I think I will be going to basic training this summer. I need help.?

Question

Hey, I am in the process of signing up for the national guard. I am trying to make it so I can go to the basic training this summer. Does anyone have any advice on what I should be doing to prepare and what I should be looking foward to. I am not in shape at all. In fact, I am very much out of shape. I am a lesbian and I really don't know how that is going to work out. I heard about the whole don't ask don't tell thing but most people that meet me can just tell that I am a lesbian. It's probably a mixture between my boy clothes and short hair. So... any help would be nice.

Answer 1

you will have to be able to run 2 miles in 19:54 do 47 sit ups in 2 minutes... do 13 push ups in 2 minutes... the drill sergeants are in your face most of the time... because they are trying to make you tough.....don't talk back to them or they will make an example out of you..... so don't take it personally... the wake up time is 5 a.m. and you do PT every morning... you run every other day... But to be honest.. i was not in shape when i went there.. i got in shape while i was there... it took determination, and the will to succeed... while you are there don't try to hit on anyone or you will get ratted on... people knew i was a lesbian but they didn't really care... everyone liked me in basic... there is the policy don't ask don't tell.... you will not be asked by anyone if you are a lesbian because it is considered harassment... if you are asked, then you can tell your commander... you are not there to get a girl... (but you might get lucky) you ARE THE TO BECOME A SOLDIER IN AN ARMY OF ONE!!!

Answer 2

Start a physical training program NOW. Start doing push ups, situps and walking/ running. start slow, and build up.That way you will have plenty of time to be physically fit before you go. If you are not in some kind of decent shape, you may be held back until you get up to where you should be.
As far as the lesbian thing goes- I am not a lesbian, but I served with some women who I'm fairly certain were. I don't think it will be an issue unless you make it an issue. Once you get to boot camp, everybody will look the same- Same clothes, short hair, no makeup, etc. Bootcamp could make the most girlie-girl in the world look kinda boyish. So don't worry- you will be fine. Also, thanks in advance!

Answer 3

First, do you want to be a soldier? Who you are intimate with has nothing to do with being a soldier. You need to decide how you want to be identified and what you want to be. As you mature, you will realize how unimportant traits like skin color, sexual attraction, and beauty are. When you take the oath of enlistment, you will no longer be a child dependant on others. You will become a true citizen of the United States part of over 200 years of tradition and duty. The United States is the greatest country in history because people like you. You will do and accomplish deeds beyond your present comprehension. But on your last breath, you will know that the flag you defended will drape your soul as you ascend into heaven.

Now for practical things. Try to exercise at least an hour a day, including two sets of 25 push ups at a time. Upper body strength is a woman's biggest weakness for military service. Yes there are women who can outperform men in athletics, but not with 40-60 pounds on their backs and wearing boots. Besides your arms and shoulders, exercise your heart. Do as much cardio activity as you can. Do what you kind, because boot camp will be harder than any exercise routine you can imagine. However hard, almost everyone makes it. More important the physical fitness is your attitude. Remember, you are volunteering. No one is forcing you to join. My advice is the same the Romans probably gave; keep you mouth shut, do what you are told to do when you are told to do it. Get along with the other recruits. They are in the same situation as you. Do everything to the best of your ability. Be honorable. If you do something wrong, correct it without deception. If you see someone else doing something wrong, correct them without condescension. And lastly; lead, follow, or get out of the way. Don't try to do all three.

Good luck with the rest of your life.

Answer 4

I don't want to sound negative, but it sounds like you're starting at a disadvantage. Although you might be able to make it into the military, you might find yourself involved with fewer job choices than most others will enjoy. I say that because the better military jobs always require a favorably completed background investigation. If anything is discovered that reflects negatively, you could very well be denied a security clearance. If that happens, your options and chances for advancement will be extremely limited.

Yes, they surely don't care about whether you're homosexual as much as before, but if you "carry yourself" in an odd, conspicuous, or inappropriate manner ... or if your personal references leave the security investigators feeling doubtful about your character for any reason, this will not reflect upon you favorably.

I am not trying to discourage you, but the future seems a little uncertain right now.

Want to know more? Check out the link below. It's very insightful. It's the web site for the Defense Security Service, the government agency charged with conducting background investigations for Defense Department civilians and military personnel.

Most of all, though, I wish you the best and bless you for your willingness to serve. Good luck.

Answer 5

Grow your hair out, get some advice on how to wear makeup. It will only be for a short period of time then you will need only to act military. And most importantly of all keep your mouth shut.

Stop making excuses on the exercise. Start working out right now, I saw the guys who came in out of shape, it raised their stress levels so high. I came on in great shape and basic was not hard for me.

Congratulations on signing up, this should be the greatest thing you have ever done. On the gay/lesbian thing it just does not matter; I served with gays and they served well, several are still my friends. It is one of the few things I agree with Bill Clinton on, don't ask don't tell. It is nobody but your business.

Answer 6

1. Start getting into shape immediately... till you can run/jog a 15 minute mile. If you are
1 lb overweight they will turn you away day one. They weight you before you get on that bus. Don't mess with weight...they are very strict and absolute about that issue.
2. Let you hair grow till you get there...they'll cut it when you get there so don't advertize ... Ask them to use their best judgement on what style looks good on you. Just go with the flow and be a team player, blend in, be friendly, you'll find plenty of friends there. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Get ready to run. The Drill Sgt's will play mind games. Just remember, it's mind over matter, if you don't mind, it don't matter. Just keep your mouth shut, ears/eyes open and your head down.

Also, if you think being a lesbian is gonna be such a big problem, then you just might want to either reconsider being in the military or being a lesbian.

Good luck

Answer 8

If they suspect you they will kick you out for being a lesbian. You will be out faster then if you pop a drug test. As for training you need to start running and lifting everyday. Get on an excercise program. Join the ymca. I ran 4 miles everyother day and push up setups on the days I didn't run.

Answer 9

"...Just remember, it's mind over matter, if you don't mind, it don't matter. Just keep your mouth shut, ears/eyes open and your head down..." ALL TRUE

Ooh... running, running and more running... ask every question you can think of to your recruiter. Like how to make a bed, how sleeping, eating and showering is going to work, and how other physical tasks are going to go.

For some reason, making a bed got me... I've been making my bed since before I can remember, but I almost pissed off everyone there if I took about 2 seconds longer than I did. Phew.

Answer 10

your drill sargeants won't care if your straight, bi, or lesbian. although if you can't run, do push ups, or sit ups be prepared for the most miserable 8 weeks of your life. Also, learn to live without sleep, you will see why. Basic training will make you or break you, good luck.