than what you expect. Even this realization may be helpful. You won't be surprised when you are loudly dressed down for what might be the slightest infringement, or even none at all.
One of the "mental" chages that basic training attempts to instill is the concept of team over self. All contribitions to any endeavor are the results of the team's efforts. Any failure of a job is the fault of the entire team. It means if your buddy, eight bunks away does not measure up, it is your failure as much as it is his.
This is a difficult adjustment for some, so be prepared.
Letters to and from home can be extremely important, even if you don't particularly feel close to family and friends, going in. Set something up before you leave. Get some commitments to write from people. You will be surprised at how good it will feel to have some contact with someone who is not wearing the same color clothes you do.
Bear up. Most people make it through just fine, and are better off for it.
2006-08-25 15:50:41 · answer #2 · answered by Vince M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ouch! I'm not trying to be mean, but a mile in 10 minutes is sad. You're going to need to improve that a lot. You want your 1.5 mile time to be around 12 minutes at the slowest. Here's some suggestions
1. Run hills, cross-country style. The variations will strengthen your legs
2. Run a 3-mile course and condition for that. When you get used to it, 1.5 miles is cake.
3. Cross-train and do intervals a little. Here's a really good workout that'll slash your run time. You can do this anywhere, but I'll use a regular 1/4 mile track for reference. Sprint a straight-away, then do lunges around the bend, sprint the next straight, and then walk the next turn. Do a few rounds like that. Seriously, you can get an amazing workout for your legs in 20 minutes.
4. Make sure you know your feet and you purchase the correct running shoes. Don't know what I mean? Google "underpronate" and "overpronate" and check out the results.
How are you doing on the crunches and push-ups?
Seriously, if you've got some questions on what you can do to improve, shoot me a note and I can give you very good specific suggestions. I've been a physical training leader for a long time now.
2006-08-25 15:16:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Air force standards state that you need to be able to run 1 1/2 miles, do sit ups, push-ups, and get your waist measured. You're going to need to pick up the run, I'd reccomend shooting for a 13 minute run time, a 35'' waist, and at least 45 pushups and 45 situps. Now, if you have this when you go in, the PT will be cake. If you don't, no big deal. I couldn't run for crap when I entered, and I can run a 12:15 now, with 45/45 sit/push, without real effort. Good luck, and have fun. The food ain't too bad, either.
2006-08-25 18:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by notoldcrow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are doing is very noble. That being said I am a 35 year old Sergeant in the U.S. Cavalry. I joined at 32 also. I've been to Iraq and would tell you if you want the training, JOIN THE ARMY. Not the National Guard. Anyway, if you really want to go guard then do push ups, sit ups, and continue running.
2006-08-25 18:06:09 · answer #5 · answered by sgt d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went in AF basic training with the words :Expect the worst. That got me thru swimmingly, really! I loved boot camp. hehe
Being in great physical condition helps because you'll do tons of exercises, walking, 'marching'..to this building to that building. The obstacle course requires stamina and strength. Go to the kiddy park and hang on the rings, climb, etc. You could do some weightlifting now to train. There will be lots of waiting, waiting. waiting around. "Hurry up and wait" was the seeming motto, show patience! Pay attention in classroom. Do your chores. Dont complain.
Be prepared for lots of yelling. Part of the mental conditioning. Like I said, expect the worst and nothing will seem so bad.
Right now you can prepare for the early morning excercises you'll do. Set your alarm for bet 430and 5am. Get used to getting up very early. Anything they instruct you to do...its for testing you on following orders and attitude.
Dont be a defect. It's only six weeks.
Get along with your fellow squadron. Positive friends help make the whole experience a good one.
Good luck.
2006-08-25 15:27:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Run more than a mile. If you want to be able to get that 1.5 mile run down you gotta run more than a mile.
Make sure your waist size isn't over 40"...because you don't get alot of points for a 41" waist.
If your waist is around 32" then I wouldn't worry about the push ups and sit ups...but it wouldn't hurt to do them.
I would strive for at least a 9min mile or better...I think in basic now for males you have to run the 1.5 mile in 13min or less...not sure.
Run man...just eat healthy and run. The only way to get better at running is running. For in between running outdoors...use the elliptical... (the skiiing looking thing)...it works the quads and hammies...thats what I use.
2006-08-26 12:36:06 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is mainly mental, but you need to be able to run 1 1/2 miles and do pt. i had fun in basic i was 3723 sqdn. we were close the chaparel, that is the club on base you will meet a lot of friends there. san antonio gets hot in summer so i hope you are going in a cool month. don't go in real long hair but don't go in with a gi cut either. remember it is all a mind game, and until they brief you on the UMCJ on the 6th day of training you can leave and they can not stop you.
2006-08-25 15:13:56 · answer #8 · answered by native 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yo should be fine with you being 32 your standards are not the same a an 18 year old trainee, like I was.
Air Force BMT will suck but it is not that bad, just remeber what they tell you the first time and you should be fine.
Too bad you are too old to go active, I like older people who choose to serve
2006-08-25 15:09:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Work out, be prepared to face it, and just remember ITS ALL A MIND GAME! My husband went through it and ive heard his stories....Dont let them get to you and do as your told.....a 10 minute mile is EXCELLENT for Basic though....they want you to do it in under 11 or so.....
Just condition yourself well and just remember that they are trying to get under your skin and make you want to go home!!!
Good luck and God bless you for wanting to serve our country!!!
Proud Air Force Wife,
Jenna
2006-08-25 15:08:53 · answer #10 · answered by Jenna D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