Basic Training?

Question

Okay, I leave in a few weeks for basic training (Army). Does anyone have any advice for me, ways to make it easier, what to bring/not to bring, any advice on PT, things like that? Thanks!

Answer 1

The best advice I can give you is what I learned from the Marines boot camp.
Top 10 things to do to survive boot camp:
1. Always do as you are told, even if it seems stupid.
2. Have your parents send you skin so soft and rubbing Alcohol mix it half and half. That will keep the bugs off of you.
3. Make sure you know your DI's names and ranks. Made that mistake once and boy did it hurt.
4. Never settle for just getting by, always strive to be the best
5. Try to forget the civilian world, it doesn't exist in boot camp
6. have your parents mail you labels with every ones address on them that way you don't loose time addressing envelopes. Postcards are good too.
7. Remember that there is no "I" in team, but keep in the back of your mind that there is an "ME". If you don't take care of you, you are no good to the team.
8. WATCH YOUR MOUTH. don't loose your temper when you are being yelled at.
9. Study the material that they give you in class
10. MOST IMPORTANT REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING NO MATTER HOW STUPID IT SEEMS TO YOU IT JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Answer 2

Keep your mouth shut (except when your supposed to respond), do exactly as they tell you, and you'll be fine. Try not to stand out too much in the beginning. You can try to be ready physically but no matter what you think might get you prepared, It wont. They have cruel and unusual ways to punish you physically ( I dont mean really hurt you or beat you). If your the least bit overweight it probably would be good to start working out a little. Otherwise enjoy the time you have now. Like someone else said, they will take care of everything. Use the list they give you and go by that. Personally I wouldnt bring anything else. Good luck and stay strong mentally. Remember the drill instructors job is to break down the civilian you and rebuild the soldier you. They will get inside your head a little, just accept it and let it happen and you will turn out fine. Most importantly thanks for volunteering. I think a lot of people forget that. We are proud of you.

One last thing, you need someone to call when you can and probably most important you need (its critical to your morale) several people to write to you. Even if you dont write back (even though you should). Talk to freinds and relatives before you leave. I wouldnt recommend writing a boyfriend or girlfriend, because things could go south and that would complicate things and you dont need that.

Answer 3

I applaud you for joining the U.S. Army. First off, are you in shape? If not, in the morning start jogging or running. Do some push ups, sit ups etc. You will want to be in shape once you get there. The D.I. will know who is weak and who is strong. Go to Basic with a good attitude, never talk back to a D.I. and always do what you are told. Don't make the mistake of calling your D.I. "Sir" you will be on his "s" list the rest of the time you are there. Also bring lots of Ben Gay (The pain relief rub) no matter how in shape you are, your muscles are going to hurt you. I guess the best advice I can give you is, don't give up, no matter what! Stick it out, even when it gets tough. Bring out all the strength you can muster. You will be fine.
I was in Basic at Ft. Jackon S.C. in March of 1991. I don't know how much it has changed since then? Looking back on it now, I always laugh, because at the time, it seemed so difficult, but it was really a good time in my life. Go Army!

Answer 4

After 23 years, I still remeber my trip to Basic. I would suggest you take a very LIMITED amount of civilian clothes, basically what you are wearing on the day you leave, and an extra set. A sweatshirt or jacket in case of bad weather. Tooth brush, tooth paste, and other tolieties, leave your make-up bag at home. Don't take any jewelry, other than gold stud earings, a dependable and durable watch, and a religous necklace, if that is your faith. Other than that, I would suggest that you take a look at USAA Federal Savings Bank. I realize that your recuiter has proably got you squared away on direct deposit, but after Basic and AIT, I can reccomend this Bank for it's customer service and ease of use for us military personnel. Lastly, I will leave you with a bit of wisdom that every soldier needs to remeber, "GO WITH WHAT YOU KNOW AND IF IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR SERGEANT" In other words, go with your training, don't get cocky and think you can BS your way thru a task or situation, go with the basic answer. AND, if you are missing a sock, tell your sergeant. If you are out clubbing and can't get back to Post, call your Sergeant. If you are going to buy a car, Ask your Sergeant. ANYTHING, ask your Sergeant. As a Sergeant, if I don't know the answer, it is my job to find that answer for you. It is my job to make sure that you don't make the mistakes and learn the very hard lessons in life without, atleast, a little guidence or counseling. Got It, Good Luck.

Answer 5

Don,t take any more than they told you to. Do what you are told as quickly as you can. You will have to do PT ,as will everyone else. Stick with it, you will be a better person when you get through it. It will only be as hard as you make it. I went through it when i was 17 and we had to go for 13 weeks. Each week will get a little better and then you are not a boot any more. Good luck

PS, don,t listen to those other guys, we had it best in the AIR FORCE, no bed check and a class a pass right out of basic.

Answer 6

I wouldn't bring much. Might do some running to get into shape although with only a few weeks don't get too ambitous.

Most of the rough stuff is mental. Maintain a positive attitude and do what you are told, when you are told and you'll be fine. Take your training serious, we are at war. What you learn could save your's or someone else's life.

Answer 7

im retired navy . you cam make it easy by keeping youre mouth shut dont ask why . but if i was you i would change my mind and join the navy. you get a better place to sleep bootcamps still the same but ive seen both sides . i went to iraq as a civilian awile back . but anyways dont bring alot of stuff you will have limited room . but the best advice i can give you is join the navy . if you dont like the navy after bootcamp you can cross right over to army there is a program for this. but you cant cross from army to navy . you really have a better tour of duty on a ship . nice bunk great food no bullets flying at ya . pt is easyer in the navy bootcamp . and i think ya learn more . in the army they just run you and stuff like that. you spend more time in a classroom in the navy they want smart people not bullet cushons. you also make rank faster in the navy i made e5 in 2 years . i heard and talked to army guys that took them 10 to make e5 i retired as a chief e7 . just go talk to thenavy recruter .

Answer 8

Start running as much as possible. Get into shape, they'll get you there, but it might be easier to meet them have way. Look up the site to the base your training at. They usually will tell you what you will need. If you don't have something you need, they should have a Base Exchange so you can purchase the things you forgot.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Bring nothing but the clothes on your back! They will provide everything that you need. In the meantime, stay in shape. Running is good, the more of that you do the easier boot camp will be, physically. Floor exercises are all good, sit-ups, push -ups and especially pull-ups.

Answer 10

I'm ex-Navy. Best advice is do a lot of running. Only bring a toothbrush, comb, and ID. Everything else, including the clothers on your back will be sent home at your expense. Anything you need will be provided for you, and if it's something you need money for, they will take it out of your check.