basic training?

Question

I’ve signed up for the Army and I’m going to Basic training in Fort Jackson next couple of weeks. I’m really nervous and I don’t know what to expect. Can anyone tell me what I can expect during the first 2 weeks of Basic Training? Is it really bad? Will I get smoked a lot?

Also, Isn’t there like a reception I have to go to first prior to basic training? What do you do there and what was that like? And are people nice to you?

Answer 1

Most of those answers are wrong. I just went to Jackson this past summer for BCT, so I know the deal. The first place you'll go to is the 120th reception battalion. It's where all new soldiers go. It'll last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. For me, that was the worst week. I say that because the one thing that you'll be doing the most is waiting. You know have no concept of what waiting in a line means by Army standards. Your 'company' will probably have about 600 soldiers in it. You will wait in that line, no talking, all week. Wether it's for chow, hair cut, medical, dental, eye exam, financial, whatever. You have to understand that if it was just one person doing this, it'd only take an hour or two, tops. But they have to process between 1 to 2 thousand soldiers that week. It takes forever. Don't worry, they give you reading material. It's honestly not that hard, just do what they tell you, when they tell you, and don't say anything except yes and no drill sergeant. It really is too easy. Then, usually on a friday, your boot camp drill sergeants will come and pick all of you up. Their goal for your first impression of them is for you to be nothing less than terrified of them. Be expecting this. And no, just about nobody there is going to be nice to you, get over it. I know it sounds mean or whatever, but thats just how it is. After that first week of reception comes the nine weeks of BCT. These nine weeks are divided up into three phases. Pay attention, this is useful: The three phases, in order, are red phase, white phase, and blue phase. Red phase is the first three weeks of training, these are the toughest weeks. During these weeks are when the drills are going to smoke you the most. Make no mistake, you're going to get smoked the entire nine weeks, but red phase is when they really lay it into you. During red phase, you'll go to pugil stick training, bayonette assault course, Victory Tower, confidence courses, and the gas chamber, called the NBC chamber. (Nuclear, biological, chemical, I think). White phase is a lot better than red phase, you get more priviledges and the drills lay off a little bit more. These weeks, however. are considered the most stressful. This is because you'll be qualifying on your M16 A2 rifle. It's stressful because most of the privates won't be able to shoot very well at all right off the bat, it is very frustrating. Often times most of the stress is shown when the privates fight amongst themselves. But as long as everyone keeps their cool, it'll all be OK. Then blue phase is the best phase. The drills start to treat you a little better. Understand that you all will feel a little like cattle, the dirlls always herding you around and treating you like crap. But blue phase is a lot better, and a whole lot of fun. During this phase, you get to go to the grenade range, fire a whole lot of really big weapons, and you'll go to victory forge, a week in the field. It really is a whole lot of fun. Then the last week is clean up, outprocessing, family day, and graduation day.

The thing to remember is, it is NOT as bad as it sounds. It'll take a little adjusting, but chances are that you'll have fun during the whole thing. In order to ensure this, you have to follow this philosophy: Your goal is to not have the Drill Sergeants notice you AT ALL. If it's been 5 weeks in, and the drills still don't know your name, then youre good. The less you stick out, the more enjoyable of a time you'll have. This works both ways; don't do anything to get in trouble (don't talk), and never, never volunteer for anything.

So, have a great time becoming a Soldier in the United States Army. And remember during all the hard times that'll come, remember this; It's worth it.



P.S. go on goarmy.com and look up Basic Training, they have video recordings of it, it was really helpful for me.

Answer 2

Hey brother!

I ship for BCT at Ft. Jackson on 13-Jul!

Here are two links that'll help you out - One is Ft. Jackson's main page, the next is to their link about what to expect - including what to bring! - for BCT. The third is for the 120th Reception Battalion - There's a 'What to Expect' link on the side there too.

Be sure to ask your recruiters some of these questions, as well as your mates at your station. Also, check out www.futuresoldiers.com - log in with your AKO account and hit the Future Soldiers Chat Room - There are Drill Sergeants and other Future Soldiers there you can talk with too.

As far as 'nice', I think I'd be prepared for a rough couple of weeks - that's just part of how they do their job. Don't take anything personally, OK? Just suck it up and deal with it and it'll settle out shortly. Basic is the hardest part, right?

Hooah!

Orion

EDIT: tcbcyg's answer gets MY vote for best answer! Great info - I'll disagree on the never volunteer thing. :-) It's definitely easier to never be noticed, but that's not always the RIGHT thing to do - I had a great time in ROTC Basic Camp and volunteered for a number of jobs. It does make it tougher on you though - but can also be more fun.

Answer 3

As an infantryman i went to Fort Benning for basic. If i had to do it over again i would try to run on my own time as much as i can before going to basic, that definitely save you a lot of trouble. Dont stand out, keep your mouth shut heheh, just let other people talk. Dont be a slacker, be on top of your game, if the drill sarge tell you to pack your rug sack for tomorrow's road march. Pack it right away, dont just wait to do it later that day, stuff like that. From what i heard, army basic training is like a cake walk anyway, good luck!!

Answer 4

You will feel like a sardine in a can for at least that long, say yes sir and no sir when questions come up that need a yes or no. Look out for one another cause they are looking for teamwork also. Dont talk unless spoken too. Memorize you code of conduct, general orders, do as you are ordered, you will also be physically exhausted but you will survive. You should go into the Marine Corps there is where the real boot camp is, I made it through that and am a better person for it too.

Answer 5

let me first say good job on your venture into the military life, the first 2 weeks are great, after the first 3-4 days. processing is a major delay in you getting comfortable in military life. the first few days are no sleep, piss in a cup, paperwork, paperwork, shave your head type of thing. the tear gas room you will visit a couple of time in order to build tolerance, and you will puke each and everytime you go in there. but dont worry, if you dont puke then you are a god!!! but other then that basic training is not that bad you do as your told and you will not get yelled at, enjoy it kid, your going to love it, i was in the navy for 5 years

Answer 6

Do not say sir unless the person addressing you is an officer. DI hate that and it gives them a reason. It isn't that bad, I went to Leonard Wood and allowed myself to enjoy it. Yes it is stressful, but you'll look back and see what you did.
Be prepared to push, there won't be much smoking in reception unless you do something stupid. Drink plenty of water and try not to be noticed.

Answer 7

Keep your mouth shut, and follow orders you will be just fin

Answer 8

Ft Jackson?!?! I hope you like fire ants!