6 answers
connor
Student
Florence, Oregon
10
Questions
Asked
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what would i have to do to prepare for basic training when i get enlisted?
i want to know what im going to do so i can be better prepared for that
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6 answers
Jaquan Outlaw
Data Scientist
27
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jaquan’s Answer
Hi! Preparing for basic training, or boot camp, when you enlist in the military involves physical, mental, and logistical preparations. Below are some key steps you should consider:
1. Physical Fitness
Military basic training is physically demanding. Start a fitness program focusing on cardio (running, swimming, cycling), strength training, and flexibility. Familiarize yourself with the fitness requirements of your specific branch and aim to exceed them before you arrive.
2. Mental Preparation
Basic training is also mentally challenging. Be prepared for a high-stress environment with strict discipline, little privacy, and rigorous schedules.
Adaptability: Get ready to adapt quickly to new situations and changes.
Discipline: Practice discipline in your daily life, such as sticking to routines and fulfilling commitments.
Stress Management: Develop healthy stress management techniques, like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
3. Knowledge
Basic training will include classroom instruction on military customs, laws of war, weapon maintenance, first aid, etc. You can prepare by:
Learning the Basics: Understand the basic structure and customs of your branch of the military. Know the ranks and chain of command.
Current Events: Stay informed about current events and international affairs, particularly those related to defense and security.
4. Personal Affairs
Before leaving for basic training, ensure your personal affairs are in order:
Finances: Set up automatic payments for any ongoing bills. If necessary, appoint someone you trust to manage your finances.
Communication: Inform family and friends about your limited availability during basic training. Set up a mailing address for them to reach you.
5. Health
Ensure you are in good health:
Medical Check-up: Consider a full medical check-up before leaving. Address any medical issues.
Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to ensure your body is well-nourished ahead of the physical demands of training.
Rest: Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep.
6. Necessary Paperwork and Packing
Ensure you have all necessary paperwork completed, and pack according to the packing list provided by your specific military branch. Don't bring items that are not allowed.
Remember, basic training is designed to be challenging. It transforms civilians into soldiers. While it's tough, millions of men and women have successfully completed it. Keep a positive mindset, and remember why you decided to serve in the first place. Good luck!
1. Physical Fitness
Military basic training is physically demanding. Start a fitness program focusing on cardio (running, swimming, cycling), strength training, and flexibility. Familiarize yourself with the fitness requirements of your specific branch and aim to exceed them before you arrive.
2. Mental Preparation
Basic training is also mentally challenging. Be prepared for a high-stress environment with strict discipline, little privacy, and rigorous schedules.
Adaptability: Get ready to adapt quickly to new situations and changes.
Discipline: Practice discipline in your daily life, such as sticking to routines and fulfilling commitments.
Stress Management: Develop healthy stress management techniques, like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
3. Knowledge
Basic training will include classroom instruction on military customs, laws of war, weapon maintenance, first aid, etc. You can prepare by:
Learning the Basics: Understand the basic structure and customs of your branch of the military. Know the ranks and chain of command.
Current Events: Stay informed about current events and international affairs, particularly those related to defense and security.
4. Personal Affairs
Before leaving for basic training, ensure your personal affairs are in order:
Finances: Set up automatic payments for any ongoing bills. If necessary, appoint someone you trust to manage your finances.
Communication: Inform family and friends about your limited availability during basic training. Set up a mailing address for them to reach you.
5. Health
Ensure you are in good health:
Medical Check-up: Consider a full medical check-up before leaving. Address any medical issues.
Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to ensure your body is well-nourished ahead of the physical demands of training.
Rest: Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep.
6. Necessary Paperwork and Packing
Ensure you have all necessary paperwork completed, and pack according to the packing list provided by your specific military branch. Don't bring items that are not allowed.
Remember, basic training is designed to be challenging. It transforms civilians into soldiers. While it's tough, millions of men and women have successfully completed it. Keep a positive mindset, and remember why you decided to serve in the first place. Good luck!
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Hey Connor, this is a great question, and the experience is different for everyone.
Most think that the physical aspect is the most important. And it is very important. You do have to be in pretty good shape going to basic training.
However, I think being mentally fit is more important. You will have to remember that the drill sergeants have one main job while you are there, prepare you to win wars. So they will be “mean” to you and “pick on” you.
They do this because they care. They do this because they want to make sure you are prepared for the worst situations. They are training you to a point where they are proud to say “I trained Connor and Connor did great”
So here are a few things to do and remember as you start this journey.
