I'm off to join the Army!?

Question

I'm joining the Royal Engineers and would like to know if anyone that has been in the Army (British) has any advice to get me through Basic Training? Also, i would like to know how you got on, did you enjoy your time?


No time wasters please saying 'don't do it'

Thanks in advance

x x x

B.lee:- You do not allow email so i cannot ask you anything?????? Help???

Answer 1

I was one of only 3 people to pass the first PT test at basic (you'll take a total of 4) out of a platoon of 60. Give it up because all 3 of us were female! My DS said that was the first time in his many years as a DS that someone had passed all 3 events (push-ups, sit-ups, 2-mile run) the 1st time. What did the 3 of us have in common? We had worked all out and prepared before we went to basic.

Push-ups: pyramids are great. Do 1, rest, 2, rest, 3, rest...up to 8, rest, 7, rest, 6...back down to 1. Pay attention to your form--straight back, body goes down until arms and shoulders are parallel, all the way up until arms are completely straight. It helps to let yourself fall on the down and let your chest bounce off the ground. If you go down slowly, you'll use too much strength and energy lowering yourself and will tire out quickly.

Sit-ups: Crunches and other aerobic-style ab work is good supplementary exercise, but the only way to get better at ARMY sit-ups is to do ARMY sit-ups. Legs at 45 degree angle, fingers interlocked behind the head, all the way up until neck surpasses base of the spine. Do sets of 20-25 at a time to start and increase as you can.

Run: Start off at half a mile to a mile. Work your way up to 2-3. Include 400, 200, and 100m sprints in your workout as well as longer distance runs when you can. Run every other day and do muscle strengthening workouts on the off days.

Remember also to stretch properly before and after workouts. Make sure you know your standards (available at the Army Physical Fitness School website) and aim for the MAXIMUM, not the minimum. I don't even know my actual minimum numbers because my max numbers ARE my minimum standards. Keep challenging yourself and you can't go wrong. I left basic with a 300+ PT score.

Hooah!

Answer 2

Hi I'm just about to get out of the Royal Engineers after six years due to family reasons, but my time in the Army has been awesome i don't regret joining for 1 minute. Ive been to some amazing places in the world including Iraq. The Engineers is a great choice you will get a good trade and loads of job variation. My advice is to get everything you can from your time like courses and adventure training.

As for Basic Training get as fit as you can before you get there then that will be 1 less thing to worry about. Just remember its a big game that your playing and when your instructors are giving you a hard time its not personal. Don't give in its worth it for the feeling of pride on your passing out parade.

If you have any other worries just ask.

Answer 3

ok in the beginning none of those human beings understand what they r speaking approximately. i'm interior the army and in afganistan top now. I requested an analogous question while i replaced into turning out to be a member of the army and the army MEPS station advised me the two they could pay for my student own loan and that i not have the means to get the GI invoice, or i could desire to easily get the GI invoice. I chosen the GI invoice by way of fact the GI invoice is over $eighty,000 funds top now. So the respond on your question is sure they pays your student own loan yet u will could desire to sacrafice your GI invoice for it.

Answer 4

Some people in basic training will love it, some will hate it, some may even become suicidal.
My advice would be to treat everything, no matter how arduous, as if it is fun. Recognise that the training staff are actually using well established methods to train you, which will hopefully keep you alive while you pursue a career as a warrior on our behalf.
Good luck and THANK YOU for your intention to serve.

Answer 5

I don't know much about the British basic training.I doubt it is much different from US basic. It was a wonderful experience for me. In a few short months,you are pushed to limits you would never have imagined you could achieve upon arrival.I was a skinny,pathetic kid when I joined(many moons ago)who couldn't do 1 push up.10 weeks later,I was maxing out the pt portion,I went from a kid to a man,in my physical,as well as mental capacity.Being a vet also gave me many benefits,although I don't know if it is a similar situation in Britain. Good luck to you.I hope your experience helps you as much as mine did

Answer 6

The best advice is to get as fit as possible in advance. Also remember that your initial training is for a limited amount of time and then things get much much easier.
In the current climate you need to take things seriously as they are potentially life saving. Learn, work and play hard!!
Enjoy yourself. Rise to the challenge. believe in yourself.
I was in the US Army and British soldiers are in my opinion the best in the world.

Answer 7

I'm in the US and was in the US army. One of my daughters is in the army now, she's 20 years old. I respect her willingness to serve and she is enjoying herself. She's learned a lot of new skills and has been places she would not have been able to go otherwise.

Congratulations. I think you'll find it rewarding. At times it will be difficult and at others you'll be tired and frustrated. But all that passes if you just keep your attitude good and keep trying.

Good luck

Answer 8

royal engineers you cant do better and if you haven't a trade now you can learn one ready for civvy street when you leave the service///no my basic training was 1940 mid winter and it was bloody awful//but my 6 years was an education and pals who i still contact occasionally but just a few left now! Go for it and good luck

Answer 9

I went in the Army, back in 1965. And after 23 years service,
the best I can recommend, is do the best you can at all times, believe in your self at all times, listen to you instructors carefully, also after basic life is a breeze.
Good luck to you. Enjoy yourself, it's a brilliant life

Regards Clive

Answer 10

all i can say is go for i have 3 boys and 2 went into forces eldest come out and wishes he hadn't youngest in air corps and loves it they say the first 6 months are the hardest but just persevere and good luck