i leave in 6 days for basic training at fort jackson, any advice?

Answer 1

I went to basic at jackson. Although I've answered this exact question before (you can check my answer history for a longer version) I'll give you some hints at least for your first few days.
Your first 3-5 days will be spent in reception where some E-5 sgts will be your platoon sgts. You will get shots (whatever you do don't flex your muscles just hang your arm limp so you don't pass out). You will fill out life insurance paperwork, and get issued uniforms. (make absolutly sure your boots fight right) DON'T LEAVE UNLESS THOSE BOOTS ARE A GOOD FIT!!
And yes you will eat alot during this time lol. It is pretty boring too so i'd bring somthing to read. Make sure you bring at least 2 small flashlights for the mornings when you wake up and can't see a thing. Mini mag lights work great!. When you go to sleep always store it under your pillow so you have it right away when you wake up.
Don't be afraid of the drill sgts too much. Yes they are intimidating at first, but just know that yes they are real people and they have been in your shoes too. Just make sure you listen to them and pay attention to what they say and always be at parade rest position when you are adressing them. You always say "yes drill sergant" or "no drill Sergant" when talking to them.
Some want you to start your phrases with drill sgt too like. "drill sergant, yes drill sergant" ... most of the time though as long as you end anything you say with drill sergant at the end you are fine.
Make sure you take your cap off as soon as you walk indoors and put it on the seconed you walk outside lol. You will see tons of new recruits forget to do that and they get on you about that kind of thing.
When they tell you to "sound off" that means be loud, but be careful so that you don't loose your voice and can't speak for a week. It happens when people aren't used to speaking very loud.
Oh yeah, know that if you are in a room and a sgt walks in the first person to see them yells "AT EASE!" very loud. If it is an officer you yell "Attention!" and when you yell "attention" you yellit with accent on the seconed half of the word attent-TION! sounds like attent-SHUN! You would do this if your in your barracks and one of the sgts comes in there. Chances are that nobody will say a word, so don't be afraid to be the one to do it. You will probably be praised like "at least someone knows what's going on".
well that's about all i can think of at the moment good luck

Answer 2

Here are some rules to follow during basic training:

1) Keep your comments and opinions to yourself
2) It is better to ask a stupid question than to make a stupid mistake
3) Pay attention and listen to what you are told
4) Never be first and never be last
5) Teamwork is everything. Pitch in and help.
6) Do your best
7) The longer it takes the drill sergeant to learn your name the better
8) Volunteer for a few unpleasant details and you will find that they will pick someone else when the next dirty jobs come up
9) Everything is done for a reason - even if the reason is not apparent to you.
10) Drill Sergeants practice 'tough love.' No matter how hard they are on you they really are watching out for your best interests.
11) You _can_ do it. As long as you do not give up - you will succeed.

Answer 3

Do what you are told, and keep your mouth shut unless someone asks you a question. Don't ever give up. They are going to break you down and build up again. It is going to be one of the best experiences of your life. One more thing- Never, ever, and I mean never call your Drill Instructor "SIR" If you do you will wish you hadn't. Good Luck, make us proud.
I did my Basic at Ft. Jackson March 1991. One day you will look back and laugh at how easy it was. I did. God Speed

Answer 4

Be thankful your basic training is in winter. My husband went there for basic in the middle of summer and it was miserable. Keep your cool and remember that everything that happens there is not meant to be personal. They are doing their job and teaching you things you will need in the future. That is the best advice I can give you. Don't take it personal. They give the same speaches every year. They scream at everyone. It is not just you. Good job on deciding to serve your country by the way.

Answer 5

Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Oh yeah while you are there, Drink Water! you will hear this all day every day. Drink Water,Drink Water. Get used to it. Good luck. Its not bad there, Ft Jackson is one of the better places to do Basic.

Answer 6

Never call your Drill Sergeant "sir." Never put your soft cap on backwards. Don't fall asleep in classes. Oh, when they say "beat your face," they mean get down and do push ups. I saw a guy actually start punching himself when I was in basic. Have fun!

Answer 7

convey a bar of cleansing soap, teeth brush, toothpaste, anti-perspirant, female hygiene products (tampons or maxi pads), a towel, and a razor in case you desire to shave your legs. you'd manage to get each and every thing there, yet each and every now and then they don't take you to the PX for a pair of days. confirm you may bypass a minimum of a week with out having something.

Answer 8

Watch out for the snakes in the swamp areas and always stand erect and look the DI/DS square in the eye when you speak. Good luck!

Answer 9

Hope you've been running. Jamie, I was a DS at Jackson for 3 yrs. You can e-mail me and ask anything you want. "Scouts Out"

Answer 10

Do not speak unless asked a question, do what the drill instructor asks in a timely manner, drink lots and lots of h20, some Gatorade to balance, take good care of your feet and you will do great. You are joining the best family in the world. Welcome.