1. It’s never personal - they have a job to do and it’s to train you. They aren’t picking on you, they are investing in you.
2. Take care of the people next to you - never go to bed only doing your part. Help someone else, everyday. Without teamwork the army does not work. But don’t expect anything in return.
3. Do more than expected of you - if they ask for 20 push ups, do 21. If they ask you to run a mile in 8 mins, do it in 7:45. Work harder than they expect.
4. Enjoy every day - for some, basic training is the worst 9 weeks, for others it’s the greatest time. You’ll learn a lot about yourself. Please know everyone there has a job to do. Do yours better and remember point number 1 above.
5. Read 1-4 again. If you can do those things, you’ll do just fine.
I went through basic training in 2006. So things have changed. You will go there and little to know personal time or personal space. You will get yelled at. You’ll be pushed to your limits, mentally and physically. That is the point. To make you a better person. This is a proven way of doing that. Trust the process. Trust yourself.
Most think that the physical aspect is the most important. And it is very important. You do have to be in pretty good shape going to basic training.
However, I think being mentally fit is more important. You will have to remember that the drill sergeants have one main job while you are there, prepare you to win wars. So they will be “mean” to you and “pick on” you.
They do this because they care. They do this because they want to make sure you are prepared for the worst situations. They are training you to a point where they are proud to say “I trained Connor and Connor did great”
So here are a few things to do and remember as you start this journey.
1. It’s never personal - they have a job to do and it’s to train you. They aren’t picking on you, they are investing in you.
2. Take care of the people next to you - never go to bed only doing your part. Help someone else, everyday. Without teamwork the army does not work. But don’t expect anything in return.
3. Do more than expected of you - if they ask for 20 push ups, do 21. If they ask you to run a mile in 8 mins, do it in 7:45. Work harder than they expect.
4. Enjoy every day - for some, basic training is the worst 9 weeks, for others it’s the greatest time. You’ll learn a lot about yourself. Please know everyone there has a job to do. Do yours better and remember point number 1 above.
5. Read 1-4 again. If you can do those things, you’ll do just fine.
I went through basic training in 2006. So things have changed. You will go there and little to know personal time or personal space. You will get yelled at. You’ll be pushed to your limits, mentally and physically. That is the point. To make you a better person. This is a proven way of doing that. Trust the process. Trust yourself.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1727
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Connor,
There are many basic training conditioning programs on the internet. Here is one.
https://www.basictraining.af.mil/Portals/75/documents/Preparing%20for%20the%20Air%20Force/Get%20in%20Shape%20for%20Basic%20Training.pdf?ver=2016-09-09-142642-827
And another
https://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-basic-training/getting-prepared-for-bootcamp
Check with your recruiter to see if they offer anything. I've seen pre-service army recruits out running around a local lake.
Beyond the physical is the personal and the mental. Get your affairs in order. If you pay any bills, get them set to auto-pay or have a responsible party who will be paying them for you. If you have a significant other, part on good terms. If you have any other responsibilities (pet, for example), make appropriate arrangements.
Get your head on straight. Expect to get yelled at. Expect to be micromanaged. Know that it's coming. Know that it gets better after boot camp, it's only temporary. If you are a person who makes excuses when things go wrong, stop that right now, it's not going to work in the military. Own up to your mistakes. Understand boot camp is a lot of head games. It's nothing you can't handle - all those other people make it through, you can too. Be determined to finish what you started - be determined to graduate boot camp, and, you will!!! Control your thoughts!
Yea, it sounds a little crazy. I've had people try to mess with my head. Just be the best version of yourself that you can be, and remember to be supportive of your fellow recruits. You've got this!!
There are many basic training conditioning programs on the internet. Here is one.
https://www.basictraining.af.mil/Portals/75/documents/Preparing%20for%20the%20Air%20Force/Get%20in%20Shape%20for%20Basic%20Training.pdf?ver=2016-09-09-142642-827
And another
https://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-basic-training/getting-prepared-for-bootcamp
Check with your recruiter to see if they offer anything. I've seen pre-service army recruits out running around a local lake.
Beyond the physical is the personal and the mental. Get your affairs in order. If you pay any bills, get them set to auto-pay or have a responsible party who will be paying them for you. If you have a significant other, part on good terms. If you have any other responsibilities (pet, for example), make appropriate arrangements.
Get your head on straight. Expect to get yelled at. Expect to be micromanaged. Know that it's coming. Know that it gets better after boot camp, it's only temporary. If you are a person who makes excuses when things go wrong, stop that right now, it's not going to work in the military. Own up to your mistakes. Understand boot camp is a lot of head games. It's nothing you can't handle - all those other people make it through, you can too. Be determined to finish what you started - be determined to graduate boot camp, and, you will!!! Control your thoughts!
