Was basic training for the army hard for you?

Question

My husband and I are planning to join the army. While my husband is already in good shape, im not. Im less than 30% body fat so they'll probably let me in basic training, but im afraid i'll struggle with it because i cant even run half a mile without stopping. Was it tough for you? Please tell me some of you stories... Thanks so much

Answer 1

I hate to run so naturally running was hard for me, the thing that I started doing that helped me is quit drinking soda pop all the time. Plus when I do run for the PT test now I run with a buddy, that way you can help pace eachother.

Basic training for me was a lot of fun, although the first few weeks are called "Hell" weeks because that's when the drill sgts. spend most of their time getting in your face and yelling at you. Once the first few weeks are over, its not that bad.

Answer 2

it depends on where you go, honestly. Not to sound sexist, but the basic training that have females is usually more lacks than all male. That is coming from 6 years in the army and talking to everyone, and swapping stories about boot camp. Benning and Knox seem to be the toughest, but your drill sgt's make a big difference too. I had one that was awesome, and another that I wanted to strangle.
There are good days and bad days, the worst part is exhaustion. There never seems to be enough sleep.
But if you are serious, just start a jogging a few times a week. it's a 9-10 minute mile pace, and you will never run more than 4 miles. By army REG they can't run you farther than that. It's meant to build leg muscles. You call cadence while you're running that helps open your lungs and increase volume for more oxygen.

Answer 3

You did not mention your age, but at 18 it was not hard, exhausting, not hard. I had been doing 100 push ups and as many sit ups everynite in High School. After basic I could do 30 military 60 single count. That was the exhaustion.

Unless there has been a major change there will not be any running. You will do loads of double time (180 steps per minute). Builds the legs not meant to be aerobic.

We wore web gear but no packs, used the straps to stash our field jackets. Not sure what Kevlar buckets weigh. I'm sure it is less than the 3lb steel pots we had.

The hardest thing I did was keeping up with our Senior DI. Platoon Sgt. Maldanado was the toughest 5'5" 40 year old I ever met. He took point on a rout step march thru the sandy backside of FT Ord. This guy had the shortest legs and was walking faster than us punks could. I don't remember him breaking a sweat.

Answer 4

Hope this helps, I was raised on a ranch and got up early every day. Worked all day, including bucking hay. Like you I could not run a half mile. The running starts slow and never goes very fast. Running is what they call double time it is at a very steady pace controlled by the Drill Sgt. To help start trying to run and walk as much as you can, also start to do push ups.

Answer 5

I wanted to go home to my wife and kids so bad at first, which is funny because I hated that wife.
By the end of Basic I loved it.
I weighed 240 lbs, and had been smoking for 19 years when I joined, the PT killed me. I got through it and graduated at 207 with a 6% bodyfat and wore size 30 waist jeans.
It also exposed me to more of the world, and changed some views, I also feel like I gained a lot of personal growth.
I hated the DI screaming at me, they do that constantly, but you can find lifelong friends there.

Answer 6

While you're in it, yes. Depending on what you're job is though, Basic training might seem like a picnic compared to some of the other training you could go through.

Answer 7

When I went thru Army Basic Training, We ran PT in our green fatigues and combat boots! Of course, I ran track in High School too!
I didn't have any difficulties at all, just a mind game!
back then If you were a screw up, unmotivated, insubordinate, the Drill sergeant WILL "motivate" you in the back of the barracks and We were allowed to "motivate" slackers that were always getting into trouble! You see if one platoon member screws up, everybody has to suffer the consequences! team work was encouraged!

Answer 8

I went through basic when it was 12 weeks and then infantry school for 12 weeks. I went to airborne school for 4 weeks and served with the 82 nd for 3 yrs. No it was not hard, it was easy for me . I had the best M-60 gun teams they ever had.1981-1983

Answer 9

i had the same problem when i joined the military it was hard at first but you get used to it my best suggestion is wake up around 530 cause that what you will have to do for training and run a little bit more each day

Answer 10

It wasnt hard for me , I began running doing sit ups and push ups before I left , so it wasnt as hard for me as I thought.
you will get built up so dont worry... as long as you can do the 3 push ups ,17 sit ups and run 1 mile in 10:30 (while your at reception )you will be fine.. Pt standards are based on your age .. I am older so I had less to do and more time to run but I wasnt trained because of my age, I pushed myself harder because I was older.
You will be fine I promise!!
Good luck to you both my future battles!
Armywife & ANG Soldier