What's Basic Like?

Question

What's basic traning like? Besides a bit of hell... What will I be doing and learning(brainwashed with)?

Answer 1

It all depends where you go and what your MOS is. Basic isn't what is used to be but to tell you the truth, Combat Arms is the hardest you'll get, if you're not Combat Arms, it's just a walk in the park. Don't worry, no brainwashing as far as political/lifestyle views, only the way you manage your time. Enjoy and keep the FOB's Secure while we patrol and keep peace outside the wire.

Answer 2

I'm presuming you're referring to Army BCT...

Some of it will depend on the post you go to. The "brainwashing" is that you are taught to pay attention to detail at a level that you never would have thought possible before. Details as they pertain to yourself, your fellow soldiers and your surroundings. Some of it will seem petty, but ultimately it's about catching every little thing. These days, it tends to be the little things that get someone killed.

It will also focus on teaching you to work as a team and that you are always as strong as your weakest link so you need to take the time and energy to strengthen the weakest links. And remember, everyone contributes something at some level.

The physical part can be tough, but if you prepare yourself in advance you can ease that burden. Try to build yourself up to running a couple of miles every other day (if you're not already), that seems to be where most have their biggest issue. If you are particularly weak on push ups or sit ups try to build them up in advance.

If you can get a soldier's handbook from your recruiter (the new ones are two grey spiral bound volumes), that can give you an idea of material that you'll be learning about.

Just remember it's temporary and learn everything you can. It is something you will spend the rest of your life telling stories about, ask anyone who's been through it (some involving more BS than others).

Answer 3

Basic training is NOT brainwashing. It is, however, a group of people screaming at you from sunup until sundown and regulating virtually every aspect of your life. You will learn how to wear a military uniform, how to salute, how to march, chain of command, the Code of Conduct, the history of your particular branch of the service, etc. The reason that they scream at you and make you feel worthless is they're getting you out of that mindset that your world revolves around you. They put all of you in the same uniform to reinforce the ideas of (a) Even though you're different from everyone else, you're no better than anyone else wearing the uniform, and (b) Everyone who wears the uniform is on your team. The easiest way to make it through basic training is to keep your mouth shut, keep your eyes and ears open, and to be a team player. They will tell you exactly what you need to do and how you need to do it, so if you pay attention and listen you'll get it. You also need to do whatever you can to help out the other trainees in your barracks (which will benefit you if YOU ever need help) and you should do your best to keep a low profile -- you'll get yelled at less if you keep quiet and don't do things that will get you noticed. Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi, My name is Al. I went through Basic Training for the Army in 1960. I ended up retiring after 24 years.
For me Basic was interesting because I came off the streets of Philadelphia, Pa and knew nothing of use to the military.
The most important thing is physical fitness.
Do everything you can for good scores on the PT tests.
Then comes the rifle. That's the next most important item. Learn it well. One day it may save your life-and the lives of your friends.
Then comes Land Navigation. Learn how to use the compass and plot courses on the military map. This is very important for progress in the Army. You need to get your squad where it's going without getting lost. You do this and your squad will trust you and your leadership.
Then comes communications. Learn the radio and how to use it well. Learn how to use the daily code book (or page) whatever your DI uses. This is as important as the map. You may need to call for help, and you'll want it 5 minutes ago.
The rest of it is marching, marching, getting yelled at and double-timing it.
Remember, a good soldier don't get tired, hungry, lost, or wet-if it can, at all, be helped, but it takes time and experience to get there. Use your rain-gear.
Most of all, just enjoy it. It's someplace you've never been before, and you'll never go back to; but, it will be with you for the rest of your life.

Answer 5

You'll be awake constantly and your days will be full. You will learn history, tradition and basic skills that everyone in your branch of service will be expected to know. You will be worked very hard, but the mental strain is more difficult than the physical. You will miss your family and friends, but make new friends that you will learn to depend on. You will learn to work as part of a functioning unit: you will learn the consequences for failing your teammates and how their failings affect you.

Learn your general orders of a sentry before you go. This will give you a leg up. You'll be fine. Don't give up and stay strong.

Answer 6

It sucks. Of course, you are going to get the new, and improved, AAP and PC version of basic. Nothing like what us old fogeys had to endure back "in the day". You'll go through 3 phases, usually, granted your platoon doesn't F up and keep you in red phase for the full 8-9 weeks. You'll learn regulations, Military courtesies and customs, drill and ceremony (D&C), BRM (basic rifle marksmanship), and you will be expected to meet basic physical fitness requriem for your branch of service. You will also spend considerable time in the field doing FTX'es and learning the ropes of Military life in the field (ie:digging fighting positions, setting up tents, sanitation points, cover and concealment, noise and light discipline, basic stealth tactics, ruck marches, and first aid/buddy-aid).

My advice as a retired female soldier: Bring lots of maxi pads, drink a lot of water, pee when you have to go, take your "battle buddy" with you everywhere, and stay alert. Baby wipes, the unscented kind, are an absolute lifesaver. Keep a box in your wall locker and in your ruck when you are on the move.

Answer 7

(1) UNlearning what you knew
(2) learning what you did not know
(3) getting fit (or killed in the process)
(4) learning to operate as a part of a team
(5) learning to obey orders

in no particular order above :)

Answer 8

Basic training for girls is like a walk in the park compared to the real thing.

Answer 9

I didn't go thorugh basic but my hubby did. He said it was the best part of the military. Once you are out of basic, depending on your MOS, you won't see as much action when you get to your permanent station.

Answer 10

My son just finished Navy RTC. Best advise do what you are told. That is all it is just do what you have to do when you are told to do it. They don't want your soul, just your obedience, it can save your butt in a firefight.