Yea, it sounds a little crazy. I've had people try to mess with my head. Just be the best version of yourself that you can be, and remember to be supportive of your fellow recruits. You've got this!!
Your advice was so helpful!
connor
Thomas Nash
2
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Depending on how much time before you ship, there can be a lot of things that you could do. But starting with the basics for basic, make sure your affairs back home are in order. The last thing you want is to be concerned about what is happening back home during this time. Next, work on your physical fitness. You will be doing a lot of running, cardio, push-ups, ruck marches, etc. The sooner you start training, the better you will be.
When I was preparing myself, I had an individual tell me that I was born with two eyes and two ears but one mouth and there was a reason for that. You should focus more of your time on watching and listening than speaking. Basic training is a time when you close your mouth and keep your mouth and eyes open. The reason to keep your mouth closed is because you don't want to draw attention to yourself. Obviously, if you're asked questions, answer appropriately and loudly; but you don't want to be the one caught talking during training or saying smart comments, etc. Basic training has a lot of information to provide, so keep your eyes and ears open, take in that information.
Understand that during basic, their job is to tear you down and to build you back up. It's just like restoring an old car. They want to find all of the weak spots to bring back a finished product that is strong and refined. To find those weak spots in a person, there will be fitness tests, rifle ranges, and other military aptitude tests. What you don't realize is the mental games that happen. Although frustrating at the time, it is making you stronger and able to handle situations better. It will allow you to stay calm, assess situations differently, and react differently.
During basic training you will be required to remember things such as the Soldier's Creed, General Orders, Army Song, and Ranks. Do your research and get a leg up on memorizing these items.
When I was preparing myself, I had an individual tell me that I was born with two eyes and two ears but one mouth and there was a reason for that. You should focus more of your time on watching and listening than speaking. Basic training is a time when you close your mouth and keep your mouth and eyes open. The reason to keep your mouth closed is because you don't want to draw attention to yourself. Obviously, if you're asked questions, answer appropriately and loudly; but you don't want to be the one caught talking during training or saying smart comments, etc. Basic training has a lot of information to provide, so keep your eyes and ears open, take in that information.
Understand that during basic, their job is to tear you down and to build you back up. It's just like restoring an old car. They want to find all of the weak spots to bring back a finished product that is strong and refined. To find those weak spots in a person, there will be fitness tests, rifle ranges, and other military aptitude tests. What you don't realize is the mental games that happen. Although frustrating at the time, it is making you stronger and able to handle situations better. It will allow you to stay calm, assess situations differently, and react differently.
During basic training you will be required to remember things such as the Soldier's Creed, General Orders, Army Song, and Ranks. Do your research and get a leg up on memorizing these items.
Dee Shivers
4
Answers
Updated
Dee’s Answer
Connor, it's time to discover the benchmarks for basic training physical tests and build a dynamic training regimen around them. Plenty of online resources are available to guide you in crafting the perfect training plan. Remember, it's not about pumping iron unless it directly contributes to a specific test you'll face in basic training. Instead, focus on enhancing your endurance, like being able to maintain a steady running pace for extended periods. Strengthening your core is equally vital. Seek out a supportive team to train with before you embark on your basic training journey. Prepare yourself to triumph.
John Fellows
Signal Officer
5
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
John’s Answer
Connor,
Piggy backing on Kim's answer.
Physically speaking, practice these events in your spare time. It will make BCT a lot easier if you have these down in your muscle memory.
ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST EVENTS
3 REPETITION MAXIMUM DEADLIFT (MDL)
STANDING POWER THROW (SPT)
HAND RELEASE PUSH-UP - ARM EXTENSION (HRP)
SPRINT-DRAG-CARRY (SDC)
PLANK (PLK)
TWO-MILE RUN (2MR)
https://www.army.mil/acft/
Piggy backing on Kim's answer.
Physically speaking, practice these events in your spare time. It will make BCT a lot easier if you have these down in your muscle memory.
ARMY COMBAT FITNESS TEST EVENTS
3 REPETITION MAXIMUM DEADLIFT (MDL)
STANDING POWER THROW (SPT)
HAND RELEASE PUSH-UP - ARM EXTENSION (HRP)
SPRINT-DRAG-CARRY (SDC)
PLANK (PLK)
TWO-MILE RUN (2MR)
https://www.army.mil/acft/